Oh my goodness! Let me tell you about my latest culinary obsession: **Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites**! I discovered this magical little recipe during one of those late-night scrolling sessions on Pinterest. You know how it goes; one minute you’re just trying to find a cute cat video, and the next, you’re knee-deep in food inspiration. I saw these little nuggets of goodness and instantly started drooling!
What I love most about these salmon bites is how they combine that delightful crispy texture with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce that takes them over the top. They’re perfect for serving at parties, but they’re also a great weekday dinner option when you need something quick yet satisfying. Plus, I have fond memories of whipping these up for my friends when they came over, and let me tell you, they disappeared faster than I could plate them!
What’s in Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
Salmon: The star of the show! Fresh salmon has a rich flavor and tender texture. I always like to opt for wild-caught salmon when possible, as it tends to be healthier and tastier!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add that delightful crunch to the bites. They’re light, airy, and really give these little guys a crispy exterior.
Cornstarch: This is our secret weapon for that extra crunch! Mixing cornstarch with breadcrumbs helps to create an ultra-crispy coating.
Egg: The binding agent that holds everything together. It ensures the panko adheres nicely to the salmon.
Bang Bang Sauce: A heavenly mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha that takes these bites to the next level. It’s sweet, tangy, and has a little kick that you’ll absolutely love!
Is Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Good for You?
Absolutely! These little bites of joy not only taste great, but they’re also packed with nutrition.
Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is excellent for heart health and is full of protein. That means you’re fueling your body while treating your taste buds!
Panko Breadcrumbs: While these do add a bit of carbs, using whole grain panko can make them a better option than regular breadcrumbs.
However, moderation is key. The bang bang sauce, while delicious, can be high in calories due to the mayonnaise. You can easily adjust the sauce ingredients to cater to your taste and dietary needs.
Ingredients List
– 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
– ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
– ¼ cup cornstarch
– 1 large egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil for frying
– For the bang bang sauce:
– ½ cup mayonnaise
– ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha (or more if you like it spicy!)
*Serves: 4 (as an appetizer)*
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites?
1. **Prep the Salmon:** Start by cutting your salmon fillet into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and pepper.
2. **Set Up Your Breading Station:** In one bowl, place the cornstarch. In a second bowl, pour the beaten egg. In a third bowl, put the panko breadcrumbs.
3. **Coat the Salmon:** Dredge each salmon piece in cornstarch first, shaking off any excess. Then dip it in the egg, and finally coat it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breading sticks.
4. **Heat the Oil:** In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat. You can tell the oil is ready when a drop of water sizzles when it hits the surface.
5. **Fry the Bites:** Carefully add the breaded salmon bites to the skillet in batches (don’t overcrowd them). Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. Transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. **Make the Bang Bang Sauce:** In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until it’s well combined.
7. **Serve:** Arrange your crispy salmon bites on a platter and drizzle with bang bang sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Elevate Your Salmon Experience!
If you want to mix things up, try adding some chopped green onions or sesame seeds as a garnish. They add a wonderful crunch and an aesthetically pleasing pop of color!
Another great variation is to bake the salmon bites instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray them lightly with cooking spray, and bake for about 12-15 minutes until crispy.
Lastly, these bites are not just for parties. Feel free to toss them in a salad or use them as a filling for tacos. They also work great as a topping for a rice bowl. The possibilities are endless!
I hope you give these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites a try! I guarantee they’ll become a favorite for you and your loved ones. Don’t forget to share how yours turn out! Happy cooking!
