I’m Carry and in my kitchen, flavor always comes first. Bang Bang Salmon Bites were one of those recipes that happened by accident but now live rent-free in my dinner rotation. One night after grilling all weekend and craving something different, I remembered I had salmon filets sitting in the fridge and Thai chili sauce in the pantry. That was it salmon nuggets met sauce magic.
Growing up in Texas, we never ate salmon this way. It was usually grilled or smoked, like in this salmon crispy rice recipe. But now, these bite-sized wonders with a spicy mayo glaze have become a go-to snack whenever friends come over. They’re fast, crave-worthy, and leave zero leftovers.
What makes them special? It’s the Bang Bang Sauce sweet, creamy, a little heat from the Sriracha, and that drizzle of honey for balance. You toss the salmon in olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, sear or bake them, and then toss everything in the sauce until glossy.
The best part is their versatility. You can serve them as finger food or over rice bowls like in this street corn chicken rice bowl. I even use the leftover sauce for tacos or lettuce wraps. So whether it’s game day, a date night in, or just Tuesday, Bang Bang Salmon Bites deliver every time.
Table of Contents
Why Bang Bang Salmon Bites Are Always a Hit
Flavor-packed and endlessly customizable
From the paprika rub on the salmon to that addictive sauce, these bites hit every note spicy, sweet, savory. You can go heavier on the Sriracha if you love heat or swap the mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up. And because salmon cooks quickly, this dish is weeknight-friendly but still impressive enough for guests.
Even better, you don’t need a deep fryer. While searing gives them a nice crust, baking is just as effective and we’ll walk you through both methods later. It’s no wonder this dish pairs so beautifully with bold-flavored sides like this smoked queso dip or something light like caprese pasta salad.
The Secret’s in the Simplicity: Ingredients, Prep & Cooking Options
Ingredient list that’s short but powerful
One of the things I love most about these Bang Bang Salmon Bites is how few ingredients you actually need. There’s no hunting down exotic spices or spending 30 minutes chopping. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon – About 1 ½ pounds, skin removed, cut into 1-inch chunks
- Olive oil – For coating and helping the spices stick
- Paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper – The flavor foundation
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base for our sauce
- Thai sweet chili sauce – Brings the sweet-heat combo
- Sriracha – Adds that gentle kick
- Honey – Balances the flavors
- Chives – For garnish and freshness
The spice rub on the salmon is bold but not overpowering, and the Bang Bang Sauce? It’s what turns these simple salmon pieces into full-blown flavor bombs. If you like spicy-sweet dishes, you’ll also enjoy the fusion-style flavor in my honey lime chicken avocado rice stack.
Here’s a tip: You can prep the sauce a day ahead and keep it chilled it gets even better after sitting. Also, make extra. You’ll want to use it again for sandwiches, wraps, or even grilled shrimp tacos.
Baking vs. frying: What’s the best method?
You’ve got two solid options: pan-searing or baking. I’ve tested both, and honestly, the baked version wins when you want a no-mess, no-fuss dinner.
To bake:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Arrange your seasoned salmon bites and bake for about 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking.
- Once golden and cooked through, toss them in Bang Bang Sauce while still warm.
You won’t get quite the crispiness of pan-searing, but it’s healthier and incredibly easy. Want even more texture? Try broiling them for the last 2–3 minutes.
For those who want to keep things lighter or meal-prep friendly, baking is perfect just like I recommend with the BBQ chicken and sweet potato bowls, which follow the same hands-off, high-reward method.
The Sauce That Seals the Deal: Bang Bang Flavor and Serving Ideas
Building that perfect Bang Bang Sauce
Let’s be honest Bang Bang Salmon Bites are nothing without the sauce that gives them their name. This creamy, spicy-sweet mix transforms plain salmon into something next-level. It’s what makes people come back for seconds (and thirds).
To whip it up, just whisk together:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons (or more) of Sriracha
- 2 tablespoons honey
Taste and adjust as you go. Want more heat? A little extra Sriracha. Need it sweeter? A touch more honey does the trick. I always make extra Bang Bang Sauce it keeps for days in the fridge and works great on everything from shrimp to burgers.
