Looking for a quick and irresistible salmon recipe that’s perfect for appetizers, dinner, or snacking? These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are your new go-to. They’re bite-sized chunks of juicy salmon, coated in a light, crispy batter, and tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce that’s downright addictive.
With bold flavors, tender fish, and a satisfying crunch, this dish is a winner for weeknight meals, parties, or even game day. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a fast, flavorful, and fun seafood recipe everyone will love.
📌 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✅ Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
- 🍤 Restaurant-style flavor: Crispy coating with that signature bang bang kick
- 🔥 Spicy + Sweet: Balanced heat with a touch of honey and creaminess
- 🎉 Perfect for any occasion: Serve as an appetizer, in rice bowls, tacos, or wraps
🛒 Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tsp vinegar)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional, for tang)
For Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges (optional)
🍳 How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
1. Prep the Salmon
- Cut salmon into bite-sized cubes.
- Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Soak the pieces in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and help the coating stick.
2. Make the Coating
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. Fry the Salmon
- Heat 1–2 inches of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Dredge each piece of salmon in the flour mixture and shake off excess.
- Fry in batches until golden brown and crispy (about 2–3 minutes per side).
- Remove and drain on paper towels.
📝 Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the temperature will drop and make the coating soggy.
4. Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar.
- Taste and adjust heat or sweetness to your preference.
5. Toss & Serve
- Toss crispy salmon bites gently in the bang bang sauce OR drizzle sauce over them just before serving (for extra crunch).
- Garnish with sesame seeds, green onions, and lime juice.
🥗 How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These salmon bites are versatile and crowd-pleasing. Try serving them:
- 🥢 As an appetizer with toothpicks and extra dipping sauce
- 🍚 Over rice or noodles for a salmon bang bang bowl
- 🌮 In tacos with shredded cabbage and avocado
- 🥬 In lettuce wraps for a low-carb option
- 🥖 In sandwiches or sliders with pickles and crunchy slaw
🍽 Variations & Substitutions
- Air Fryer Option: Spray salmon bites lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven Baked: Bake on a wire rack at 425°F (220°C) for 12–15 minutes.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend and check sauce labels.
- Extra Heat: Add chili flakes or more sriracha to the sauce.
- No Mayo? Use plain Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and sour cream.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge (airtight container) for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the air fryer or oven to regain crispiness—avoid microwaving if possible.
- Sauce can be made ahead and stored separately for up to 5 days.
💡 Tips for Success
- Don’t overcook the salmon — it cooks fast and stays juicy when done right.
- Use a thermometer if needed: internal temp should be 125–130°F (51–54°C).
- Let salmon sit in buttermilk to enhance tenderness and help coating stick.
- Sauce lightly if you want the bites to stay crisp — drizzle or serve on the side.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites bring together everything you love about restaurant-style seafood in a quick, homemade version. Perfectly crispy, tender, sweet, and spicy — they’re the kind of dish that disappears as soon as it hits the table.
Whether you’re cooking for guests, family, or just yourself, these salmon bites are sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy them your way — in bowls, tacos, or straight off the plate!
