Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
You know how sometimes you just need to shake up dinner? Like, you’ve made the same old salmon a million times, and the thought of another plain filet feels…well, kinda boring?
That’s exactly how these Bang Bang Salmon Bites happened.
It was one of those evenings where the fridge was basically challenging me. All I had was some salmon I’d defrosted earlier and no real plan. I was this close to making a basic lemon-and-herb salmon (again), but then I remembered that legendary Bang Bang Shrimp from a restaurant I tried last summer. Creamy, sweet, spicy—that sauce was everything.
So I thought, why not salmon? Cut it up, spice it, crisp it up in a pan—and oh man, the sauce? Absolute game-changer. My husband took a bite, paused mid-chew, and just gave me the look—the one that means, “Yeah, you nailed it.”
Now, it’s my go-to when I want something that feels fancy without the stress. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a last-minute dinner party dish, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This Bang bang salmon bites Recipe?
- Ridiculously Flavorful: Think crispy, tender salmon with a sauce that’s both sweet and spicy—basically irresistible.
- Quick & Easy: Seriously, 20 minutes from start to finish. Dinner doesn’t get easier than this.
- Crispy Perfection: That golden crust + the creamy sauce? Chef’s kiss.
- Versatile: Works as an appetizer, main course, or even a fancy finger food for parties.
- Minimal Cleanup: One bowl, one pan. You can’t beat that.
Ingredient Notes:
Honestly, the magic here is all in how the ingredients work together.
- Salmon: Fresh, skinless fillets are ideal, but frozen (thawed) works too. If you can find wild-caught, even better for that rich, buttery flavor.
- Olive Oil: Just enough to get those edges golden and crisp.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: Adds a savory base without overpowering the salmon.
- Paprika: For a smoky depth and a pop of color.
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional, but adds a fun heat kick if you’re feeling bold.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes the sauce stick.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet, tangy, and just sticky enough.
- Sriracha: Brings the heat. Adjust to your spice preference!
- Honey: Balances out the heat with a bit of sweetness.
- Lime Juice: Brightens up the whole dish with a citrusy zing.
Pro Tip: Want extra smoky depth? Swap regular paprika for smoked paprika or add a pinch to the sauce too.
How To Make Bang bang salmon bites?
Step 1: Cut and Season the Salmon
Grab your salmon and cut it into bite-sized cubes, about 1-inch pieces. This size helps them cook quickly and evenly. Pat them dry with a paper towel—this step is key for crispiness.
Toss the salmon cubes in a bowl with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. Make sure they’re coated evenly—it’s all about getting that flavor into every bite.
Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method
Pick your vibe—skillet, oven, or air fryer. All work perfectly.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Skillet:
- Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Cook the salmon cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the salmon pieces evenly.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
Air Fryer:
- Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
- Place salmon in a single layer in the basket.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon’s cooking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl. Taste it. Need more heat? Add a bit more sriracha. Too spicy? A drizzle of extra honey will fix that.
Step 4: Toss the Salmon in the Sauce
Once your salmon bites are perfectly crispy, transfer them to a bowl. Pour the bang bang sauce over the top and gently toss until they’re fully coated.
Feeling extra? Drizzle a bit more sauce over the top when serving—you won’t regret it.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve these beauties immediately. They’re perfect on their own or over rice for a full meal. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley for a little extra flair.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Freezer: It’s best not to freeze after coating in sauce, but plain cooked salmon bites can be frozen for 2 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes for best results.
Variations and Substitutions:
- Spicier: Add extra sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Lighter: Swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt.
- Extra Crispy: Coat the salmon bites in panko breadcrumbs before cooking.
- Protein Swaps: Try it with shrimp, chicken, or even tofu!
- Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo—it works just as well.
What to Serve with Bang bang salmon bites?
This dish is pretty incredible solo, but if you want to level up your meal, try pairing it with:
- Coconut Rice: That creamy sauce + coconut rice? Chef’s kiss.
- Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or brussels sprouts balance the richness.
- Slaw: A tangy cabbage slaw adds crunch and freshness.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve extra bang bang sauce on the side—because why not?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely—just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry first.
How spicy is this recipe?
It’s got a gentle kick, but nothing overwhelming. Add more sriracha if you want extra heat!
Can I prep this ahead?
Yep! You can season the salmon and mix the sauce in advance. Just cook the salmon fresh for the best crispiness.
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are one of those recipes you’ll make once—and crave forever. They’re crispy, saucy, and way easier than they look. If you give them a try, let me know! Did you add your own twist? Drop a comment—I’d love to hear about it!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Bang bang salmon bites
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 pound salmon fillets skin removed
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- ½ teaspoon lime juice
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
- Begin by cutting the skinless salmon fillets into uniform, bite-sized cubes of approximately 1 inch each. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispier texture during cooking.
- Transfer the salmon pieces to a bowl. Drizzle the olive oil over the cubes and sprinkle the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper evenly over the salmon. Gently toss to ensure all pieces are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning blend.
Cooking the Salmon Bites
Skillet Method:
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
- Place the salmon cubes in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden and cooked through.
Oven Method:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Arrange the seasoned salmon bites on the sheet without overlapping.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crispy.
Air Fryer Method:
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning if desired—adding extra sriracha for heat or honey for more sweetness.
Coat the Salmon with Sauce
- Once the salmon bites have finished cooking, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce over the salmon and gently toss to ensure every piece is coated with the sauce. If you prefer extra crispiness, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping instead.
Serve Immediately
- Serve the Bang Bang Salmon Bites immediately while warm. For presentation, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, green onions, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a pop of color. These bites pair beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or a side salad.
Notes
- Salmon & Spices: All listed spices are naturally gluten-free, but always verify pre-packaged spice blends.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Confirm the brand is gluten-free, as some may contain gluten-based additives.
- Mayonnaise: Most standard mayonnaise is gluten-free, but double-check the label to be safe.
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
