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These crispy salmon bites with creamy bang bang sauce offer an exciting twist on traditional salmon dishes. The tender fish, coated in spices and cooked to golden perfection, pairs beautifully with the sweet-spicy sauce. It's an impressive yet approachable dish that's perfect for entertaining.
The first time I served these bites at a dinner party, they disappeared within minutes. They've since become my signature appetizer for entertaining.
Essential Ingredients
- Fresh salmon (600g): Choose bright, firm fillets
- Spice blend:
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
- Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Onion powder (1 tsp)
- Cayenne (1/2 tsp)
- Bang bang sauce:
- Mayonnaise (120ml)
- Thai sweet chili sauce (60ml)
- Sriracha (2 tsp)
- Honey (2 tsp)
- Fresh lime
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1. Preparing the Salmon (15-20 minutes)
- - Remove salmon from refrigerator 30 minutes prior
- Pat completely dry with paper towels
- Remove skin carefully with sharp knife
- Remove any pin bones
- Cut into 3-4cm cubes
- Check again for bones
- Season lightly with salt and rest 10 minutes - 2. Seasoning (10 minutes)
- - Combine spices in bowl
- Add 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Gently coat salmon cubes
- Toss carefully to distribute
- Cover and marinate 15-30 minutes
- Don't exceed marination time - 3. Bang Bang Sauce (10 minutes)
- - Add mayonnaise to bowl
- Gradually mix in Thai chili sauce
- Add sriracha to taste
- Balance with honey
- Squeeze in half lime
- Whisk until smooth
- Chill until serving - 4. Cooking Methods:
- A. Pan-Searing
- - Heat cast iron pan over high heat
- Add thin layer neutral oil
- Place cubes without crowding
- Cook 2-3 minutes per side
- Turn gently with tongs
- Center should remain slightly translucent - B. Oven Method
- - Preheat to 200°C
- Line baking sheet
- Space salmon cubes apart
- Bake 8-10 minutes
- Broil 1 minute to brown - C. Air Fryer
- - Preheat to 190°C
- Line basket with parchment
- Arrange in single layer
- Cook 6-7 minutes, turning once
- Check browning and adjust time
- 5. Finishing Touches
- - Transfer to paper towels
- Drizzle with bang bang sauce
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds
- Add sliced green onions
- Garnish with lime wedges
- Serve while hot
Continuing with Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe:
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Creative Variations
- Asian-Inspired
- Add fresh ginger to marinade
- Include teriyaki sauce
- Top with wakame seaweed
- Serve over seasoned rice
- Mediterranean Style
- Season with oregano and basil
- Mix capers into sauce
- Add preserved lemon
- Serve on arugula bed
- Fusion Version
- Add curry to spice blend
- Incorporate coconut milk in sauce
- Top with roasted cashews
- Pair with mango salad
Serving Suggestions
- Presentation Options:
- In glasses over guacamole
- As Asian slaw tacos
- On appetizer skewers with grilled pineapple
- In grain bowls with vegetables
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
- Salmon Storage:
- Marinate maximum 30 minutes
- Never refreeze thawed fish
- Use within 24 hours after cooking
- Sauce Storage:
- Keeps 3 days refrigerated
- Bring to room temperature before serving
- Can be doubled for larger batches
These bang bang salmon bites have become my trusted recipe for impressing dinner guests. They demonstrate how quality ingredients and simple techniques can create a memorable dish that delights both visually and in flavor!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can the sauce be made ahead of time?
- Definitely! You can keep the Bang Bang sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- → What’s the best way to cook the salmon?
- Pan-searing gives the crunchiest result, but an air fryer is quicker and uses less oil.
- → How can I tell if the salmon is ready?
- The middle should be slightly pink, and it should flake apart easily with a fork.
- → How do I make this less spicy?
- Leave out the cayenne pepper and cut back or skip the sriracha in the sauce.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
- White rice, an avocado salad, or stir-fried veggies are great choices.