BANG BANG SALMON BITES BEST

Imagine succulent salmon, perfectly crisp on the outside and tender within, coated in a luscious, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce that tingles your taste buds. These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are about to become your new go-to appetizer or quick dinner – they’re seriously addictive! Get ready to experience an explosion of flavor with this incredibly easy and delicious recipe, you’ll impress everyone!

What You’ll Need: The Ingredients List

For the Salmon:

• 1 pound skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup cornstarch

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Salmon:

1. Cut the Salmon: Cut the salmon fillet into 1-inch cubes. Make sure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
2. Season the Salmon: In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat in Cornstarch: Place the cornstarch in a separate bowl. Dredge each salmon cube in the cornstarch, ensuring it’s fully coated. This is key for getting that perfect crispy exterior.

Cooking the Salmon:

You have two options for cooking the salmon: pan-frying or air frying. Both methods yield fantastic results, so choose whichever you prefer!

Pan-Frying Method:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be shimmering but not smoking.
2. Fry the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon cubes in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Work in batches if necessary.
3. Cook Until Golden: Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
4. Remove and Drain: Remove the salmon from the skillet and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Air Frying Method:

1. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Arrange Salmon: Place the salmon cubes in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not touching. You may need to work in batches.
3. Air Fry Until Golden: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
2. Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of sriracha to your preferred level of spiciness.

Assembling the Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

1. Toss the Salmon: In a large bowl, gently toss the cooked salmon cubes with the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated.
2. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the Bang Bang Salmon Bites to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with lime wedges, if desired.

Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Getting the Crispiest Salmon:

• Pat the Salmon Dry: Before seasoning the salmon, pat it dry with paper towels. This will help the cornstarch adhere better and result in a crispier exterior.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan/Air Fryer: Overcrowding will lower the temperature and steam the salmon instead of frying it. Cook in batches for best results.
• Use Enough Oil (for Pan-Frying): Make sure there’s enough oil in the skillet to properly fry the salmon.

Adjusting the Spice Level:

• Start Small: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of sriracha and add more to taste.
• Add a Pinch of Sugar: If the sauce is too spicy, add a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Making Ahead and Storing:

• Prepare the Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Cook Salmon Fresh: It’s best to cook the salmon fresh for the best texture. If you need to cook it ahead of time, store it separately from the sauce and toss them together just before serving.
• Reheating: Reheat leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites in the air fryer or oven for a few minutes until warmed through. Be careful not to overcook them, as the salmon can become dry.

Serving Suggestions: More Ways to Enjoy Your Salmon Bites

Appetizer Platter:

Serve the Bang Bang Salmon Bites as part of an appetizer platter with other delicious finger foods like spring rolls, dumplings, and dipping sauces.

Over Rice:

Serve the Bang Bang Salmon Bites over a bed of steamed rice with a side of stir-fried vegetables for a complete and satisfying meal.

In Lettuce Wraps:

Spoon the Bang Bang Salmon Bites into crisp lettuce cups for a light and refreshing appetizer or snack.

Alongside Noodles:

Toss the Bang Bang Salmon Bites with your favorite noodles, such as soba or udon, for a flavorful and easy noodle dish.

Variations to Try: Spice It Up!

Bang Bang Chicken Bites:

Substitute the salmon with chicken breast cut into bite-sized pieces for a different take on this recipe. You can find a similar recipe in this Bang Bang Chicken Bowl recipe.

Bang Bang Shrimp Bites:

Use shrimp instead of salmon for another delicious seafood option. Consider the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco for further inspiration!

Vegetarian Bang Bang Bites:

Try using cauliflower florets or tofu cubes for a vegetarian version. Coat them in cornstarch and cook until crispy before tossing with the Bang Bang sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: These Bang Bang Salmon Bites come together in under 30 minutes, making them perfect for busy weeknights.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of crispy salmon and creamy, spicy sauce is simply irresistible.
• Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or snack – the possibilities are endless.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Everyone will love these flavorful and addictive salmon bites.

Other Seafood Recipes You Might Enjoy

If you loved these Bang Bang Salmon Bites, be sure to check out these other delicious seafood recipes:

• Spicy Salmon Sushi Bake: A deconstructed sushi bake that’s perfect for a crowd.
• Salmon Sushi Bake: Another easy and delicious salmon sushi bake recipe.
• Salmon Sushi Bake: A slight variation of the popular sushi bake.

Ready to Make Some Magic?

Now that you’ve got all the tips and tricks, it’s time to get cooking! These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are guaranteed to become a new family favorite. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe!). Enjoy!