If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and comes together in no time, this Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. These tender, perfectly roasted salmon chunks are generously coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that packs a punch with a hint of sweetness and heat. It’s a crowd-pleaser that manages to be both sophisticated and comfort food, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet powerful ingredients. Each one is chosen to build layers of flavor and texture, from the creamy mayo that creates richness to the Thai sweet chili sauce that adds that characteristic spicy-sweet zing.
- 2 lbs Salmon Filet: Fresh or thawed, the star ingredient providing a tender, flaky base.
- 2 tbsp Mayo: Helps bind the seasonings to the salmon and keeps it moist while roasting.
- 1 tsp Onion Powder: Adds subtle sweetness and depth to the seasoning mix.
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder: Gives a warm, savory undertone that pairs beautifully with salmon.
- 1 tsp Chili Powder: Brings a gentle spice to the salmon bites for balanced heat.
- 2 tsp Garlic Paste: Intensifies garlic flavor with fresh vibrancy.
- Garlic Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing the natural flavors.
- 3/4 cup Mayo (for sauce): Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- 1/2 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: The heart of the spicy Thai chili flavor, adding sweetness and heat.
- 1 tbsp Sriracha: Steps up the heat for a spicy kick.
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce: Introduces umami and saltiness to balance the sauce.
- 1 tsp Honey: Provides a touch of sweetness to round out flavors.
- 1 clove Garlic (grated or minced): Adds fresh punch and aroma to the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Salmon
Begin by preheating your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit for that perfect roasting temperature. Pat your salmon dry using paper towels—this helps remove excess moisture so you get nice, crisp edges when baked. If your salmon still has skin, carefully remove it by slicing between flesh and skin with a sharp knife while holding the skin taut. Once skinless, chop the salmon into bite-sized pieces about 1 to 1.5 inches wide and transfer them into a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season and Coat
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons mayo, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and garlic paste. Give it a good mix until evenly blended. Season the salmon bites with garlic salt and black pepper to your liking, then pour the mayo seasoning mixture over the chunks. Gently toss so each piece is deliciously coated. Spreading out the salmon is key to avoid steaming and to encourage roasting, so place them in a single layer about 1-2 inches apart on a baking sheet.
Step 3: Roast and Broil to Perfection
Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 10 minutes. Then switch to broil and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon bites develop a golden brown, slightly crispy exterior. Keep an eye during broiling as it can go from perfectly toasted to burnt very quickly.
Step 4: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is roasting, whisk together mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and grated garlic until smooth and creamy. This sauce is where all the bold, spicy, sweet magic happens, perfectly complementing the salmon’s rich flavor.
Step 5: Drizzle and Devour
Once your salmon bites are out of the oven, quickly drizzle the homemade bang bang sauce over them. Serve immediately for maximum flavor and texture contrast—a crispy, tender salmon bite coated in a luscious, spicy Thai chili sauce.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your salmon bites elevates the dish both visually and flavor-wise. Sprinkle some finely sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro on top for a pop of green and fresh herbaceousness. Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nutty crunch that perfectly complements the sauce.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Salmon Bites shine when paired with simple, fresh sides. Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or a light cucumber salad to balance the richness and spice. For a heartier meal, roasted vegetables or a crisp Asian slaw are fantastic companions to keep the flavors bright and varied.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, turn this dish into elegant appetizers by skewering the salmon bites on small bamboo picks and drizzling sauce tableside. Or plate the bites over a bed of mixed greens for a light and colorful entrée. Get creative by serving in small lettuce cups with additional sauce on the side for a hand-held treat that’s perfect for parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the best texture, keep the salmon separate from the sauce if possible and combine just before eating.
Freezing
While freezing is an option, it’s best done with cooked salmon bites before adding sauce. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing after adding the spicy Thai chili sauce to maintain freshness and quality.
Reheating
Reheat stored salmon bites gently in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the fish. Add the bang bang sauce fresh after reheating for the best taste and texture experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure it is completely thawed before you remove the skin and begin prepping. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce? Can I adjust it?
The sauce has a moderate kick thanks to sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce but feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha to make it milder or hotter to suit your taste buds.
Is it necessary to remove the skin from the salmon?
While not mandatory, removing the skin helps your salmon bites roast evenly and prevents chewy patches. It also allows the sauce to coat every bite perfectly.
What can I serve instead of rice as a side?
Try serving with quinoa, noodles, or even a fresh, crunchy salad. The goal is to complement the rich, spicy salmon with something light and refreshing.
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be made up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using to recombine.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe is a delightful way to add some excitement to your weeknight meals or impress friends with minimal fuss. The contrast of tender salmon and vibrant sauce is unforgettable, and the quick prep means you can enjoy gourmet flavors without the wait. I promise, once you try it, Bang Bang Salmon Bites will become a beloved staple in your recipe collection.
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Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Spicy Thai Chili Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Bang Bang Salmon Bites is a quick and flavorful seafood dish that features tender, oven-roasted salmon chunks topped with a creamy, spicy homemade bang bang sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this easy recipe combines a perfectly roasted salmon with a zesty sauce that pairs well with rice, salads, or steamed vegetables, making it an ideal weeknight meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Salmon and Coating
- 2 lbs Salmon Filet
- 2 tbsp Mayonnaise
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Chili Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Paste
- Garlic Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
Bang Bang Sauce
- 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha
- 1 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Honey
- 1 clove Garlic, grated or minced
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit to prepare for roasting the salmon.
- Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon dry and carefully remove the skin using a sharp knife by cutting between the flesh and skin and pulling the skin taut. Trim any remaining bits of skin.
- Cut Salmon: Chop the salmon into bite-sized chunks roughly 1 to 1.5 inches each and place them in a large mixing bowl.
- Make Coating Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, onion powder, garlic powder, chili powder, and garlic paste. Season the salmon chunks with garlic salt and black pepper, then coat them evenly with the mayo mixture.
- Arrange Salmon: Spread the coated salmon pieces out on a baking sheet in a single layer, leaving 1 to 2 inches between pieces to ensure they roast evenly and get crispy.
- Roast Salmon: Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 10 minutes.
- Broil for Crispiness: Switch the oven to broil and cook the salmon for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, soy sauce, honey, and grated garlic until smooth and combined.
- Serve: Once the salmon bites are cooked, drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce on top and serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure the salmon is fully thawed before skin removal if using frozen.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to allow even cooking and crispiness.
- Keep a close eye during broiling as the salmon can burn quickly.
- Adjust spice levels in the bang bang sauce by varying the amount of sriracha according to taste.
- Serve with steamed rice, salads, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Seafood, Appetizer, Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American