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This hearty bang bang salmon dish takes crispy, tender salmon bites and coats them in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that hits all the right flavor notes. It's become my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen.
I discovered this recipe when trying to recreate my favorite restaurant appetizer at home, and it's since become my most requested dish when friends come over for dinner. The combination of crispy salmon with that creamy spicy sauce gets people every time.
Ingredients
- Fresh salmon fillets: Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking and the perfect bite size
- Olive oil: Helps create a golden crust on the salmon and prevents sticking
- Garlic powder: Adds aromatic depth without the risk of burning like fresh garlic
- Onion powder: Provides subtle savory notes that complement the fish beautifully
- Smoked paprika: Brings a gentle smokiness that enhances the salmon's natural flavor
- Cayenne pepper: Optional but recommended for an extra kick beneath the sauce
- Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce use good quality for best results
- Thai sweet chili sauce: The star ingredient balancing sweetness with mild heat
- Sriracha: Adds concentrated heat that can be adjusted to your preference
- Honey: Natural sweetener that balances the heat and helps the sauce cling to the salmon
- Fresh lime juice: Brightens the entire dish with necessary acidity
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the salmon:
- Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes ensuring each piece is roughly the same size for even cooking. Pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing and season generously. The dry surface is crucial for developing that golden crust.
- Season thoroughly:
- Combine salmon cubes with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne if using, salt and pepper. Make sure every piece is evenly coated by gently tossing with your hands or spatula. Let sit for 5 minutes to absorb flavors.
- Choose your cooking method:
- Depending on your preference and equipment, select pan frying for maximum crust, baking for convenient batch cooking, or air frying for the perfect balance of crisp exterior and juicy interior. Each method yields slightly different but equally delicious results.
- Pan fry to perfection:
- Heat a skillet over medium high heat until very hot. Add salmon in a single layer without overcrowding and cook 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Work in batches if needed.
- Oven baking option:
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Arrange seasoned salmon pieces with space between them and bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are crispy and salmon flakes easily.
- Air fryer method:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F. Place salmon in a single layer in basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking time. The circulating hot air creates an incredible crust.
- Prepare the sauce:
- While salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey and lime juice until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.
- Combine and serve:
- Gently toss warm salmon bites in sauce or drizzle sauce over arranged salmon. Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds or cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while still warm.
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The first time I made this for my family, my salmon-hesitant teenager went back for seconds and then asked for it again the next night. The Thai sweet chili sauce is truly magical how it transforms simple salmon into something extraordinary.
Perfect Pairings
These bang bang salmon bites work beautifully alongside steamed jasmine rice which soaks up the extra sauce wonderfully. For a complete meal, add a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar and sesame oil to provide a cooling contrast to the spicy salmon. The fresh crunch complements the tender fish perfectly.
Storing and Reheating
While best enjoyed fresh, leftover salmon bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the salmon rubbery. I recommend storing the sauce separately if possible and adding it after reheating for the best texture.
Customize Your Heat Level
The beauty of this recipe is how easily you can adjust the spice level to suit your preference. For a mild version that everyone can enjoy, omit the cayenne pepper and reduce the sriracha to just a few drops. For heat lovers, double the cayenne and sriracha and add a dash of hot sauce to the finished dish. I personally love adding a teaspoon of gochujang to the sauce for a deeper, more complex heat.
Quick Appetizer Solution
When entertaining, prepare the sauce and season the salmon ahead of time, keeping both refrigerated until ready to cook. Once guests arrive, the salmon cooks in minutes and can be served on decorative picks or small plates. I've served these at countless gatherings, and they disappear faster than any other appetizer especially when paired with cold beverages to balance the heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How can I cook Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
You can cook the salmon bites in a skillet, bake them in the oven, or use an air fryer. Each method yields slightly different textures but equally delicious results!
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a couple of days. Just give it a quick stir before using.
- → How do I adjust the spice level?
To adjust spiciness, reduce or increase the amount of cayenne pepper and sriracha in the recipe to suit your taste.
- → Can I substitute any ingredients in the recipe?
Yes, you can use any neutral-flavored fish in place of salmon. Additionally, you may substitute honey with maple syrup or use other chili sauces for the sauce.
- → How can I make this dish healthier?
For a healthier option, opt for air frying or baking instead of using a skillet. You can also use low-fat mayonnaise in the sauce.