Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a delicious and easy meal that comes together in 20 minutes flat! The salmon is roasted in the oven to tender and flaky perfection and then topped with a homemade bang bang sauce for a flavorful dish that goes with just about anything!
For more delicious salmon recipes, try my Creamy Salmon Pasta and Salmon New Orleans!
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This is my first recipe of 2024! I've been MIA for almost a month, but I promise it's for good cause (I'll be revealing why soon - IT'S HUGE!). In the meantime, we're making these bang bang salmon bites - they're crispy, saucy, flavorful, tender, easy to make - the list goes on and on! Also, they only take about 20 minutes to make. You can't go wrong!!
Not to be confused with my boom boom shrimp (made with boom boom sauce), bang bang salmon is a riff on bang bang shrimp - the popular Bonefish Grill appetizer that everyones loves (including me).
This is an easy recipe that doesn't require any fancy ingredients or difficult cooking methods. The simple ingredients and quick cooking time make this recipe ideal for busy weeknights. Who doesn't love an easy dinner?
After I make the salmon, I turn these into salmon bowls with some white rice, edamame, and top with extra sauce, green onions, and sesame seeds. *chefs kiss* I love it, the family loves - it's a win win for everyone.
Why You'll LOVE This Recipe
- It comes together in 20 minutes, start to finish!
- Super easy to make and the perfect weeknight meal! Only have 30 minutes to prep dinner? Make this in 20!
- Simple ingredients but super flavorful! No need to run to the market, pantry staples only for this recipe!
Ingredients
(full list of ingredients and quantities can be found in the recipe card)
- Salmon - there are SO many options for salmon. If you can, use the freshest salmon you can find! Steelhead trout works well here too (and it tastes JUST like salmon).
- Seasonings - garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, and garlic salt and pepper. You can also use cajun seasoning for an evem more flavorful salmon!
- Mayo - we're adding this to the salmon so that it protects the seasonings as we cook it in the oven. When you cook food at a high temperature, it can cause the seasonings to burn - and we don't want that! The mayo also gives the salmon a crispier texture while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
- Garlic paste - totally optional but highly recommended. Garlic paste adds a ton of flavor to this dish and it's SO good.
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
- Mayo - I used kewpie mayo which is a Japanese mayo (it's sold in the international section of most grocery stores) that adds a lot of umami flavor to this dish. You can use Duke's or Hellman's but I highly recommend trying Kewpie if you've never had it.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- Sriracha sauce - any hot sauce will do but sriracha is my absolute fave for that balance of sweet heat. It adds a mellow spicy flavor that pairs well with the ingredients of the sauce. You can add more or less depending on the spice level you're going for.
- Rice Vinegar
- Ketchup
- Honey
Pro Tips and Substitutions
- Don't overcook your salmon! If you prefer a rarer salmon, roast in the oven for 7 minutes as opposed to 10.
- Add a cajun flair and use cajun seasoning on your salmon for added flavor!
- Adjust spice level by adding a couple extra tablespoons sriracha or add in some red pepper flakes from some extra heat.
- The best way to check your salmon for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Totally optional but a great way to ensure that the salmon is cooked to your liking.
- If you're looking to keep things light, you can use Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise as a healthier alternative.
- If you don't want to use mayo at all, you can also use any oil with a high smoke point - avocado oil, canola oil, or light refined olive oil. Stay away from vegetable oil and olive oil, the oils will simply burn and alter the taste of your food.
How to make Bang Bang Salmon
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Start by patting the salmon dry and removing the salmon skin. (If using frozen salmon, make sure it has thawed completely before removing the skin) Use a sharp knife to make a cut between the skin and the flesh of the salmon and then hold the skin taut with one hand while gently guiding the knife along the skin with the other. It should lift very easily. If there are any bits of skin left, trim them off with the knife.
- In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, seasonings, and garlic paste. Mix together then season the salmon bites with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Add the mayo mixture on top of the bites ensuring everything is coated. Place the seasoned salmon on a baking sheet in a single layer, about 1-2 inches apart. Pro tip: do not overcrowd your sheet pan. Space the salmon out evenly so that they get nice and crispy!
