Crispy Bang Bang Salmon: 1 Amazing Quick Dinner

July 24, 2025

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon has completely transformed my weeknight dinners. I remember the first time I tried making it, I was nervous about achieving that perfect crispy texture everyone raves about. My kitchen filled with the savory aroma of perfectly cooked salmon, and that first bite was pure bliss – tender, flaky fish with a crunchy coating and a sweet, spicy kick. Learning how to make crispy bang bang salmon has become a go-to skill for impressing guests or just treating myself. This easy bang bang salmon recipe is a true game-changer. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

This crispy bang bang salmon is a winner for so many reasons! You’ll adore the incredible balance of flavors and textures. Here’s why it’s my absolute favorite:

Incredible Taste: The combination of the crispy salmon, creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, and fluffy rice is pure deliciousness.
Quick Prep: With a prep time of just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy Choice: Salmon is packed with omega-3s, making this a nutritious meal.
Budget-Friendly: It uses common pantry staples and affordable salmon.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters love this flavorful dish.
Versatile: It’s a fantastic crispy salmon dinner idea that can be adapted easily.
Simple to Make: This easy crispy bang bang salmon recipe is foolproof.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this amazing crispy bang bang salmon. For the salmon itself, you’ll need 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes. Patting these dry is crucial for crispiness! To get that perfect crunch, we use 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. A little seasoning goes a long way, so have 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper ready. For frying, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil works best. The star of the show, the bang bang sauce, requires 1/3 cup mayonnaise for a creamy base, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce for sweetness, and 1 tablespoon sriracha to give it that signature spicy kick, creating a truly spicy salmon with creamy sauce. Serve it all over 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, with 1 cup shredded carrots and 1 cup sliced cucumber for freshness. Finally, top with 2 green onions, sliced, and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) for that authentic crispy salmon with bang bang sauce presentation.

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How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

Let’s get this delicious crispy bang bang salmon on your plate! This recipe is straightforward, and the results are absolutely worth it.

Step 1: Start by patting the salmon cubes thoroughly dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving that perfect crispiness! Once they’re dry, gently toss the salmon cubes with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
Step 2: Prepare your dredging station. In a shallow dish, combine the 1/2 cup cornstarch and 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs. Dredge each seasoned salmon cube into this mixture, pressing gently to ensure it’s well-coated. This breading is key to getting those bang bang salmon fillets crispy.
Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the coated salmon cubes in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. This method delivers a fantastic pan-fried crispy bang bang salmon. Remove the cooked salmon from the skillet and set them aside on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Step 4: While the salmon rests, prepare the irresistible bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon sriracha until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sriracha if you prefer more heat.
Step 5: Gently toss the crispy salmon bites with about half of the prepared bang bang sauce. Make sure each piece is evenly coated in that glorious, spicy sauce.
Step 6: Assemble your bowls! Divide the 2 cups cooked jasmine rice among four serving bowls. Top the rice generously with the sauce-coated crispy salmon bites. Add the 1 cup shredded carrots, 1 cup sliced cucumber, and the 2 green onions, sliced. Drizzle with the remaining bang bang sauce and sprinkle with 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional) for a final touch. This is how you cook bang bang salmon perfectly for a delightful meal. If you’re looking for a crispy baked bang bang salmon alternative, you can bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, though pan-frying yields the best crisp.

Pro Tips for the Best Bang Bang Salmon with Crispy Skin

Want to elevate your crispy bang bang salmon game? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that guarantee amazing results every time. These crispy preparation tips will make your salmon shine!

Pat it dry, dry, dry! Seriously, moisture is the enemy of crispiness. Make sure those salmon cubes are bone dry before seasoning and coating.
Don’t overcrowd the pan. Give your salmon cubes space to breathe and crisp up. Cooking in batches ensures each piece gets perfectly golden.
Use the right oil. Vegetable oil or canola oil have high smoke points, perfect for achieving that deep golden crust without burning. For more information on cooking oils, check out this guide.
Double coat for extra crunch. If you’re aiming for ultimate crispiness, try dipping the salmon in beaten egg, then the cornstarch/panko mix, then egg again, and finally the coating.

What’s the secret to perfect crispy bang bang salmon?

