Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

03/11/2025 by Chef Zainab

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Spicy, Crunchy & Irresistible

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Cost per Serving: ~$5.00
Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal

The Ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

If you love crispy, spicy, and flavor-packed seafood, this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon is about to be your new favorite dish. Imagine perfectly seared salmon fillets, coated in a crunchy, golden crust, drizzled with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. It’s quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible!

The best part? This recipe is low-carb and gluten-free, making it a healthier option without sacrificing any of the bold flavors you love. Serve it with a side of roasted veggies, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad for a delicious meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A bowl of crispy Bang Bang salmon bites served over white rice with edamame, drizzled with spicy sauce, and garnished with lime wedges and chopsticks. — This Bang Bang salmon bowl is the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and creamy flavors, served with rice and edamame for a balanced meal.

Crispy, golden perfection. The coating on this salmon is next-level crunchy, thanks to a mix of almond flour and crushed pork rinds (or panko). It locks in all the juiciness while giving you that satisfying crisp with every bite.

Bang Bang sauce = pure magic. Creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet, this sauce brings everything together. It’s bold, addictive, and the perfect contrast to the crispy salmon. You’ll want to drizzle it on everything.

Fast, easy, and packed with flavor. This dish looks fancy but takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

Low-carb and gluten-free (without sacrificing crunch). No flour, no problem! The almond flour and pork rinds create an incredible crispy crust without the carbs, making this dish keto-friendly.

Totally customizable. Love heat? Add extra sriracha. Want a twist? Swap the salmon for shrimp or chicken. This recipe is as flexible as it is delicious.

How to make these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Ingredients

The exact ingredient measurements can be found below in the recipe card.

Close-up of golden, pan-seared Bang Bang salmon bites coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, topped with sesame seeds and served with edamame. — These crispy Bang Bang salmon bites are coated in a flavorful spice blend, seared to perfection, and drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce.

Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon fillets are key here. If you can, go for wild-caught—it has a richer flavor and firmer texture than farmed salmon. Skin-on or skinless both work, but if using skin-on, cook it crispy for extra crunch.

Salt & Black Pepper: A simple but essential duo. The salt enhances the salmon’s natural flavor, while black pepper adds just the right amount of warmth.

Smoked Paprika: This little touch makes all the difference. It brings a subtle smokiness that pairs beautifully with the crispy crust and the creamy Bang Bang sauce. Regular paprika will work, but smoked is next-level.

Almond Flour: A great low-carb alternative to regular flour. It helps create a light, crispy coating without overpowering the fish. If you don’t have almond flour, crushed pork rinds or coconut flour will do the trick.

Crushed Pork Rinds (or Panko): This is what gives the salmon its signature crunch. Pork rinds keep it keto, while panko breadcrumbs give a more traditional texture—both work, so pick your favorite.

Egg: The binding agent that holds the coating together. Beaten well, it helps the flour and crumbs stick perfectly to the salmon.

Olive Oil: A little goes a long way to get that golden-brown crust. Use a high-smoke-point oil like avocado oil if you prefer, but olive oil adds a nice depth of flavor.

Bang Bang Sauce: The magic ingredient. A mix of mayonnaise, sriracha, sugar-free sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder creates a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet sauce that ties everything together.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp sriracha, 1 tbsp sugar-free sweet chili sauce, 1 tsp rice vinegar, and ½ tsp garlic powder in a small bowl. The sauce should be smooth, creamy, and just spicy enough. Set it aside—it’ll come into play later.

Step 2: Prep the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step is key—dry salmon = crispier coating. Season both sides with ½ tsp salt, ½ tsp black pepper, and ½ tsp smoked paprika for a perfect balance of flavor.

Step 3: Set Up the Coating Station

You’ll need two shallow bowls. In one, crack and beat 1 large egg. In the other, mix together ¼ cup almond flour and ¼ cup crushed pork rinds (or panko, if not low-carb). This combo creates an ultra-crispy crust without weighing the salmon down.

Step 4: Coat the Salmon

Dip each fillet into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, press it into the flour mixture, coating all sides evenly. Gently shake off any extra crumbs—too much and it won’t crisp up as well.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon

Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully to keep the coating intact. You’re looking for a golden-brown crust that’s crisp to the touch.

