Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls offer a delightful and easy-to-make meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Tender salmon pieces are coated in a creamy, spicy sauce and paired with a bed of rice and crunchy vegetables. It’s simple to prepare, yet indulgent enough to be a favorite at the dinner table. Whether you’re a salmon lover or just looking for a quick dinner option, this dish will hit the spot every time!
The salmon bites are glazed with a rich, creamy sauce, garnished with sesame seeds and fresh green onions, and served alongside dipping sauces for that extra punch. This is the kind of meal that’ll become a new go-to favorite in your kitchen!
Recipe Guide
This recipe ticks all the right boxes for a perfect meal. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Easy: You can get this meal on the table in under 30 minutes with minimal effort.
- Family-Friendly: Even kids love it! The bite-sized chunks of salmon are perfect for little hands and picky eaters.
- Ideal for Leftovers: This dish holds up beautifully in the fridge, making it a perfect meal prep option.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: The leftovers are just as good, making it a great choice for easy lunches later in the week.
I make this dish regularly because it’s simple, tasty, and gets gobbled up every time. If you love salmon, this one’s definitely going to be a favorite.
Ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce
To get that signature creamy and spicy kick that makes this dish unforgettable, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients for the sauce:
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise – This is the creamy foundation that balances the heat.
- 2-3 tablespoons of Sriracha – Adjust the amount to your spice preference. It provides the heat that makes the sauce shine.
- 2 tablespoons of honey – A bit of sweetness to tone down the spiciness and create that perfect harmony.
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar – Adds just the right amount of tanginess to elevate the flavor profile
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder – A gentle hint of garlic to round out the sauce’s flavor.
Instructions
Making this dish is easy, and it all starts with the sauce. Here’s how to put everything together:
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well-blended. The consistency should be creamy and a bit glossy.
- Adjust the Taste: Taste the sauce and feel free to adjust it according to your preferences. If you like it spicier, add more Sriracha. If you prefer it sweeter, add an extra spoonful of honey. It’s all about balancing that perfect creamy, spicy, sweet flavor.
- Chill the Sauce: Let the sauce chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes before using. This will allow all the ingredients to meld together, resulting in a richer, more cohesive flavor.
The Sauce!
Creating the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
The sauce is the heart of this dish—it’s creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet, bringing everything together beautifully. Here’s how to master the sauce:
- Mayonnaise: It’s the creamy base that helps to smooth out the heat from the Sriracha, giving the sauce a velvety texture.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: While not mentioned earlier, adding a touch of sweet chili sauce can enhance the sauce’s sweetness and provide a beautiful glossy finish
- Sriracha: This is where the heat comes from. Adjust the level of spice based on your preference—more Sriracha for extra kick, or less for a milder flavor. It adds a rich depth that pairs perfectly with the sweetness from the honey.
This sauce is incredibly simple to whip up, but it’s the key to turning your salmon bites into a flavorful masterpiece
Is It Possible to Prepare Bang Bang Salmon Bites in Advance?
Absolutely! One of the best things about Bang Bang Salmon Bites is that they can be prepped ahead of time. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or hosting a dinner party, these tips will help make your cooking process even smoother:
- Pre-Cut Your Salmon: Cut your salmon into bite-sized chunks a day ahead of time. This makes the cooking process quicker and easier when you’re ready to cook.
- Prepare the Sauce: You can make the Bang Bang Sauce up to three days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It not only saves you time but also allows the flavors to meld together for an even better taste
- Bread the Salmon in Advance: Mix the dry ingredients for the coating ahead of time and store them in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, coat your salmon bites just before frying to maintain their crispiness.
These little prep steps will make the cooking process much faster when you’re ready to serve.
Storing Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Bites Properly
To ensure your Bang Bang Salmon Bites stay crispy and delicious for future meals, follow these storage tips:
- Cool Completely: Before storing leftovers, make sure the salmon bites have cooled completely. This prevents moisture from building up and making the bites soggy.
- Store in an Airtight Container: Place your cooled salmon bites in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 3 days. You can also layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freezing for Long-Term Storage: If you need to store them for a longer period, freeze the salmon bites. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen salmon bites can last for up to two months.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon bites in your air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 3-5 minutes or until they’re crispy and heated through.
These tips will keep your salmon bites tasting fresh, crispy, and flavorful every time.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Once you’ve perfected the crispy, glazed Bang Bang Salmon Bites, it’s time to serve them in a way that’s both delicious and visually appealing. Here are some ideas:
- Choose Your Base: Start with a filling base to complement the rich flavors of the salmon. You can go for jasmine rice, quinoa, or a bed of mixed greens if you want a lighter option.
- Add Fresh Vegetables: For extra crunch and nutrition, include fresh vegetables like shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or edamame. These will add vibrant colors and textures to the dish.
- Drizzle with Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is key to the dish’s signature flavor. You can either drizzle it over the salmon bites or serve it on the side for dipping—this lets everyone adjust the level of spice to their liking.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Garnish with fresh scallions, cilantro, sesame seeds, or even crushed peanuts for a delightful crunch and an extra pop of flavor.
These garnishes and toppings will not only enhance the look of the dish but also add a delicious contrast to the creamy, spicy salmon bites.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Learn how to make crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls with this easy recipe.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keyword: Bang Bang Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe, Salmon Appetizer, Salmon Bites, Spicy Salmon
Servings: 4
Calories: 350 kcal
Author: Fast Zesty Recipes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2-3 tablespoons of Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine the Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
- Adjust the Taste: Taste and adjust the sauce as needed. Add more Sriracha for heat or more honey for sweetness.
- Chill the Sauce: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 8g
- Sodium: 400mg (Estimate – Varies with Soy Sauce)