Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

I want to share a recipe that quickly became one of my favorites: Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls. It’s got that punchy, creamy spicy sauce paired with crispy salmon bites, all nestled over a bed of fresh veggies and flavorful rice.

Whether you’re short on time or just craving something satisfying and vibrant, this recipe hits the spot. I’ve tweaked it to keep the salmon crispy and the sauce perfectly balanced every time. You’ll find it’s easy to make right at home, packed with protein and flavor, making your weeknight dinners feel special with minimal fuss.

Ingredients List for Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

When I gather ingredients for this dish, I like to be specific with everything so there’s no guesswork while cooking. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (for a touch of moisture in the coating)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• For the bang bang sauce:
  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to your spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
• For the bowls:
  • 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice, warm
  • 1 cucumber, sliced thin
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
  • Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Having the salmon cut uniformly helps it cook evenly. The panko gives the bites a great crunch, and the spices in the coating add subtle depth. Don’t skip the lime juice in the sauce—that acidity makes a difference, brightening up the creamy texture.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

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Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls bring bold mouthwatering flavors that satisfy your hunger and excite your taste buds instantly

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: Asian-inspired

Ingredients

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• 1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 1-inch bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise (for a touch of moisture in the coating)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)
• 1/3 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 to 1 1/2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to your spice level)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice, warm
• 1 cucumber, sliced thin
• 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)
• Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

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Instructions

• Season your salmon pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and mayonnaise until smooth.
• Pour the panko breadcrumbs onto a plate. Dip each salmon piece first in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then roll it in the panko to coat completely. Set aside on a plate.
• In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use. Taste and adjust sriracha for your preferred spice level.
• Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the salmon pieces in a single layer—don’t crowd them. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning gently, until golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
• Divide the warm rice among serving bowls. Arrange cucumber slices, avocado, shredded carrots, and green onions on top. Add the hot salmon bites.
• Drizzle a generous amount of bang bang sauce on the salmon and veggies. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves.

Notes

A flavorful and easy recipe featuring crispy salmon bites with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, served over fresh veggies and jasmine or basmati rice. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners packed with protein and vibrant flavors.

How to Prepare Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

I want to walk you through this in clear, manageable steps so you get flawless results without any head-scratching moments.

1. Prepare the salmon bites: Season your salmon pieces with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and mayonnaise until smooth.
2. Coat the salmon: Pour the panko breadcrumbs onto a plate. Dip each salmon piece first in the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off, then roll it in the panko to coat completely. Set aside on a plate.
3. Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use. Taste it and adjust sriracha for your preferred spice level.
4. Cook the salmon bites: Heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the salmon pieces in a single layer—don’t crowd them or they won’t get crispy. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side, turning gently with a spatula, until golden and cooked through. Remove and drain on paper towels.
5. Assemble the bowls: Divide the warm rice among serving bowls. Arrange cucumber slices, avocado, shredded carrots, and green onions on top. Add the hot salmon bites.
6. Finish and garnish: Drizzle a generous amount of bang bang sauce on the salmon and veggies. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves.

Pro tip: Let the oil get hot before frying the salmon bites. A hot pan locks in moisture and keeps that crispy coating intact. And don’t forget to taste the sauce before drizzling—it’s your chance to tweak the heat or sweetness!

FAQ About Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

You can, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it very dry. Excess moisture will make the coating soggy and harder to crisp up. Frozen salmon sometimes has more water content, so drying well is key for those crispy bites.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, you can use crushed cornflakes or plain breadcrumbs. Just keep in mind panko’s lighter texture creates the best crunch here. If opting for cornflakes, crush them lightly so they’re not too coarse.

How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce packs a mild to medium heat thanks to sriracha and sweet chili sauce. You control the spice level by adjusting the sriracha amount. Start light if you’re sensitive to heat, and add more if you want a kick.

Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the bang bang sauce a day ahead and keep it refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors meld. You can also prep all the veggies and cooked rice in advance. Just fry the salmon bites right before serving to keep them crispy.

Is there a vegetarian alternative?

Absolutely. Swap the salmon bites with crispy tofu pieces coated and fried the same way. The bang bang sauce works great with tofu too, giving you that creamy, spicy flavor.

Tips for Success with Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

• Pat the salmon completely dry before seasoning and coating to avoid soggy crusts.
• Use a nonstick pan for frying to prevent sticking and to easily turn the salmon bites.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook the salmon in batches if needed for an even crisp.
• Make the bang bang sauce ahead so it chills and the flavors deepen.
• Feel free to swap out vegetables in the bowls based on your preference or what’s fresh.
• If you want extra flavor, toss the cooked salmon bites with a bit of the sauce before adding them to the bowls.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Nutrition varies based on the brands you choose and exact measurements, so I’m not providing precise values here. This recipe features protein from salmon, healthy fats from avocado, and fiber from fresh veggies. For specific dietary needs or calorie tracking, please calculate using your preferred nutrition tool.

Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

I love serving these bowls with a crisp side salad or some steamed edamame for extra green goodness. A wedge of lime on the side is great if you want a fresh citrus squeeze. You can also add pickled ginger or a small drizzle of soy sauce for an Asian-inspired twist. For drinks, something light and refreshing like iced green tea or sparkling water pairs nicely.