Golden, crispy on the outside and melt-in-your-mouth tender on the inside, Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are an absolute game-changer for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without the fuss. These salmon bites are pan-seared to perfection and coated with a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce that hits all the right notes—tangy, savory, with a gentle kick of heat. Each bite is an explosion of texture and flavor, making this bowl one of those meals you’ll crave again and again.
Nestled over fluffy white rice and accompanied by creamy avocado chunks, fresh cucumber, and green onions, this dish brings together the best of comfort and freshness in every spoonful. A sprinkle of black sesame seeds adds that extra touch of crunch and nuttiness. It’s quick to prepare, nutritious, and Instagram-worthy—making it an easy recipe winner whether you’re meal-prepping, planning a date-night dinner, or just in the mood for something downright delicious.
Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
- 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or jasmine rice)
- 1 tbsp black sesame seeds (optional garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tsp honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust spice levels if needed. Set the sauce aside—it’s going to bring the whole dish together.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Salmon
Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up better. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the salmon pieces in a single layer. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes, turning gently until all sides are golden and the salmon is cooked through.
Step 3: Toss with Sauce
Turn off the heat and drizzle a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked salmon in the pan. Toss gently until all the pieces are coated evenly. The warmth will slightly caramelize the sauce, adding extra depth and stickiness.
Step 4: Build Your Bowls
Start with a fluffy base of warm cooked rice. Top with the saucy salmon bites, then add avocado chunks, cucumber slices, and green onions. Finish with a sprinkle of black sesame seeds for texture and a visual pop.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Serve immediately while the salmon is hot and crispy, and the toppings are cool and refreshing. Add a drizzle of extra sauce on top for more flavor, or a dash of soy sauce if you like things salty-sweet.
Storage Instructions
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but they can be stored for later with a few quick tips:
- Refrigerator: Store the cooked salmon bites, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers. Salmon will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Reheating: To reheat the salmon, place it in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until warmed and slightly crisped again. Avoid microwaving if you want to maintain that crispy edge.
- Bang Bang Sauce: Store any leftover sauce in a sealed jar or container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Avoid Freezing: This dish doesn’t freeze well, especially the avocado and sauce, which can separate or become mushy.
Estimated Nutrition
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 580mg
Note: Nutritional values may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another fish instead of salmon?
Yes! Tuna or even shrimp work wonderfully with the Bang Bang sauce. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
2. Is this dish spicy?
The spice level is mild to moderate. You can reduce or omit the sriracha if you prefer a milder flavor.
3. Can I make it low-carb or keto?
Definitely. Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage to cut the carbs while keeping it flavorful.
4. Can I air-fry the salmon instead?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 7–9 minutes, shaking halfway through. They’ll turn out crispy and light.
5. What’s a good substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?
Greek yogurt is a great alternative. It makes the sauce tangier and lighter while keeping it creamy.
6. How do I keep the salmon from sticking to the pan?
Make sure the pan and oil are hot before adding the salmon, and avoid moving it around too much while searing.
7. Can I prep this in advance?
Yes. You can pre-cook the salmon and rice, and chop the veggies a day ahead. Just reheat and assemble before serving.
8. Is this dish kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just reduce the chili sauce and sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to make it milder for little taste buds.
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