My first mouthful of bang bang salmon bites happened at a friend’s backyard barbecue, and I was instantly hooked. That fiery-sweet glaze, crunchy exterior, tender salmon center, it was love at first bite. I’ve since recreated this bang bang salmon bites recipe dozens of times, turning it into a go-to anytime appetizer.
These bang bang bites are bold, comforting, and strikingly easy to make. They’re perfect as a party snack, light dinner, or even protein-packed lunch. Plus, they bring that restaurant-worthy appeal without hours in the kitchen.
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What Makes These Bang Bang Salmon Bites More Than Just a Trend
There’s a reason salmon bites have gained viral popularity. Here’s why this recipe stands out:
- Flavor-packed: Sweet, spicy, creamy, your taste buds are in for a treat.
- Rich in Omega‑3s: Salmon is one of the best sources of heart‑healthy fats.
- Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Customizable: Adjust spice, coating, and sides to fit dietary needs.
- Kid-approved: Cut into bite-sized pieces, these are easy for little ones to enjoy.
Customization ideas:
- Use panko for extra crunch or almond flour for gluten-free version.
- Adjust the “bang bang” sauce with honey instead of sugar.
- Add fresh cilantro or scallions for brightness.
- Pair with avocado crema for a cooling contrast.
What sets these bang bang salmon bites apart is the perfect balance of texture and flavor, crispy outside, juicy inside, and a creamy, tangy sauce that brings it all together.
What Is in Bang Bang Sauce Anyway?
“Bang bang” sauce traditionally blends mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey or sugar, sriracha, and a splash of lime. This combo gives your bang bang salmon bites that perfect balance of heat, tang, and sweetness.
Want to dive deeper? Epicurious breaks down regional variations that show just how versatile bang bang can be.
Recipe Card
Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
4
servings10
minutes12
minutes250
kcalThese bang bang salmon bites are crispy, spicy‑sweet, and protein-packed—perfect for appetizers, tacos, or snack plates.
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Ingredients
1 lb 1 salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1″ cubes
½ cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour)
1 tsp 1 garlic powder
1/2 tsp 1/2 paprika
1/2 tsp 1/2 salt
2 tbsp 2 olive oil
- Sauce:
3 tbsp 3 mayonnaise
2 tbsp 2 sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp 1 honey or agave
1 tsp 1 sriracha (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1/2 lime
Directions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or heat skillet.
- In a bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt. Toss salmon cubes to coat.
- Add oil to a baking sheet or skillet, then arrange salmon in a single layer.
- Bake 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Meanwhile, whisk sauce ingredients until smooth.
- Drizzle sauce over warm salmon bites or serve on the side. Garnish with green onions or cilantro.
Notes
- Use panko for crispier bites.
- Make the sauce ahead, just re-whisk before serving.
- Reheat bites in air fryer or oven to crisp.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Sugar: 7g
- Protein: 20g
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My Go-To Tricks for Crispier, Tastier Bites
To make your bites shine:
- Pat salmon dry to ensure the coating sticks better.
- Preheat the oven or skillet so the bites start crisping immediately.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, which can cause soggy bites.
- Use room-temp sauce ingredients for the creamiest texture.
- Broil at the end for a caramelized, golden finish.
Storage tip: Store cooked bites and sauce separately in airtight containers. Salmon stays great for up to 3 days. For meal prep, keep sauce on the side to preserve the crunch.
Mistake to avoid: Skipping the sauce drizzle until the end. Adding sauce too early makes the bites soggy.
Fun Variations to Try
Sticky Maple‑Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Swap the sugar for maple syrup and add a pinch of smoked paprika for a richer, smoky flavor perfect for fall.
Citrus‑Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Add lime zest and extra lime juice to the sauce, then finish with chopped cilantro. Refreshing and bright!
Coconut Panko Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Coat the salmon in a mix of panko and shredded coconut for tropical crunch and serve with a mango‑lime version of the sauce.
Korean‑Inspired Gochujang Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Replace sriracha with gochujang and add sesame oil and seeds for a deep umami twist. Flavorful and bold.
Avocado‑Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Blend avocado into your sauce for a creamy, green version that doubles as a dip and adds healthy fats.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites Fixes and Tips
Yes! Baking at 425°F until crisp works beautifully and is healthier.
It depends on your sriracha amount. Use ½ tsp for mild, or skip it for a sweet-only version.
Absolutely. Use almond flour or gluten-free panko for the coating.
Reheat in the oven (400°F) or air fryer for 5 minutes to bring back the crunch.
They’re great atop salads, in tacos, on rice bowls, or alongside steamed veggies.
Final Thoughts
If there’s one recipe I reach for when I want to wow a crowd without breaking a sweat, it’s these bang bang salmon bites. They’re fast, flavor-forward, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer for friends, tossing them into a vibrant rice bowl, or tucking them into soft tacos for a weeknight dinner, they always steal the spotlight.
What I love most is how easy it is to make them your own. From adjusting the heat level in the sauce to experimenting with different coatings, this dish invites creativity. Plus, it’s a smart way to get more omega-3s into your meals without needing a fancy setup or specialty tools. These bites are baked or pan-seared with minimal oil, which also keeps things lighter and healthier.
Want more seafood inspiration? Try these next:
- Bang Bang Chicken Recipe
- Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Air Fryer
- Salmon Cakes Recipe
- Salmon Poke Bowl Recipe
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