Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites pack juicy salmon in a golden crust with a creamy spicy-sweet sauce that is simply irresistible I make these when friends pop over for game night and the platter always disappears before halftime They are speedy to whip up and equally great as bites or piled atop a salad for dinner

The first time I served these at a family party my sister raved so much I had to write the recipe on a napkin for her Crisp on the outside tender inside and with that tangy bang bang sauce it is simply unforgettable

Ingredients

• Salmon cubes: choose fresh skinless fillets for the best texture and mild flavor
• Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese style panko gives the crunchiest crust seek out brands labeled extra crispy when possible
• Cornstarch: helps the coating stick and gives extra lightness to the crisp crust
• Eggs: make sure they are well beaten for even coating
• Mayonnaise: the base for the creamy sauce choose a good quality for richness
• Sweet chili sauce: brings the sweet and tangy kick check the ingredient list for real chili
• Sriracha: adds heat try to use one with a bright red color for freshness
• Honey: balances the heat with mellow sweetness local raw honey is ideal if available
• Salt and pepper: enhances overall flavor freshly cracked black pepper adds a subtle punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Salmon:

Cut your skinless salmon fillet into even bite sized pieces about one inch each and pat them dry with paper towels This prevents sogginess and helps coatings stick

Season and Coat:

Sprinkle salmon pieces with salt and pepper Toss lightly until every piece has a bit of seasoning Roll the pieces first in cornstarch shake off any excess then dip into beaten eggs ensuring full coverage Finally coat each piece in panko pressing the crumbs onto every side for maximum crunch

Bake or Fry the Salmon:

If baking preheat your oven to four hundred degrees and line a baking sheet with parchment Arrange the coated salmon bites with some space between them Bake for twelve to fifteen minutes until they are crisp and lightly golden If frying heat enough oil in a deep pan over medium high until shimmering Fry salmon pieces in batches not crowding the pan and turn with tongs for even color Each bite should be crisp and golden outside and just cooked through inside

Mix the Bang Bang Sauce:

Combine mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha and honey in a bowl Whisk until smooth Taste the sauce and adjust the sriracha for more or less heat

Toss and Serve:

When salmon bites are cooked hot and crispy gently toss them in a large bowl with the bang bang sauce Serve immediately while still crisp for the best flavor and texture

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My kids love extra panko for even more crunch My favorite part is watching everyone dunk these into the creamy sauce nothing brings people together quite like crispy coated salmon with sweet heat

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator They stay good for up to two days Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy texture Store the sauce separately if you do not plan to serve all at once

Ingredient Substitutions

For gluten free use gluten free panko or crushed rice crackers Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a lighter sauce Maple syrup works instead of honey if that is what you have Any hot sauce can replace sriracha though the flavor will shift slightly

Serving Suggestions

Pile bang bang salmon bites on steamed rice for a takeout style bowl Top a crisp green salad with warm bites and extra drizzle of sauce Or spear them on skewers for easy party snacks with cucumber and scallion

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Cultural Note

This dish is inspired by the signature bang bang shrimp made famous by casual American Asian restaurants The combo of creamy spicy sweet sauce with crispy texture has a universal appeal You can make it your own by trying other proteins or experimenting with regional hot sauces

Recipe FAQs

→ How can I get the salmon bites extra crispy?

To achieve maximum crispiness, ensure salmon cubes are well coated in cornstarch, egg, and panko. Use high oven heat or hot oil for frying, and avoid overcrowding the pan or baking sheet.

→ Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

Absolutely! Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to suit your taste preferences.

→ Is it better to bake or fry the salmon bites?

Baking produces a lighter, less oily result, while frying yields extra crunch. Both methods create delicious salmon bites, so use your preferred technique.

→ What should I serve with these salmon bites?

Serve the salmon bites with steamed vegetables, over a bed of rice, or with fresh salad greens for a complete meal.

→ Can I make bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days before use.