Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: The Ultimate Appetizer You’ll Crave Again and Again
If you’re on the hunt for a show-stopping appetizer or a fun main dish, look no further than these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. This recipe brings together succulent, tender salmon with a crunchy golden coating, all drizzled in a bold, creamy bang bang sauce that packs just the right amount of heat. Perfect for seafood lovers, game-day snackers, or anyone who loves a quick, crowd-pleasing dish, these bites are guaranteed to be a hit.
Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering, looking for a new weeknight favorite, or wanting to impress friends and family with something a little different, this recipe checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to pull together — even if you don’t spend a ton of time in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
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Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
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Flavor-packed: Every bite bursts with savory, spicy, and tangy flavors.
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Versatile: Serve them as an appetizer, on top of a salad, or tucked into tacos.
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Fun and different: A unique twist compared to typical fried snacks like chicken nuggets or shrimp.
These salmon bites are perfect for foodies looking for something a little elevated yet approachable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Salmon Bites:
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Fresh, skinless salmon fillets (cut into 1 to 1.5-inch cubes)
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All-purpose flour
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Eggs
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Panko breadcrumbs
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Paprika
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Salt and pepper
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Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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Mayonnaise
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Sweet chili sauce
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Sriracha
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Honey
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Lime juice
Kitchen Equipment Needed
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Sharp knife and cutting board
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Mixing bowls (at least three)
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Shallow bowls or plates for breading
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Skillet (preferably heavy-bottomed)
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Slotted spoon or spider strainer
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Paper towels
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Tongs
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Whisk
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Small bowl (for sauce)
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Serving platter
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by cutting your fresh, skinless salmon fillets into bite-sized cubes. Pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels — removing moisture helps the breading stick better.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
You’ll need three bowls:
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Bowl 1: Flour mixed with a pinch of salt and pepper.
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Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
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Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Salmon
Coat each piece of salmon first in flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally roll in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the coating adhere.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into your skillet and heat it over medium. The oil is ready when a small piece of bread sizzles and turns golden within 30–40 seconds.
Step 5: Fry the Salmon Bites
Carefully lower the breaded salmon bites into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry them for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer the cooked bites to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha, depending on your preference.
Step 7: Serve
Arrange the salmon bites on a platter. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or green onions. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.
Tips for Success
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Use fresh salmon: Fresh, not frozen, salmon gives you the best texture and flavor.
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Pat the salmon dry: Moisture is the enemy of crispy breading.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent.
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Adjust spice levels: Add more honey for a milder sauce or more sriracha for extra heat.
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Test your oil: Properly heated oil ensures crispy bites without being greasy.
Recipe Variations and Swaps
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Air Fryer Method: Lightly spray the breaded salmon with oil and air fry at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Baked Version: Bake at 425°F on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
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Different Proteins: Swap salmon for shrimp, cod, or even chicken.
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Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and panko breadcrumbs.
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Sauce Variations: Swap sriracha for gochujang or your favorite hot sauce for a unique twist.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare because they’re THAT good), here’s how to store them:
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Storage: Place cooled salmon bites in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes or in an oven at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes. This keeps them crispy!
Note: The bang bang sauce can be stored separately in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Food and Drink Pairings
Looking to turn these bites into a full meal? Here are a few ideas:
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Serve With: Fresh green salad, coleslaw, or rice bowls.
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Make It a Taco Night: Wrap the salmon bites in warm tortillas with slaw and avocado.
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Drinks: Pair with crisp white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc), a light lager, or a sparkling water with lime.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry to avoid soggy breading.
What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or any high smoke point oil works great for frying.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
It’s mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by changing the amount of sriracha used.
Are these bites kid-friendly?
Definitely! You can reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce to make it more kid-friendly.
Final Thoughts
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are an absolute flavor bomb — crispy, juicy, spicy, and tangy all at once. Whether you’re making them for a casual family dinner, a party, or just because you deserve a treat, they are sure to impress.
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