Step 6: Sauce It Up & Serve

Once the salmon is cooked through, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for a minute. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce, or serve it on the side for dipping. Now, take a bite—you’re in for something amazing.

A glass bowl filled with freshly mixed Bang Bang sauce, a creamy and spicy blend of mayonnaise, sriracha, and seasonings, with a red whisk resting inside. — This homemade Bang Bang sauce is the perfect blend of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors—ideal for drizzling over crispy salmon or dipping your favorite appetizers.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites % — These seasoned salmon bites are prepped and ready for baking or pan-searing—perfect for a crispy and flavorful Bang Bang salmon dish.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites recipe Tips

Pat the salmon dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Blotting the fillets with a paper towel before seasoning ensures the coating sticks and crisps up beautifully.

Use a mix of almond flour and pork rinds. Almond flour gives a light, even coating, while pork rinds (or panko) bring the crunch. The combination is what makes this salmon next-level crispy.

Don’t skimp on the seasoning. Smoked paprika, salt, and pepper are simple but make all the difference. They add depth to the flavor before the Bang Bang sauce even touches the salmon.

Cook over medium heat. Too high, and the coating burns before the fish cooks through. Too low, and you’ll miss out on that golden-brown crust. Medium heat is the sweet spot.

Flip gently. The crispy coating is delicate, so use a spatula and flip with care. If any crumbs fall off, don’t stress—they’ll still be delicious.

Let it rest before serving. Just one minute is enough for the crust to set and the salmon to stay juicy. It’s worth the wait.

Perfect Pairings & When to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Garlic Butter Roasted Broccoli – A simple, flavorful side that balances the richness of the salmon. The slight crunch of roasted broccoli pairs perfectly with the creamy Bang Bang sauce.

Creamy Avocado Slaw – The cool, crisp texture of shredded cabbage, avocado, and lime dressing adds a fresh contrast to the bold flavors of the salmon.

Coconut Cauliflower Rice – Light, fluffy, and slightly sweet, this low-carb alternative to traditional rice soaks up all the delicious sauce without overpowering the dish.

Spicy Cucumber Salad – Thinly sliced cucumbers with a dash of rice vinegar and red pepper flakes bring a refreshing, tangy bite that cuts through the richness of the salmon.

Here are two delicious salad options:

Korean Coleslaw – Crunchy, tangy, and slightly spicy, this refreshing slaw balances the richness of the Bang Bang sauce with a hint of sesame and chili.

Watermelon Salad with Balsamic Glaze – The sweetness of watermelon, paired with the tangy balsamic glaze, creates a light and refreshing contrast to the crispy, spicy salmon.

Looking for more delicious side dishes? Explore our full collection of fresh and flavorful recipes here!

When to Serve

Quick weeknight dinner. This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy evening when you want something delicious and satisfying.

Impressive but effortless entertaining. Need a dish that looks fancy but requires minimal effort? This crispy salmon with Bang Bang sauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Healthy meal prep option. Make a batch and store leftovers for easy lunches. The salmon holds up well in the fridge and can be reheated without losing its crispy texture.

Date night at home. Want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen? Pair this salmon with a glass of chilled white wine, and you’ve got a restaurant-quality meal.

Looking for more meal inspiration? Explore our collection of low-carb recipes here!

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Non-Stick Skillet – Check it out on Amazon

A good non-stick skillet is essential for getting that perfect golden-brown crust without the coating sticking or burning. If you want even crispier results, use a cast-iron skillet.

2. Tongs – Check it out on Amazon

Flipping salmon can be tricky, especially with a crispy coating. A sturdy pair of tongs helps you turn the fillets gently without breaking the crust or making a mess.

FAQ

Can I make this in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get the same crispy texture with less oil.

Can I bake the salmon instead of frying?
Yes! Place the coated salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2 minutes.

How do I store leftovers?
Keep the salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, use an oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for a few minutes to keep the crust crispy.

Can I use a different type of fish?
Definitely! This method works great with cod, tilapia, or even shrimp—just adjust the cooking time depending on thickness.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
It has a mild to medium kick, but you can easily adjust the spice level. Add more sriracha for extra heat or reduce it for a milder version.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge. The flavors will deepen, making it even better.

1 thought on “Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites”

Bernadette
03/11/2025 at 09:42
Yum,❤️

Reply

Leave a Comment Cancel reply