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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites make an unforgettable appetizer or weeknight dinner. This dish transforms simple salmon into golden juicy nuggets glazed in a creamy spicy sauce. Each tender cube packs crunch and bold flavor. This recipe always disappears fast in my house and has become our go to for effortless weeknight excitement.
Even my pickiest eater lights up for these. I whipped up this recipe after tasting salmon nuggets at a street fair. Now we make them whenever we want a restaurant style treat without leaving home.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Fresh salmon fillet: choose bright firm fillets for best texture and flavor
- Cornstarch: makes the salmon ultra crispy try to use fresh cornstarch for a light coating
- Salt and pepper: classic seasoning to highlight the natural salmon flavor use fresh cracked pepper if possible
- Oil for frying: pick a neutral high heat oil like canola or sunflower for best results
- Mayonnaise: the creamy base for Bang Bang sauce opt for full fat real mayo for richness
- Sweet chili sauce: adds sweetness and a gentle heat choose a Thai variety for authentic flavor
- Sriracha: brings fiery spice use less or more to match your taste
- Honey or maple syrup: for a touch of sweetness balancing all the flavors use pure honey or real maple syrup
How to Make It
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat salmon cubes very dry with paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness so do not rush this part. Sprinkle salt and pepper all over each piece for thorough seasoning.
- Coat in Cornstarch:
- Toss salmon cubes with cornstarch ensuring each is fully coated. Shake gently in a colander to remove excess so your oil stays clean and the salmon gets extra crisp.
- Fry Until Golden:
- Heat one inch of oil in a sturdy skillet over medium high. Test by dropping in a small piece of cornstarch it should sizzle right away. Carefully fry salmon cubes for two to three minutes per side. They should become deeply golden and crunchy. Remove with a slotted spoon to drain on paper towels.
- Mix the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a medium bowl mix mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha and honey until the sauce is glossy and smooth. Taste and adjust heat and sweetness to preference.
- Toss and Serve:
- While salmon is hot toss gently with Bang Bang sauce or drizzle sauce on top. For best crunch add sauce just before serving.
Easily transformed into rice bowls lettuce wraps or tacos. My favorite part is whisking up the creamy tangy sauce. I remember my kids sneaking cubes straight from the plate before I even sauced them up. The kitchen always smells irresistible.
Flavor Boosters
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are best enjoyed right after frying for peak crunchiness. If you have leftovers store them in a paper towel lined container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat use an air fryer or oven at 375 F for about seven minutes to restore some crispness.
Serving Suggestions
These bites shine as a party snack but also make an awesome meal served over sushi rice with quick pickled vegetables and avocado. Try tucking them into lettuce wraps or even topping a grain bowl for a weeknight dinner twist.
Creative Twists
No fresh salmon Try this with firm white fish like cod or even cooked shrimp. You can swap honey for agave or extra sweet chili sauce and use a good quality avocado oil if you need a heart healthier fat.
While fresh salmon is best you can freeze the coated but unfried cubes on a tray. Once solid transfer to a freezer bag and cook from frozen add one extra minute per side. Sauce after frying for best texture.
Common Questions About This Recipe
- → How do you get salmon cubes to stay crispy?
Pat the salmon dry, coat well in cornstarch, and fry in hot oil to achieve a crunchy exterior.
- → Can you use an air fryer instead of frying?
Yes, air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes for a lighter, crispier salmon bite with less oil.
- → What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey or maple syrup for a creamy, spicy kick.
- → What can you serve with these salmon bites?
Serve them with rice, on lettuce leaves, or as an appetizer. A squeeze of lemon adds extra brightness.
- → Can this dish be made ahead of time?
It's best enjoyed fresh for crispiness, but you can prep and fry ahead, then reheat in an air fryer or oven.