There’s just something about the combo of sweet, spicy, and creamy that gets me every single time—and if you feel the same way, you’re going to fall hard for these Easy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. They’re the perfect mix of bold flavor and simple prep, making them ideal for everything from game-day snacks to a light summer dinner.

I first made these bites on a whim after craving something like bang bang shrimp but wanting a healthier, protein-rich option. And let me tell you—after one bite, I was hooked. The salmon is tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, while that signature bang bang sauce? Oh my goodness—it’s creamy, tangy, with just the right amount of heat.

If you’re short on time or just need a fuss-free recipe that still impresses, this one is a winner. With just 10 minutes of prep and another 10 to cook, these salmon bites are ready in under 20 minutes. No fancy equipment. No long ingredient list. Just bold flavors, easy steps, and a dish that’s guaranteed to disappear fast.

Whether you serve them as a shareable appetizer, pile them on a bed of jasmine rice, or toss them into a salad, you’ll love how versatile they are. Let’s jump in and get cooking!

this recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon

• 1 pound salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha

• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional, for a little added sweetness)

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS: PREP & START COOKING

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Start by cutting your skinless salmon fillet into bite-sized, 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform so they cook evenly.

Once cubed, place the salmon in a medium mixing bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle on the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give everything a gentle toss until the salmon is nicely coated. This seasoning blend adds just enough flavor without overpowering the sauce we’ll add later.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the salmon cubes in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, flipping carefully with tongs or a spatula until the salmon is golden on the outside and cooked through.

Depending on your stove and pan, you might need to work in batches to avoid steaming the fish. The goal is a light, golden sear that locks in flavor while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the heat and set it aside.

Okay, now that we’ve got our salmon beautifully golden and resting off the heat, it’s time to bring this whole dish to life with the real game-changer—the bang bang sauce. This sauce is creamy, sweet, spicy, and ridiculously easy to mix up. Honestly, I could put it on just about anything—grilled veggies, chicken, shrimp… but it pairs especially well with tender, flaky salmon.

One of the best parts about this recipe is how easily it comes together. We’re not building a sauce from scratch with a dozen ingredients—just a quick mix, a little toss, and you’re done. Perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute gatherings, or even a solo lunch when you want something special without a lot of effort.

Let’s keep going and finish off this dish!

MAKE THE BANG BANG SAUCE

Step 3: Mix Up the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha

• 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional)

Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the heat level based on your preference. If you’re not a huge fan of spice, start with a little less sriracha—you can always add more, but you can’t take it out once it’s in!

If you’re looking to lighten things up, Greek yogurt works great in place of mayo. It adds a tangy flavor and a boost of protein while still keeping the sauce creamy and delicious.

BRING IT ALL TOGETHER

Step 4: Coat the Salmon

Now comes the fun part—combining the crispy salmon with that luscious sauce.

Place the cooked salmon bites into a clean bowl and drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top. Gently toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Don’t be shy here—make sure every bite gets its fair share of flavor.

You can also serve the sauce on the side if you prefer dipping rather than coating. Either way, it’s going to be delicious.

HOW TO SERVE BANG BANG SALMON BITES

Here’s where this dish becomes super versatile. These bites work well in so many ways:

• As an appetizer: Serve them on a platter with toothpicks and a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

• Over rice: Spoon the saucy salmon over fluffy white rice or brown rice for a quick and satisfying meal.

• On a salad: Top a bed of mixed greens with warm salmon bites and drizzle any extra sauce over the top as a spicy dressing.

• In tacos: Yep, these are amazing tucked into soft tortillas with some shredded cabbage and a squeeze of lime.

You can also garnish with thinly sliced scallions, sesame seeds, or even a few cilantro leaves for an extra pop of freshness.

COOKING TIPS & VARIATIONS

Want to tweak this recipe a little to suit your preferences or dietary needs? Here are some easy swaps and tips:

• Air Fryer Method: If you’re avoiding oil or want a hands-off option, toss the seasoned salmon cubes in the air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’ll come out crispy on the outside and tender inside.

• Bake Instead of Fry: Don’t want to stand over the stove? Bake the salmon at 400°F for about 10 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Super easy and still tasty.

• Make it Lighter: Swap mayo for plain Greek yogurt to cut calories and boost protein.

• Turn up the heat: Love it spicy? Add more sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle red pepper flakes over the finished bites.

• Go low-carb: Serve the salmon over cauliflower rice or lettuce cups for a lighter, carb-friendly meal.