If your weeknight dinners are starting to feel a little too routine, let me introduce you to Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls. This dish is everything we love in one bowl—crispy salmon, a creamy spicy-sweet sauce, and vibrant veggies that make you feel like you’ve ordered takeout but in the comfort of your own kitchen.
I first tested this recipe on a busy Wednesday night after a long day of juggling my kids’ homework and dinner prep. (You know the drill—trying to keep the rice from boiling over while also listening to a reading log recap.) These salmon bites were not only a hit but quickly became a repeat request. And honestly? I wasn’t mad about it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe
- Quick & easy – ready in under 30 minutes.
- Versatile cooking methods – bake or air fry.
- Crowd-pleaser – picky eaters tend to forget their “fish rules” when these show up.
- Meal-prep friendly – the components can be prepped ahead.
- Balanced – protein, veggies, rice, and a sauce that ties it all together.
What Do Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Taste Like?
Think crispy little nuggets of salmon that stay juicy on the inside with a golden crunch outside. Then picture them tossed or drizzled with a creamy sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and carries just enough kick to keep you coming back for another bite. Add the fresh crunch of cabbage and carrots, the buttery smoothness of avocado, and fluffy jasmine rice—and you’ve got a bowl that hits every flavor note.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
One of the best parts about making Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls is that the ingredients are simple, colorful, and easy to find. Each component plays a role in balancing flavor and texture—crispy salmon bites for protein, a creamy-spicy sauce to tie everything together, and fresh vegetables that add crunch and brightness.
Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this dish to life:
For the Salmon Bites
- Fresh salmon (1 lb, skinless, cut into cubes): The star of the dish. Choose wild-caught if you can, but any quality salmon will work. Cutting it into bite-sized chunks means more crispy edges with every bite.
- Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds a warm, savory depth that pairs perfectly with the smoky paprika.
- Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Gives the salmon its subtle smokiness and a gorgeous golden color once crisped.
- Salt and black pepper (½ tsp each): Classic seasoning to make sure your salmon doesn’t fall flat.
- Panko breadcrumbs (1 cup): The secret to that irresistible crunch. Japanese-style panko creates a lighter, crispier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp or spray): A light spritz helps the salmon bites bake or air fry to crunchy perfection without excess grease.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base that makes this sauce so addictive. You can swap for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter twist.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tbsp): Brings a sweet, tangy heat that’s not overwhelming.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp, adjust to taste): For that signature “bang bang” kick—spicy but balanced.
- Honey (1 tsp, optional): Just a drizzle rounds out the spice with a hint of sweetness.
- Juice of ½ lime: Brightens up the sauce with a touch of acidity that keeps everything from feeling heavy.
For the Bowls
- Cooked jasmine rice (2 cups): Fluffy, fragrant, and perfect for soaking up all that sauce. You can swap in cauliflower rice or even quinoa for a lighter option.
- Purple cabbage (1 cup, shredded): Adds crunch and vibrant color that makes your bowls look restaurant-worthy.
- Avocado (1 whole, sliced): Creamy and rich, balancing out the spicy sauce beautifully.
- Carrots (½ cup, shredded): Fresh and slightly sweet, another layer of crunch to keep every bite interesting.
- Green onions (2, sliced): A fresh, mild onion flavor that finishes off the bowls.
- Cilantro and sesame seeds (for garnish): Optional, but they add freshness and a nutty finish that ties everything together.
If you love this balance of protein, veggies, and sauce layered over rice, you’ll also enjoy my Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Mozzarella—another dish where texture and flavor come together beautifully.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Step by Step
Making Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls might sound like something you’d order at a trendy restaurant, but trust me—you can pull this off in your own kitchen in less than 30 minutes. Here’s a detailed walk-through so every bite comes out perfectly crispy, saucy, and satisfying.
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer
Before you even touch the salmon, get your cooking method ready:
- Oven method: Preheat to 400°F and line a baking tray with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Air fryer method: Preheat to 390°F. If your air fryer doesn’t have a preheat option, let it run for about 3 minutes before adding the salmon bites.
This step is key because hot cooking surfaces mean crispier salmon.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place your cubed salmon into a mixing bowl. Sprinkle with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss gently so every piece is evenly coated.
