Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are the vibrant, flavor-packed answer to weeknight dinners that feel like a celebration. Imagine succulent salmon bites, perfectly crisped on the outside yet juicy within, perched atop fluffy brown rice and surrounded by fresh, crunchy cucumber salad, tender broccoli, and creamy avocado, all drizzled with an irresistible sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce. Every bite is an explosion of contrasting textures and bold flavors—comforting, colorful, and impossibly craveable, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re looking to impress friends or just eager to treat yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of the best things about these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls is that the ingredient list stays simple and within reach—yet each item plays a huge role in creating a harmonious bowl. From tangy sauces to the freshness of vegetables, everything is essential. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few helpful tips for each:
- Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise): The creamy base that makes the Bang Bang sauce lusciously smooth—Greek yogurt keeps it light and tangy, but mayo offers a richer alternative.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a zippy sweetness and beautiful red color, bringing the perfect hint of heat without overpowering the sauce.
- Sriracha: A dash of this classic chili sauce amps up the spice, allowing you to tailor the heat to your liking.
- Avocado oil: Ideal for high-heat cooking—its neutral flavor lets the salmon, not the oil, shine through.
- Salmon filet: The star ingredient; use fresh, boneless, skin-on or skinless salmon cut into bite-sized chunks for the best texture.
- Coconut aminos: A soy-free alternative that gives you umami depth and a hint of sweetness, keeping things gluten-free if needed.
- Rice vinegar: Adds just the right amount of tang to balance the sweet and spicy elements.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the sauce with savory aroma and flavor.
- Sriracha (optional, extra): A little more fire if you’re a spice lover—totally personal preference!
- Toasted sesame oil (optional): Just a couple of teaspoons add fragrant nuttiness for those who want an extra layer of flavor.
- Asian Cucumber Salad: Make a quick batch with thinly sliced cucumbers, vinegar, and a sprinkle of sesame—refreshing and crunchy.
- Cooked brown rice: The hearty, wholesome base for your bowls—sub with white rice or cauliflower rice if you prefer.
- Broccoli: Lightly cooked for bite and color, this veggie completes the rainbow in every bowl.
- Avocado: Sliced just before serving for a creamy, luxurious finish that balances the spicy-sweet flavors.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
Step 1: Prepare the Cucumber Salad
Start off by making the Asian cucumber salad. This quick, tangy side brings crunch and brightness to your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls. Simply toss your thinly sliced cucumbers with a splash of rice vinegar, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes (or ideally up to an hour if you have the time) to let those flavors meld and the cucumbers to crisp up beautifully.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
While the salad is marinating, cook your rice according to package instructions. Brown rice gives a lovely hearty base, but honestly, no one will judge if you use white rice or even frozen rice on a busy night. For two generous bowls, one cup dry rice yields about three cups cooked—perfect for creating that satisfying bowl foundation.
Step 3: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Time to mix up the star of the show: the sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang sauce! In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Combine it all until it’s completely smooth and harmonious. Pop it in the fridge to chill—those flavors deepen as it sits.
Step 4: Cook the Broccoli
For the prettiest, crunchiest green accents in your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls, sauté or steam your broccoli until just tender. I love using a teaspoon of avocado oil and a splash of water in a hot nonstick skillet, letting the florets get bright green with just a hint of char. Roasting or steaming works, too—whatever suits your mood!
Step 5: Make the Salmon Marinade
Let’s get that salmon ready for superstar status! In a small bowl, combine coconut aminos, rice vinegar, your minced garlic, a little sriracha (if you love heat), and toasted sesame oil. Stir well until it’s all beautifully blended—this sauce will turn your salmon bites into craveable little flavor bombs.
Step 6: Cut the Salmon
Grab your freshest salmon filet and place it skin side down on a cutting board. With a sharp knife, slice it into bite-sized cubes. If you’re not a fan of the skin, go ahead and remove it, but leaving it on gets the edges extra crispy. If you’ve got skinless, that works perfectly as well!
Step 7: Sear the Salmon Bites
Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil (or another high-smoke point oil) in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering hot, add your salmon cubes—skin side down if you left it on. Let them sear undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes for a gorgeous, crispy base before flipping them gently with tongs. Cook for another minute, then pour in your prepared marinade. The sauce will bubble up and glaze the salmon. Keep turning the pieces so each one gets glossy and caramelized, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes total until they’re cooked through and irresistibly crispy on all sides.
