Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are a delicious and flavorful dish that features crispy, bite-sized pieces of salmon tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. The salmon is cooked until golden and crispy, then drizzled with the tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, and a touch of honey. These crispy salmon bites are served over a bed of rice or greens, with additional toppings like avocado, cucumber, and sesame seeds for added texture and freshness.
I first made Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls when I was craving something crispy, spicy, and indulgent, and it quickly became a favorite! The contrast between the crispy salmon and creamy, spicy sauce is absolutely irresistible. What I love most about this recipe is how customizable it is—you can add extra veggies like edamame or carrots, or even switch up the sauce by adding a bit of lime juice for an extra kick. Whether served for a quick weeknight dinner or as a fun and satisfying lunch, these bowls are always a hit!
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Quick and easy weeknight meals
- Seafood lovers
- Meal prepping
- Healthy and delicious bowls
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls will quickly become your go-to meal:
- Crispy and Tender: The salmon bites are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
- Bold and Flavorful Sauce: The bang bang sauce combines spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors that complement the salmon perfectly.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and quick steps make this recipe perfect for busy weeknights.
- Packed with Protein: Salmon is a great source of lean protein, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.
- Customizable Bowls: You can easily add your favorite toppings like avocado, cucumber, or pickled vegetables to make this dish your own.
- Healthy and Fresh: Served on a bed of rice with fresh vegetables, this bowl is a balanced and wholesome meal.
- Great for Meal Prep: These bowls are easy to store and reheat, making them perfect for meal prepping.
- Kid-Friendly: The crispy salmon bites are sure to be a hit with kids, especially when paired with their favorite veggies.
- Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s a casual dinner with friends or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress.
- Flavors That Pop: The combination of crispy salmon, creamy sauce, and fresh veggies creates an unforgettable flavor experience.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 15g
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for frying
The Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For the Bowls:
- 2 cups cooked rice (white, brown, or cauliflower rice)
- 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- ½ cup shredded cabbage
- ¼ cup chopped green onions
Optional Garnish:
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Ingredient Highlights
- Salmon: A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Provide the perfect crispy texture for the salmon.
- Bang Bang Sauce: A creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce that elevates the entire dish.
- Fresh Vegetables: Offer a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the warm salmon bites.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Salmon Bites:
- Prep the Salmon: Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Coat the Salmon: In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs. Dip each salmon piece into the flour mixture, then the egg, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon bites and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic until smooth and well combined.
Assemble the Bowls:
- Prepare the Rice: Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
- Add the Toppings: Top each bowl with cucumber, carrot, shredded cabbage, and green onions.
- Coat the Salmon: Drizzle the cooked salmon bites with the bang bang sauce and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Place the crispy salmon bites on top of the rice and vegetables. Garnish with sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges.
Serve:
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls!
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls:
- As a Healthy Lunch: Enjoy a nutritious and satisfying lunch with this delicious salmon bowl.
- With a Side of Edamame: Serve alongside edamame for a complete and protein-packed meal.
- For Meal Prep: Make a batch and store in individual containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- With a Side Salad: Pair with a simple green salad for added freshness.
- For Dinner Parties: Serve as an elegant and flavorful dish for your guests to enjoy.
- With Avocado: Add slices of avocado for extra creaminess and richness.
- As a Bowl for Entertaining: Create a build-your-own bowl station for guests to assemble their own salmon bowls.
- With Pickled Vegetables: Add pickled radishes or pickled onions for a tangy kick.
- For a Low-Carb Version: Serve the salmon and sauce over a bed of cauliflower rice for a low-carb alternative.
- With Spicy Pickles: Add spicy pickles for an extra layer of heat and crunch.
Additional Tips
- Make it Extra Crispy: For an even crispier salmon, double coat the pieces with flour and panko before frying.
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce in the bang bang sauce to make it milder or spicier.
- Use Air Fryer: You can air fry the salmon bites at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a healthier version with less oil.
- Serve Immediately: For the crispiest salmon, serve the bowls right after assembling them.
- Add More Veggies: Feel free to load up on extra veggies like bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas for added color and nutrients.
Recipe Variations
- Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp: Substitute salmon for shrimp for a delicious seafood variation.
- Spicy Bang Bang Sauce: Add extra sriracha or chili flakes to the sauce for more heat.
- Grilled Salmon: Grill the salmon instead of frying it for a lighter, smoky flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of this dish.
- Veggie Bowls: Skip the salmon and top the bowls with crispy tofu or roasted vegetables for a plant-based option.
- Sweet Potato Rice Bowls: Swap out the regular rice for roasted sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter flavor.
- Baked Salmon Bites: Bake the salmon at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying for a healthier version.
Special Equipment
- Skillet or Pan: For frying the salmon bites to crispy perfection.
- Small Bowl: For preparing the bang bang sauce.
- Shallow Bowls: For dipping the salmon in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs.
- Rice Cooker: For cooking the rice quickly and evenly.
- Tongs: For flipping the salmon bites during frying.
FAQ Section
- Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, frozen salmon works fine. Just thaw it completely before using. - How long can I store these bowls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. - Can I make this recipe without the bang bang sauce?
Yes, you can serve the salmon bites with a different sauce or dip if preferred. - Can I use a different fish?
Yes, cod or tilapia would also work well in place of salmon. - Is this recipe spicy?
The bang bang sauce is mildly spicy, but you can adjust the heat level to your liking by adding more or less sriracha. - Can I use a different type of rice?
Yes, you can use brown rice, jasmine rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. - Can I skip frying the salmon?
Yes, you can bake or grill the salmon instead for a healthier option. - What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as a substitute. - How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs and use a gluten-free flour for the coating. - Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, substitute the salmon with crispy tofu and make the sauce with plant-based mayo for a vegan version.
Conclusion
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are a delightful fusion of crispy salmon, bold flavors, and fresh ingredients that come together for an irresistible meal. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this dish is a tasty and satisfying way to enjoy seafood. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving something delicious, these bowls will be a hit at any table. Treat yourself to these crispy, creamy, and spicy bites, and experience a meal that’s both healthy and indulgent.