Description
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are tender, bite-sized pieces of salmon, coated with a flavorful cornflour and panko breadcrumb crust, fried to a golden crisp and served with a spicy, tangy bang bang sauce. This easy-to-make appetizer or snack combines a crunchy exterior with juicy salmon inside, perfect for sharing and sure to make you crave 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 and Garnish
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for heat)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Chopped herbs (cilantro or parsley) for garnish
- Crumbled bacon (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Cut fresh, skinless salmon fillets into bite-sized cubes. Coat them thoroughly with buttermilk and a pinch of salt, then let them marinate for 15 minutes. This tenderizes the salmon and helps the coating adhere.
- Set up breading station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with a mixture of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper; one with the whisked egg; and one with panko breadcrumbs. This three-step coating will create a crispy exterior.
- Bread the salmon bites: Dredge each salmon cube first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg, and finally coat generously with panko breadcrumbs. Set each coated piece aside on a plate to prepare for frying.
- Fry the salmon bites: Heat 1 cup of high smoke-point oil (vegetable or avocado oil) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the salmon cubes in a single layer, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan for even cooking.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Mix well and adjust the heat or sweetness to your preference. This creamy, spicy sauce complements the salmon bites perfectly.
- Serve: Serve the crispy salmon bites hot, drizzled with bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro or parsley and optionally sprinkle crumbled bacon on top for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh, skinless salmon for best texture and flavor.
- Adjust sriracha in the sauce to control the spiciness level.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispiness and prevent sogginess.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and crunch.
