Crispy Bang Bang Salmon: Amazing 20-Min Recipe

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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon has become my go-to for a weeknight dinner that feels incredibly special, yet is so simple to make. I remember the first time I tried making it myself, aiming for that perfect balance of crunch and creamy spice. The aroma of the seasoned salmon searing in the pan, followed by that irresistible, tangy bang bang sauce, filled my kitchen and had my family asking for seconds before they even finished their first bites! If you’ve ever wondered how to make crispy bang bang salmon that’s bursting with flavor, this crispy salmon recipe is for you. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

This dish isn’t just delicious; it’s a winner for so many reasons:

• Incredible Flavor: Get ready for a taste explosion with the perfect blend of crispy, tender salmon and creamy, spicy bang bang sauce.
• Super Fast Prep: You can whip up this easy bang bang salmon in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
• Healthy & Delicious: Packed with protein and healthy fats, it’s a nutritious choice that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Budget-Friendly: Salmon is often more affordable than other fish, making this a great value meal.
• Family Favorite: Even picky eaters will love these flavorful bites.
• Versatile Meal: It’s the perfect quick bang bang salmon dinner, appetizer, or salad topper.
• Minimal Effort: Seriously, it’s so simple, even beginners can nail it.

Bang Bang Salmon Ingredients

Gathering these simple ingredients is the first step to creating the most amazing crispy bang bang salmon. You’ll need about a pound of skinless salmon fillet, cut into nice 1 to 1.5-inch cubes. For the salmon rub, grab 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika for that lovely color, 1 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, and a pinch of 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper if you like a little extra heat. For the star of the show, the bang bang salmon sauce recipe, you’ll need 0.25 cup mayonnaise, 1.5 tbsp sweet chili sauce for sweetness, 1 tbsp sriracha for that signature kick, and a touch of 0.5 tsp rice vinegar for tang. A little 1 tsp honey or maple syrup is optional but adds a lovely depth. Finally, have some chopped parsley or chives ready for garnish, plus maybe some sesame seeds or lime if you’re feeling fancy!

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

Making these irresistible bang bang salmon bites is surprisingly straightforward, and the result is pure deliciousness. Let’s get started on this fantastic pan seared bang bang salmon journey!

1. Step 1: Begin by patting your salmon cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving that coveted crispiness! Place the dried cubes in a large bowl.
2. Step 2: Drizzle the salmon with 1 tbsp olive oil and toss gently to coat each piece evenly.
3. Step 3: In a separate small bowl, combine the dry seasonings: 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 0.5 tsp onion powder, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper, and the optional 0.25 tsp cayenne pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the oiled salmon and toss again until all the cubes are well-seasoned.
4. Step 4: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If your skillet isn’t non-stick, add a tiny bit more oil. You want it hot enough to sear the salmon quickly.
5. Step 5: Carefully add the seasoned salmon cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Sear for about 2–3 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful golden-brown, crispy exterior. Gently turn the cubes with tongs or a spatula to ensure all sides get that perfect sear.
6. Step 6: While the salmon is searing, quickly whisk together the ingredients for the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, combine 0.25 cup mayonnaise, 1.5 tbsp sweet chili sauce, 1 tbsp sriracha, and 0.5 tsp rice vinegar. If you like it a touch sweeter, add the optional 1 tsp honey or maple syrup. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. Step 7: Once the salmon is cooked to perfection and beautifully crispy, transfer the spicy salmon bites recipe components to a serving plate.
8. Step 8: Drizzle the luscious bang bang sauce generously over the hot salmon bites. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
9. Step 9: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or chives, and perhaps some sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of freshness. Serve immediately while they’re still warm and wonderfully crisp!

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

To ensure your salmon is perfectly crispy every time, I’ve picked up a few tricks along the way:

• Always pat your salmon cubes completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets direct contact with the hot skillet for maximum crisp.
• For an even deeper flavor, you can let the seasoned salmon cubes sit for about 10-15 minutes at room temperature before cooking.
• Make sure your pan is hot before adding the salmon. A good sear is key to that delicious crust.

