If you’re craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors, satisfying crunch, and vibrant colors, the Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. This bowl combines perfectly crispy salmon bites coated in golden panko with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that sings on your taste buds. Layered over wholesome brown rice and fresh, crunchy vegetables, it’s a meal that feels both indulgent and fresh, cozy and bright all at once. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll be hard not to add it to your weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the list scare you—every ingredient here plays a star role, coming together effortlessly to build a bowl full of flavor, texture, and color. From the crispy exterior of the salmon bites to the crisp raw veggies and the smooth, spicy-sweet sauce, each component is essential for this dish to shine.
- Salmon fillet: Choose skinless and boneless for easy cutting and frying, delivering tender, flavorful bites.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick to the salmon and adds a bit of light crunch.
- Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that make a big impact on flavor.
- Eggs: The perfect binder for the crunchy panko coating.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provides that irresistible, airy crunch that makes each salmon bite a delight.
- Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
- Sriracha sauce: Brings just the right amount of spicy heat to the sauce.
- Honey: Balances the sauce with a touch of sweetness.
- Cooked brown rice: A hearty, nutty base that adds wholesome goodness.
- Shredded cabbage: Offers a fresh, crisp texture and vibrant color.
- Sliced cucumber: Adds cooling freshness to the bowl.
- Shredded carrots: Brightens the dish with sweetness and crunch.
- Chopped green onions: A mild, aromatic garnish for a flavor lift.
- Sesame seeds: Adds a subtle nuttiness and a pretty finishing touch.
- Vegetable oil: Needed for frying to achieve the perfect crispy salmon bites.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Coating
Start by creating three separate dishes—one with flour, salt, and pepper mixed, one with the beaten eggs, and one with the panko breadcrumbs. This set up makes it easy to coat your salmon cubes perfectly for frying. Each step builds up layers of texture and flavor for that ideal crunch and seasoning in every bite.
Step 2: Coat the Salmon Cubes
Take each salmon cube and first dust it in the flour mixture to dry the surface, then dunk it into the eggs for that sticky layer, and finally roll it in the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly. This triple-dip method ensures your salmon bites fry up crispy without losing moisture inside.
Step 3: Fry the Salmon Bites
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the coated salmon pieces and fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side to a beautiful golden brown. Remove and let them drain briefly on paper towels to shed excess oil—crispy but not greasy is the goal here!
Step 4: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and honey. Whisk thoroughly until smooth and perfectly balanced between spicy, sweet, and creamy. This sauce is what elevates the dish from tasty to unforgettable, so taste and adjust to your preferred heat and sweetness levels.
Step 5: Assemble Your Bowls
Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among your serving bowls. Then add generous layers of shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, and shredded carrots for fresh, crunchy contrast. Top each bowl with your golden, crispy salmon bites before drizzling the luscious bang bang sauce over everything.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top for bursts of flavor and beautiful presentation. These little touches add a fresh, nutty pop that keeps every bite exciting. Serve your Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe immediately while everything is fresh and flavorful.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are classic garnishes that bring the dish together visually and flavor-wise. You can also add a wedge of lime for a citrusy kick or a handful of fresh cilantro if you’re feeling adventurous. These simple additions enhance the freshness and provide beautiful layers of taste.
Side Dishes
Because the bowl itself is so well balanced, light side dishes work best. Think a crisp Asian slaw, steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt, or even a simple miso soup to warm you up. These sides keep the meal vibrant without overwhelming the main event — those incredible salmon bites!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salmon bites on skewers as appetizers before plating the bowls for a full meal. Or layer everything in mason jars for a portable, make-ahead lunch option. Either way, presentation is a great chance to infuse your own personality into the Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover salmon bites and bowls, store them separately for best results. Keep the fried salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to preserve crispness, and store the veggies and rice in another container to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While the salmon bites can be frozen once cooked, it’s best to freeze them cooled and spread out on a tray before transferring into a freezer bag or container. This prevents clumping. Rice and fresh veggies do not freeze well, so prepare those fresh when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat salmon bites in a hot oven or toaster oven at 375°F for 6-8 minutes to bring back their crunch. Avoid the microwave as it can make them soggy. Warm up the rice and veggies separately on the stovetop or in the microwave before assembling your bowls again.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry to remove any excess moisture before coating and frying. This will help achieve that crispy coating you want for the salmon bites in this Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe.
What can I substitute for Sriracha in the bang bang sauce?
If you prefer less heat or don’t have Sriracha on hand, try using another hot sauce like sambal oelek or even a mild chili garlic sauce. You can also reduce the amount or omit it entirely if you want a sweeter, milder flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make this Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. Many stores carry gluten-free panko, ensuring you won’t lose that signature crunch.
Can I bake instead of fry the salmon bites?
Yes! Baking is a great alternative for a lighter version. Arrange coated salmon cubes on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a nice kick thanks to the Sriracha, but it is balanced with honey’s sweetness and mayonnaise’s creaminess. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha to suit your taste buds perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly something magical about the way textures and flavors come together in the Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe. It’s a dish that impresses but is surprisingly easy to make, whether you’re feeding yourself, family, or friends. Next time you crave something fresh, fun, and packed with flavor, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite bowl!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls recipe features crispy fried salmon cubes tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce served atop a base of brown rice and fresh vegetables. Perfectly balanced with crunchy panko coating and refreshing shredded cabbage, cucumber, and carrots, this delightful bowl combines bold flavors and inviting textures for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Salmon Bites
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skinless and boneless, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
Bowl Assembly
- 2 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare Coatings: Combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a shallow dish. In a separate dish, beat the eggs, and in a third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. These setups will be used to coat the salmon cubes before frying.
- Coat Salmon Cubes: Dredge each salmon cube first in the flour mixture, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs. Place the coated bites on a plate and set aside to prepare for frying.
- Fry Salmon Bites: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the salmon cubes for 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon bites and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha sauce, and honey until smooth and well combined. This sauce will add a creamy, spicy-sweet flavor to the salmon bites.
- Assemble Bowls: Divide the cooked brown rice evenly among four serving bowls. Top the rice with shredded cabbage, sliced cucumber, shredded carrots, and the fried salmon bites for a balanced and colorful presentation.
- Drizzle Sauce and Garnish: Spoon the bang bang sauce over each bowl’s ingredients. Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top to add freshness and a nutty compliment.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately for the best taste and texture contrast between crispy salmon and fresh vegetables with the creamy bang bang sauce.
Notes
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy exterior without absorbing excess oil.
- Use fresh salmon to guarantee the best flavor and texture.
- The bang bang sauce can be adjusted for spice level by increasing or decreasing Sriracha.
- Brown rice can be substituted with white rice or quinoa for variation.
- The bowls are best served immediately to enjoy optimal crispiness of the salmon bites.
