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In my house, these golden bang bang salmon bites are the go-to when we're hungry but short on time and still want something super tasty. They’re tender on the inside with a crazy crunchy crust, plus a creamy tangy chili dip you’ll want on everything. You can bake or fry them—they’re awesome for parties or an easy dinner.
The first time I whipped these up, my kids finished the batch before I got my plate. Friends always ask me to bring them whenever there’s a cookout.
Flavorful Ingredients
- Salmon fillet: Buy it fresh and firm, that way it stays juicy whether you bake or fry
- Mayonnaise: This creamy stuff is the base for the bang bang dip—real mayo makes it taste best
- Eggs: Beaten up well, they’re how the crumbs stick to the salmon
- Panko breadcrumbs: Japanese style stays extra crisp and airy—way better than regular crumbs
- Honey: Adds just enough natural sweetness to the sauce
- Salt and pepper: Throw these in to make the salmon flavor pop
- Cornstarch: Helps keep the inside moist and the outside super crispy
- Sriracha: Brings a solid spicy punch—use less if you want it mild
- Sweet chili sauce: Gives that sweet heat—find one without any weird flavors
Picking Good Salmon
Pick out salmon that’s bright orange or pink, smells fresh, and doesn’t have gray or brown spots
Easy Step-by-Step Directions
- Get Your Oven or Oil Ready
- Fire up your oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or heat about an inch of oil in a heavy pan over medium-high so a breadcrumb fizzles when dropped in
- Cut and Season the Salmon
- Pat down the fillet until it’s dry, then chop into even cubes—about one inch each. Lightly toss with salt and pepper all over
- Crumb Time
- Set up three bowls: one with cornstarch, one with whisked eggs, one with panko. Grab a few salmon cubes at a time and dip them in cornstarch, then into the egg, then press all sides into the panko. Set aside on a plate
- Bake or Fry
- If baking, lay out the panko-coated salmon on a parchment-lined tray with some space in between. Bake twelve to fifteen minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and crunchy. For frying, cook in hot oil two to three minutes per side, until they’re crisp, then drain on a rack or paper towels
- Stir Up the Bang Bang Dip
- Mix mayo, honey, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a little bowl until smooth. Taste and see if you want it spicier
- Finish and Eat
- Let the crispy salmon bites hang out for a minute, then either toss them in the sauce or serve the dip on the side
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Panko is totally key for the crunch. I tried regular breadcrumbs once—big mistake! And the honey? My littlest poured too much in one time, made it extra sweet, and everyone loved it.
Keeping It Fresh
Keep leftover salmon bites sealed up in the fridge for up to two days. They’ll get crispy again if you pop them in a four hundred degree oven for five to seven minutes. Skip the microwave—makes them soggy. Store the sauce in a different jar in the fridge and just stir before using
Swaps and Alternatives
No panko? Any crumbs work, but it won’t be as light. Want less spice? Try a milder chili sauce or drop the sriracha. No eggs? Dip in plain yogurt or buttermilk instead. You could even swap out salmon for other sturdy fish or tofu cubes
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Fun Ways to Serve
Top a steamy bowl of rice with salmon bites, sprinkle on sesame seeds, and add scallions for a chill dinner. Game day? Lay them out with extra dip and some toothpicks. They also rock in lettuce wraps with broccoli on the side
Food Origins
Bang bang sauce takes its cues from Asian American fusion, mixing creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors you’ll spot in both Southern and Thai food. These salmon bites put a playful spin on sweet chili seafood dishes you see from diners to home kitchens
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Which salmon should I use?
Grab skinless salmon fillets. Cube them evenly so they cook at the same speed and get those delicious crispy edges.
- → Can I prep these ahead of time?
You can get your salmon bites coated earlier, but wait to bake or fry and sauce them until you're about to eat for the best crunch.
- → Is it easy to tweak how spicy they are?
Definitely! Toss in more sriracha for more heat, or back off for a milder bite.
- → Will the air fryer work instead?
Yep, air fryers are great for this. Warm it up, then cook your coated salmon bites until they're crispy and golden.
- → How should I serve these?
You can pile them on rice, eat as an appetizer, or throw on some veggies—whatever you like!
- → Ways to keep them crunchy?
Try placing the salmon on a wire rack to bake, or make sure your frying oil is nice and hot for extra crispiness.