Bang Bang Salmon Bites

By Lily | Last modified on Dec 18, 2025

Featured in: Appetizers

Experience a burst of bold flavors and delightful textures with these Bang Bang Salmon Bites. Juicy salmon cubes are expertly seasoned and baked to perfection, then generously coated in a vibrant, sweet, and spicy sauce that excites every bite. Whether you want a quick dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this dish brings that irresistible bang bang magic to your table.

Perfectly crispy on the outside yet tender and flaky inside, these salmon bites offer a simple way to elevate your weeknight meals or spice up your next gathering with friends and family. The harmony of Cajun spices, Thai chili, and zesty lime makes it a modern American-Asian fusion favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in under 30 minutes, combining quick prep and bake time.
Jumbo salmon cubes that stay juicy with a crisp coating.
A versatile dish perfect as an appetizer or main paired with rice.
A bold, balanced sauce that marries sweetness, heat, and tang.
Family-friendly flavors with options to adjust spice levels.

Ingredients

Salmon fillet: Fresh, skinless 1½ pounds cut into even 1-inch cubes for consistent cooking and texture.
Extra virgin olive oil: 1 tablespoon to lightly coat salmon ensuring crispness and flavor in baking.
Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons to create a crunchy outer layer by absorbing moisture during baking.
Cajun seasoning: 1 tablespoon for a smoky, spicy flavor with herbs and spices complementing the salmon.
Mayonnaise: 3/4 cup as a rich, creamy base balancing the heat in the bang bang sauce.
Thai sweet chili sauce: 1/3 cup adds sweetness and a mild heat with subtle garlic undertones.
Sriracha: 1 tablespoon brings a sharp, spicy kick enhancing the overall sauce profile.
Fresh lime juice: 1 tablespoon to add a bright, tangy freshness that lifts the sauce flavor.
Cooked Jasmine or Basmati rice: To serve as a fragrant, fluffy base complementing the salmon bites.
Sliced green onions: For garnish adding freshness and a mild onion bite.
Thinly sliced red chili pepper (Fresno chili preferred): Garnish providing extra heat and vibrant color.
Sesame seeds: Toasted, sprinkled for a nutty crunch and decorative touch.

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet: Set your oven temperature to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This high heat ensures the salmon bites develop a crisp exterior quickly without overcooking the interior.
Cut and Dry Salmon: Pat the skinless salmon fillet dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking and consistent texture once baked.
Coat Salmon in Oil and Seasoning: Drizzle the olive oil over salmon cubes and gently toss to coat each piece lightly. Sprinkle cornstarch and Cajun seasoning evenly, then toss again to ensure the coating sticks well and imparts a flavorful crust after baking.
Arrange Salmon on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned salmon bites in a single, spaced-out layer on the parchment-lined sheet to allow optimal air circulation and crisping during baking.
Bake and Broil the Salmon: Bake the salmon bites at 425°F for 10–12 minutes to cook through. Then switch to high broil for an additional 5 minutes to develop a golden brown, crispy coating. The fish should flake easily with a fork, confirming it’s perfectly cooked.
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and freshly squeezed lime juice until smooth and well-blended. This sauce offers a creamy, spicy, and tangy complement to the savory salmon.
Toss Salmon in Sauce: Transfer the hot salmon bites to a clean bowl and pour half of the bang bang sauce over them. Gently toss to coat evenly without breaking the delicate salmon pieces.
Serve with Rice and Garnishes: Dish cooked Jasmine or Basmati rice into serving bowls. Plate the sauced salmon bites on top and garnish with sliced green onions, thin red chili slices, and toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle more bang bang sauce if desired for extra flavor and visual appeal.

You Must Know

Salmon bites taste best fresh to retain crispiness, though they remain delicious chilled.
Adjust sriracha quantity in the sauce to control heat intensity according to your preference.
Allow space between salmon pieces on baking sheet for optimal crisping; overcrowding causes sogginess.

Storage Tips

Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve some crispness when reheating, use an air fryer or oven instead of a microwave, which can soften the coating. Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 1 month but will lose crisp texture once thawed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these savory salmon bites over fragrant Jasmine or Basmati rice to soak up the sauce. Pair with steamed vegetables or a crisp Asian-inspired slaw for a complete meal. They also make elegant finger food for parties when plated with fresh garnishes and extra bang bang sauce for dipping.

Professional Tips

Cut salmon cubes uniformly for even cooking and professional presentation.
Use fresh lime juice to brighten the bang bang sauce rather than bottled for best flavor.
Broiling at the end enhances texture but watch closely to avoid burning.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?: While fresh salmon yields the best texture and flavor, thawed frozen salmon can also work if patted dry thoroughly before cooking.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier or milder?: Absolutely, adjust the sriracha amount up or down and add more or less Cajun seasoning to match your preferred spice level.
Can I grill or pan-fry the salmon bites instead of baking?: Yes, grilling or pan-frying can create a crispy exterior, but monitor closely to avoid overcooking the fish.
What are good dipping sauces to serve alongside?: Beyond the bang bang sauce, a cooling cucumber yogurt dip or a tangy soy-ginger sauce pairs nicely.
How do I reheat leftover salmon bites without losing crunch?: Use an air fryer at 350°F for 2–4 minutes or an oven for about 5 minutes to help restore crispness, avoiding microwaves.
Can I substitute mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?: You can try Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter or dairy-free option, though texture and taste will slightly vary.
What sides complement Bang Bang Salmon Bites well?: Steamed or stir-fried veggies, rice noodles, or Asian slaw are tasty sides that balance the bold fish flavors.