These crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a tasty mix of sweet and spicy flavors! With a crunchy coating and moist salmon inside, they’re perfect for a fun appetizer or snack.
Trust me, once you start munching on these, it’s hard to stop. I love serving them with a dipping sauce on the side—makes it even more delicious! Who doesn’t love a little extra flavor? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets work best for this recipe. If you’re looking for alternatives, try using cod or tilapia. They’re mild and flake nicely, but you’ll miss that rich salmon flavor!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a great crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will do, but I find panko makes the bites much crispier. You can also try crushed cornflakes for a unique twist!
Sriracha: Adjust the spice with sriracha! If you prefer less heat, swap it with sweet chili sauce. For a kick without the heat, go for a bit of paprika or cayenne pepper in the sauce instead.
Mayonnaise: A key element in the Bang Bang sauce! If you want a lighter version, use Greek yogurt. It will give you the creaminess without as many calories.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crispy Coating?
Achieving that delicious, crispy coating is all about the breading process. It’s super simple, but a few tips can help you get it just right:
- Use an assembly line for breading: Flour, eggs, breadcrumbs. This keeps things organized and makes it easier!
- Don’t rush the frying. Make sure the oil is hot enough. A bread crumb should sizzle when you drop it in. If it doesn’t, wait a bit longer.
- Fry in batches! Too many bites in the pan can lower the oil temperature, causing sogginess. It’s worth frying them in smaller portions.
These steps will help you achieve that perfectly crispy texture that makes these salmon bites so enjoyable. Happy cooking!
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Sweet and Spicy
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to preferred spice level)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for sweetness)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1 tbsp water (to thin sauce as needed)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
- Optional: lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes total. You’ll spend about 15 minutes prepping and coating the salmon, and another 15 minutes frying until perfectly crispy. Enjoy these tasty bites hot and fresh!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon Bites:
Start by patting the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve that perfect crispy coating later. Next, season the salmon lightly with salt and pepper. This will enhance the salmon’s natural flavors.
2. Set Up the Breading Station:
Get everything organized for the breading process! On one plate, put the flour. In a shallow bowl, pour in the beaten eggs. On another plate, mix the panko breadcrumbs with sesame seeds. Keeping everything in sequence makes it easy to coat the salmon.
3. Coat the Salmon:
Now, let’s coat each salmon cube! First, dredge a piece in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered. Finally, roll it in the panko and sesame seed mixture so it’s well coated. Place the breaded salmon bites aside on a tray as you repeat with the remaining cubes.
4. Fry the Bites:
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. To check if it’s hot enough, drop a breadcrumb in—it should sizzle. Fry the salmon bites in batches, giving them about 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
While the salmon bites are frying, let’s whip up that delicious Bang Bang sauce! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey (or maple syrup), rice vinegar (or lime juice), and water. You can adjust the flavors to your liking by adding more honey for sweetness or more sriracha for heat!
6. Serve:
Arrange your crispy salmon bites beautifully on a serving plate. Drizzle them generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped chives or green onions on top for a lovely finish. Add lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing if you like!
7. Enjoy Immediately:
The best part—enjoy your crunchy, flavorful salmon bites right away for the best taste and crispy texture!
This recipe offers a delicious balance of crispy salmon coated with a light sesame panko crust, complemented by a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce. The fresh chives add a pop of color and mild onion flavor that finishes the dish nicely. Dive in and savor every bite!
FAQ for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge before cooking. Pat it dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, ensuring the coating remains crispy during frying.
What Can I Substitute for Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for a different texture. Panko is preferred for its extra crunch, but both alternatives will still work well!
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, it’s best to warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness rather than using the microwave, which can make them soggy.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving to remix any separated ingredients!