Description
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are an absolute crowd-pleaser! Imagine succulent chunks of salmon, perfectly seasoned and pan-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet bang bang sauce. They’re incredibly addictive and make a fantastic appetizer or a light main course. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these salmon bites are guaranteed to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1/2 tsp lemon juice/vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, to balance heat)
- For Garnish:
- Fresh chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon cubes very dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a separate small bowl, pour the buttermilk. Dip each salmon cube into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then dredge it thoroughly in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place coated salmon on a plate.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat the vegetable oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the salmon bites in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to work in batches.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the pan and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon cooks, in a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey (if using) until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.
- Combine and Serve: In a clean bowl, gently toss the crispy salmon bites with the bang bang sauce until all pieces are evenly coated.
- Transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately as an appetizer or with a side of rice for a light meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the coated salmon with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, instead of pan-frying.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/4 cup of regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha and sweet chili sauce in the bang bang sauce to control the level of spice and sweetness.
- These bites are best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Seafood
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
