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Bang Bang Salmon Bites Recipe

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4.1 from 12 reviews

Bang Bang Salmon Bites are a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring succulent salmon cubes marinated in a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce, then air-fried, pan-fried, or oven-baked to perfection. Served alongside a refreshing cucumber and avocado salad and fluffy steamed jasmine rice, this recipe offers a delightful balance of spicy, tangy, and fresh flavors in an easy-to-make meal ready in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (60 g) sweet chilli sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha or hot chilli sauce (optional)
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp lime juice

Salmon Marinade and Cooking

  • 4 salmon fillets, cut into 3 cm (1¼ inch) cubes
  • 1 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Cucumber and Avocado Salad

  • 2 Lebanese (short) cucumbers, sliced
  • 1 avocado, diced
  • 1 spring onion (scallion), finely chopped, plus extra to serve
  • ½ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
  • 1 cup (140 g) edamame beans, thawed and drained
  • 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil
  • 1 tbsp all-purpose soy sauce or tamari
  • 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional)
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional)

To Serve

  • Steamed jasmine rice
  • Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

  1. Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chilli sauce, sriracha (if using), honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined. Set the bang bang sauce aside for later use.
  2. Marinate the salmon: Place the cubed salmon in a large bowl. Add the sweet paprika, onion powder, freshly cracked black pepper, soy sauce, and olive oil. Toss well to coat the salmon evenly in the spices and sauces. Then, spoon ¼ cup (60 ml) of the prepared bang bang sauce onto the salmon and gently toss to lightly coat the pieces. Set the remaining sauce aside for serving.
  3. Cook the salmon: Choose one cooking method:
    • Air fryer (recommended): Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F). Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the basket. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
    • Pan-fry: Heat a non-stick frying pan over medium–high heat. Add the salmon cubes and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning every couple of minutes to brown all sides until golden and just cooked.
    • Oven-bake: Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) fan-forced. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and arrange salmon in a single layer. Bake for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, until cooked through and edges slightly golden. For extra crispiness, finish under the broiler for 2–3 minutes.
  4. Make the salad: In a medium bowl, combine the sliced cucumbers, diced avocado, finely chopped spring onion, coriander, and edamame beans. Drizzle with olive or avocado oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and minced ginger if using. Toss gently to coat everything evenly. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  5. Assemble and serve: Divide steamed jasmine rice among four bowls. Top each with cooked salmon bites. Drizzle reserved bang bang sauce over the salmon or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. Serve the cucumber and avocado salad alongside, garnished with extra spring onion and lime wedges if desired.

Notes

  • For a spicier bang bang sauce, increase the amount of sriracha or omit honey for more heat.
  • Edamame beans add a great protein boost and vibrant color; thaw and drain well before adding to the salad.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, pan-frying or oven-baking are excellent alternatives with equally delicious results.
  • Using fresh lime juice rather than bottled enhances the tangy flavor of the sauce.
  • Leftover bang bang sauce keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated in an airtight container.