why make this recipe

I love simple dinners that feel a little fancy. These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy on the outside and silky inside. The sauce is sweet, spicy, and bright from lime. They come together fast. If you like the same flavors, try my bang bang fried rice for a full meal idea.

how to make Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Ingredients:
▢ 1 lb fresh salmon (skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes), ▢ 1 tsp garlic powder, ▢ 1 tsp smoked paprika, ▢ ½ tsp salt, ▢ ½ tsp black pepper, ▢ 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, ▢ 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping, ▢ ½ cup mayonnaise, ▢ 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce, ▢ 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level), ▢ 1 tsp honey (optional), ▢ Juice of ½ lime, ▢ 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice), ▢ 1 cup shredded purple cabbage, ▢ 1 avocado (sliced), ▢ ½ cup shredded carrots, ▢ 2 green onions (sliced), ▢ Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Directions:

Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). If you use an air fryer, set it to 400°F (200°C).
Season the Salmon: Toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Keep the pieces similar in size.
Coat in Breadcrumbs: Place the panko on a plate. Lightly press each salmon cube into the panko to coat. Coat all sides.
Bake or Air-Fry: Arrange salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and mist with olive oil. Bake 10–12 minutes until golden and just cooked through. For an air fryer, cook 8–10 minutes in a single layer.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness.
Assemble the Bowls: Divide rice between bowls. Top with cabbage, carrots, avocado, and rice. Add the salmon bites. Drizzle with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds. I sometimes serve these with warm sourdough discard pretzel bites for dipping if guests want something to share.

how to serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Serve these warm. Let the sauce shine. Use jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a lighter bowl. Add extra lime wedges on the side. For a playful combo, pair the meal with a simple salad or warm sourdough pretzel bites for dipping.

how to store Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Cool the salmon bites completely before storing. Keep sauce in a separate airtight container. Store bites and sauce in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the bites in the oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to crisp them. Do not microwave if you want to keep them crispy.

tips to make Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Use fresh salmon and cut uniform pieces. Pat the cubes dry so the panko sticks better. Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket. Light oil mist helps the panko brown. Make the sauce ahead and chill. If you love air fryer desserts, try my healthy air fryer churro bites for a sweet finish.

variation (if any)

Turn these into tacos. Warm tortillas and top with cabbage, salmon, sauce, and extra lime. Swap salmon for shrimp or tofu for a different protein. For a fun dessert pairing, serve with mini cinnamon roll bites after dinner.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: Yes. Thaw fully and pat dry before cutting and seasoning. Excess moisture will prevent the panko from crisping.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can prep the salmon and sauce ahead. Keep them separate and finish baking right before serving for best texture.

Q: Is there a gluten-free option?
A: Use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers. Check your sweet chili sauce label for gluten-free certification.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites

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