Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Tasty Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe for Dinner Delight

Have you ever craved a salmon dish that delivers crispy bang bang salmon bites with an unexpected flavor explosion?

Seafood enthusiasts appreciate quick recipes that bring restaurant-quality excitement to home cooking.

Crunchy exterior meets succulent salmon in this mouthwatering creation that promises to impress.

Zesty sauce coats each perfectly golden morsel, creating a delightful contrast of textures and tastes.

Minimal ingredients and simple preparation make this recipe accessible for both novice and experienced home chefs.

Spicy, creamy, and utterly irresistible, these salmon bites will become your new favorite appetizer or main course.

Prepare to wow everyone at your next gathering with this addictive culinary sensation.

Why Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bring the Heat

  • Customize with Ease: Swap hot sauce types or adjust spice levels to match your taste preferences, making this recipe incredibly versatile for different palates.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Marinates in just 15-20 minutes and likely cooks fast, perfect for busy families wanting a delicious, protein-packed meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Restaurant-Quality Indulgence: Transforms ordinary salmon into crispy, flavor-packed bites that rival gourmet appetizers, bringing fancy restaurant tastes right to your dining table without expensive ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Potential: Works brilliantly as a party snack, game day treat, or family dinner option that appeals to both adults and kids who enjoy bold, crunchy seafood.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Salmon: Tender, flaky fish that becomes the star of this crispy appetizer, best when fresh and of high quality.
Marinade Components:
  • Buttermilk, Hot Sauce: Tangy mixture that tenderizes salmon and adds zesty flavor, opt for buttermilk with good acidity and hot sauce with balanced heat.
Coating and Crunch:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs, Flour, Cornstarch: Create a light, crispy exterior that provides textural contrast, panko offers extra crunchiness, choose fine-ground flour for smooth coating.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Essential spices that enhance salmon's natural flavor, use freshly ground black pepper for best taste.
Frying Elements:
  • Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point perfect for achieving golden, crispy exterior, choose oil with clean flavor.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Cooking Method

Step 1: Prepare Salmon Marinade

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce until well combined.

Carefully add salmon pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated.

Let the salmon soak up the flavors for 15 to 20 minutes at room temperature.

Step 2: Create Crunchy Coating

Gather your dry ingredients for the crispy exterior:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Cornmeal
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika

Mix these ingredients thoroughly in a wide, shallow dish to create a flavorful and crunchy coating.

Step 3: Drain and Coat Salmon

Remove salmon from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Gently roll each salmon piece in the prepared dry mixture, pressing lightly to ensure a complete and even coating.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed skillet, filling about 1 inch deep.

Heat the oil to 375°F, using a kitchen thermometer to check the precise temperature.

Step 5: Fry Salmon Bites

Carefully place coated salmon pieces into the hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding.

Fry for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Drain and Rest

Transfer fried salmon bites to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Let them rest for a minute to achieve maximum crispiness.

Step 7: Prepare Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Honey
  • Rice vinegar

Blend until smooth and creamy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Arrange crispy salmon bites on a serving platter.

Drizzle with bang bang sauce or serve sauce on the side for dipping.

Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Frying Tips

  • Marinate salmon for exactly 15-20 minutes to prevent fish from becoming mushy and absorb maximum seasoning.
  • Pat salmon pieces completely dry before breading to ensure a super crispy exterior that stays crunchy.
  • Select firm, bright-colored salmon without dark spots for the best texture and most vibrant taste.
  • Use one hand for wet ingredients and another for dry to keep breading process clean and even.
  • Customize hot sauce amount based on personal heat tolerance without compromising overall recipe balance.

Bang Bang Salmon Bites That Stay Crisp

  • Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container for up to 3 days, keeping them crispy and fresh.
  • Preheat to 350°F, spread bites on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Quickly reheat for 30-45 seconds to prevent losing crispiness, but oven method works best for maintaining texture.
  • Enjoy reheated salmon bites immediately to preserve their original crunch and flavor.

