Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a fun and tasty way to enjoy salmon with a crunchy outside and tender, juicy inside. These little bites are coated in a crispy crust and tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce that has just the right kick. It’s a great mix of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.
I love making these bites when I want a quick and satisfying snack or appetizer. The crunchy coating makes them feel a bit special, but they come together pretty fast. My favorite tip is to use fresh salmon for the best flavor and to double the sauce if you like things extra saucy and spicy.
These salmon bites are perfect for sharing at gatherings or just as a fun dinner treat. I usually serve them with simple sides like rice or a fresh salad so the bang bang sauce really stands out. Everyone I’ve shared these with ends up asking for the recipe, which makes me happy every time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is best for flavor and texture. If you can’t find fresh, frozen salmon thawed gently works, too. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer taste, but farmed salmon is fine for this recipe.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko creates that light, crispy coating. If you don’t have Panko, crushed cornflakes or regular breadcrumbs can work, but the crunch won’t be quite the same.
Bang Bang Sauce: This sauce is creamy, sweet, and spicy from mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. For a lighter option, swap mayo for Greek yogurt or use less Sriracha to reduce the heat. Lime juice brightens the flavor, but lemon juice can also be used.
How Do You Get Salmon Bites Crispy Without Overcooking?
Salmon cooks fast but needs a crispy coating here. The key is to prepare your breading station and fry at the right oil temperature:
- Make sure salmon cubes are dry before breading to help the coating stick.
- Use medium-high heat so the outside crisps quickly without burning.
- Don’t crowd the pan; fry in batches to keep the oil hot enough.
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side—long enough for a golden crust but not so long the salmon dries out.
- Drain on paper towels after frying to keep crispiness.
Following these tips makes your bites crispy outside and tender inside, perfect for that bang bang sauce to shine on top!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large non-stick skillet – great for frying the salmon bites evenly without sticking.
- Three shallow bowls – perfect for setting up your breading station with flour, eggs, and Panko.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon – helps you flip and remove salmon bites safely and drain excess oil.
- Paper towels – to drain oil and keep the bites crispy after frying.
- Small mixing bowl – for whipping up the bang bang sauce easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for shrimp – cooks faster and pairs well with bang bang sauce for a seafood twist.
- Add finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the coating for a fresh taste.
- Mix a little garlic powder or smoked paprika into the Panko for extra flavor in the crust.
- Try topping with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for more crunch and nuttiness.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp Sriracha sauce (adjust to preferred spice level)
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for prep, including cutting the salmon and preparing the sauce, and about 10 minutes for frying the bites in batches. Overall, you’ll have delicious crispy salmon bites ready in around 25-30 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the spiciness to your liking. Set this sauce aside for later.
2. Prepare Salmon for Breading:
Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes and season with salt and pepper. Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the Panko breadcrumbs.
3. Bread the Salmon Bites:
Coat each salmon cube first with flour, shaking off the extra, then dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally press into the Panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. This process helps create a crispy outer layer.
4. Fry the Salmon:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon bites in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each side for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Remove the bites and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
5. Serve:
Arrange the crispy salmon bites on a serving plate. Drizzle them generously with the bang bang sauce and sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if using. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon—but make sure it’s fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight and patted dry before cutting and breading. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from crisping properly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep them crispy, or use a toaster oven for best results.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before serving to recombine any separated ingredients.
What Can I Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
They pair wonderfully with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even simple roasted vegetables. The crispy bites and creamy sauce complement light sides best to balance the flavors and textures.
