Quick Crunchy Bang Bang Salmon Popcorn Bites Recipe for Fun Meals

Crispy salmon transforms into irresistible bang bang salmon popcorn bites that dance with flavor and texture.

Unexpected combinations spark culinary magic in this playful appetizer.

Every golden morsel brings a delightful crunch that makes you lean in for another bite.

Spicy mayo drizzles create a tangy coating that perfectly complements the delicate fish.

Small gatherings or game nights suddenly feel more exciting with these crowd-pleasing morsels.

Light, zesty, and utterly addictive, these bites promise a memorable snacking experience.

You won’t be able to stop at just one handful of these delectable treats.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Popcorn Bites Tips

• Whisk Bang Bang sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-blended flavor that coats every salmon bite evenly.
• Pat salmon cubes dry before dipping to help the batter and flour mixture adhere better, creating a crunchier exterior.
• Maintain oil at medium-high heat around 350-375°F for optimal golden-brown crispiness without burning the salmon.
• Don't overcrowd the pan when frying to keep salmon bites crisp and prevent soggy texture from excess moisture.
• Swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Salmon Bites That Stay Crispy for Round Two

• Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator.
• Preheat oven to 350°F, spread bites on a baking sheet, and warm for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat salmon bites in short 15-20 second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking and preserve their crunchy texture.
• Best consumed immediately after cooking, as reheated bites might lose some of their original crispy exterior and optimal flavor.

Light Matches for Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Spice Up Your Sips: Perfect Drink Pairings for Crunchy Bang Bang Salmon Popcorn Bites

• Crush with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to balance the spicy, creamy sauce with its bright, zesty notes that cut through the richness of the fried salmon.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Grab a light, hoppy IPA or wheat beer that complements the spicy Bang Bang sauce and provides a refreshing contrast to the crunchy texture of the salmon bites.
• Shake Up a Zesty Cocktail: Mix a ginger-infused Moscow Mule or a spicy margarita to echo the heat and complexity of the Bang Bang sauce, creating a vibrant flavor experience.
• Refresh with Sparkling Mocktail: Blend cucumber, lime, and mint with sparkling water for a non-alcoholic option that cleanses the palate and matches the bright, tangy profile of the dish.

Crispy Salmon Bites With Extra Ideas

• Gluten-Free Salmon Bites: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal for a celiac-friendly version. Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce in the Bang Bang mixture.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Substitute flour with crushed pork rinds or almond flour. Replace honey with sugar-free sweetener to maintain keto compatibility.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Skip deep-frying and cook salmon bites in an air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway. Spray with olive oil for extra crispiness.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use vegan mayonnaise or Greek yogurt alternative in the Bang Bang sauce. Ensure all ingredients are dairy-free for those with milk allergies.

FAQs

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Use fresh, boneless salmon fillets with no skin. Salmon with a firm texture like sockeye or king salmon holds up better during frying and creates crispy, consistent bites.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or rice flour. Make sure to check that all other ingredients like sweet chili sauce are also gluten-free.

• How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce has a mild to medium heat level. If you prefer less spice, reduce the Sriracha amount. For more heat, add extra Sriracha or include a dash of cayenne pepper.

• Is deep-frying the only cooking method for these salmon bites?

While deep-frying gives the best crunch, you can also air fry or bake the salmon bites at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to ensure even cooking.

What Makes Salmon Popcorn Bites So Crunchy and Fun

• Quick Weeknight Hero: Whip up these salmon bites in under 30 minutes, transforming a simple protein into a restaurant-worthy appetizer that saves precious evening cooking time.
• Crispy Texture Triumph: Achieve perfectly golden, crunchy exterior with the genius flour-cornstarch coating that guarantees irresistible bite-sized morsels every single time.
• Flavor Explosion Delight: The Bang Bang sauce delivers a tantalizing mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes that elevates basic salmon into a crowd-pleasing sensation kids and adults will devour.
• Versatile Party Superstar: Perfect for game nights, potlucks, or casual gatherings, these salmon popcorn bites work as an impressive appetizer that's both elegant and fun to eat.

