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I remember the first time I tried bang bang sauce at a seafood restaurant - that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy had me completely hooked. When I decided to recreate it at home with salmon, I knew I wanted to capture that same addictive quality. The process is surprisingly simple: cube fresh salmon, give it a light flour coating, then pan-fry until golden and crispy. While the salmon cooks, I whisk together the bang bang sauce using mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey for that perfect flavor balance. The magic happens when you toss the hot, crispy salmon with the creamy sauce - it coats every piece beautifully. Garnished with fresh chives, these bites are restaurant-quality right from your own kitchen.
Why I love this recipe
What I absolutely love about this recipe is how it transforms simple salmon into something extraordinary with minimal effort. The contrast between the crispy exterior and tender, flaky salmon inside is pure perfection. The bang bang sauce is incredibly versatile - it's creamy enough to satisfy, sweet enough to please everyone, and has just the right amount of heat to keep things interesting. I love that I can have this on the table in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and weekend entertaining. The fact that it's naturally gluten-free when made with the right flour substitute means everyone can enjoy it. Plus, the leftovers (if there are any!) are fantastic cold the next day.
What You Need From Your Kitchen
- Fresh Salmon Fillet:Cut into 1-inch cubes, skin removed
- All-Purpose Flour:For coating the salmon cubes
- Large Eggs:Beaten for egg wash coating
- Mayonnaise:Base for the creamy bang bang sauce
- Sweet Chili Sauce:Adds sweetness and mild heat to the sauce
- Sriracha:Provides spicy kick to the bang bang sauce
- Fresh Garlic:Minced for flavor depth in the sauce
Let's Make These Together
- Prepare the salmon cubes
- Start by cutting your fresh salmon fillet into uniform 1-inch cubes, making sure to remove any skin or bones. Season the cubes with salt and pepper, which will help enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.
- Make the bang bang sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and minced garlic until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust the heat level as needed.
- Set up coating station
- Beat the eggs in a shallow dish and place the flour in another shallow dish. This will make it easy to coat each salmon cube efficiently.
- Coat and cook salmon
- Dredge each salmon cube in flour, then dip in the beaten eggs. Heat oil in your skillet and cook the salmon cubes for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Finish and serve
- Remove the crispy salmon from heat and immediately toss with the bang bang sauce while still hot. Garnish with fresh chives and serve immediately for the best texture.
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Switch Things Up
I first discovered this recipe when I was craving something similar to the popular bang bang shrimp but wanted to use salmon instead. After a few attempts at perfecting the sauce ratio, I found that adding just a touch of honey really brings out the sweetness that balances the heat. Now I make these every time we have friends over for dinner. The key is getting that perfect golden crust without overcooking the salmon - it should still be tender and flaky inside. I love how the sauce clings to each piece, creating the perfect flavor in every bite.
Perfect Pairings
These bang bang salmon bites pair wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For vegetables, try serving alongside roasted broccoli, snap peas, or a crisp Asian slaw. A cold glass of Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc complements the spicy-sweet flavors perfectly, while green tea or sparkling water with lime make excellent non-alcoholic options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting into cubes to ensure proper searing.
- → How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a mild to medium heat level. You can adjust the sriracha amount to your preference.
- → Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
- → What's the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes to maintain the crispy texture, or use an air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes.
- → Can I bake these instead of pan-frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, though they won't be quite as crispy as pan-fried.
Conclusion
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect combination of crispy texture and bold flavors. The creamy, spicy sauce pairs beautifully with the tender salmon, making every bite absolutely irresistible. Whether you're serving them as an appetizer or main dish, they're guaranteed to impress. The recipe is simple enough for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining guests.