Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are the perfect mix of crispy, spicy, creamy, and fresh. I love how tender salmon cubes get crisped to golden perfection and then tossed in a bold, creamy sauce that clings to every bite. Paired with fluffy jasmine rice, crunchy veggies, and finished with a punchy drizzle of bang bang sauce, this bowl is one I make on repeat. Whether I’m prepping it for a quick weeknight dinner or portioning it out for lunch, it never lets me down.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I keep coming back to this recipe for a few simple reasons:

• It takes less than 30 minutes to make.

• I almost always have the ingredients in my pantry or fridge.

• It’s kid-approved and family-loved.

• I can easily prep it ahead for lunches or dinners.

• The textures and flavors are so satisfying in every bite.

It checks every box when I want something delicious, easy, and packed with personality.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For The Salmon Bites

• 1 lb fresh salmon, skinless and cut into bite-sized cubes

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• 1 tbsp olive oil or spray for crisping

For The Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level)

• 1 tsp honey (optional)

• Juice of ½ lime

For The Bowls

• 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice)

• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage

• 1 avocado, sliced

• ½ cup shredded carrots

• 2 green onions, sliced

• Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat The Oven Or Air Fryer
   I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) or set the air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

2. Season The Salmon
   I toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until fully coated.

3. Coat In Breadcrumbs
   I press each cube into the panko breadcrumbs until coated on all sides, then lightly spray them with olive oil.

4. Bake Or Air-Fry

   • Oven: I bake them on a parchment-lined tray for 12–14 minutes until golden and crispy.

   • Air Fryer: I cook them in batches for 8–10 minutes at 390°F, flipping halfway through.

5. Make The Bang Bang Sauce
   I whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth and creamy.

6. Assemble The Bowls
   I layer rice in the bowl, add cabbage, avocado, carrots, and the crispy salmon bites. Then I drizzle the sauce over everything and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.

Servings And Timing

• Servings: 4 bowls

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 12 minutes

• Total Time: 27 minutes

Variations

This bowl is super adaptable, and I like to change things up depending on what I have or what I’m craving.

• Change The Protein: I sometimes use shrimp, tofu, or chicken instead of salmon.

• Go Low-Carb: I swap the jasmine rice for cauliflower rice or leafy greens.

• Use A Different Sauce: When I want a different flavor profile, I drizzle with teriyaki or peanut sauce instead.

• Add Crunch: I love topping with chopped peanuts or crispy shallots for extra texture.

Storage/Reheating

When I have leftovers, I store them properly so they stay delicious the next day or even weeks later.

• Refrigerating: I let the salmon bites cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. I keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: I freeze the cooled bites on a tray until solid, then store them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They last for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: I reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3–5 minutes until warm and crispy again.

FAQs

Can I Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites Ahead Of Time?

Yes, I often prep the sauce and cut the salmon in advance. I wait to bread and cook the salmon until just before serving so it stays nice and crispy.

How Spicy Is The Sauce?

It depends on how much sriracha I add. I like a bit of heat, so I usually stick with the full tablespoon. But it’s easy to tone down or crank up the spice to match my mood.

What Can I Use Instead Of Mayonnaise?

When I want a lighter option, I swap in plain Greek yogurt or even mashed avocado. It’s a little different in texture, but still creamy and flavorful.

Can I Use Frozen Salmon?

Yes, I just thaw it fully and pat it dry before seasoning and breading it. It works just as well as fresh in this recipe.

What Else Can I Add To The Bowl?

I love switching up the veggies. Sometimes I add cucumber, edamame, bell peppers, or even roasted sweet potatoes. It’s easy to customize based on what I have.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls have become one of my go-to meals because they’re fast, flavorful, and foolproof. From the crispy salmon to the creamy, spicy sauce and crunchy toppings, every bite is packed with flavor and texture. Whether I’m making it for a busy weeknight or prepping lunches ahead of time, I know this bowl always delivers.

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