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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Create a light batter by blending whisked egg with cold water in a separate dish, ensuring a smooth and consistent texture.
- Delicately dunk each salmon cube into the liquid batter, then meticulously roll through the seasoned flour mixture, gently tapping to remove excess coating.
- Warm vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers with readiness, indicating optimal frying temperature.
- 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.
- Transfer fried salmon bites onto paper towels, allowing excess oil to drain and retain their crisp texture.
- Generously coat the crispy salmon morsels in the prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly and evenly glazed.
- 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.
- 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