Here’s a recipe for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites that combines the richness of salmon with a tangy and spicy sauce. These bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and have a delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet (skinless, boneless)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tanginess)
- Salt to taste
Garnish (optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Cilantro
Instructions:
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Cut the salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes (about 1-inch pieces).
- Make the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together until smooth.
- Coat the Salmon:
- Dip each salmon piece into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s coated evenly.
- Repeat for all salmon pieces and set them aside on a plate.
- Fry the Salmon:
- Heat oil in a large pan or skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test by dropping a small piece of salmon in—if it sizzles, it’s ready), add the salmon bites in batches, frying until golden brown and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side).
- Remove the salmon bites from the pan and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey (optional), and rice vinegar. Adjust the sweetness or heat as needed.
- Coat the Salmon Bites in Sauce:
- Gently toss the crispy salmon bites in the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. You can do this in a bowl or drizzle the sauce over the bites.
- Serve:
- Plate the crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro, if desired.
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side, and enjoy!
