Bang Bang Salmon Bites bring restaurant-quality flavor right to your home kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum taste. These golden, crispy salmon cubes coated in that irresistible sweet-spicy sauce have become one of my go-to recipes when I want something special without spending hours at the stove.
I first discovered this recipe during a family potluck when my granddaughter brought home a version she’d tried at a trendy seafood restaurant. The price tag made me nearly fall off my chair – twelve dollars for a handful of salmon bites! Right then, I decided to recreate them in my own kitchen, and after a few Sunday afternoon experiments, I landed on this version that my whole family now requests at every gathering. The sauce – oh, that creamy, tangy bang bang sauce – clings to each piece of salmon like it was made for it. The sizzle when those seasoned cubes hit the hot skillet, the way the edges crisp up just right, and that first bite where the tender salmon gives way to reveal its flaky interior while that sauce delivers its sweet heat – it’s pure magic. Time to get our hands cooking!
What Makes Bang Bang Salmon Bites So Special
I’ve been making salmon for decades, but these bites changed how I think about serving fish. They’re not just another salmon recipe – they’re a complete flavor experience that works for casual Tuesday dinners and fancy entertaining alike.
Here’s why Bang Bang Salmon Bites belong in your regular rotation:
- Lightning-fast preparation – From fridge to table in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when time is tight
- Three cooking methods – Whether you prefer skillet, oven, or air fryer, you’ll get consistently delicious results every time
- Protein-packed nutrition – With 29 grams of protein per serving, these bites deliver serious nutritional value without sacrificing flavor
- Crowd-pleasing versatility – Serve them as appetizers with toothpicks, as a main course over rice, or tucked into tacos for variety
- Pantry-friendly ingredients – No specialty shopping required – everything you need is likely already in your kitchen
- Make-ahead friendly – The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance, and the salmon seasons beautifully while you prep other dishes
I love how these bites bring people together. At our last Sunday supper, even my pickiest grandson – who usually turns his nose up at fish – went back for thirds.
Ingredient Spotlight
Salmon fillets form the heart of this dish, and I always choose fresh, center-cut fillets with the skin removed for the best texture and ease of preparation. Look for bright, firm flesh without any fishy odor – that’s your sign of quality.
Olive oil helps the seasonings adhere to the salmon while promoting that beautiful golden-brown crust we’re after, and I prefer extra virgin for its subtle fruity notes that complement the fish.
Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for our bang bang sauce, binding all the flavors together into that signature smooth, luxurious coating. I use full-fat mayo because it emulsifies better and delivers richer flavor.
Thai sweet chili sauce brings both sweetness and mild heat to the party, giving the sauce its distinctive Asian-inspired character that makes these salmon bites so addictive.
Sriracha adds the kick that transforms this from sweet to sweet-and-spicy, and you can adjust the amount based on your family’s heat tolerance – I use exactly one teaspoon for balanced warmth.
Honey rounds out the sauce with natural sweetness while helping to balance the heat from the sriracha, creating that perfect sweet-spicy harmony.
Lime juice brightens everything up with its citrusy tang, cutting through the richness and making each bite taste fresh and vibrant.
Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika create a savory seasoning blend that enhances the salmon’s natural flavor while adding depth and a hint of smokiness that my family absolutely loves.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1. I’ve learned that cutting the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes is crucial – they cook evenly and look professional on the plate. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before cutting to ensure the seasonings stick properly.
Step 2. Betty’s tip: Toss the salmon cubes gently with olive oil and your seasonings in a large bowl, making sure every piece gets coated. This takes just a minute but makes all the difference in flavor.
Step 3. For skillet cooking, heat your pan over medium-high until a drop of water sizzles on contact, then add the salmon cubes in a single layer without crowding – I usually work in batches. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Step 4. If you’re using the oven method, preheat to 400°F and arrange the seasoned salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet with space between each piece. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and develops those crispy edges.
Step 5. For air fryer enthusiasts, preheat to 375°F and cook the salmon bites for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even browning – this method gives you the crispiest exterior.
Step 6. While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until completely smooth. After years of making this, I learned to mix it thoroughly to prevent any mayo lumps – nobody wants that!
Step 7. Once your salmon is cooked through and golden, let it rest for just a minute before tossing with the bang bang sauce. The key I discovered is to add just enough sauce to coat without drowning the crispy exterior.
Step 8. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro if you like, and serve immediately while the salmon is still warm and the sauce is glossy.
Keeping Bang Bang Salmon Bites Fresh
I typically store leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, though they rarely last that long in my house. The sauce may cause the coating to soften slightly during storage, but the flavor remains delicious. For best results, I store the cooked salmon and any extra sauce separately, then combine them just before serving.
Betty’s freezing method works well for the seasoned raw salmon cubes – freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag where they’ll keep for up to 2 months. I don’t recommend freezing the cooked, sauced salmon bites as the texture suffers significantly upon thawing, and that creamy sauce separates in an unappetizing way.
For the best texture, I reheat leftover salmon bites in a 350°F oven for about 5-7 minutes until warmed through, which helps restore some of the crispiness. If you’re in a rush, the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes works beautifully too. I avoid the microwave when possible because it makes the salmon rubbery and the coating soggy, though it’ll do in a pinch if you’re just looking to take the chill off.
Perfect Partners for Bang Bang Salmon Bites
- Coconut jasmine rice – The subtle sweetness and fluffy texture create a perfect base that soaks up any extra bang bang sauce while complementing the salmon’s richness
- Asian cucumber salad – Cool, crisp cucumbers dressed in rice vinegar provide a refreshing contrast to the creamy, spicy salmon and help cleanse your palate between bites
- Roasted broccoli with garlic – Simple roasted vegetables add nutritious green color to your plate while their slight bitterness balances the sweet-spicy sauce beautifully
- Sesame slaw – Crunchy cabbage tossed with sesame dressing offers textural variety and a light, tangy element that cuts through the richness
- Steamed edamame – These protein-packed pods make an easy, healthy side that my grandkids love popping out of their shells while waiting for dinner
- Cauliflower fried rice – For a lower-carb option that still delivers satisfying substance, this veggie-forward side absorbs the salmon’s flavors wonderfully
- Street corn chicken rice bowls – If you want to create a complete meal bowl experience, serve these salmon bites over cilantro lime rice with charred corn for an incredible fusion dish
My family particularly loves serving these salmon bites over a bed of rice with the slaw on the side – it creates a complete meal that feels special but comes together so easi
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but thaw it completely first. Pat it very dry with paper towels before cutting and seasoning to ensure proper browning.
Atlantic or sockeye salmon work well for this recipe. Choose center-cut fillets for uniform thickness and easier cutting.
Yes, use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes and pat dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, toss salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
- For skillet method: Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- For oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange salmon on parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 10-12 minutes until cooked through.
- For air fryer method: Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook salmon for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- While salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- Let cooked salmon rest for 1 minute, then gently toss with bang bang sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
