Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Printable)
Crispy salmon cubes in creamy spicy sauce. Ready in 30 minutes.
# What You'll Need:
→ Salmon
01 - 1.1 lbs skinless salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
→ Marinade
02 - 1 tbsp soy sauce
03 - 1 tbsp lime juice
04 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
05 - 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1/4 tsp salt
07 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
→ Coating
08 - 2/3 cup cornstarch
09 - 1/2 tsp salt
→ Bang Bang Sauce
10 - 1/3 cup mayonnaise
11 - 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
12 - 1 tbsp Sriracha or hot sauce
13 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
14 - 1 tsp lime juice
→ For Frying and Garnish
15 - Vegetable oil for shallow frying
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or green onions
17 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
# How-To Steps:
01 - Combine soy sauce, lime juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add salmon cubes and toss gently to coat. Let marinate for 10 minutes.
02 - Mix cornstarch and salt in a shallow dish. Dredge each marinated salmon cube in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess.
03 - Heat ½–¾ inch vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry salmon cubes in batches for 1–2 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove to paper towel-lined plate.
04 - Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
05 - Toss fried salmon bites gently with Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately garnished with chives and sesame seeds.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The Bang Bang sauce strikes that perfect balance between creamy and spicy, with just enough honey to round out the heat
- These come together in under 30 minutes but taste like something you'd save for special occasions
02 -
- Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature and makes the coating soggy instead of crispy
- Let the salmon marinate but not longer than 15 minutes or the lime juice starts breaking down the texture too much
03 -
- Pat the salmon completely dry before marinating—the wetter the fish, the more the coating slides off during frying
- Let the fried salmon drain on paper towels for at least 30 seconds before saucing, otherwise the coating can soften too quickly