Name: Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1½ pounds skinless salmon fillet; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons cornstarch; 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning; ¾ cup mayonnaise; ⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha; 1 tablespoon lime juice; cooked rice Jasmine or Basmati; sliced green onions; red chili pepper like a Fresno chili, thinly sliced; sesame seeds

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Get ready to introduce your taste buds to something truly unforgettable—Bang Bang Salmon Bites! This dish is a weeknight hero and a party-pleasing favorite all in one. Picture tender cubes of salmon, lightly crisped, then tossed with a zesty, creamy bang bang sauce that packs a punch of flavor in every single bite. Whether you’re looking for a fun twist on seafood to serve over fluffy rice or want a unique finger food, these bites hit the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and just a touch of sweetness. Trust me, this is going to be one of those recipes that disappears in minutes, and everyone will beg you for the secret!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the most wonderful things about Bang Bang Salmon Bites is just how quickly these simple, everyday ingredients come together. Each element plays a unique role, from the creamy tang of mayo in the sauce to the spicy kick of Cajun seasoning coating those succulent salmon cubes. Here’s everything you’ll need, plus a few tips to make the flavors shine.

Salmon Fillet: Look for skinless, firm salmon—it holds up best when cut into bites and roasted.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Just a light drizzle helps the seasoning and cornstarch stick while adding a hint of richness.
Cornstarch: This creates that irresistible crisp coating on each bite, so don’t skip it!
Cajun or Creole Seasoning: Brings spice, color, and depth; choose your favorite or go mild if you’d like.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base for bang bang sauce—use full-fat for the richest flavor.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives a sweet heat and gorgeous sheen to the sauce.
Sriracha: Cranks up the heat just enough, but you can add more or less to taste.
Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed is best to cut through the richness with bright acidity.
Cooked Rice: Jasmine or Basmati make perfect fluffy beds for those saucy salmon bites.
Sliced Green Onions: Adds freshness and a pop of color to every bowl.
Red Chili Pepper: Slice thinly for a spark of extra heat and gorgeous presentation.
Sesame Seeds: A tiny sprinkle adds crunch and a little nutty flavor to finish it all off.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by patting the salmon fillet dry with paper towels—this really helps ensure you get that golden, crisp coating. Cut the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes. Even sizing means everything cooks evenly, and you’ll get perfect bites every time.

Step 2: Coat the Salmon

Place the salmon cubes into a large bowl, then drizzle with extra virgin olive oil. Gently toss so every piece is lightly glistening. Sprinkle the cornstarch and your Cajun seasoning evenly over the top. Toss again until the salmon is thoroughly coated in that flavorful mixture—don’t be shy, you want every bite to have some kick!

Step 3: Arrange and Bake

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Spread the coated salmon bites out in a single layer, leaving space between each piece so they get nice and crisp. Pop into a preheated oven at 425°F and bake for 10-12 minutes. For that finishing touch, switch your oven to broil and cook for another 5 minutes, watching closely. You’re looking for a beautiful golden color and salmon that flakes easily with a fork.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While your salmon bakes, get that glorious sauce ready: whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust spice levels if you want it bolder or milder. This sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the whole dish!

Step 5: Toss & Serve

When the salmon bites are crispy and hot from the oven, transfer them to a fresh bowl. Pour about half of the bang bang sauce over the top and toss gently to coat. Serve them right away, over a bed of hot cooked rice, and don’t forget an extra drizzle of sauce plus your favorite toppings. Every bite explodes with flavor!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Garnishes

Garnish is your chance to make Bang Bang Salmon Bites truly stand out. I love showering them with plenty of sliced green onions for a fresh lift, scattered red chili slices for extra color and heat, and a lavish sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture and that little nutty pop. These simple touches turn a quick meal into something you’d happily serve at any party!

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Salmon Bites pair beautifully with soft, aromatic Jasmine or Basmati rice, which soaks up every bit of flavorful sauce. For a lighter twist, serve them over a bed of crisp lettuce, or alongside roasted veggies like broccoli or snap peas. Don’t forget a simple cucumber salad to add a cool, refreshing balance to the spicy richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties and gatherings, thread each salmon bite onto mini skewers and arrange them on a platter with extra bang bang sauce for dipping—guests will absolutely love them! Or, toss them into lettuce cups with crunchy slaw for stunning handheld bites. There’s even a fun option to fill warm tortillas with salmon and sauce for quick DIY tacos.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a dream for next-day lunches. Let them cool completely, then transfer both the salmon and extra sauce to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to two days. The salmon may lose a little crispiness, but the flavors will still be utterly irresistible!

Freezing

If you want to stock up in advance, the cooked salmon freezes well for up to a month. Just spread out the bites on a baking sheet first to prevent sticking, then move them into a freezer-safe zip-top bag or airtight container. Just remember—the coating will soften after thawing, but they’ll still be deliciously satisfying.

Reheating

To bring the magic back to your Bang Bang Salmon Bites, skip the microwave and use an air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes, or pop them into a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. This helps to revive some of the signature crispiness, making them almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Salmon Bites in the air fryer?

Absolutely! The air fryer is a fantastic way to get perfectly crisp bites. Set it to 400°F and cook the salmon in a single layer for 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.

What can I use instead of Cajun or Creole seasoning?

Feel free to substitute with your favorite spicy blend, like taco seasoning, blackened seasoning, or even just a mix of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne. Adjust the spice level to match your crowd.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are naturally gluten-free if you double-check your seasonings and sauces! Many Cajun blends and sweet chili sauces are already gluten-free, but always read labels to be sure.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure to fully thaw and pat the salmon dry before cutting and seasoning. This ensures the coating sticks nicely and the salmon roasts evenly.

What’s the best way to tell if the salmon is cooked through?

Look for that gorgeous golden color on the coating, and test a piece by gently pressing with a fork—the fish should flake easily and appear opaque all the way through. A quick broil at the end gives you that little extra caramelized crisp!

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to experience the joy of Bang Bang Salmon Bites—they’re a game-changer for weeknight dinners, perfect for gatherings, or even just for treating yourself! Once you try them, don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes one of your most-requested. Dive in and enjoy every bold, flavorful bite!