Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: A Zesty Dinner Bowl (Print Version)

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites: Your quick weeknight meal! Enjoy flaky, spicy-sweet salmon in a flavorful bowl. So easy & satisfying.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-Inspired
Dietary: Pescatarian

# Ingredients:

→ For the Crispy Salmon Bites

01 - 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 tbsp cornstarch
03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
05 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
06 - 1-2 tbsp neutral oil (like canola or vegetable), for frying

→ For the Zesty Bang Bang Sauce

07 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat is best!)
08 - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
09 - 1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
10 - 1 tbsp honey
11 - 1 tsp rice vinegar

→ For the Bowls & Finishing Touches

12 - 2 cups cooked rice (brown, white, jasmine – your choice!)
13 - 1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
14 - 1 avocado, sliced
15 - 2 green onions, sliced
16 - 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, let's get that salmon ready! Pat your salmon fillet super dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting those truly crispy edges, trust me. Then, cut it into 1-inch cubes. Don't worry if they're not perfectly uniform; mine rarely are! In a medium bowl, gently toss the salmon pieces with the cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until everything is evenly coated. You want each little salmon bite to have a light dusting. I always think, "happy salmon, happy chef!"
02 - While your salmon is chilling (literally, it can sit for a few minutes while you do this), let's make that dreamy bang bang sauce. Grab another bowl, a small one this time. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (start with less if you're sensitive to heat, you can always add more!), honey, and rice vinegar. Give it a good whisk until it’s smooth and beautifully combined. Taste it! This is where you adjust the spice or sweetness. I always taste it with a clean spoon, usually twice, just to be sure. It should be creamy, tangy, and have that delightful kick. Don't be shy with the tasting; it's part of the fun!
03 - Now for the magic! Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a tablespoon or two of oil. Once it's shimmering, carefully add the salmon bites in a single layer. Don't overcrowd the pan, or they won't get crispy! You might need to do this in batches. Let them cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they're golden brown and beautifully crispy. I always get a little nervous at this stage, thinking "please don't stick!" but with a good non-stick pan, you'll be fine. Flip them gently – you want to keep that crispy coating intact for your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites!
04 - Once all your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites are cooked and looking fabulous, remove the pan from the heat. Pour about half to two-thirds of your homemade bang bang sauce over the salmon. Now, gently toss those crispy bites until they're all coated in that glorious, creamy, spicy-sweet goodness. You don't want to drown them, just coat them nicely. I usually use a rubber spatula for this, being careful not to break up the salmon too much. The smell at this point is just incredible, honestly.
05 - Alright, time to build our beautiful bowls! Grab your serving bowls and spoon in a generous portion of cooked rice as the base. This is where you can get creative. I love a good sturdy base. Next, artfully arrange your sauce-coated Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites over the rice. Don't just dump them, place them with a little love! Then, scatter your fresh cucumber, creamy avocado slices, and a sprinkle of those vibrant green onions over the top. It's like painting a delicious picture, honestly.
06 - Almost there! Drizzle a little extra bang bang sauce over everything if you're feeling saucy (and I usually am!). Finish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch and nutty flavor. Take a moment to admire your creation – it looks amazing, right? Serve immediately and dig in! The combination of warm, crispy salmon, cool veggies, fluffy rice, and that incredible sauce is just perfection. Seriously, you'll feel like a culinary genius, even if you made a small mess like I usually do!

# Notes:

01 - Patting the salmon super dry is a game-changer for crispiness, I learned that the hard way!
02 - For meal prep, store the salmon and sauce separately to maintain texture.
03 - If you're out of sweet chili sauce, a mix of apricot jam and sriracha works in a pinch, kinda.
04 - A final drizzle of extra bang bang sauce makes these bowls extra special for me.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large non-stick skillet
02 - mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 25-35g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 30-40g

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