Bang Bang Salmon

If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor and ready in no time, then you’ve come to the right place! This Bang Bang Salmon has quickly become a household favorite of mine. It features crispy, bite-sized pieces of salmon tossed in a bold and tangy sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this dish is perfect for any occasion.

The best part? You can whip it up in under 30 minutes! With its delightful mix of textures and flavors, it’s sure to impress your loved ones without keeping you in the kitchen all evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 27 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
• Family-Friendly: The crispy salmon bites and flavorful sauce are sure to please both kids and adults alike.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prep the sauce ahead of time for an even quicker meal on those hectic days.
• Bold Flavors: The combination of Thai sweet chili and lime juice gives this dish a vibrant taste that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delicious Bang Bang Salmon. You probably have most of these right in your pantry!

For the Salmon

• 1.5 pounds salmon fillets (skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

For the Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken or tofu instead of salmon for a different twist.
• Add some crunch: Toss in some chopped green onions or sesame seeds as a garnish for extra texture.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, increase the amount of sriracha or add some red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix.
• Serve it over rice: For a heartier meal, serve your Bang Bang Salmon over steamed rice or quinoa.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until well combined. This vibrant sauce is what makes this dish truly special. Set it aside while you prepare the salmon!

Step 2: Season the Salmon

In a large bowl, combine the salmon bites with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss everything together until each piece is evenly coated with those delicious seasonings. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 3: Preheat Your Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Preheating helps achieve that crispy texture we all love!

Step 4: Air Fry the Salmon Bites

Place the seasoned salmon bites in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding; you want them to cook evenly. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They should be cooked through and crispy on the edges—just perfect!

Step 5: Serve with Sauce

Once cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Don’t forget to serve any remaining sauce on the side for dipping—it’s too good not to enjoy!

And there you have it—a quick and tasty meal that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy your cooking adventure with this delightful Bang Bang Salmon!

Pro Tips for Making Bang Bang Salmon

Creating the perfect Bang Bang Salmon is easy with a few insider tips to ensure your dish is bursting with flavor and texture.

• Use fresh salmon: Fresh salmon not only tastes better but also has a firmer texture that holds up well during cooking, ensuring each bite is delightful.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer: Cooking in batches allows for even crispiness by ensuring there’s enough space for hot air to circulate around each piece of salmon. This step is crucial to achieving that perfect crunch!
• Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder flavor, feel free to reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. Conversely, if you love heat, add more sriracha to your sauce for an extra kick.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the salmon bites to sit for a couple of minutes after cooking helps them retain their juiciness while making them easier to handle when drizzling with sauce.
• Experiment with dipping sauces: While the Bang Bang sauce is delicious, feel free to try other sauces like a creamy avocado dip or a tangy yogurt sauce for variety and added flavors.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Presenting your Bang Bang Salmon in an inviting way can elevate the dining experience. Here are some ideas on how you can serve this delightful dish:

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions: Adding fresh green onions provides a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that complements the richness of the salmon.
• Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and visual appeal, enhancing both flavor and presentation.
• Fresh cilantro: A sprinkle of chopped cilantro adds freshness and brightness, balancing out the bold flavors in the dish.

Side Dishes

• Coconut rice: This slightly sweet and fragrant rice pairs beautifully with the spicy salmon while adding a tropical flair to your meal.
• Steamed broccoli: The bright green color and tender-crisp texture make steamed broccoli an excellent choice, providing nutrients without overwhelming the palate.
• Asian slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers tossed in a light dressing introduces refreshing crunch and complements the bold flavors of the salmon.
• Quinoa salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and lemon vinaigrette offers a healthy contrast while keeping your meal well-rounded.

With these serving suggestions and pro tips in hand, you’re ready to impress your family or guests with this vibrant and tasty Bang Bang Salmon! Enjoy every bite of this flavorful dish that’s sure to become a favorite at your dinner table.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Bang Bang Salmon is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily whip up a batch in advance, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To maintain its crispy texture, place paper towels in the container to absorb excess moisture.

Freezing

• If you want to enjoy this dish later, freeze the cooked salmon bites.
• Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container, ensuring all air is removed.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat the salmon bites in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Alternatively, you can use an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about this recipe that might help you out!

What is Bang Bang Salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon refers to crispy salmon bites tossed in a bold sauce made from Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. It’s a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any meal.

Can I make Bang Bang Salmon without sriracha?

Absolutely! If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce or omit sriracha from the sauce. The Thai sweet chili sauce will still provide plenty of flavor without the heat.

How do I ensure my Bang Bang Salmon stays crispy when reheating?

To keep your Bang Bang Salmon crispy during reheating, opt for an air fryer or a hot oven instead of the microwave, which can make it soggy.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Feel free to get creative with your sides!

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am about making this delightful Bang Bang Salmon! This recipe brings together flavors that dance on your taste buds and offers a fun twist on traditional salmon dishes. Whether it’s for dinner or meal prep, I hope your kitchen fills with joy as you prepare this tasty dish. Enjoy every bite and don’t forget to share your experience!