If you are searching for a delightful appetizer that packs flavor, texture, and a little bit of fun, look no further than this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe. These little golden nuggets boast a perfect crunch with tender, juicy salmon inside, all drizzled or dipped in a luscious, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that hits every flavor note you crave. Whether you’re having friends over or treating yourself to something special, this recipe makes the whole experience exciting and absolutely memorable. Trust me, once you try these salmon bites, they’ll quickly become a favorite go-to snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to mastering this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe. Each element plays a vital role—from the light, bubbly batter that creates the signature crispness to the creamy, tangy, and just-the-right-level spicy bang bang sauce that brings it all to life.
- Salmon fillet: Using fresh, skinless salmon cut into bite-sized cubes ensures tenderness and quick, even cooking.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the batter, providing structure and a golden crust.
- Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness by absorbing moisture and creating a light texture.
- Baking powder: Helps the batter puff slightly, giving each bite an airy crunch.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural salmon flavor and balance the batter taste.
- Cold sparkling water: The secret to a crispy batter, making it light and bubbly when fried.
- Vegetable oil: Perfect for deep frying, with a high smoke point to get those bites perfectly crispy.
- Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base for the bang bang sauce, mellowing the spice and balancing flavors.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and subtle heat with vibrant Asian flair.
- Sriracha sauce: Brings a punch of spiciness to wake up your taste buds.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that complements the tangy elements of the sauce.
- Lime juice: Injects fresh acidity, brightening the sauce and cutting through the richness.
- Chopped green onions: Garnish that adds freshness, a pop of color, and a mild onion flavor.
- Toasted sesame seeds: Nutty crunch that finishes the dish beautifully both visually and texturally.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the batter
Start by combining the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper in a bowl to create a balanced, flavorful base. Gradually whisk in cold sparkling water until the mixture is smooth with no lumps. The sparkling water is a game changer here—it makes the batter crisp up wonderfully when fried.
Step 2: Heat the oil
Pour about two inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or a pot and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature is crucial—too hot and the batter burns, too cool and the bites absorb oil and become greasy. A kitchen thermometer can help keep things spot on.
Step 3: Coat the salmon cubes
Dip each salmon cube into the batter, ensuring it is fully covered. This coating will seal the salmon and create that irresistible crispy shell once fried.
Step 4: Fry the salmon bites
Carefully place the battered salmon cubes into the hot oil, frying a few at a time so they have space to crisp evenly. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels so no excess oil dulls the crunch.
Step 5: Mix the bang bang sauce
While your salmon bites are frying, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until you get a smooth, creamy sauce that bursts with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
Step 6: Combine and garnish
Drizzle the bold bang bang sauce over your crispy salmon bites or serve it on the side for dipping. Top with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds to add freshness, texture, and a gorgeous finish that looks as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
Garnishes
The perfect garnish elevates this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe from delicious to restaurant-worthy. Bright, chopped green onions bring a gentle sharpness and color contrast, while nutty toasted sesame seeds add crunch and a warm, toasted aroma. These simple additions make every bite pop with flavor complexity.
Side Dishes
Because these salmon bites are fairly rich and crispy, they pair beautifully with lighter, refreshing sides. Consider serving with a crisp cucumber salad, a tangy slaw, or simple steamed jasmine rice to balance the bold flavors and textures on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve these salmon bites on skewers for an easy-to-eat finger food ideal for parties. Or present them atop a bed of mixed greens drizzled with extra bang bang sauce for an eye-catching appetizer that will impress guests with both taste and presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the salmon bites cool completely before storing them in an airtight container. They will keep well in the fridge for up to two days, maintaining much of their flavor and texture if reheated properly.
Freezing
This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe can be frozen, but keep in mind that the crispiness might soften after thawing. Freeze the fried bites in a single layer initially to prevent sticking, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to a month.
Reheating
To bring back the delightful crisp, reheat leftovers in a hot oven or air fryer rather than the microwave. This method helps restore the crunch and keeps the inside tender—just 5 to 7 minutes at 375°F usually does the trick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon and pat it dry to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the crispiness of the batter. Fresh fillets work best, but frozen is a convenient option.
What can I substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have Thai sweet chili sauce on hand, a combination of regular sweet chili sauce or even a mix of honey and a little hot sauce can mimic the sweet and spicy balance nicely.
Is it necessary to remove the salmon skin?
Yes, removing the skin before cutting the salmon into cubes will help the batter cling better and ensure each bite is evenly crispy and easy to eat without toughness.
Can I bake instead of fry the salmon bites?
You can bake them for a healthier option, but keep in mind the texture will differ—baking won’t produce quite the same crisp shell as frying. For best results, bake at a high temperature and consider using a light spray of oil.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce strikes a lovely balance of sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy thanks to the sriracha and Thai chili sauce. You can always adjust the sriracha amount to suit your heat preference, making this recipe versatile for all spice lovers.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe a try because it’s one of those dishes that brings joy with every bite. It’s fun to make, impressive to serve, and utterly addictive to eat. Whether for a casual night in or a special occasion, these salmon bites are guaranteed to bring smiles and perhaps even a few happy dance breaks in the kitchen.
Print
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 20m
- Cook Time: 0h 10m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Description
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are golden, crunchy pieces of salmon coated in a light, airy batter and fried to perfection. Tossed in a spicy, sweet, and tangy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili, sriracha, honey, and lime juice, these bites make a flavorful appetizer or snack that’s sure to impress at any gathering.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites Batter
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup cold sparkling water
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
For the Bang Bang Sauce and Garnish
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and black pepper until evenly combined. Gradually pour in the cold sparkling water while stirring until you achieve a smooth, cohesive batter with no lumps.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C), ideal for frying.
- Coat the salmon: Dip each salmon cube individually into the prepared batter, ensuring it is fully coated with an even layer of batter for maximum crispiness.
- Fry the salmon bites: Carefully add the battered salmon cubes into the hot oil in small batches to prevent overcrowding, allowing them enough room to cook evenly.
- Cook until golden: Fry the salmon bites for 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy on the outside. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice. Stir well until the sauce is smooth and fully blended.
- Serve: Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the crispy salmon bites or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce to complement the flavors.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the salmon bites for an added touch of flavor and an attractive presentation.
Notes
- Use cold sparkling water for the batter to help create a light and crispy texture when fried.
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F to ensure the salmon bites cook evenly and don’t absorb excess oil.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain consistent frying temperature and crispiness.
- Adjust sriracha quantity for desired spiciness in the bang bang sauce.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