What’s the secret to perfect crispy bang bang salmon?

The biggest secret to why is bang bang salmon crispy is twofold: patting the salmon cubes bone dry and ensuring your skillet is hot enough to create a quick, beautiful sear without overcooking the inside.

Can I make bang bang salmon bites ahead of time?

You can prepare the salmon cubes (season and oil them) and the bang bang sauce a few hours ahead and store them separately in the refrigerator. However, for the best crispy texture, I recommend searing the salmon just before serving. For more information on food safety and storage, you can check out our policies.

How do I avoid common mistakes with crispy salmon recipe?

A common pitfall is not drying the salmon enough, leading to steaming instead of searing. Also, avoid overcooking; salmon cooks quickly and can become dry. Lastly, don’t add the sauce to the pan, as it can burn and make the salmon soggy. For tips on cooking techniques, you might find resources on our about page helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

These flavorful salmon bites are incredibly versatile! For a fantastic appetizer, serve them in a bowl with extra crispy salmon with bang bang sauce for dipping. They also make an amazing main course when paired with fluffy white rice or coconut rice to soak up all that delicious sauce. For a lighter meal, I love to top a big bed of mixed greens with these salmon bites and a drizzle of the bang bang sauce for a healthy and satisfying salad. They’re also great over a simple bowl of quinoa or even as a topping for loaded sweet potato fries! If you’re interested in the health benefits of salmon, you can find more information from reputable sources like the FDA.

Nutrition Facts for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional goodness you can expect per serving of these delightful salmon bites:

• Calories: 310
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5g
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 460mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more details on nutritional information, please refer to our terms of use.

How to Store and Reheat Easy Bang Bang Salmon

Even though these salmon bites are best enjoyed fresh, I’ve found that leftovers store surprisingly well, making them a convenient option for future meals. Once cooled, transfer any leftover crispy bang bang salmon to an airtight container. They’ll keep nicely in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to store them longer, pop them into a freezer-safe bag or container; they can stay frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until warmed through, which helps bring back a bit of that crispiness. You can also use an oven or air fryer at a low temperature. Avoid microwaving if you want to retain any semblance of crispness! For information on our affiliate relationships, see our affiliate disclaimer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

What is bang bang salmon?

Bang bang salmon refers to salmon prepared with a signature sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce, often called “bang bang sauce.” This sauce typically includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. When prepared to be crispy, like in this recipe, it offers a delightful textural contrast to the creamy sauce.

What’s the difference between bang bang shrimp and bang bang salmon?

The primary difference is the protein used! While bang bang shrimp is a very popular appetizer, this recipe uses salmon. Both are coated in the signature spicy, creamy bang bang sauce. Salmon offers a richer flavor and flakier texture compared to shrimp, making it a delicious alternative for those who love this flavor profile.

Can I make the bang bang sauce for salmon ahead of time?

Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance. Just whisk the ingredients together and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your crispy bang bang salmon even faster when you’re ready to cook and serve. For any questions about our data handling, please see our GDPR information.

How do I ensure the salmon stays crispy after saucing?

The key to maintaining crispiness is to add the bang bang sauce *after* the salmon is cooked and removed from the heat. Drizzling it over the top or serving it on the side ensures the crispy coating isn’t compromised by the sauce. If you’re serving it as a dish, a light drizzle is best for immediate enjoyment.

Variations of Crispy Bang Bang Salmon You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic crispy bang bang salmon, feel free to get creative! For a healthier twist, try making air fryer bang bang salmon. You’ll get that amazing crispiness with less oil. Simply follow the seasoning steps and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through. If you don’t have an air fryer, oven baked bang bang salmon is also fantastic; bake on a parchment-lined sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping once, until golden and cooked through. For a flavor change, consider adding a pinch of ginger to the seasoning mix or a dash of lime zest to the sauce. You could even try a gluten-free version by using gluten-free breadcrumbs if you decide to coat the salmon before searing, though this recipe focuses on a simple, seasoned sear.

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