Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Sweet & Spicy) Recipe

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These crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a mouthwatering combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. The salmon bites are perfectly seasoned and coated with a light, crunchy batter, then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that will keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or main dish, they are sure to impress.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Ingredients:

For the Salmon Bites:

  • 1 lb fresh wild-caught salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup cold water (more if needed)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to desired spice level)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)

For Garnish:

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Fresh cilantro (optional)
  • Lime wedges

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Salmon

  1. Cut the Salmon: Begin by cutting the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces. Aim for uniform pieces, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size, so they cook evenly.
  2. Season the Salmon: Sprinkle a pinch of salt and pepper over the salmon pieces and gently toss to coat. Set the salmon aside while you prepare the batter and sauce.

Step 2: Making the Batter

  1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add Cold Water: Gradually add cold water to the dry ingredients, stirring until the batter reaches a thick yet pourable consistency. You may need to adjust the amount of water slightly, depending on the humidity and the type of flour you’re using. The batter should coat the back of a spoon but not be too runny.
  3. Prepare the Frying Station: Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add enough vegetable oil to submerge the salmon bites (about 2-3 inches of oil). To test the oil temperature, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.

Step 3: Frying the Salmon Bites

  1. Coat the Salmon: Working in batches, dip each piece of seasoned salmon into the batter, ensuring that each piece is completely coated.
  2. Fry the Bites: Carefully drop the battered salmon pieces into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the salmon bites from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  3. Repeat: Continue frying the remaining salmon pieces in batches, ensuring the oil returns to the correct temperature between batches.

Step 4: Making the Bang Bang Sauce

  1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, lime juice, and sesame oil. Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or spice level to your preference by adding more honey or sriracha.
  2. Whisk Until Smooth: The sauce should be creamy and smooth, with a balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Step 5: Tossing the Salmon in the Sauce

  1. Toss the Fried Salmon: Once all the salmon bites are fried, place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the crispy salmon and toss gently until each piece is coated with the sauce.

Step 6: Garnishing and Serving

  1. Garnish: Transfer the sauced-up salmon bites to a serving platter. Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro (if using). Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus.
  2. Enjoy: Serve your crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites immediately while they are still warm and crispy.

Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

  • Salmon Selection: For the best results, choose wild-caught salmon fillets, which tend to have a better flavor and texture than farmed salmon. You can also use skin-on salmon, but be sure to remove the skin before cutting it into pieces.
  • Batter Texture: The batter should be thick enough to coat the salmon but not so thick that it becomes clumpy. Adjust the water gradually to get the perfect consistency.
  • Frying Tips: Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent while frying. If the oil is too hot, the batter will burn before the salmon is cooked through. If it’s too cold, the batter may become greasy instead of crispy. Aim for an oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C).
  • Sauce Adjustments: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha. For more heat, increase the sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. The honey helps balance the heat, so adjust it as needed for your desired level of sweetness.
  • Serving Suggestions: These crispy salmon bites can be served as an appetizer with dipping sauces or as a main course with a side of steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving):

  • Calories: ~300
  • Protein: 20g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 7g

Variations:

  1. Bang Bang Shrimp: If you prefer shrimp over salmon, you can use the same batter and sauce for crispy Bang Bang Shrimp. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as shrimp cooks much faster than salmon.
  2. Baked Version: If you want to skip the frying step, you can bake the salmon bites for a healthier alternative. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the battered salmon bites on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy. Brush with the Bang Bang sauce once they are out of the oven.
  3. Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, use firm tofu instead of salmon. Press the tofu to remove excess moisture, cut it into cubes, and coat it in the batter before frying. The Bang Bang sauce pairs wonderfully with tofu as well.

Why You’ll Love These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites:

  • Flavor Explosion: The combination of crispy salmon and creamy, spicy sauce delivers a flavor explosion in every bite. The balance of sweet and spicy creates the perfect savory snack or meal.
  • Crispy Texture: The batter on the salmon bites crisps up beautifully, creating a satisfying crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the tender, flaky salmon inside.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the sauce’s spice level or make substitutions to suit your dietary preferences, whether you’re using shrimp, tofu, or even chicken.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick dinner, or just craving a delicious snack, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

These crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and spicy flavors, making them an irresistible treat. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer to serve at your next gathering or a new weeknight dinner option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. With a simple yet delicious batter and an easy-to-make sauce, you’ll be enjoying these flavorful bites in no time. Don’t forget to garnish with a sprinkle of green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro for the finishing touch!