Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls Recipe

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The Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls offer an irresistible combination of crispy, spicy, and sweet flavors in every bite. This dish features golden, tender salmon bites coated in a delectable bang bang sauce, served atop a bed of fluffy rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It’s a wholesome and flavorful meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Bursting with Flavor: Combines sweet, spicy, and creamy elements for a balanced and delicious meal.
2. Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
3. Customizable: Easily adapted with different veggies, grains, or proteins.
4. Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with omega-3s, fiber, and protein for a nutrient-rich bowl.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Cut the Salmon: Slice the salmon into bite-sized cubes and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Season the Salmon: In a bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss the salmon cubes in the mixture until evenly coated.

Step 2: Fry the Salmon

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Fry the Salmon: Carefully place the coated salmon bites in the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if needed.
3. Drain the Salmon: Remove the salmon bites and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
2. Toss the Salmon: Transfer the fried salmon bites to a large bowl. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the salmon and gently toss until evenly coated.

Step 4: Assemble the Bowls

1. Layer the Base: Divide cooked rice among serving bowls.
2. Add the Vegetables: Arrange cucumber slices, julienned carrots, shredded red cabbage, and avocado slices around the rice.
3. Top with Salmon: Place the crispy bang bang salmon bites in the center of each bowl.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Garnish: Sprinkle sliced scallions and sesame seeds over the top.
2. Serve: Serve immediately with additional bang bang sauce on the side, if desired.

Tips for Success

1. Keep the Salmon Dry: Patting the salmon dry ensures the coating sticks well and fries to a crisp.
2. Even Frying: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
3. Control the Spice: Adjust the sriracha in the bang bang sauce to suit your spice tolerance.
4. Freshness is Key: Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.

Variations

1. Alternate Proteins: Substitute salmon with shrimp, chicken, or tofu for a different take on this dish.
2. Low-Carb Option: Replace rice with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a lighter bowl.
3. Extra Crunch: Add crispy wonton strips or roasted chickpeas as a topping.
4. Gluten-Free: Ensure all sauces used are gluten-free and consider using gluten-free flour instead of cornstarch for the coating.

Serving Suggestions

1. Side Salad: Pair with a simple mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette.
2. Noodles: Serve the salmon bites over soba noodles tossed in a sesame dressing.
3. Wrap It Up: Use the salmon and veggies as a filling for lettuce wraps or tortillas.

Why This Recipe Works

The Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls combine texture and flavor to create a satisfying meal. The crispy salmon bites provide crunch, while the bang bang sauce adds a creamy, spicy-sweet kick. Fresh vegetables balance the richness of the dish, and the rice serves as a comforting base that ties everything together.

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Prep Time
20 minutes

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
35 minutes

Ingredients

• For the Salmon Bites:
• 1 ½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
• ½ cup cornstarch or all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• For the Bowls:
• 2 cups cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 1 cup matchstick carrots
• 1 cup cucumber slices
• 2 tablespoons chopped scallions
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon Bites:

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon pieces dry and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
2. Set Up Breading Station: Place cornstarch in one bowl, beaten eggs in another, and panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
3. Coat the Salmon: Dredge each salmon piece in cornstarch, dip it into the beaten egg, and coat it in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
4. Fry the Salmon: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the salmon bites in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey (if using). Adjust the heat and sweetness to taste.

3. Assemble the Bowls:

1. Divide the cooked rice evenly among four bowls.
2. Arrange the cabbage, carrots, and cucumber around the rice.
3. Top with crispy salmon bites.

4. Drizzle and Garnish:

• Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon bites and vegetables.
• Sprinkle with chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish.

Notes

Air Fryer Option: Cook the breaded salmon bites in an air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Vegetable Swaps: Add avocado, edamame, or bell peppers for variety.

Spicy Kick: Add more Sriracha or a pinch of red chili flakes to the sauce for extra heat.

Low-Carb Version: Swap rice with cauliflower rice or shredded lettuce.

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