Step 8: Build the Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
Time to assemble! Divide your warm rice between two large bowls. Add generous scoops of cucumber salad, plenty of sautéed broccoli, and creamy avocado slices. Pile the golden, sauce-glazed salmon bites on top, then drizzle liberally with the Bang Bang sauce. If you’re all about extra drizzle, add another splash of coconut aminos or even teriyaki sauce. Top it all off with green onions and sesame seeds for a picture-perfect finish.
Step 9: Enjoy!
Dig right in! The combination of flavors, heat, and varied textures makes this bowl utterly addictive. Share the love with friends or keep it all to yourself for the ultimate solo feast.
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
Garnishes
Don’t skip the garnishes—they’re like the finishing touch on a work of art! Sprinkle your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls with sliced green onions and white or black sesame seeds for extra crunch and a pop of color. Even a little fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can brighten the bowl, making every bite even more exciting.
Side Dishes
These bowls are hearty and filling on their own, but for a true feast, serve them with a simple miso soup, steamed edamame, or even a plate of pickled ginger on the side. Anything cool and tangy really amplifies the experience and gives those taste buds a little more to sing about!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, you can arrange all the ingredients “buffet style” and let everyone build their own perfect bowl. Or, turn the salmon bites and Bang Bang sauce into sushi burritos or stuffed into lettuce wraps for a party platter guaranteed to impress. These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are endlessly adaptable—just use your imagination!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), pack each component of your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls separately for best results. Store the rice, salmon bites, veggies, and sauce in individual containers in the fridge, where they’ll stay fresh for up to three days. This makes weekday lunches deliciously easy—just assemble and enjoy!
Freezing
While the fresh garnishes and cucumber salad are best eaten right away, you can freeze the cooked salmon bites for future bowls. Let them cool first, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring your salmon bites back to crispy glory, use a skillet over medium heat or pop them in the oven at 350°F for a few minutes. The rice and veggies reheat well in the microwave, but always add avocado and fresh garnishes just before serving to keep everything tasting bright and fresh.
FAQs
Can I substitute another fish for salmon?
Absolutely! Tuna, cod, or even shrimp can be used if salmon isn’t your favorite or isn’t available. Just keep an eye on cooking times, since different proteins can cook a bit faster or slower.
Is there a vegan version of Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls?
Yes! Swap the salmon for crispy tofu or tempeh, and use vegan mayonnaise or cashew yogurt in the sauce. You’ll love how well these flavors still shine in the plant-based version.
How spicy are these bowls?
They have a mild-to-moderate heat, thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. If you prefer things milder, reduce or skip the sriracha entirely. If you like it hotter, feel free to add more!
Can I prep any components in advance?
Definitely. You can make the Bang Bang sauce and cucumber salad a day ahead, and pre-cook the rice if you’d like. The salmon is best cooked fresh, but everything else is meal-prep friendly.
What if I don’t have coconut aminos?
No problem at all! Soy sauce is a perfect substitute; add a teaspoon of pure maple syrup or honey to mimic the hint of sweetness from coconut aminos.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls have a place on my regular rotation—they’re just that satisfying! If you’ve been searching for something bold, healthy, and bursting with flavor, go ahead and give these bowls a spin. You’ll be amazed at how easily this restaurant-quality meal comes together in your own kitchen. Happy cooking!
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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines crispy salmon bites with a flavorful bang bang sauce, Asian cucumber salad, and nutritious ingredients. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner!
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
- 4 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tsp sriracha
- 1 Tbsp avocado oil (for cooking)
For the Salmon:
- 1 lb salmon filet (chopped into bite-sized chunks)
- 1/2 cup coconut aminos (*)
- 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
- 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)
For the Bowls:
- 1 Batch Asian Cucumber Salad
- 3 cups cooked brown rice
- 1 large head broccoli (chopped into florets)
- 1 large ripe avocado (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the cucumber salad: Combine all ingredients in a bowl and let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Cook the rice: Follow package instructions to cook the rice.
- Prepare the bang bang sauce: Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate.
- Prepare the broccoli: Steam, sauté, or roast the broccoli.
- Prepare the salmon: Combine sauce ingredients, cut salmon into cubes, cook in skillet with sauce.
- Assemble the bowls: Add rice, cucumber salad, broccoli, avocado, salmon, and drizzle with bang bang sauce.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to the sauce.
- Feel free to customize the bowls with your favorite toppings like green onions or sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Steam
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon, Salmon Bowls, Asian Cucumber Salad, Healthy Dinner
