Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: The Ultimate 15-Minute Dinner

If you are looking for a dinner recipe that feels like a restaurant-quality meal but takes less time to cook than ordering takeout, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are your new best friend. Imagine tender, flaky bite-sized pieces of salmon, seared to golden-brown perfection, and drizzled generously with a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce that is downright addictive.

The “Bang Bang” flavor profile—famous for its combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha—originated as a coating for shrimp, but arguably, it pairs even better with the rich, buttery taste of salmon. The slight heat of the chili sauce cuts through the richness of the fish, while the crispy exterior of the salmon cubes provides the perfect texture contrast to the velvety sauce.

This dish is incredibly versatile. Serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, tuck it into lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or stick toothpicks in them for a high-protein party appetizer. The best part? It comes together in under 20 minutes, making it a savior for busy weeknights.

Why This Recipe Works

• Texture Contrast: The secret to this recipe is getting a hard sear on the salmon. By cutting the fish into cubes, you increase the surface area, meaning more crispy edges on every single bite.
• The Sauce: It is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, creamy, and spicy. It’s a “liquid gold” that you will want to put on everything, from roasted vegetables to chicken.
• Speed: Because the salmon is cut into small pieces, it cooks in a fraction of the time of a whole fillet—usually just 4 to 6 minutes in a hot pan.
• Crowd Pleaser: Even people who are “on the fence” about seafood tend to love this recipe because the bold flavors of the sauce make it approachable and indulgent.

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Ingredients

For the Salmon Bites

• Salmon Fillets – 1 ½ lbs. Skin removed and cut into 1-inch uniform cubes. Center-cut salmon works best for even thickness.
• Olive Oil – 1 tablespoon. For searing the fish.
• Paprika – 1 teaspoon. Adds a nice smoky color and flavor.
• Garlic Powder – 1 teaspoon. For that savory depth.
• Salt & Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon each (or to taste).
• Cornstarch (Optional) – 1 tablespoon. Dusting the salmon in a little cornstarch before searing helps achieve that extra crispy crust, though it is delicious without it too.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• Mayonnaise – ½ cup. Use high-quality mayo (like Kewpie or Hellmann’s) for the best base.
• Sweet Chili Sauce – ¼ cup. This provides the sticky sweetness and mild chili flavor.
• Sriracha – 1 tablespoon (adjust for spice level). Adds the kick.
• Honey – 1 teaspoon. To balance the acidity and heat.
• Lemon Juice – 1 teaspoon. Brightens up the creamy sauce.

For Garnish

• Fresh Chives or Parsley – Finely chopped.
• Sesame Seeds – Optional, for a little extra crunch and visual appeal.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Start by removing the skin from your salmon fillets if it hasn’t been done already. Pat the salmon very dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial for getting a good sear; wet salmon will steam instead of crisp.

2. Cut the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes.

3. In a medium bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. If using cornstarch for extra crispiness, sprinkle it over the salmon now and toss gently until the cubes are evenly coated.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

4. While the skillet heats up, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lemon juice in a small bowl.

5. Taste and adjust. Want it spicier? Add more Sriracha. Sweeter? Add a touch more sweet chili sauce. Set aside.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

6. Heat a large non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. You want the pan hot enough that the salmon sizzles immediately upon contact.

7. Place the salmon cubes in the pan in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan; if they are touching, they will steam. You may need to do this in two batches depending on the size of your skillet.

8. Sear for about 2 minutes on the first side without moving them, allowing a golden crust to form. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other sides until the salmon is opaque and cooked through. Total cook time should be around 4-6 minutes.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

9. Remove the crispy salmon bites from the pan and transfer them to a serving plate.

10. While the salmon is still hot, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the top. Alternatively, you can toss the bites in the sauce in a bowl, but drizzling preserves the crispiness better.

11. Garnish with chopped fresh chives or parsley and serve immediately.

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Tips for the Perfect Sear

Hot Pan, Cold Oil: Ensure your pan is properly heated before adding the oil and fish. This prevents sticking and ensures a crust forms instantly.

Don’t Overcook: Salmon cubes cook very fast. Once they are opaque and firm to the touch, pull them off the heat. Overcooked salmon can become dry and chalky.

Air Fryer Method: If you prefer to use an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the seasoned salmon cubes in the basket in a single layer and cook for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. This creates a very similar crispy texture with less oil!

Serving Suggestions

This dish is bold in flavor, so it pairs best with simple sides that can soak up the extra sauce.

• Rice Bowl: Serve over steamed jasmine or brown rice with sliced cucumbers and avocado.
• Noodles: Toss with plain ramen noodles or zucchini noodles for a quick stir-fry vibe.
• Salad: Place the warm salmon bites on top of a crisp romaine salad with an Asian-style vinaigrette.
• Tacos: Use the bites as a filling for soft flour tortillas with shredded cabbage and extra lime.

Storage and Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It is best to store the sauce separately if possible.

Reheating: Reheat the salmon in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the salmon rubbery and releases a strong fishy odor.

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites prove that fast food can be fresh, homemade, and incredibly healthy. The omega-3s from the salmon combined with the soul-satisfying spicy cream sauce make for a meal that feels like a cheat day treat but fuels your body right.