Julia Walton
Golden, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are bold, punchy, and completely irresistible. Each cube of salmon is coated in a seasoned breading, pan-seared to perfection, and finished with a generous dollop of spicy-sweet bang bang sauce. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, light lunch, or part of a dinner spread, they disappear fast!
What really sets these salmon bites apart is their satisfying crunch combined with the creamy heat of the sauce. The flavor contrasts are sensational—you’ve got smoky paprika, tangy mayo, a bit of honeyed sweetness, and just the right touch of garlic to make your taste buds sing.
What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?
Fresh, skinless salmon fillets are your best bet for this recipe. Look for salmon that’s firm, vibrant in color, and without a strong fishy smell. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a deeper flavor and firmer texture, while farm-raised is often milder and fattier—either works depending on your taste preference. If you’re using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting it into bite-sized cubes.
Ingredients for the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Salmon: The star of the dish. Choose fresh, boneless fillets and cut them into evenly sized cubes for quick, uniform cooking.
Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the salmon while adding subtle tang, and allows the breading to cling nicely.
Cornstarch & All-Purpose Flour: This duo delivers the ultimate crisp exterior. Cornstarch ensures a light crunch while flour gives body.
Garlic Powder & Smoked Paprika: These spices provide depth and a hint of smokiness that balances the heat in the sauce.
Salt & Pepper: Simple, essential seasoning to enhance the natural flavor of the fish.
Egg: Acts as a binder in the breading process to help everything stick.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Adds that irresistible crunch factor that makes every bite sing.
Oil for Frying: Use a high smoke-point oil like avocado or vegetable oil to achieve a golden-brown crust without burning.
Bang Bang Sauce: A creamy, spicy-sweet mix of mayo, sriracha, honey, and lime juice, drizzled or dolloped over the top.
Chopped Herbs & Crumbled Bacon (Optional): A fresh sprinkle of herbs like parsley or chives adds brightness, while bacon adds salty crunch.
How To Make the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon
In a large bowl, toss the cubed salmon with buttermilk and a pinch of salt. Let it soak for at least 15 minutes while you prep the breading station. This step ensures tender, flavorful bites with excellent coating adhesion.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
In one shallow bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another, whisk an egg. In a third bowl, pour in the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
One by one, remove salmon cubes from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the seasoned flour, dip in egg, then press into panko until well coated.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, fry the coated salmon cubes for about 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as desired.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Drizzle or dollop the bang bang sauce over the salmon bites. Sprinkle with chopped herbs or crumbled bacon if you like. Serve hot!
Serving and Storing Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These bites are best served fresh and hot for maximum crunch, but they can be made ahead and reheated. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to revive the crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy.
What to Serve With Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Coconut Rice
The creamy, slightly sweet flavor pairs perfectly with the spicy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables
Think zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus roasted in olive oil and garlic.
Creamy Coleslaw
A chilled, creamy slaw offers a refreshing crunch that contrasts the fried bites.
Garlic Butter Noodles
Simple and buttery pasta is a cozy, satisfying side.
Avocado Corn Salad
This fresh, citrusy combo adds vibrant flavor and creamy texture.
Pickled Cucumbers
A tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the salmon and sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries
Another crispy side that complements the bold bang bang flavors.
Mango Salsa
Fruity and fresh, this is a fun topping or side to bring a tropical twist.
Want More Seafood Ideas?
If you love these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites, check out these other flavor-packed recipes:
- Cajun Shrimp with Garlic Butter Sauce for rich, buttery heat.
- Baked Stuffed Lobster Tail Delight when you’re feeling fancy.
- Grilled Shrimp Bowl with Avocado Corn Salsa for a healthy yet indulgent meal.
- Sriracha Honey Salmon Bowls if you want a saucy salmon variation.
- The Creamiest Crab Casserole to impress your dinner crowd.
Save This Pin For Later
Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.
Tried it with a twist? Maybe added some chili flakes or a dash of lime zest? I’d love to hear your creative spins—drop them in the comments!
Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen Recipes on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dredging bowls
- Large Skillet
- Tongs
- Paper towel-lined plate
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillets skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg beaten
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- oil for frying vegetable or avocado oil
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- chopped parsley or chives optional garnish
- crumbled bacon optional topping
Instructions
- Marinate salmon cubes in buttermilk with a pinch of salt for 15 minutes.
- Prepare flour mix, whisked egg, and panko in separate bowls.
- Dredge salmon in flour mix, dip in egg, and coat in panko.
- Fry salmon pieces in hot oil until golden brown, 2-3 minutes per side.
- Mix mayo, sriracha, honey, and lime juice for the sauce.
- Drizzle sauce on salmon, garnish, and serve hot.