Description
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are perfectly crunchy, tender pieces of salmon coated in a flavorful blend of spices, cornstarch, and panko breadcrumbs, then cooked to golden perfection. Served with a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce, this appetizer or snack is quick to prepare, offering versatile cooking methods including air frying, baking, or pan-frying to suit your preferences.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Bites
- 1 pound skinless salmon (Atlantic or sockeye recommended, cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (or substitute with fresh minced garlic)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika optional)
- 1 large egg (omit for gluten-free option)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter alternative)
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust according to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey (maple syrup can be used as a substitute)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Cut your skinless salmon into even bite-sized cubes and gently pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures the coating adheres well and the bites become crispy.
- Mix the Coating: In a bowl, whisk the large egg until well beaten. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create the dry coating mixture.
- Coat the Salmon: Dip each salmon piece first into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat generously with the cornstarch and spice mixture. After that, roll each piece in panko breadcrumbs to cover completely, providing that signature crunch.
- Cook the Salmon Bites: Choose your preferred cooking method: Air fry the coated salmon bites at 400°F (204°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy and cooked through; alternatively, bake at 425°F (218°C) for 12–15 minutes, or shallow-fry in a pan over medium heat for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.
- Serve: Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy salmon bites or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Enjoy immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can omit the egg to make this recipe gluten-free; the cornstarch and panko will still provide a crispy texture.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- Use smoked paprika for a smoky depth or regular paprika for a milder taste.
- Fresh garlic can be substituted for garlic powder if desired.
- If air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
