Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls: Speedy Weeknight Flavor (Print Version)

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls - Zesty, quick, and satisfying. These salmon bites make weeknight dinners feel special without the fuss!

# Recipe Info:

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

# Ingredients:

→ Fresh Salmon & Rice Base

01 - 1.5 lbs salmon fillets, skin on or off, cut into 1-inch cubes
02 - 2 cups jasmine rice, uncooked
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil
04 - Salt and black pepper, to taste

→ Bang Bang Sauce Essentials

05 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise (full-fat recommended)
06 - 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
07 - 1-2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
08 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar

→ Finishing Touches & Flavor Boosters

09 - 2 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
10 - 1 tbsp sesame seeds (toasted, optional)
11 - 1 lime, cut into wedges

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that rice cooking. Rinse your jasmine rice under cold water until it runs clear; honestly, this makes a huge difference in texture. Cook it according to package directions, usually 1 part rice to 1.5-2 parts water. While that's bubbling away, grab your salmon fillets. Pat them *really* dry with paper towels – this is key for those Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites. Cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes. You want them bite-sized, but not so small they fall apart. Season them generously with salt and pepper. I always forget to season enough, so don't be like me!
02 - Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat with a good glug of olive oil. Once it's shimmering, add your salmon bites in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. We're going for crispy here, not steamed! Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they're beautifully golden brown and cooked through. I love watching that gorgeous crust form, it smells incredible. Don't poke at them too much; let them do their thing. If they stick, they're probably not ready to flip yet. This is where I once got impatient and ended up with flaky, not crispy, salmon bits. Oops.
03 - While your salmon is searing, it's sauce time! In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (start with a little, add more to taste!), and rice vinegar. Give it a good whisk until it's super smooth and creamy. Taste it! Adjust the spice or sweetness to your liking. This is your sauce, make it sing! I always add a tiny bit more sriracha because I love the heat, but you do you. This sauce is the heart of these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls, so make it perfect for *your* palate.
04 - Once your salmon bites are perfectly seared and crispy, take them off the heat. Immediately, gently toss them with about half of your prepared bang bang sauce. You want each bite to be lovingly coated, but not drowning. The heat from the salmon will help the sauce cling beautifully. I made the mistake once of adding too much sauce at this stage, and it made the salmon less crispy. Learn from my oopsie! This step is all about that perfect coating, ensuring every piece of salmon is bursting with flavor.
05 - Now for the fun part: assembly! Divide the cooked jasmine rice among your serving bowls. Pile those glorious, sauced Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites on top of the rice. This is where you really start to see the magic come together. I love arranging them neatly, but honestly, sometimes I just dump them in because I'm hungry! Drizzle with a little more of that amazing bang bang sauce – because, why not? This is your creation, your delicious reward for a long day.
06 - Finish off your bowls with a generous sprinkle of sliced green onions and sesame seeds. The green onions add a fresh, vibrant crunch, and the sesame seeds bring a lovely nutty finish. Don't forget those lime wedges! A fresh squeeze of lime juice right before you dig in is a total game-changer, brightening all the rich flavors. Seriously, it's a must. Take a moment to admire your handiwork, because these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are truly a feast for the eyes and the stomach!

# Notes:

01 - Patting salmon super dry is the absolute key to getting truly crispy bites.
02 - Leftover salmon is best reheated gently in an air fryer to maintain crispness; avoid the microwave!
03 - No sweet chili sauce? A mix of apricot jam, vinegar, and a pinch of chili flakes can work in a pinch.
04 - A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end makes all the flavors pop, don't skip it!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large non-stick skillet
02 - small mixing bowl
03 - whisk
04 - saucepan for rice

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 550-650
Total Fat: 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: 45-55g
Protein: 35-45g

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