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
Scale
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.
