Bold flavour, irresistible crunch—these salmon bites are the ultimate appetiser or weeknight dinner twist.
If you love a dish that balances spicy, creamy, and sweet with a perfectly crisp bite, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites will quickly become a favourite. Coated in a light, golden crust and tossed in a mouthwatering sauce, they deliver both texture and taste in every bite. Whether served as finger food, in a rice bowl, or inside a wrap, these salmon bites are versatile and downright addictive.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized chunks
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 egg, beaten
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for an extra-crispy coating)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with oil spray to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Coating
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This seasoned flour base gives the salmon its flavourful crunch.
Place the beaten egg in a separate bowl, and the panko breadcrumbs in a third.
3. Coat the Salmon
Take each salmon piece and dip it first into the egg, making sure it’s well coated. Then dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to help it stick. Finally, roll each piece in panko breadcrumbs to ensure an extra crispy finish.
Place the coated salmon bites evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake to Crispy Perfection
Bake the salmon bites in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through in the centre. Flip halfway through for even browning. You can also air-fry them at 200°C (400°F) for about 10–12 minutes for a quicker, oil-free version.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is baking, prepare the signature sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Taste and adjust the spice level if desired—more sriracha for heat, or more chili sauce for sweetness.
6. Toss and Serve
Once the salmon bites are cooked and crisp, transfer them to a mixing bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top and gently toss until all the pieces are coated evenly.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped spring onions or sesame seeds if desired. These bites go great on their own, with rice, in lettuce cups, or as part of a poke-style bowl.
Tips & Variations
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and panko for a coeliac-friendly option.
- Add a citrus twist: Squeeze a bit of lime or lemon juice over the salmon just before serving to enhance the flavours.
- Go lighter: Swap mayonnaise for Greek yoghurt in the sauce for a lighter version with added protein.
- Use different proteins: This recipe works wonderfully with shrimp or chicken if salmon isn’t available.
Final Thoughts
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites combine the best of crispy texture and creamy heat, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. They’re easy to prepare, adaptable, and packed with flavour. Whether you’re hosting friends or just looking for something different for dinner, this recipe will definitely impress.
Make a double batch—you’ll thank yourself later.