When your salmon bites are hot from the oven or skillet, toss them in the sauce and sprinkle with chopped chives. That glossy finish is signature Bang Bang Salmon Bites goodness.
The sauce reminds me of the creamy vinaigrette I use in my antipasto salad, which hits the same balance of bold, tangy, and rich. If you love flavor-forward sauces, this one’s a keeper.
Smart ways to serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites
The beauty of Bang Bang Salmon Bites is how flexible they are to serve. For a casual night in, I love piling them over jasmine rice or sticky rice with avocado, cucumber, and a drizzle of extra sauce. It turns into a cozy but exciting rice bowl.
Hosting friends? These salmon bites are a hit when skewered with toothpicks and served as a spicy appetizer. And if it’s brunch, you’ve gotta try them in soft tortillas with scrambled eggs and lime crema it’s one of my new favorites. I’ve even stacked them on toasted brioche with a poached egg and microgreens for a next-level brunch plate.
Need a full meal? Try them with Greek lemon rice soup or cottage cheese pizza bowls. I’ve also built hearty grain bowls with spinach, roasted sweet potatoes, and Bang Bang Salmon Bites as the bold protein centerpiece. The key is contrast pair them with something fresh and crisp to balance the richness.
How to Store, Reheat, and Prep Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Fridge-friendly and meal-prep approved
One of the best things about Bang Bang Salmon Bites? They store beautifully. Once cooled, you can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just keep the sauce separate if you’re planning to reheat them. This keeps the bites from getting soggy.
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, a quick reheat in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes brings them back to crispy perfection. Microwave works too, but you’ll lose some texture. If you want to batch cook, store your sauce in a sealed jar for up to a week, and reheat salmon bites as needed.
This makes Bang Bang Salmon Bites ideal for busy weeks prep once, enjoy a couple of different ways. They work just as well in wraps, rice bowls, or even cold with salad for lunch. If you’re a fan of meal preps like I am, you’ll also appreciate dishes like my cottage cheese egg salad, which pairs beautifully with the bold bite of spicy salmon.
If you want to freeze these bites, I recommend freezing them before saucing. Lay them flat on a sheet pan, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip bag. Reheat in the oven and toss with freshly made Bang Bang Sauce.
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Spicy, Crispy, and Totally Irresistible
- Total Time: 24 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are crispy, spicy, and sweet – coated in a creamy chili sauce and perfect for dinner or appetizers.
Ingredients
1 ½ pounds salmon, cut into 1-inch pieces
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup mayonnaise
½ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
2 tsp Sriracha
2 tbsp honey
Chives, for garnish
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet.
2. Toss salmon with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bake for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. While baking, mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
5. Toss baked salmon bites in sauce while warm.
6. Garnish with chives and serve.
Notes
Store salmon and sauce separately for up to 3 days.
Reheat salmon in air fryer or oven for best results.
Serve in bowls, wraps, or lettuce cups.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 14 mins
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Inspired
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon Bites are more than just a quick dinner they’re a flavor-packed way to turn simple ingredients into something bold, spicy, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, hosting friends, or just craving something with a kick, these salmon bites deliver every time. With a punchy Bang Bang Sauce and endless serving options from brunch tacos to rice bowls they belong on your regular rotation.
Try baking instead of frying, pair with fresh sides like caprese pasta salad or smoked queso, and don’t be afraid to customize the heat. Keep a jar of the sauce ready you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again. Now grab your salmon and let’s make something unforgettable tonight.
FAQs About Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Can I bake the salmon instead of frying?
Yes! Baking works wonderfully. Preheat your oven to 425°F and bake for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway. You’ll get crispy edges without the grease. You can also broil in the final 2 minutes for more texture.
How long can I store Bang Bang Salmon Bites in the fridge?
Store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate for the best texture when reheating. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep the edges crispy.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Pair with fluffy rice, roasted veggies, slaws, or fresh salad. I love them next to cottage cheese muffins for a high-protein meal or served taco-style with avocado and lime.
Can I make Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Store in the fridge for up to 7 days. In fact, it gets even better as the flavors meld. Use it for dipping, wraps, or even on grilled shrimp.
