These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a family favorite with bold, crave-worthy flavor in every bite. Juicy, seasoned salmon pieces are baked until tender and tossed in the most irresistible sweet and spicy sauce. These tasty little bites are quick, flavorful and family approved. This easy salmon recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a fun appetizer!
Looking for more quick and easy salmon recipes? Make sure to try my Baked Salmon with Honey Dijon Glaze, Baked Salmon In Foil and this Baked Salmon with Parmesan Herb Crust.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that will have the whole family asking for seconds, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites are it! We love salmon (even our beagle is a salmon lover!) and I’m always trying out new ways to enjoy this flavorful fish. These salmon bites are so delicious and so easy to make, they’ve quickly become a family favorite.
So simple to make, almost no prep time really, and the results are truly phenomenal. Cut the salmon into cubes, season and bake until crisp. Then simply toss with a four-ingredient sauce that’s guaranteed to make your mouth water. Sweet, spicy, creamy – it hits all the right notes!
The best part of this recipe? So versatile! Serve over fluffy rice with your favorite garnishes for a simple yet impressive meal. Or, meal prep for rice bowls, add them to salads, turn them into tacos or wraps – the options are endless! They also make an amazing appetizer for parties!
With deliciously bold flavor and a short ingredient list, you’ll find yourself making this one again and again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These amazing Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, tender and coated in the most irresistible sweet and spicy sauce! This easy dinner comes together in no time and is perfect served over rice or as a fun appetizer. Lots to love about this recipe:
- Fast & Flavorful: Ready in under 30 minutes, these salmon bites pack in bold flavor with minimal prep and ingredients. It’s a quick and easy meal that is perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile: These salmon bites can be enjoyed as a main dish over rice, as an appetizer or tucked into tacos and wraps – super versatile and delicious no matter how you serve them!
- Family-friendly: The sauce is creamy, sweet and spicy – perfectly balanced enough to please both kids and adults.
What You’ll Need
Coated in Cajun seasoning and drizzled with a tangy, spicy-sweet sauce, this easy salmon recipe is sure to be on repeat in your kitchen. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need for this recipe and, as always, you can find the full, printable recipe in the recipe card at the end of this post.
How To Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites
These crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are quick and easy to make. If you are a salmon lover (my whole family is!) then these bites are going to absolutely be a new favorite.
Let’s take a quick look at how to make this recipe and as always, you can find the full printable recipe card at the end of this post.
- Pat salmon dry with paper towels and cut into 1-inch cubes. Toss gently with olive oil.
- Sprinkle with cornstarch and Cajun seasoning.
- Gently toss salmon until evenly coated.
- Arrange in a single layer on parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes. Switch to broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha and lime juice in small bowl.
- Whisk together until smooth.
- Pour half of the sauce over the top of the salmon bites.
- Toss sauce gently with the salmon bites to coat.
To Serve
Scoop cooked rice into bowls.Top with the salmon bites. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh red chili slices, sesame seeds and drizzles of more bang bang sauce.
Storage Information
This recipe is best served fresh but here is the information you will need to store and reheat leftovers.
- Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salmon will lose its crispiness but will still be delicious.
- Freezer: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 1 month, though the coating will soften once thawed. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight freezer safe ziploc bag or container.
- Make Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Stir before using.
- Reheating: This dish is best served fresh. To reheat, place the salmon bites in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes to restore some crispness. Alternatively, reheat the salmon in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the coating soft.
Variations To Try
- The salmon bites can be cooked in the air fryer if you prefer. Cook at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes.
- Worried the bang bang sauce is too spicy? Simply reduce or omit the sriracha for less heat.
- Serve with cauliflower rice or over a salad for a lower-carb option.
- Not a salmon lover? Consider trying this recipe with chicken, tofu, or shrimp!
- Swap out half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
- If you don’t have Cajun seasoning, you can use blackening seasoning, Old Bay, or a mix of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder and cayenne pepper.
How do I know when the salmon is ready?
The salmon is ready when the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw completely (overnight in the refrigerator is best), pat dry with paper towels, and proceed with the recipe.
Is this Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe spicy?
It has a gentle heat, but you can adjust by adding more or less sriracha to the sauce.
Trish’s Tips
- Dry the salmon well. Patting the salmon completely dry with paper towels before seasoning is the most important step for achieving a crispy exterior.
- Uniform pieces. Cut the salmon into uniformly sized pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give the salmon bites space on the baking sheet (or in the air fryer if air frying). If they are too close together, the salmon will steam instead of baking to a crisp. Use two pans if necessary.
- Check your seasoning. I used my homemade Cajun seasoning but store bought seasonings vary widely in salt content. Taste yours first, and start with a smaller amount if you are unsure. You will likely not need to add any extra salt.
- Garnish generously. Have fun with the toppings! They add freshness, crunch and color!
More Quick and Easy Dinner Favorites
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1½ pounds salmon fillet skinless salmon fillet
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning or Creole seasoning
Bang Bang Sauce
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- ⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon lime juice fresh is best
Serving & Garnish
- cooked rice Jasmine or Basmati
- sliced green onions
- red chili pepper like a Fresno chili, thinly sliced
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Salmon Bites
- Pat the salmon fillet completely dry with paper towels. Cut it into uniform 1-inch cubes and place them in a large bowl.1½ pounds salmon fillet
- Drizzle the olive oil over the salmon cubes and toss gently until each piece is lightly coated.1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Sprinkle the cornstarch and Cajun seasoning directly over the oiled salmon. Toss again until the salmon is evenly and thoroughly coated.2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Arrange the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer on the baking sheet. Make sure there is space between each piece to allow them to crisp up.
- Bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes. Switch the oven to a high broil and cook for an additional 5 minutes. The salmon is ready when the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha and lime juice until smooth.¾ cup mayonnaise, ⅓ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Once the salmon is cooked, transfer the hot bites to a clean bowl. Pour ½ of the Bang Bang sauce over the top and toss gently to coat.
- To serve, scoop the cooked rice into bowls. Top with salmon bites. Garnish with sliced green onions, fresh red chili slices, sesame seeds and drizzles of more bang bang sauce.cooked rice, sliced green onions, red chili pepper, sesame seeds
Notes
- Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon and sauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salmon will lose its crispiness but will still be delicious.
- Freezer: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 1 month, though the coating will soften once thawed. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight freezer safe ziploc bag or container.
- Make Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Stir before using.
- Reheating: This dish is best served fresh. To reheat, place the salmon bites in an air fryer at 350°F for 2-4 minutes to restore some crispness. Alternatively, reheat the salmon in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the coating soft.
The salmon bites can be cooked in the air fryer if you prefer. Cook at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes.
How do I know when the salmon is ready? The salmon is ready when the coating is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Please see post above for more information, step-by-step process photos, recipe tips and frequently asked questions.
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