Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls: Weeknight Wonder (Print Version)

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls: Your new favorite quick dinner! Get spicy-sweet salmon with rice & veggies on your table fast.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Fusion
Dietary: Pescatarian

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Salmon & Base

01 - Salmon Fillets (1.5 lbs, skinless, cut into 1-inch cubes)
02 - Cooked Rice (for serving)
03 - Veggies for Bowls (e.g., cucumber, edamame, avocado, shredded carrots)

→ Flavor Boosters & Crispy Coat

04 - Cornstarch (2 tbsp)
05 - Mayonnaise (1/2 cup, full-fat)
06 - Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup)
07 - Sriracha (1-2 tbsp, or to taste)
08 - Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp)
09 - Soy Sauce (1 tbsp, low sodium)
10 - Garlic Powder (1/2 tsp)
11 - Sesame Oil (1/2 tsp)

→ Finishing Touches

12 - Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
13 - Green Onions (sliced, for garnish)
14 - Sesame Seeds (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those salmon cubes *super* dry with paper towels. This is, honestly, the most crucial step for getting that amazing crispy exterior for your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls. Then, in a medium bowl, gently toss the salmon with the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper until each piece is lightly coated. You want a thin, even layer – too much and it gets gummy, too little and it won't crisp up. I once rushed this and the salmon was just... not what I wanted. Take your time here, it makes all the difference!
02 - Now for the magic! In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (start with 1 tbsp if you're unsure about heat, you can always add more!), rice vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and sesame oil. Give it a good whisk until it's smooth and creamy. Taste it! This is your moment to adjust the spice or sweetness. I always taste it like three times to make sure it's just right. Don't be shy about adding a little more sriracha if you like things fiery, like I do sometimes!
03 - If you're using an air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the salmon bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the basket – this is key for crispiness! You might need to do this in batches, and trust me, it’s worth it. Air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and beautifully golden brown and crispy. I've definitely overcrowded my air fryer before, and the salmon just steamed instead of getting that lovely crunch. Oops!
04 - No air fryer? No problem! Heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil (like avocado or vegetable oil) in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the salmon bites in a single layer, again, don't overcrowd! Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The salmon should flake easily. This method gets them wonderfully crispy too, I promise. Just watch them carefully so they don't burn – I've learned that the hard way, many times!
05 - Time to build your masterpiece! Divide the cooked rice among four serving bowls. Artfully arrange your chosen fresh veggies (cucumber, edamame, avocado, shredded carrots, whatever makes you happy!) around the rice. Then, carefully place the glorious, crispy salmon bites on top of or next to the veggies. This is where it starts looking like a real meal, and the colors are just so inviting. Sometimes my kitchen counter is a mess by this point, but it's all part of the fun!
06 - Now for the grand finale! Drizzle that luscious bang bang sauce generously over the salmon and veggies. Don't be shy with the sauce – it's what makes these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls so utterly delicious. Finally, sprinkle with sliced green onions and a few sesame seeds for that extra flourish. Take a moment to admire your handiwork, maybe even snap a quick photo (I always do!), then dig in while everything is warm and the salmon is still perfectly crispy. The smell alone is enough to get your tummy rumbling!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your salmon *super* dry before adding cornstarch for maximum crispiness; I once skipped this and my salmon was soggy.
02 - Store leftover salmon bites and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days to maintain texture; don't microwave the salmon with sauce already on!
03 - If you're out of sriracha, a dash of chili garlic sauce or gochujang can add a delightful, albeit slightly different, kick to the bang bang sauce.
04 - Serve these bowls with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and some toasted crushed peanuts for an extra layer of brightness and crunch that I just adore.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Air fryer or large non-stick skillet
02 - mixing bowls
03 - whisk
04 - cutting board
05 - sharp knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 550
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 45g
Protein: 35g

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