Name: Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Crispy Panko Coating and Spicy-Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; ½ cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to spice level); 1 tsp honey (optional); Juice of ½ lime; 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 for garnish; Sesame seeds for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 2 reviews

I absolutely love sharing this Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Crispy Panko Coating and Spicy-Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe because it combines my favorite textures and flavors in the most delicious way. The crispy panko exterior on tender salmon bites paired with a creamy, spicy mayo sauce is simply irresistible. Each bite bursts with bold flavor, and the dish comes together quickly, making it one of my go-to recipes whenever I want something impressive yet easy to prepare.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Crispy Panko Coating and Spicy-Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is the incredible harmony between flavors and textures. The salmon stays tender and juicy inside, while the panko coating crisps up beautifully, creating that perfect crunch that keeps me coming back for more. The spicy mayonnaise sauce adds just the right amount of heat and tang, giving it a mouthwatering kick without overpowering the natural flavor of the fish. I find this balance so satisfying every time I make it.

Another reason I adore this Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Crispy Panko Coating and Spicy-Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe is how effortlessly it comes together. Whether I’m baking or air frying, these bites cook quickly and clean up is a breeze. It’s an excellent recipe for weeknight dinners when I crave something special but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, I’ve served it at casual parties or family meals, and it instantly becomes a crowd-pleaser. Honestly, it stands out because it combines high flavor impact with simplicity and speed.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with cooked white rice on one side and bright orange pieces of cooked chicken on the other side, garnished with small green herb bits on top of the chicken. Three green cucumber slices are placed neatly on the rice beside the chicken. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are delightfully simple but essential. Each one plays a unique role in delivering the bold flavors, crisp texture, and colorful presentation that make the dish so appealing.

1 lb fresh salmon: Choose skinless, cut into bite-sized cubes for perfect portioning and tenderness.
1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle, savory depth without overpowering the salmon’s natural taste.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
½ tsp salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
½ tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle heat and complexity.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides the ultra-crispy, light texture that makes the salmon bites irresistible.
1 tbsp olive oil or spray: Helps achieve that golden crisp without extra grease.
½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the spicy sauce, balancing heat with richness.
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and subtle tang for that iconic bang bang flavor.
1 tbsp sriracha: Adjustable for your preferred spice level, giving the sauce a bold kick.
1 tsp honey (optional): Softens the spice with a touch of natural sweetness.
Juice of ½ lime: Brightens everything up with a fresh citrus zing.
2 cups cooked jasmine rice or cauliflower rice: A comforting base to pair with the flavorful salmon.
1 cup shredded purple cabbage: Adds vibrant crunch and a beautiful pop of color.
1 avocado (sliced): Creamy texture that complements the spicy salmon perfectly.
½ cup shredded carrots: Provides sweetness, freshness, and color contrast.
2 green onions (sliced): Mild oniony flavor that adds freshness to the finished dish.
Fresh cilantro and sesame seeds: For garnish, giving an herby lift and nutty crunch.

Directions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) to get ready for perfectly crispy bites.

Step 2: In a mixing bowl, toss the salmon cubes with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until every piece is fully coated in seasoning.

Step 3: Press each salmon cube gently into the panko breadcrumbs, making sure they are well-coated. Spray or lightly brush olive oil over them to help the coating turn golden and crispy.

Step 4: For oven cooking, arrange the salmon bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for about 12 to 14 minutes, watching for that gorgeous golden color and crispiness. If you’re using an air fryer, cook in batches at 390°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even crisping on all sides.

Step 5: While your salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey in a small bowl until smooth to make your signature Bang Bang sauce.

Step 6: To assemble, create a base layer of warm jasmine or cauliflower rice in serving bowls. Top it with shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, shredded carrots, and the crispy salmon bites. Drizzle generously with the spicy mayonnaise sauce, then finish with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a stunning and flavorful presentation.

Servings and Timing

This Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Crispy Panko Coating and Spicy-Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe serves 4 generously. The prep time is around 10 minutes, allowing you to quickly get everything seasoned and coated. Cooking takes about 12 to 14 minutes in the oven or 8 to 10 minutes in the air fryer. Altogether, expect a total time of approximately 27 minutes from start to finish. There’s no additional resting time needed, so you can dive right into enjoying your creation as soon as it’s ready.

