Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: 25 min delight

Name: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: 25 min delight
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb fresh salmon, skin removed & cut into 1-inch cubes; 1/2 cup cornstarch; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt & pepper, to taste; Oil, for frying; Bang Bang Sauce:; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tsp honey (optional, for sweetness)

By Jordan Bell on September 3, 2025

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Hi, I’m Jordan Bell—a home cook from Asheville, NC, who turned my 80-pound weight loss journey into a passion for creating clean, nourishing recipes inspired by Southern comfort food. On Easy Detox Recipes, I share flavorful dishes that help you feel great without giving up the foods you love.

No heading needs to be written for the introduction. Today, I’m so excited to share my Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with you! These little flavor bombs are my clean-eating take on a beloved comfort food classic. They’re perfectly bite-sized, coated in a super crispy panko crust, and then tossed in my signature spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. You get all the deliciousness you crave, but in a way that makes you feel amazing. It’s proof that you don’t have to sacrifice taste for health, and I can’t wait for you to try them!

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Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Seriously, these little bites are a game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making them again and again:

Super Quick: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish – perfect for busy weeknights!
Flavor Explosion: That crispy crust combined with the spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce is just divine.
Healthy & Nourishing: You get all the deliciousness without the guilt. It’s a clean take on comfort food that actually makes you feel good.

A Taste of Southern Comfort, Reimagined

You know how much I adore Southern comfort food, right? Well, this recipe is my way of taking that cozy, satisfying feeling and giving it a clean, nourishing makeover. Instead of heavy, fried versions, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are packed with flavor but made with ingredients that support how great you want to feel. That crispy panko crust and the creamy, spicy-sweet sauce are pure comfort, but in a way that’s light and energizing. It’s all about enjoying those beloved tastes while still fueling your body right. Makes you feel amazing, truly!

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Ingredients Explained

Alright, let’s talk about what makes these salmon bites so darn good. It’s all about fresh ingredients and a few simple pantry staples. We’re keeping it clean and delicious, just how I like it! You’ll need about a pound of fresh salmon, skin removed, and cut into nice, bite-sized cubes about an inch big. Patting them dry is super important for that crispy crust, so don’t skip that step!

For the Crispy Salmon Bites

So, for our salmon cubes, after you pat them nice and dry, we’re going to season them up with some garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Then comes the fun part: the coating! You’ll need about half a cup of cornstarch for the first layer, then two beaten eggs for our egg wash, and finally, a cup of panko breadcrumbs. Panko is key for that extra crispy texture we’re aiming for!

For the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

Now for the sauce that makes these truly “bang bang”! It’s so easy. We’ll whisk together a quarter cup of mayonnaise, two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce, and one tablespoon of sriracha. If you like things a little sweeter, or if your sweet chili sauce isn’t very sweet, you can add a teaspoon of honey. Taste it and add more sriracha if you want it spicier – that’s the beauty of making it yourself!

How to Prepare Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Okay, so getting these amazing Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites from your kitchen to your plate is super straightforward. We’re going to get everything prepped and then do a quick fry to get that incredible crispy crust. Trust me, it’s easier than it looks, and the payoff is SO worth it! Let’s get cooking!

Preparing the Salmon for Frying

First things first, let’s get our salmon ready for its delicious coating. Make sure those salmon cubes are really nice and dry – grab some paper towels and pat them down well. This is a secret weapon for getting that super crispy panko crust later! Now, season them all over with our garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Next, we’re doing a classic three-step breading process. First, dredge each salmon cube in the cornstarch, making sure it’s lightly coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, roll it generously in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so they stick. Set these coated bites aside on a plate or baking sheet.

Achieving the Perfect Crispy Crust

Now for the magic: frying! You’ll want to heat up about an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’re looking for it to be nice and hot, but not smoking. A good way to test is to drop a tiny bit of panko in – if it sizzles and floats, you’re good to go! Carefully add your coated salmon bites to the hot oil in a single layer.

Don’t overcrowd the pan, or they won’t get crispy! Fry them in batches for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You want them to be a beautiful golden brown and perfectly crispy. Once they’re done, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. This step is crucial for keeping that crust super crunchy!

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Crafting the Signature Bang Bang Sauce

While your salmon is draining, let’s whip up that irresistible Bang Bang sauce. It’s literally just whisking everything together in a small bowl: the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. If you’re using it, add the honey too. Give it a good stir until it’s all smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust that sriracha if you want more heat, or a bit more honey if you want it sweeter. So easy!

Tips for Success with Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Want to make sure these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are absolutely perfect every time? I’ve got a couple of little tricks up my sleeve that make all the difference. It’s all about getting that amazing texture and that sauce just right!

Achieving Optimal Crispiness

The secret to that amazing crispy crust is really about a few things. Make sure your oil is properly heated – not too cool, or the salmon will get greasy, and not too hot, or it’ll burn before it’s cooked through. And seriously, don’t crowd the pan when you’re frying! Cook them in batches. It makes a HUGE difference in how crispy they get.

Balancing the Bang Bang Sauce Flavor

This sauce is so customizable! The best part about making it yourself is you can totally tweak it to *your* taste. If you love a little more kick, just add a tiny bit more sriracha. If you prefer it a touch sweeter, a little more honey will do the trick. Give it a taste before you toss the salmon and adjust away!

Serving Suggestions for Your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are so versatile! They’re fantastic as an appetizer, but I love serving them as a light main course too. They pair beautifully with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance that rich sauce. You could also serve them with some fluffy rice or even roasted sweet potato fries for a more substantial meal. They’re also great in “small bowls” as part of a larger spread with other tapas-style dishes!

Storage and Reheating Your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any uneaten Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Now, for reheating, the goal is to get that crispiness back. The oven or an air fryer is your best bet. Just pop them on a baking sheet at around 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes, or until warmed through and nicely crisped up again. Avoid the microwave if you can – it tends to make them a bit soggy, and we want that glorious crispy crust!

Frequently Asked Questions about Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Got questions about these amazing Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites? I’ve got you covered! It’s all about making these delicious, clean comfort food bites work for you.

Can I bake or air fry these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

Yes, absolutely! While frying gives the best crispy crust, you can bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 390°F (195°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They might not be *as* crispy as fried, but they’re still super tasty!

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The spice level really depends on your sriracha! The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon, which gives a nice medium heat that balances the sweetness. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just 1 teaspoon of sriracha. If you love it hot, go ahead and add 1.5 or even 2 tablespoons! You can always taste and adjust.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

For a cleaner option, you can totally swap the mayonnaise! I love using plain Greek yogurt, especially non-fat or low-fat. It gives a similar creamy texture and a little tang that works beautifully with the sweet chili and sriracha. Just make sure it’s plain and unsweetened!

Nutritional Information for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re getting! A serving of these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites is roughly 4 ounces and comes in at about 450 calories. You’ll get around 30g of protein, 20g of fat (mostly good fats!), and about 20g of carbohydrates. It’s a clean, satisfying meal that fits right into my healthy lifestyle!