Bang Bang Salmon Bites

The first time I made bang bang salmon bites was on a Tuesday evening when I needed something that felt special but wouldn't keep me in the kitchen until midnight. That sweet-spicy creaminess hit differently than I expected—my husband actually paused his show to come ask what smelled so incredible. Now it's the recipe I turn to when I want restaurant vibes without the restaurant wait.

Last summer I served these at a small dinner party and watched my friend Sarah—who swears she doesn't like fish—reach for her third bite. Something about cutting salmon into manageable pieces makes it so much more approachable than a whole fillet. The way the sauce clings to each crevice and crisp edge is honestly hard to stop eating.

Ingredients

• 1 pound salmon fillets: Skinless works best here since you want every surface to get that gorgeous golden sear
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: Just enough to help those spices cling and create a beautiful crust
• Garlic powder and onion powder: These two build a savory foundation that keeps the salmon from feeling one note sweet
• Smoked paprika: This adds a subtle depth that makes people ask what's your secret ingredient
• ¼ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base that makes the sauce luxurious and helps it coat every bite perfectly
• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce: This is where that signature bang bang flavor really shines through
• 1 teaspoon sriracha: Adjust this up or down depending on how much heat you like in your life

Instructions

Prep ingredients easily by chopping vegetables, slicing meats, and serving dishes neatly during everyday cooking.

Check price on Amazon

Prep your salmon:

Cut the fillets into uniform 1 inch cubes so everything cooks at the same rate and you get perfect edges all around

Season generously:

Toss those salmon cubes with olive oil and all the spices until they're evenly coated and fragrant

Sear to perfection:

Get your skillet good and hot over medium high heat then cook the salmon for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through

Make it extra crispy:

Transfer the seared salmon to a baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes or air fry at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes flipping halfway

Whisk the magic sauce:

Combine mayonnaise Thai sweet chili sauce sriracha honey and lime juice until completely smooth

Toss and serve:

Pour that gorgeous sauce over your warm salmon bites and toss gently until every piece is coated

Pin it

These became my go to for Friday nights at home when we want something fun but not heavy. I love setting out a bowl with toothpicks and watching everyone hover around the counter instead of sitting at the table. Food just tastes better when you're standing up and laughing together anyway.

Making It Lighter

Swapping Greek yogurt for mayonnaise works surprisingly well here and cuts way down on calories while keeping that creamy texture. The tang from the yogurt actually plays really nicely against the sweet chili sauce. I've made both versions and honestly both disappear just as fast.

Serving Ideas

Steamed jasmine rice soaks up that extra sauce like nothing else but I've also served these over crisp lettuce cups for something fresher. Sometimes I'll make a double batch of the sauce because it's incredible on roasted vegetables or as a dip for shrimp. The leftovers rarely happen but when they do cold salmon bites over salad greens the next day are kind of life changing.

Getting The Texture Right

The difference between good and great here is that final crisping step in the oven or air fryer. The skillet sear gives you flavor but the dry heat creates that irresistible crunch that makes these restaurant worthy. Don't skip it even if you're feeling lazy.

• Pat your salmon really dry before cutting it—excess moisture means less crispy skin action
• Let the pan get properly hot before adding the first piece or you'll end up with sad pale salmon
• Don't crowd the skillet or the salmon will steam instead of sear

Chop vegetables, slice meats, and prep ingredients easily for everyday cooking and homemade recipes.

Check price on Amazon

Pin it

There's something deeply satisfying about food you can eat with your fingers while good music plays in the background. Hope these bring some easy joy to your table too.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ What does bang bang sauce taste like?

Bang bang sauce delivers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. The mayonnaise provides a rich base, sweet chili sauce adds mild sweetness, sriracha brings the heat, and honey rounds everything out with a touch of floral sweetness.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

For best results, cook the salmon fresh and toss with sauce just before serving. However, you can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. The salmon can be cut and seasoned a few hours ahead, then cooked when ready to serve.

→ What's the best way to get crispy salmon?

Start by patting the salmon dry, then sear in a hot skillet with oil to create a golden crust. For extra crispiness, finish in the oven or air fryer as indicated in the instructions. Avoid overcrowding the pan, which steams the fish instead of searing it.

→ Can I use other fish?

Yes! Firm white fish like cod, halibut, or mahi-mahi work well. Shrimp is another excellent option and actually cooks faster than salmon. Adjust cooking times accordingly—shrimp typically need just 2-3 minutes per side.

→ How can I make this lighter?

Replace the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a protein boost and fewer calories. You can also reduce the amount of sauce used or opt for pan-searing only, skipping the oven finish to cut down on added oil.

→ What should I serve with salmon bites?

These pair beautifully with steamed jasmine rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa. For a lighter option, serve over mixed greens or in lettuce wraps. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or bok choy make excellent sides too.