Bang Bang Salmon Popcorn Bites Mix

• Salmon: Fresh fish with tender texture, skin removed for best results.
• Egg: Helps create a light, crispy coating for the salmon.

• Flour, Cornstarch: Creates a crunchy exterior with golden-brown color, mix for extra crispiness.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Adds depth of flavor and enhances seasoning.

• Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce: Creamy base with sweet and tangy profile.
• Sriracha: Provides a spicy kick to the sauce.
• Honey: Balances heat and adds subtle sweetness.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds brightness and helps blend sauce ingredients.

• Vegetable Oil: Perfect for high-heat frying, provides crisp texture.
• Green Onions, Sesame Seeds: Fresh garnish with color and nutty accent, adds visual appeal and light crunch.

Bang Bang Salmon Popcorn Bites Crispy Prep

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Bang Bang Sauce

Grab a small bowl and combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.

Whisk everything until the mixture becomes silky smooth and vibrant.

Set this flavor bomb aside for later.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating Magic

• Flour
• Cornstarch
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Blend these ingredients to create a perfectly seasoned coating that will make your salmon extra crunchy.

Step 3: Craft the Perfect Dipping Batter

Whisk an egg with cold water in another dish.

This will help the coating stick to the salmon and create a golden, crispy exterior.

Step 4: Dress the Salmon Cubes

Dunk each salmon cube into the egg batter, then roll it generously in the seasoned flour mixture.

Shake off any excess coating to ensure a light, crisp finish.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.

Carefully drop the coated salmon cubes into the hot oil, working in batches.

Fry for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown and become irresistibly crispy.

Step 6: Drain and Prep

Transfer the fried salmon bites onto paper towels to remove excess oil.

This keeps them crunchy and prevents sogginess.

Step 7: Sauce It Up

Toss the crispy salmon cubes in the prepared Bang Bang sauce.

Make sure each bite is generously coated with the tangy, spicy goodness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the sauced bites.

Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in for these mouthwatering morsels.

Crunchy Bang Bang Salmon Popcorn Bites Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

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

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Description

Bang bang salmon popcorn bites deliver a crispy, flavor-packed punch of Southeast Asian-inspired seafood excitement. Quick-fried golden morsels combine zesty sriracha mayo with perfectly seasoned salmon for an irresistible appetizer you’ll crave at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) fresh salmon, cut into bite-sized cubes

Dry Coating Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) cornstarch
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Wet Binding Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) cold water
• 1 egg, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) Sriracha sauce
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) honey
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) rice vinegar

Garnish (Optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

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Instructions

1. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, zesty sweet chili sauce, fiery Sriracha, golden honey, and tangy rice vinegar in a small mixing bowl until a smooth, vibrant Bang Bang sauce emerges.
2. Combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, aromatic garlic powder, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a shallow dish, creating a seasoned coating mixture.
3. Create a light batter by blending whisked egg with cold water in a separate dish, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.
4. Delicately dunk each salmon cube into the liquid batter, then meticulously roll through the seasoned flour mixture, gently tapping to remove excess coating.
5. Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with readiness, indicating optimal frying temperature.
6. Carefully lower battered salmon cubes into the hot oil, working in small batches to maintain optimal crispiness, and fry for 2-3 minutes until achieving a golden, crunchy exterior.
7. Transfer fried salmon bites onto paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and retain their crisp texture.
8. Generously coat the crispy salmon morsels in the prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly glazed.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions and a light dusting of sesame seeds over the sauced bites for a final flourish of flavor and visual appeal.
10. Serve immediately while piping hot, inviting guests to enjoy these delectable, crunchy salmon popcorn bites.

Notes

• Ensure salmon cubes are uniform in size for even cooking and consistent crunch.
• Pat salmon pieces completely dry before battering to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering.
• Use a high-quality, neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil with a high smoke point for optimal frying results.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour and cornstarch alternatives for those with dietary restrictions, such as rice flour or almond flour.
• Adjust spice levels in Bang Bang sauce by increasing or decreasing Sriracha to suit personal heat preferences.
• Maintain oil temperature around 350-375°F for perfect golden-brown exterior without overcooking the salmon.
• For a lighter version, consider air frying or baking the salmon bites instead of deep-frying.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg