Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are little pieces of salmon that pack a punch! They’re golden and crunchy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and coated with a sweet and spicy sauce that you just can’t get enough of. The combination of crispy texture and bold flavors makes these bites an instant crowd-pleaser.
I love making these whenever I need a quick snack or a fun appetizer for friends. The best part is how the sweet heat of the Bang Bang sauce perfectly complements the rich salmon. I usually toss the bites in the sauce right before serving so they stay crispy and flavorful at the same time—trust me, that little step makes all the difference.
These salmon bites are perfect served with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad. They also work great on their own as finger food while chatting with friends or watching a game. If you like a bit of spice and crunch, these are definitely a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to over and over!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon gives a rich flavor and tender texture. If unavailable, try frozen salmon (thawed well) or even firm white fish like cod. Just be gentle when handling to keep bites intact.
Panko Breadcrumbs: They create a light crispy coating. If you don’t have panko, use regular breadcrumbs but expect a slightly denser crust. You can also mix in crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.
Sweet Chili Sauce & Sriracha: The balance of sweet and spicy is key here. If you like milder heat, reduce sriracha or swap with mild chili sauce. For vegan options, use vegan mayo and ensure your sauces fit your needs.
Mayonnaise: It adds creaminess and helps blend flavors. You can replace it with Greek yogurt if you want a lighter sauce or try vegan mayo for plant-based diets.
How Do You Get the Salmon Crispy but Not Overcooked?
Salmon cooks quickly and can dry out, so timing is key. Here’s how I get crispy, tender bites:
- Pat salmon cubes dry to help coating stick and avoid sogginess.
- Coat in flour, then egg, then panko to form a thick crust that seals in moisture.
- Fry in hot oil over medium-high heat—just 2-3 minutes per side. This gives a golden crust without overcooking inside.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Drain on paper towels briefly to remove excess oil but serve quickly to keep crunch.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Large skillet or frying pan – I recommend it because it heats evenly and makes frying easy.
- Thermometer (optional) – helps ensure the oil stays at the right temperature for crispy bites.
- Mixing bowls – one for flour, one for eggs, and one for panko — I like using shallow bowls for easy dredging.
- Tongs or slotted spoon – perfect for carefully turning and removing the salmon bites without breaking them.
- Paper towels – essential for draining excess oil after frying.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use different proteins: shrimp, white fish, or chicken tenders work well for a similar crispy, flavorful bite.
- Add some heat: mix in a bit of chopped jalapeño or cayenne pepper into the sauce for extra spice.
- Try different toppings: sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped cilantro for extra flavor and crunch.
- Adjust the sauces: swap the sriracha with other hot sauces or add a squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Sweet and Spicy)
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions, for garnish
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for desired spice level)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook. You’ll spend time cutting and breading the salmon, making the easy Bang Bang sauce, frying the bites until golden, and then enjoying your crispy, flavorful treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture. Lightly season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This boosts the flavor inside every bite.
2. Set Up Breading Stations:
Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten eggs in a second, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third. This makes it easy to coat the salmon evenly in three simple steps.
3. Bread the Salmon Bites:
Dredge each salmon cube in flour, shaking off the extra. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, roll it in panko breadcrumbs so each piece is covered with a crunchy crust. Place the coated bites on a plate as you go.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness if needed. Chill the sauce in the fridge until ready to serve.
5. Cook the Salmon Bites:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully add the breaded salmon bites in a single layer without crowding the pan. Fry each side for 2 to 3 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Work in batches if necessary.
6. Drain and Plate:
Remove the fried bites and place them on paper towels to drain off any extra oil.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Arrange the crispy salmon bites on a serving plate. Drizzle them generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Sprinkle chopped fresh chives or green onions on top for a fresh finish.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites right away, while they’re still warm and crunchy. They’re delicious by themselves or paired with steamed rice or a fresh salad. Enjoy this sweet, spicy, and crispy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before breading. This helps maintain a crispy coating and prevents excess moisture.
How Can I Make the Salmon Bites Ahead of Time?
You can bread the salmon bites and refrigerate them on a baking sheet for up to 4 hours before frying. Just fry them right before serving to keep them extra crispy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in an oven or air fryer to help restore crispiness instead of the microwave.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level of the Bang Bang Sauce?
Absolutely! Reduce or omit the sriracha for a milder sauce, or add more for extra heat. You can also substitute with your favorite hot sauce to suit your taste.
