Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a bold, crave-worthy dish that combines crispy, tender salmon with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Baked to perfection and tossed in a flavorful Bang Bang sauce, these bite-sized pieces are quick to make, family-approved, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party-ready appetizer. Serve over rice and garnish with fresh toppings for a complete and irresistible meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These salmon bites offer a delicious combination of textures and flavors—crispy on the outside, juicy inside, and coated in a tangy, creamy, spicy sauce. They’re oven-baked, not fried, making them lighter while still satisfying. This recipe is super versatile: serve them as a main dish, a protein-packed bowl topper, or even party finger food. And the Bang Bang sauce? It’s so good, you’ll want to drizzle it on everything.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon Bites

• 1½ pounds skinless salmon fillet

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning

Bang Bang Sauce

• ¾ cup mayonnaise

• ⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

Serving & Garnish

• Cooked rice (Jasmine or Basmati)

• Sliced green onions

• Thinly sliced red chili pepper (such as Fresno chili)

• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon dry and cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes. Place the cubes in a large bowl.

3. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and toss to coat.

4. Sprinkle the cornstarch and Cajun seasoning over the salmon. Toss again to evenly coat.

5. Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer on the baking sheet, spacing them out to allow for crisping.

6. Bake for 10–12 minutes. Then, switch the oven to broil on high and cook for an additional 5 minutes until golden and the salmon flakes easily.

7. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth.

8. Toss the salmon: Transfer the hot salmon bites to a clean bowl. Pour half of the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon and gently toss to coat.

9. Serve: Add rice to serving bowls, top with salmon bites, garnish with green onions, red chili slices, and sesame seeds. Drizzle more Bang Bang sauce on top if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Air Fryer Option: Cook salmon bites in the air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

• No Heat Version: Skip the sriracha for a milder, kid-friendly sauce.

• Low-Carb: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce cups for a lighter option.

• Different Protein: Try shrimp, chicken, or tofu in place of salmon using the same method.

• Extra Crunch: Add panko breadcrumbs to the salmon before baking for an extra crispy texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover salmon bites and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat salmon in the oven at 350°F or in an air fryer for a few minutes to crisp it up. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture of the salmon and sauce may change.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and baking.

Is there a substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?

You can mix honey with a bit of hot sauce and rice vinegar to create a similar sweet-spicy flavor.

Can I pan-fry the salmon bites instead of baking?

Yes, cook in a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil until golden and cooked through.

What kind of mayonnaise works best?

Any regular or light mayonnaise works. For a healthier version, use Greek yogurt or avocado-based mayo.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

It has a mild kick. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the sriracha.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Yes, just make sure your mayonnaise is dairy-free—most store-bought versions already are.

Is this gluten-free?

The ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand of seasonings and sauces.

What sides pair well with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Steamed veggies, cucumber salad, slaw, or roasted broccoli are all great options.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and cube the salmon ahead. Cook the salmon fresh for the best texture.

How do I keep the salmon from overcooking?

Keep an eye during the broil step and remove as soon as the edges turn golden and the salmon flakes easily.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are quick, flavorful, and sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation. With crispy baked salmon and a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, they’re packed with personality and come together in under 30 minutes. Whether served as an easy weeknight dinner or a party appetizer, this dish delivers big flavor with little fuss.

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