Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Printable)

Crispy salmon cubes with creamy sweet-spicy sauce ready in 20 minutes

# What You'll Need:

→ For the Salmon

01 - 1 pound salmon fillets, skin removed
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - ½ teaspoon garlic powder
04 - ½ teaspoon onion powder
05 - ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
07 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ For the Bang Bang Sauce

08 - ¼ cup mayonnaise
09 - 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
10 - 1 teaspoon sriracha
11 - 1 teaspoon honey
12 - ½ teaspoon lime juice

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cut the salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
02 - In a bowl, toss the salmon with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
03 - Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon cubes for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and just cooked through.
04 - For extra crispiness, transfer the cooked salmon to a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10–12 minutes. Alternatively, air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
05 - In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth to make the bang bang sauce.
06 - Toss the warm salmon bites with the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The contrast between crispy exterior and tender salmon inside is absolutely addictive
  • That sweet and spicy sauce clings to every bite, so you get flavor in every mouthful
  • Ready in 20 minutes but tastes like something you would order at a nice restaurant
02 -
  • Room temperature salmon sears more evenly than cold from the fridge, so let it sit out for 15 minutes before cooking
  • The pan must be properly hot before adding the salmon or you will not get that beautiful golden crust
  • Toss the salmon with sauce right before serving. If it sits too long, the crispy exterior will soften
03 -
  • Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels before seasoning for better browning
  • Do not overcrowd the pan or the salmon will steam instead of sear. Work in batches if needed
  • Let the cooked salmon rest on a wire rack for 2 minutes before tossing with sauce to maintain crunch
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