Description
Crispy bang bang salmon bites deliver a spicy-sweet explosion of flavor that promises pure culinary excitement. Crunchy panko coating and zesty sauce create an irresistible appetizer you won’t be able to stop eating.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces)
Spices and Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional garnish)
- Green onions, sliced (optional garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon by gently patting it dry with paper towels to maximize crispiness. Carefully remove any skin and slice into uniform 1-inch cubes.
- Transfer salmon pieces to a mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne for an extra kick.
- Gently mix the seasonings, ensuring each salmon cube is evenly coated with the aromatic spice blend.
- Create the bang bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a separate bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
- Taste the sauce and adjust flavor profile by adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness. Set aside.
- Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Once the oil is shimmering, carefully arrange salmon pieces in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Sear salmon for 2-3 minutes per side at 375°F, developing a golden-brown crispy exterior while maintaining a tender interior.
- Transfer cooked salmon to a clean bowl and generously drizzle with prepared bang bang sauce.
- Toss salmon gently to ensure complete and even sauce coverage.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve immediately while salmon remains warm and crispy.
Notes
- Select salmon with minimal moisture to achieve maximum crispiness during cooking.
- Remove pin bones carefully before cutting to prevent unexpected texture disruptions while eating.
- Use high-quality olive oil for better flavor and consistent browning of salmon cubes.
- Consider using avocado oil as an alternative with higher smoke point for crispier results.
- Adjust cayenne pepper quantity based on personal spice tolerance for customized heat level.
- Experiment with different chili sauces like gochujang or sambal oelek for unique flavor variations.
- Pat salmon extremely dry with paper towels multiple times to ensure exterior becomes golden and crisp.
- Allow salmon to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before seasoning to promote even cooking.
- Use cast iron skillet for superior heat distribution and enhanced crispy exterior.
- Monitor cooking time closely to prevent overcooking, which can make salmon tough and dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 372 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 420 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg