This Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and is made in one pan for a quick weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the salmon with whatever protein you have or toss in some veggies to suit your taste. It’s the perfect “clean out the fridge” meal for when you need to use up those odds and ends lurking at the back of your fridge!
What You’ll Need for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
1 lb fresh salmon
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tbsp olive oil
½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
1 tsp honey (optional)
Juice of ½ lime
2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
1 cup shredded purple cabbage
1 avocado (sliced)
½ cup shredded carrots
2 green onions (sliced)
Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Let’s Get Cooking!
Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for baking. If you’re using an air fryer, set it to 400°F (200°C). This step is crucial for achieving that perfectly crispy texture we all crave!
Season the Salmon: In a bowl, toss your bite-sized salmon pieces with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it a good mix to ensure each piece is coated well. This simple seasoning brings tons of flavor!
Coat in Breadcrumbs: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Take each seasoned salmon bite and gently press it into the breadcrumbs, coating all sides. Flipping them over a couple of times will ensure a lovely crunch.
Bake or Air-Fry:
For the Oven: Place your salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil or spray with cooking spray for that extra crispy finish. Bake for around 12-15 minutes or until they’re golden and flaky!
For the Air Fryer: Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While they’re cooking, let’s whip up our bang bang sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice. Whisk them together until well combined, and set aside.
Assemble the Bowls: Once your salmon bites are perfectly crispy, it’s time to plate! Serve them over a bed of cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice if you’re gluten-free). Top with shredded purple cabbage, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and sliced green onions. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top!
Don’t forget to sprinkle with fresh cilantro and sesame seeds. I mean, who doesn’t love that extra flair?
Enjoy!
Dig in while they’re still hot, and watch out, these little bites are so good, you might be tempted to eat them all yourself!
My Go-To Recipe for Bang Bang Salmon
Honestly, this is my go-to recipe when I want something delicious and quick on a busy weeknight. I’m a real sucker for anything that can fit into the “30-minute meal” category, and these Bang Bang Salmon Bites hit all the right spots!
The textures are amazing: crispy salmon that practically melts in your mouth, cool avocado, crunchy cabbage, and that incredibly creamy bang bang sauce to tie it all together! And the best part is… you can truly customize the toppings based on what you have on hand. Just throw in any leftover veggies or proteins!
If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Honey Sriracha Salmon Bowls, my Crispy Pan Fried Salmon Croquettes, or my Pineapple Glazed Salmon!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those hectic weeknights when you feel like time is your worst enemy.
One-Pan Wonder
With minimal cleanup required, you can focus more on enjoying your meal and less on the dishes. The less time I spend in the kitchen cleaning, the more time I get to spend with my family.
Customizable
The beauty of these Bang Bang Salmon Bites is their versatility! You can switch up the ingredients based on your dietary preferences or what’s currently in your fridge. Got leftover veggies? Toss them in!
Comfort Food
These bites are loaded with tons of flavor, creating a meal that’s not just filling but also satisfying. It’s the kind of comfort food that warms your soul and puts a smile on your face.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions: These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with a side of steamed veggies, edamame, or a light salad to brighten the meal. Oh! You could even serve them with a side of crispy potato wedges for a fun twist.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Though, let’s be honest, they’re usually gone after the first meal!
Reheating Instructions: Reheat them in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-10 minutes until warmed through, keeping that crispy texture intact.
Freezer-Friendly: You can freeze the coated but uncooked salmon bites for up to three months if you want to prep ahead! Just pop them in a freezer bag and pull them out whenever you’re ready for a quick meal! When ready, bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
And there you have it! These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are quick, delicious, and your new favorite weeknight dinner. You won’t regret giving them a try, and I just know your family will love them just as much as mine does! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Happy cooking!
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for baking or 400°F (200°C) for air frying.
- In a bowl, toss your bite-sized salmon pieces with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well coated.
- Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish and coat each salmon bite, pressing gently to ensure coverage.
- For the Oven: Place salmon bites on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden and flaky.
- For the Air Fryer: Arrange bites in a single layer and cook for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice in a bowl, whisking until smooth.
- Serve salmon bites over jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice), topped with cabbage, avocado, carrots, and green onions. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and garnish with cilantro and sesame seeds.