How to Serve This Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Crispy Panko Coating and Spicy-Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe

The image shows a bowl with two layers: the bottom layer is white steamed rice with soft texture, and the top layer is pieces of cooked chicken coated in a shiny orange sauce, sprinkled with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Sliced red chili peppers are placed on top of the chicken, adding bright color contrast. A pair of wooden chopsticks rests on the edge of the bowl. The bowl is white and sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this dish, I love to showcase the vibrant colors and textures by presenting everything in pretty bowls, almost like a festive salmon bowl arrangement. The cooked rice or cauliflower rice creates a neutral yet fragrant base that balances the bright, crunchy veggies and creamy avocado. The salmon bites on top provide the star attraction in both flavor and texture.

To make the dish pop, I always drizzle plenty of the spicy mayonnaise sauce over everything. It’s fun to finish with fresh garnishes like scallions, cilantro, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, which add a bright herbal note and light nuttiness. If I’m serving this at a casual dinner or a fun party, I arrange the bites on individual plates and offer extra sauce on the side for dipping—people love customizing the heat!

For beverages, I’m a big fan of pairing these salmon bites with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the richness perfectly. For cocktails, a light mojito or ginger-based drink complements the flavors well. Non-alcoholic? A chilled cucumber or lime-infused sparkling water keeps the palate refreshed, which I find essential given the spicy kick in the sauce. This recipe works beautifully for weeknight dinners but also feels festive enough for celebrations or casual gatherings with friends.

Variations

I’ve played around with this recipe in several ways, and each variation brings a fresh twist. For example, if you prefer another type of fish, I sometimes swap the salmon for firm white fish like cod or halibut, adjusting the cooking time slightly to keep the bites tender. You can also experiment with different seasonings in the coating, like adding a pinch of cayenne or substituting smoked paprika for chili powder for a different smoky-spicy effect.

If you need a gluten-free version, simply replace the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free crumbs or crushed nuts like almonds or pistachios for an extra flavor dimension. For those following a plant-based diet, I like to make a version using firm tofu or cauliflower florets instead of salmon, applying the same coating and sauce—still delicious and satisfying!

Other flavor variations include mixing fresh herbs like dill or parsley into the mayo sauce, or swapping sriracha for another hot sauce to tweak the heat profile. Instead of baking or air frying, pan-searing the salmon bites briefly before adding breadcrumbs can add a different texture peak that I enjoy on occasion. These tweaks allow you to tailor the dish just the way you like it without losing what makes this Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Crispy Panko Coating and Spicy-Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe so great.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

When I have leftovers, I store the salmon bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator, which keeps them fresh for up to 2 days. I recommend separating the sauce if you have extra, to prevent the coating from losing its crispness. I use glass containers for easy reheating and to avoid any odors from seeping in.

Freezing

This recipe freezes fairly well if you want to save some for later. After baking or air frying and letting them cool completely, I arrange the salmon bites on a parchment-lined tray and freeze them uncovered until firm. Then, I transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container and store for up to 1 month. For best texture, I thaw quickly and reheat using an air fryer or oven to restore crispness rather than microwaving directly from frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using an oven set to 375°F (190°C) or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) until the bites are warmed through and the panko coating crisps back up nicely. Avoid reheating in the microwave alone, as it tends to make the coating soggy. Adding a quick spray of olive oil before reheating helps regain that golden crunch even better. For the sauce, I usually add a fresh drizzle after reheating to keep it bright and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! If using frozen salmon, make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before cutting into cubes. Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and ensures a crisp finish.

Is this recipe spicy? Can I adjust the heat level?

The sauce has a nice spicy kick from the sriracha balanced by sweet chili sauce and honey, but it’s very easy to adjust. Just add less sriracha for milder bites or more if you like it fiery. You can also swap sriracha for another hot sauce based on your heat preference.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prep the salmon bites and sauce in advance, but for best texture, I recommend baking or air frying the salmon just before serving so they stay crispy. The sauce can be made a day ahead and kept refrigerated.

What are good side dishes to serve with Bang Bang Salmon Bites?

I love pairing this dish with simple jasmine or cauliflower rice as instructed, plus fresh shredded cabbage and carrot slaw for crunch. A light cucumber salad or steamed greens also complement it nicely.

Can I use a different coating instead of panko breadcrumbs?

Absolutely! You can use crushed cornflakes, crushed nuts, gluten-free breadcrumbs, or even coconut flakes if you want a different flavor and texture. Just keep in mind cooking times might vary slightly.

Conclusion

I’m genuinely thrilled to share this Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Crispy Panko Coating and Spicy-Mayonnaise Sauce Recipe because it’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress and satisfy. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or guests, it strikes the perfect balance of bold flavor and crunchy texture with minimal effort. I encourage you to try making it soon—you’ll fall in love with how delicious and fun it is to eat!