Easy Bang Bang Salmon
Hola! If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a Florida girl falls for the bold, soul-warming flavors of Asian fusion, this Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowl is the delicious proof. I grew up in sunny Orlando, but my kitchen adventures often cross oceans of flavor.
The first time I tasted Bang Bang shrimp in a little beach café, I knew I had to give that same spicy-sweet magic a healthier twist at home. These juicy salmon bites are coated in golden panko, drizzled with creamy sauce, and tucked into colorful bowls loaded with crunchy veggies.
Whether you’re meal prepping or making a quick weeknight dinner, this dish hits every crave-worthy note: crispy, creamy, and bold.
Quick Recipe Overview
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 12 minutes |
| Total Time | 27 minutes |
| Yield | 4 bowls |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cuisine | Asian-inspired |
| Best Season | Year-round |
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Crispy yet tender texture: Each salmon bite has a golden crunch outside while staying juicy inside.
• Perfectly balanced sauce: The Bang Bang sauce blends creamy, spicy, and sweet in one irresistible drizzle.
• Customizable bowl base: Enjoy it with jasmine rice, brown rice, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
• Quick and simple: You can bake or air-fry the salmon in under 15 minutes for a stress-free dinner.
• Meal prep friendly: These bowls keep beautifully, making them ideal for healthy salmon meal prep all week long.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Description
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls bring a perfect crunch, creamy sauce, and vibrant veggies all in one colorful, crave-worthy dish! Whether you bake or air-fry, these salmon bites stay juicy inside with a golden crisp outside. Drizzled with a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce and packed into bowls, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
- For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Juice of ½ lime
- For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Gently press each salmon piece into the panko breadcrumbs until well-coated. Spray lightly with olive oil.
4. Oven: Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking tray. Bake for 12–14 minutes or until golden and crispy.
5. Air Fryer: Cook in batches at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
7. Start with a base of rice. Add cabbage, avocado, carrots, and salmon bites. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Notes
Cut salmon evenly for best cooking results.
Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer for 3 minutes.
For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo.
Great for salmon meal prep or healthy lunch bowls.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Oven, Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
- Juice of ½ lime
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1 avocado (sliced)
- ½ cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish
Ingredient Tips Table
| Ingredient | Tip |
|---|---|
| Salmon | Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the juiciest bites. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry. |
| Panko Breadcrumbs | Japanese-style panko gives the best crunch. Avoid fine breadcrumbs for lighter texture. |
| Mayonnaise | Light mayo or Greek yogurt can be used to reduce calories without losing creaminess. |
| Sweet Chili Sauce | Choose a brand with a mild spice if you prefer a less fiery flavor. |
| Sriracha | Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance. A teaspoon gives medium heat. |
| Lime Juice | Freshly squeezed lime adds brightness and balances the rich sauce. |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
- Season the Salmon: In a large bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Gently press each salmon cube into panko breadcrumbs for full coverage. Lightly spray with olive oil for a golden crust.
- Bake or Air-Fry:
- Oven: Place salmon on a parchment-lined tray and bake 12–14 minutes until golden and crisp.
- Air Fryer: Cook in batches for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Bowls: Add a scoop of jasmine rice, then layer with cabbage, avocado, carrots, and crispy salmon. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Helpful Tips
• Cut salmon evenly so each bite cooks perfectly.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to maintain crispness.
• Mix the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time to let flavors meld.
• Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and best presentation.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
• Use skinless salmon: It helps each bite crisp evenly without curling.
• Light oil spray: Too much oil softens the panko, while a light mist gives a crisp shell.
• Double the sauce: You’ll want extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping or drizzling.
• Rest the salmon: Let bites cool 1–2 minutes before serving to lock in moisture.
Recipe Variations
• Spicy Mango Bang Bang: Add a spoon of mango puree to the sauce for a tropical kick.
• Honey Garlic Version: Replace chili sauce with garlic and honey for a sweet-savory glaze.
• Low-Carb Style: Serve over cauliflower rice and use Greek yogurt in the sauce.
• Bang Bang Tacos: Use the salmon bites as a filling in warm tortillas with cabbage and lime crema.
Make Ahead & Freezer Tips
Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer for 3–4 minutes to restore crispness. For longer storage, freeze the cooked salmon bites for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating for best results.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these salmon bites in bowls, wraps, or tacos. For presentation, drizzle extra sauce over the top and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a restaurant-style look. Add a lime wedge for that fresh pop of citrus.
Pairing Ideas
Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a cold glass of sparkling water with lime. For sides, try a cucumber salad, roasted edamame, or garlic green beans.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, use a skillet or air fryer for 3 minutes to regain crunch, or microwave briefly if short on time. Avoid reheating too long to prevent dryness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, but thaw and pat dry completely before seasoning to prevent sogginess.
Can I use a different fish? Cod or tilapia also work well for this recipe.
How spicy is Bang Bang sauce? Medium heat, but you can reduce or increase sriracha to taste.
Can I meal prep this recipe? Absolutely! Store the sauce separately and drizzle before eating.
What’s the best rice for these bowls? Jasmine rice offers fragrance and fluffiness, but brown or sushi rice works too.
Can I make it gluten-free? Use gluten-free panko and tamari-based chili sauce.
How long does the sauce last? Up to 5 days in the fridge in a sealed jar.
If you love bold, saucy dinners like these Bang Bang Salmon Bites, you’ll also fall head over heels for my Easy Baked Mexican Meatballs with Enchilada Sauce. They’re tender, flavor-packed, and smothered in a rich enchilada-style sauce that turns an ordinary weeknight meal into something extraordinary.
Nutrition Info
| Serving Size | 1 bowl |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Total Fat | 24g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Fiber | 2g |
| Sugar | 5g |
| Sodium | 720mg |
Disclaimer: Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.
Conclusion
If you love crispy, saucy, and colorful meals, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites will be your new go-to. Each bite bursts with flavor, crunch, and creamy spice. Make it once, and it’ll be on repeat all week long.