- Roast for 10 minutes in your preheated oven, then broil for 2-3 minutes, until nice and golden brown. Keep a watchful eye when broiling because it can burn very quickly!
- While the salmon is cooking make the bang bang sauce by whisking together the bang bang sauce ingredients.
- Once the salmon is finished cooking, drizzle the bang bang sauce on top. In no time, you've got a delicious crowd-pleasing dinner that your family will be requested over and over again!
What to Eat with Salmon Bites
This salmon bites recipe goes well with just about everything! I like to make this recipe into a crispy salmon bowl with edamame and basmati rice, however, you can also enjoy with a cucumber salad, grilled veggies, or mashed potatoes.
If you're trying to keep it light and enjoy with cauliflower rice and a side salad. There's SO many delicious ways to enjoy this versatile meal.
Storing
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The bang bang sauce should also be stored separately in its own airtight container in the refrigerator as well. The sauce will last up to a month.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Salmon bites can be made very easily in the air fryer. Cut your salmon into bite sized chunks, season them and coat in the mayo mixture. Place in the air fryer basket (fry in batches if needed) at 400 degrees F for 5 to 7 minutes.
Remove the salmon skin, then cut the salmon fillet into long, thin strips. Starting from one end, make perpendicular cuts to create cubes. The size of the cubes depends on your preference, but a common size is around 1 to 1.5 inches.
Salmon is such a versatile protein. You can keep it simple and season with salt and pepper, or you can get creative and use any of your favorite flavors. Some ideas are garlic and herb seasoning, cajun seasoning, Mrs.Dash - or add a delicious glaze like honey mustard or soy ginger. Get creative and have fun!
You can also freeze the salmon in a freezer safe container for up to three months, however, I do not recommend freezing the sauce. When you thaw it, the texture will be weird as the water and fat separate when frozen.
More Delicious Seafood Recipes
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Let's stay connected on social media and continue to cook together! Also, if you decide to make this recipe, please leave a star rating on the recipe card and leave a comment below! Tag @BritneyBreaksBread on Instagram and hashtag #britneybreaksbread so I can see your creations! I hope that you love this recipe as much as we do!
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowls
- Sharp Knife
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Salmon Filet
- 2 tbsp Mayo
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Paste
- Garlic Salt and Pepper (as desired)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ¾ cup Mayo
- ⅓ cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- 2 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Ketchup
- 1 tsp Honey
- Pinch Kosher Salt
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 450 degrees F.
- Start by patting the salmon dry and removing the salmon skin. (If using frozen salmon, make sure it has thawed completely before removing the skin) Use a sharp knife to make a cut between the skin and the flesh of the salmon and then hold the skin taut with one hand while gently guiding the knife along the skin with the other. It should lift very easily. If there are any bits of skin left, trim them off with the knife.
- Cut salmon into 1-1.5 inch chunks and place into a large mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, seasonings, and garlic paste. Mix together then season the salmon bites with garlic salt and black pepper.
- Add the mayo mixture on top of the bites ensuring everything is coated. Place the seasoned salmon on a baking sheet in a single layer, about 1-2 inches apart. (Do not overcrowd your sheet pan. Space the salmon out evenly so that they get nice and crispy)
- Roast for 10 minutes in your preheated oven, then broil for 2-3 minutes, until nice and golden brown. Keep a watchful eye when broiling because it can burn very quickly!
- While the salmon is cooking make the bang bang sauce by whisking together the bang bang sauce ingredients. Once the salmon is finished cooking, drizzle the bang bang sauce on top.
Notes
- Don't overcook your salmon! If you prefer a rarer salmon, roast in the oven for 7 minutes as opposed to 10.
- Add a cajun flair and use cajun seasoning on your salmon for added flavor!
- Adjust spice level by adding a couple extra tablespoons sriracha or add in some red pepper flakes from some extra heat.
- The best way to check your salmon for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Totally optional but a great way to ensure that the salmon is cooked to your liking.
- If you're looking to keep things light, you can use Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise as a healthier alternative.
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