Great Sides for Salmon Bites

  • Complement Spicy Heat with Cool Yogurt Dip: Whip up a creamy tzatziki sauce with Greek yogurt, cucumber, dill, and a hint of garlic to balance the salmon's fiery kick.
  • Pair with Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, spicy flavors and refresh the palate between bites.
  • Match with Crunchy Slaw Side: Create a tangy coleslaw with apple cider vinegar, shredded cabbage, and a touch of honey to provide a cool, crisp contrast to the hot salmon.
  • Enhance with Citrus-Infused Cocktail: Mix a refreshing gin and grapefruit spritzer that will complement the dish's bold flavors and cleanse the palate with bright, acidic notes.

Crispy Salmon Bites in More Ways

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk or almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice for a lactose-free option.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Swap hot sauce with sriracha, gochujang, or mild chili sauce to customize heat intensity according to personal preference.
  • Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of traditional breading to make the recipe celiac-safe.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute salmon with firm tofu or tempeh cubes, maintaining the same marinating and cooking technique for a plant-based version.

FAQs

  • What's the purpose of marinating salmon in buttermilk and hot sauce?

The buttermilk helps tenderize the salmon, making it more juicy and soft, while the hot sauce adds flavor and a slight tangy kick to the fish.

  • Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia that will hold up well during cooking and absorb the marinade similarly.

  • How spicy will these salmon bites be?

The spice level depends on the type and amount of hot sauce you use. For a milder version, use less hot sauce or choose a mild variety like Sriracha. For more heat, opt for a spicier sauce like Tabasco or Frank’s RedHot.

  • Is buttermilk necessary for the recipe?

While buttermilk helps tenderize the fish and adds a slight tanginess, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar if you don’t have buttermilk on hand.

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe


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4.5 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Succulent Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites deliver a spicy-sweet flavor explosion that dances across taste buds. Creamy sriracha mayo and crunchy panko coating create an irresistible appetizer guaranteed to impress guests and satisfy your craving for bold, seafood-inspired delights.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 lb (0.45 kg) salmon, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes

Coating and Breading Ingredients:

  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup (240 ml) all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Oil, for frying

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Whisk buttermilk and hot sauce in a mixing vessel, creating a tangy marinade that will infuse the salmon with vibrant flavor.
  2. Submerge salmon pieces into the spicy liquid, ensuring complete coverage, and allow the protein to absorb the zesty mixture for approximately 15-20 minutes at room temperature.
  3. While salmon marinates, prepare a crisp coating by combining panko breadcrumbs with complementary seasonings that will provide a golden, crunchy exterior.
  4. Remove salmon from marinade, gently patting each piece dry with paper towels to eliminate excess liquid and promote optimal breading adhesion.
  5. Carefully dredge each salmon bite through the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure a thorough and even coating that will crisp beautifully when cooked.
  6. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet, bringing it to the ideal temperature for frying that will create a perfectly golden, crisp exterior without overcooking the delicate fish.
  7. Carefully lower breaded salmon bites into the hot oil, working in batches to maintain proper oil temperature and prevent overcrowding.
  8. Fry each batch until the exterior turns a rich, golden brown and the internal temperature reaches safe cooking levels, typically 3-4 minutes.
  9. Transfer fried salmon bites to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain their crisp texture.
  10. Serve immediately with a complementary dipping sauce, garnishing with fresh herbs for an elevated presentation.

Notes

  • Marinate the salmon in buttermilk and hot sauce to tenderize the fish and add a tangy kick.
  • Pat the salmon pieces dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better breading adhesion.
  • For a lighter version, swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining moisture.
  • Test oil temperature with a small piece of breading to prevent burning and ensure golden, crispy exterior.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks, Dinner
  • Method: Marinating
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 528
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 790 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 21 g
  • Cholesterol: 136 mg
Katherine Pierce

Katherine Pierce

Recipe Curator & Food Educator

Expertise

  • Curating diverse recipe collections
  • Educating on global culinary traditions
  • Developing informative food content

Education

Boston University Metropolitan College
Certificate Program in the Culinary Arts
Focus: French and international cuisine techniques, Hands-on culinary training with industry professionals, Food industry insights and operations


Katherine grew up believing every dish has a story. She studied the art of food at Boston University and explored the history behind it. She loves pulling easy recipes from every corner of the world and putting them at your fingertips.
When Katherine’s not writing or testing new flavors, she’s teaching cooking classes, baking colorful mooncakes, or dreaming up new ways to mix old favorites with new twists.

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