Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a fun and tasty way to enjoy salmon with a little extra crunch and a flavorful kick. These bite-sized pieces of salmon get a crispy coating and are tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that’s just the right balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy. They make for an irresistible snack or appetizer that’s easy to share.
I love making these bites when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take hours in the kitchen. The crispy outside contrasts so nicely with the tender salmon inside, and that bang bang sauce really ties everything together. A little tip I’ve learned is to pat the salmon pieces dry before coating them — it helps keep that crispy texture so much better.
These salmon bites are great served with a side of fresh greens or some simple rice to soak up the extra sauce. I like to have them at casual gatherings or for an easy dinner with friends. They always get people talking and reaching for seconds. Plus, they’re a delicious way to sneak more fish into your meals, which is a win in my book!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is best for tender, flaky bites. If fresh isn’t available, frozen salmon works too—just thaw it completely and pat dry. Wild-caught salmon has a richer flavor, but farmed salmon is fine for this dish.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a great crunchy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but expect a slightly softer crust. For a gluten-free option, crushed cornflakes or almond flour make nice substitutes.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds a balanced sweet and mild heat to the bang bang sauce. If you can’t find it, mix a little honey with some sriracha or hot sauce for a similar effect.
Sriracha Sauce: This controls the spice level. Start with less and add more as you like. For little to no heat, you can skip sriracha or use a mild chili sauce.
How Do You Get the Salmon Bites Crispy Without Overcooking?
Keeping the salmon crispy outside while moist inside is all about prep and cooking time. Here’s how:
- Pat salmon pieces dry before dredging to avoid sogginess.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a light, crispy crust.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches to keep oil hot and crispiness consistent.
- Cook over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side—this crisps the coating without drying the salmon.
- Drain on paper towels to soak up extra oil after frying.
I find that these steps help keep the bites crunchy and tender every time!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet or frying pan – perfect for frying the salmon bites evenly without sticking.
- Three shallow bowls – handy for setting up the flour, egg, and panko dredging station.
- Paper towels – essential for drying salmon pieces before coating and for draining excess oil after frying.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon – helps you flip and remove salmon bites safely while keeping the crispy coating intact.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing the bang bang sauce and creamy drizzle separately.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for shrimp – cooks faster and pairs well with the spicy, creamy sauce.
- Add minced garlic or ginger to the bang bang sauce – gives an extra punch of flavor that brightens the dish.
- Mix chopped scallions or chives into the panko coating – adds a fresh, mild onion note with every bite.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top – brings a nutty crunch and a little extra texture contrast.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil) for frying
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped, for garnish
For The Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for sweetness)
For The Creamy Drizzle (optional):
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise or Greek yogurt
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and around 10 minutes for frying and assembling. So, in under 30 minutes, you will have crispy, flavorful salmon bites ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare The Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey if you like a little sweetness. Taste and adjust the spice and sweetness as you wish. Set this aside.
2. Make The Creamy Drizzle:
In another small bowl, stir together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with lime juice and a pinch of salt. This will add a nice cool touch to the spicy sauce when drizzled on the bites.
3. Prep The Salmon:
Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels to remove any moisture—this helps the coating stick and get crispy. Sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper.
4. Coat The Salmon Bites:
Set out three shallow bowls for a dredging station: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each salmon piece first in the flour (shake off excess), then into the eggs, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs until well coated.
5. Cook The Salmon Bites:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, add the salmon bites in a single layer (cook in batches if needed to avoid crowding). Fry for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
6. Assemble and Serve:
Arrange the crispy salmon bites on a plate. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce, then with the creamy drizzle. Sprinkle chopped parsley or cilantro over the top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight and pat it dry thoroughly before breading to ensure crispiness.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to keep the coating crispy.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying the Salmon Bites?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
How Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Bang Bang Sauce?
Start with less sriracha and add more gradually to taste. You can also omit it completely for a milder sauce or swap with a sweeter chili sauce if preferred.
