Description
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are perfectly golden, tender salmon cubes coated in a crunchy panko crust and fried to perfection. Tossed in a creamy, spicy, and tangy homemade bang bang sauce, these bites are irresistibly flavorful and make an excellent appetizer or snack that will keep you craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Coating
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillets (skinless)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup oil for frying (high smoke-point like vegetable or avocado)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for heat)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Garnish
- Chopped herbs (cilantro or parsley)
- Crumbled bacon (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Salmon: Cut fresh, skinless salmon fillets into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl. Pour buttermilk over the salmon along with a pinch of salt, and let it marinate for 15 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Set up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: first with a seasoned flour mixture combined with cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; second with a whisked large egg; third with panko breadcrumbs. This setup will ensure even and crispy coating.
- Bread the Salmon: Remove salmon cubes from buttermilk, dredge each piece first in the flour mixture ensuring full coverage, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat generously with panko breadcrumbs. Place coated pieces aside on a tray.
- Fry the Salmon Bites: Heat 1 cup of high smoke-point oil (vegetable or avocado) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the salmon cubes in a single layer without crowding for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown, crispy crust. Remove and drain excess oil on paper towels.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Adjust sriracha quantity to your preferred spice level. This creamy, tangy sauce complements the crispy salmon perfectly.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy salmon bites on a serving plate, drizzle or toss with bang bang sauce, and garnish with chopped herbs like cilantro or parsley. Optionally, sprinkle crumbled bacon for extra crunch and flavor. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon is fresh and cut into even bite-size pieces to cook evenly.
- Do not overcrowd the skillet while frying to maintain crispiness.
- You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of milk and a teaspoon of lemon juice if needed.
- Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to suit your preferred spice tolerance.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
- Leftover bites can be reheated in an air fryer to regain crispiness, but are best enjoyed fresh.
