Bang Bang Salmon (Crispy, Creamy, Sweet-Spicy)
A flavorful salmon recipe inspired by bang bang shrimp sauce — crispy salmon bites coated in a creamy spicy sauce with a little sweetness and tang. Great for bowls, tacos, rice, lettuce wraps, or meal prep.
Servings
4 servings
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1 1/2 lb salmon fillet, skin removed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp cornstarch (for crispiness)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice or rice vinegar
Optional Garnishes
- Green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon
Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
Cut into:
- 1 to 1 1/2 inch cubes
Dry salmon = crispier texture.
2. Season
In a bowl, toss salmon with:
- Olive oil
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cornstarch
Coat evenly.
Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Method (Best for Crispiness)
Preheat
- 200°C / 400°F
Arrange salmon in a single layer.
Cook:
- 8–10 minutes
Shake basket halfway through.
Edges should be golden and slightly crispy.
Oven Method
Bake at:
- 220°C / 425°F
On a parchment-lined tray for:
- 12–15 minutes
Optional:
- Broil last 1–2 minutes for extra color.
Pan-Seared Method
Heat skillet over medium-high.
Cook salmon:
- 2–3 minutes per side
Until crisp and caramelized.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together:
- Mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Honey
- Lime juice
Taste and adjust:
- More sriracha = spicier
- More honey = sweeter
4. Toss or Drizzle
Option 1 — Toss
For fully coated salmon bites:
- Toss hot salmon gently in sauce.
Option 2 — Drizzle
Keeps salmon crispier:
- Drizzle sauce over plated salmon.
Serving Ideas
Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
Serve with:
- Rice or cauliflower rice
- Cucumbers
- Avocado
- Edamame
- Shredded carrots
Tacos
Use:
- Warm tortillas
- Slaw
- Pickled onions
Salad
Serve over:
- Crunchy romaine
- Cabbage slaw
- Sesame dressing
Approximate Macros (Per Serving)
Varies with sauce amount.
Estimated:
- Calories: 420–500
- Protein: 32–36g
- Fat: 28–34g
- Carbs: 8–14g
Keto / Low-Carb Version
Replace:
- Sweet chili sauce → sugar-free chili sauce
- Honey → keto sweetener
- Cornstarch → almond flour or omit
Net carbs can drop to:
- ~4–6g per serving
Meal Prep Tips
- Store salmon and sauce separately for best texture.
- Fridge: up to 3 days.
- Reheat in air fryer for crispiness.
Optional Variations
Extra Crispy
Dip salmon lightly in:
- Panko
OR - Crushed pork rinds (keto)
Asian-Inspired
Add to sauce:
- Soy sauce
- Sesame oil
- Fresh ginger
Extra Protein Bowl
Serve with:
- Cottage cheese rice
- Edamame
- Soft-boiled egg