Tip: Use your hands (or a spoon if you’d rather stay neat) to make sure the seasoning clings to each cube. Even coverage means balanced flavor.
Step 3: Coat in Panko Breadcrumbs
Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. One by one, press each salmon cube into the panko so the crumbs stick to all sides. Don’t rush this—good coverage is what gives the bites their crunchy, golden exterior.
Lightly spray the coated cubes with olive oil. This will help the breadcrumbs crisp up instead of drying out.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon Bites
Now it’s time to transform those little cubes into crispy nuggets of joy:
- Oven: Spread salmon bites evenly on the prepared tray. Bake for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should look golden brown and flake easily when done.
- Air fryer: Place salmon in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping at the halfway mark to crisp all sides.
Resist the urge to overcrowd—space between pieces is what allows air circulation and that crunchy finish.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl.
Taste as you go:
- Want it spicier? Add more sriracha.
- Want it sweeter? A touch more honey does the trick.
- Need more zing? Squeeze in a little extra lime.
This sauce should be smooth, creamy, and so good you’ll want to dip everything in it.
Step 6: Build the Bowls
Now comes the fun part—assembly!
- Start with a base of fluffy jasmine rice (or cauliflower rice if you’re keeping it lighter).
- Add a layer of shredded purple cabbage and carrots for crunch.
- Lay out those golden salmon bites right on top.
- Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce.
- Finish with sliced avocado, green onions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
The result? A colorful, hearty, and Instagram-worthy dinner that tastes even better than it looks.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Grab a fork (or chopsticks if you want the full “bowl” experience) and dig in while everything is hot and fresh. The crispy salmon with the creamy-spicy sauce against the cool avocado and crunchy veggies—this is comfort food with a bold twist.
If you’re into hearty rice bowls, don’t miss my Creamy Smothered Chicken Rice for another satisfying, family-friendly dinner idea.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
- Dry your salmon well before seasoning—this helps the breadcrumbs stick better.
- Batch cooking works great—make extra salmon bites and reheat in the air fryer for quick lunches.
- Sauce swap – Greek yogurt can sub for mayo if you want a lighter sauce.
- Rice alternatives – Cauliflower rice or quinoa both make delicious bases.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer – Give the salmon room to crisp.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftover salmon and veggies separately from rice and sauce. Keeps up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Salmon bites freeze surprisingly well. Flash freeze on a tray, then store in a bag for up to 2 months. Re-crisp in the air fryer.
- Reheat: Air fryer for 4 minutes or oven at 350°F until warmed through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before seasoning.
Is this recipe spicy?
It’s got a gentle kick. Adjust the sriracha to your comfort level—or swap for ketchup if serving kids.
Can I meal prep these bowls?
Absolutely. Keep the sauce in a separate container and drizzle right before eating to keep things fresh.
Conclusion
When you need something bold, colorful, and downright satisfying, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are your answer. They’re quick enough for a weeknight but special enough for a Saturday dinner when you want to impress. If you give them a try, I’d love to hear how they turned out for you—drop me a comment or tag me with your bowl masterpiece.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
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Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls – Quick & Easy Weeknight Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
Description
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls bring a perfect crunch, creamy sauce, and vibrant veggies all in one colorful, crave-worthy dish! Whether baked or air-fried, the salmon bites stay juicy inside with a golden crisp outside. Topped with a sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce, they make a bold and irresistible weeknight dinner or meal prep option.
Ingredients
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
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).
2. In a bowl, toss salmon cubes with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Gently press each salmon piece into the panko breadcrumbs until well-coated. Spray lightly with olive oil.
4. Oven method: Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking tray and bake for 12–14 minutes, until golden and crispy.
5. Air fryer method: Cook in batches at 390°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.
6. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey until smooth.
7. Assemble bowls with a base of rice. Add cabbage, avocado, carrots, and salmon bites. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds.
Notes
You can substitute cauliflower rice for a lighter option.
Adjust spice level by varying the amount of sriracha.
Salmon can also be pan-seared instead of baked or air-fried.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Oven, Air Fryer, Assembly
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: bang bang salmon, salmon bites, salmon bowls, crispy salmon, bang bang sauce
