These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crunchy on the outside and tender inside, making them a tasty treat! Coated with a zesty sauce, they bring a fun burst of flavor to your plate.
Who doesn’t love a dish that crunches with every bite? I often make these for game night, and everyone fights for the last piece—it’s that irresistible! 😄
Preparing these bites is a breeze! Just mix, coat, and bake. They make a great snack or appetizer, and you won’t have leftovers unless you want them. Trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets work best, but you can also use frozen ones – just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry. If salmon isn’t your favorite, try using cod or tilapia for a lighter option.
Corn Starch: Corn starch gives the salmon a lovely crispy texture. If you’re out, you can substitute it with all-purpose flour or even chickpea flour for a gluten-free option.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, vegetable oil is standard, but you could also use canola oil or peanut oil for a slightly different flavor. Avoid olive oil as it has a low smoke point.
Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is delicious with mayonnaise, but if you want a lighter version, mix Greek yogurt with a bit of mayo. You can adjust the spice in the sauce by adding more or less sriracha, depending on your taste.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Salmon Bites?
Frying the salmon bites to get that perfect crispiness is key! Start by making sure each piece is well-coated in corn starch. This helps absorb moisture and creates that crunchy bite.
- Heat your oil on medium-high. It should be hot enough that the salmon sizzles when it hits the pan.
- Fry the salmon in batches to prevent crowding. This allows each piece to fry evenly and become golden brown.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side. Don’t flip too soon; wait until they’re well-browned before turning.
After frying, let the bites drain on a paper towel to get rid of excess oil. Serve immediately for the best crunch!
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1/2 cup corn starch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil (for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (optional, for additional spice)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 5 minutes making the Bang Bang sauce and another 15 minutes frying the salmon bites until they are nice and crispy. It’s quick and sure to impress!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Stir until everything is well combined, then set it aside. This sauce will add a fantastic flavor to your salmon bites!
2. Prepare the Salmon Bites:
Take a shallow dish and pour in the corn starch. Season it with salt and pepper to your taste. Now, take each piece of salmon and coat it well in the corn starch, making sure it’s covered on all sides. This will help create that crispy texture when frying.
3. Fry the Salmon Bites:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (you can test it by dropping a little corn starch in; it should sizzle), carefully add the coated salmon bites in a single layer. If your skillet isn’t big enough, fry them in batches to avoid crowding them. This helps them cook evenly and stay crispy.
4. Cook Until Golden Brown:
Fry the salmon for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are a beautiful golden brown and crispy. Once done, transfer the salmon bites onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil. You want them to be crispy but not greasy!
5. Combine with Bang Bang Sauce:
Now it’s time to drizzle that delicious Bang Bang sauce over the crispy salmon bites. Toss them gently to coat every piece with that amazing flavor. It smells so good already!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Transfer the salmon bites to a serving bowl. Sprinkle the chopped green onions on top for a fresh crunch, and if you like a little extra heat, add some red chili flakes as well. Serve them right away, and enjoy your flavorful meal with rice or your favorite side dish!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw salmon is to leave it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also submerge it in cold water in a sealed plastic bag for about 30 minutes. Make sure to pat it dry before coating with corn starch to get that crispy texture!
What Can I Substitute for Corn Starch?
If you don’t have corn starch, you can use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free flour blend as a substitute. Just be aware that the texture may be slightly different, and flour may not yield quite as crispy of a coating as corn starch. For a lighter option, you can also use potato starch!
How to Store Leftover Salmon Bites?
Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help regain some of that crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the bites soggy.
Can I Adjust the Spiciness of the Bang Bang Sauce?
Absolutely! You can easily adjust the sriracha to make the sauce milder or spicier based on your preference. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or even omit it entirely. Adding a bit more sweet chili sauce can also help balance the flavors. Enjoy experimenting!
