Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are little pieces of salmon with a crunchy outside and a tender, juicy inside. These bites get coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce that adds a fun kick, making every bite full of flavor and texture. They’re perfect as a snack or a light meal when you want something tasty and a bit different.
I love making these salmon bites because they come together quickly but feel special enough to serve friends or family. The crunchy coating is my favorite part—it’s so satisfying to bite into that crispy shell and find the soft salmon beneath. Plus, the bang bang sauce is just the right mix of spicy and creamy, and I always end up wanting to dip every single bite in it.
My favorite way to enjoy these salmon bites is on a bed of steamed rice or with some fresh veggies on the side. Sometimes I even add a little extra sauce on top for a saucy finish. If you’re looking for a fun way to switch up your seafood, these are a perfect choice! They always bring smiles and requests for seconds at my table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon works best for tender, flaky bites. If you want, you can substitute with trout or even firm white fish like cod, but the taste will change slightly.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the bites their crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs will work but won’t be quite as crispy. For a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free panko.
Bang Bang Sauce: This sauce is creamy and spicy. Mayonnaise is the base, but you could try Greek yogurt for a lighter version. Adjust sriracha to make it more or less spicy, and if you don’t have sweet chili sauce, a mix of honey and a little hot sauce can work.
How Can I Get the Salmon Crispy Without Overcooking It?
Salmon cooks quickly, so the goal is a golden, crunchy outside with a soft inside. Here’s how:
- Pat salmon dry to help the coating stick better and reduce splatter when frying.
- Use medium-high heat so the outside crisps fast without the inside overcooking.
- Don’t crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed to keep heat steady.
- Turn the bites gently to coat all sides evenly.
- Remove from heat as soon as the crust is golden brown and the salmon is just cooked through—this usually takes 2-3 minutes per side.
Following these steps ensures your salmon bites stay crispy outside and tender inside every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Non-stick skillet – perfect for frying the salmon bites evenly without sticking.
- Three shallow bowls – to set up your dredging stations with flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
- Mixing bowl – to whisk together the bang bang sauce easily.
- Paper towels – for draining excess oil after frying to keep bites crisp.
- Tongs or a slotted spoon – helps turn and remove bites safely from the hot oil.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap salmon for shrimp or firm white fish for different textures while keeping the crispy coating.
- Add a pinch of cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumbs for extra heat in the crust.
- Mix finely chopped green onions or fresh herbs like dill into the bang bang sauce for fresh notes.
- Top bites with a squeeze of fresh lime or serve with sliced avocado for creamy contrast.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- Fresh parsley or chives, finely chopped for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste for spiciness)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime or lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking, so around 25 minutes total. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a tasty snack or appetizer in under half an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime or lemon juice. Mix until smooth, then set aside for the flavors to blend.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon cubes dry using paper towels. This helps the coating stick better. Lightly season the cubes with salt and pepper.
3. Set Up Coating Stations:
Place flour in one shallow dish. Beat the eggs in a second bowl. In a third, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
4. Coat the Salmon Bites:
Dip each salmon cube first into the flour, shaking off any extra. Then dunk into the beaten eggs, and finally coat fully with the panko breadcrumb mixture to get a nice, crunchy layer.
5. Fry the Salmon:
Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon bites in batches, turning them gently every 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on all sides. Be careful not to overcook—they should be tender inside.
6. Drain and Serve:
Place the cooked salmon bites on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Arrange them on a serving dish, drizzle the bang bang sauce over, or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped parsley or chives and lemon wedges for a fresh touch.
Enjoy these crispy, spicy, and creamy salmon bites as a delicious appetizer or snack!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry thoroughly before coating to ensure the breading sticks well and crisps up nicely.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to keep the coating crispy instead of using a microwave.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! Arrange the breaded salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
What Can I Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
They’re great served over steamed rice, with a side of fresh veggies, or alongside a simple salad to balance the spicy and creamy sauce.
