Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Craving something crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive? These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect answer. Tender chunks of salmon, pan-seared to golden perfection, then tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce—this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Whether you’re whipping them up for a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or just a fun seafood snack, these bites bring restaurant-quality flavor to your home kitchen.

With bold seasonings, a crunchy outside, and that signature Bang Bang zing, this recipe is a must-try for salmon lovers and spice enthusiasts alike. And the best part? They come together in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have at home.

Let’s dive into everything you’ll need to make this irresistible dish.

Ingredients List

For the Salmon Bites:

• 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (freshly squeezed)

Optional Garnish:

• Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
• Green onions, sliced
• Sesame seeds

Required Kitchen Tools

When it comes to preparing crispy salmon bites, having the right tools can make the process quick and effortless. Here’s what I use every time I make this dish:

1. Sharp Knife – For trimming and cubing the salmon fillets precisely.
2. Mixing Bowls – You’ll need a large one for seasoning the salmon and a smaller one for the sauce.
3. Non-Stick Skillet or Cast-Iron Pan – A heavy-bottomed pan helps sear the salmon perfectly.
4. Tongs or Spatula – For turning the salmon bites without breaking them.
5. Paper Towels – Essential for patting the salmon dry and for draining excess oil after frying.
6. Serving Platter or Bowl – To serve or toss the salmon in that delicious Bang Bang sauce.

These basic tools will help you nail the recipe every time, with crispy, tender results and maximum flavor.

Preparing the Salmon Bites

Creating the perfect crispy texture starts with how you prepare your salmon. Here’s how I do it to get those golden edges and tender insides.

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by patting the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels—this step is key for achieving that crispy sear. Once dry, remove any skin (if still attached) and cut the salmon into 1-inch bite-sized cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly.

Transfer the cubed salmon into a large bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle on the following seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, but highly recommended for a little kick)

Gently toss everything together using your hands or a spatula, ensuring every piece is coated evenly with the oil and spices. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes while you prep the sauce or heat your pan—this allows the flavors to really soak into the salmon.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon is marinating in those spices, you’ll want to whip up the signature Bang Bang sauce—creamy, spicy, tangy, and sweet all in one bite.

Step 2: Mix the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the following:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice

Whisk until smooth and glossy. The sauce should taste bold and balanced: creamy from the mayo, sweet from the chili sauce and honey, tangy from the lime, and spicy from the sriracha. You can always adjust it—add more sriracha if you like it fiery, or more honey to mellow it out. Set the sauce aside; you’ll use it later to coat or drizzle over the cooked salmon.

Cooking the Salmon Bites

Time to crisp them up! I love pan-searing because it gives the salmon a golden crust while keeping the inside juicy and tender.

Step 3: Sear to Golden Perfection

Heat a non-stick skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil to coat the bottom.

Once the pan is hot (you should hear a sizzle when the salmon hits the surface), add the salmon pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—you want each piece to crisp, not steam. If needed, work in batches.

Sear for 2–3 minutes per side, turning the bites carefully with tongs or a spatula until each side is golden brown and crisp. The inside should remain flaky and moist.

Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil while you finish the rest.

Coating the Salmon in Bang Bang Sauce

Once your salmon bites are crisped up and cooked through, it’s time to bring everything together with that mouthwatering Bang Bang sauce.

Step 4: Coat in Bang Bang Sauce

There are two ways I love to finish this dish—drizzle or toss—depending on how saucy you want your salmon bites.

• Drizzle It: If you want to keep that crispy edge intact, arrange the salmon bites on a serving platter and lightly drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top. This keeps the texture crunchy while adding flavor in every bite.
• Toss It: Prefer a saucier bite? Add the cooked salmon pieces to a clean bowl, pour over the Bang Bang sauce, and gently toss to coat. This method gives you that signature creamy coating and flavor-packed finish.

Both approaches work—just choose based on your texture preference!

Garnish for Flavor and Presentation

Once coated, it’s time to garnish. A few simple toppings can elevate both the flavor and visual appeal of your salmon bites.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Here’s what I like to sprinkle on right before serving:

• Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro – Adds a pop of freshness and color.
• Thinly sliced green onions – For a light crunch and sharpness that complements the creamy sauce.
• Sesame seeds – Toasted or raw, they bring a subtle nuttiness and a little extra crunch.

Serve the Bang Bang Salmon Bites immediately while they’re still hot and crispy. They’re great as a party appetizer, a taco filling, or even served over rice or salad for a spicy, protein-packed meal.

Pro tip: If you’re serving these for a gathering, keep the sauce and salmon separate until right before serving to maintain that crisp texture.

Storage Instructions

Got leftovers? These salmon bites store surprisingly well, and with the right reheating method, you can enjoy them the next day without losing that crispy texture.

How to Store Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Store any leftover salmon bites and sauce separately to prevent sogginess:

• Salmon Bites: Place in an airtight container lined with a paper towel to absorb moisture. Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Bang Bang Sauce: Keep in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Stir before using again.

Reheating Tips

To bring back the crisp:

• Oven or Air Fryer (Preferred): Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and reheat the salmon bites for 5–7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
• Skillet: Add a small amount of oil to a pan and re-sear over medium heat for 2–3 minutes per side.
• Microwave (Not Recommended): While it works in a pinch, microwaving will make the bites soft and lose their texture.

Always reheat the sauce separately or serve it cold as a drizzle or dip.

Conclusion

Making Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites at home is incredibly easy and so rewarding. With a crispy sear, flavorful spice blend, and that irresistible Bang Bang sauce, this dish delivers big on flavor without a ton of effort. Whether you serve them as an appetizer, party snack, or part of a main meal, they’re sure to impress. I love how customizable this recipe is—turn up the heat, swap garnishes, or pair with rice bowls or tacos for a complete feast. Now that you know how to master these spicy, saucy bites, it’s time to make your kitchen smell amazing. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become a staple in your seafood rotation.