The absolute secret to perfect crispy bang bang salmon is ensuring the salmon is completely dry before coating and frying. This allows the panko and cornstarch to crisp up beautifully. Following these crispy preparation tips will help you how to cook bang bang salmon perfectly.

Can I make crispy bang bang salmon ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the salmon cubes (cut, seasoned, and coated) up to a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated. However, for the crispiest result, I recommend coating and cooking them just before serving.

How do I avoid common mistakes with crispy bang bang salmon?

The most common mistake is not drying the salmon enough, which leads to soggy results. Another pitfall is overcrowding the pan, preventing even cooking and crisping. If your salmon isn’t crispy, it’s likely due to excess moisture or not enough heat. For more on achieving crispy textures, you might find this article helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

This versatile crispy bang bang salmon is fantastic served in a few different ways, making it a go-to easy salmon recipe crispy option for any occasion. My favorite is the classic bowl: fluffy jasmine rice, a generous helping of the crispy salmon bites, and a colorful mix of shredded carrots, sliced cucumber, and green onions. It’s a complete and satisfying meal! For something a bit different, try serving these salmon bites in soft tortillas with a crisp slaw and a drizzle of extra bang bang sauce for delicious fish tacos. You could also serve them as an appetizer with toothpicks, letting everyone grab a bite of that spicy, creamy goodness. If you’re looking for more quick dinner ideas, check out these quick recipes.

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Nutrition Facts for Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

When you’re enjoying this delightful crispy bang bang salmon, it’s helpful to know what you’re eating. This recipe is designed to be flavorful without being overly heavy. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 540cal
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Protein: 29g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 0mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on salmon nutrition, you can refer to resources like the Nutritionix database.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

Even though this crispy bang bang salmon is best enjoyed immediately, I know life gets busy! If you have leftovers, proper storage is key to maintaining that delicious texture. Once the salmon has cooled slightly, transfer any uneaten bang bang salmon fillets crispy bites into an airtight container. You can store them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked salmon in an airtight container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months. Remember to label and date your containers! If you’re interested in other delicious seafood options, consider trying this boat dip recipe.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is simple. To best preserve that coveted crunch, I recommend reheating the salmon in a single layer on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This method helps bring back that delightful crispiness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep your salmon from getting soggy; it’s the quickest way to ruin that lovely texture. For more reheating tips, you can explore Food Network’s guide.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

Got questions about this amazing crispy bang bang salmon? I’ve got answers!

What is bang bang salmon?

Bang bang salmon is a dish featuring salmon coated in a crispy breading and tossed in a signature sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce, often called “bang bang sauce.” It’s a popular way to prepare fish, offering a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Can I use other types of salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! While skinless salmon fillets are ideal for cutting into cubes, you can experiment with other cuts. Just ensure they are firm enough to hold their shape when cubed and coated. The key is getting that salmon nice and dry before coating for maximum crispiness. For other fish recipes, you might enjoy this turkey meatloaf recipe.

How does bang bang chicken compare to crispy bang bang salmon?

Both dishes feature the beloved bang bang sauce, but the base protein differs. Bang bang chicken uses chicken pieces, often thighs, for a similar crispy coating and saucy finish. Many people find that crispy bang bang salmon offers a lighter, flakier texture with the added benefits of omega-3 fatty acids.

Why is my salmon not crispy?

If your salmon isn’t crispy, it’s usually because the salmon wasn’t patted dry enough before coating, or the oil wasn’t hot enough when you started frying. Overcrowding the pan can also prevent even crisping. Make sure to let those fillets get really dry and give them space in a hot skillet!

Variations of Crispy Bang Bang Salmon You Can Try

Once you master this basic crispy bang bang salmon, you’ll want to try all sorts of fun twists! It’s such a versatile dish. If you’re looking for a healthier option or just want to skip the pan-frying, an air fryer bang bang salmon recipe is fantastic. Just coat the salmon cubes as directed and air fry at 380°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. For a different flavor profile, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika to your cornstarch and panko mix for a smoky depth, or include a bit of garlic powder for an extra savory kick. This makes for an even more robust spicy bang bang salmon dish. You can also experiment with different sauces – a touch of lime juice in the bang bang sauce adds a bright, zesty note, or whisk in some gochujang for an extra layer of Korean-inspired heat. For another great side dish, consider trying crispy roasted cauliflower.