Ingredients
The key to this dish lies in selecting the right ingredients—fresh, high-quality salmon and a crisp coating that holds up to the bold bang bang sauce. When I shop for salmon, I always look for firm, bright fillets with a fresh ocean scent. It’s worth spending a bit more here because the flavor really shines through. For the coating, I prefer panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch, but you can use crushed cornflakes or even gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed. The sauce brings everything together with a mix of creamy mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of heat from sriracha.
- 1 lb fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (gluten-free flour works too)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This helps the coating stick and adds subtle flavor.
- Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
- Dredge each salmon bite first in flour, shaking off excess, then dip into the egg, and finally coat thoroughly with panko. Press gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
- Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking (around 350°F).
- Fry the salmon bites in batches to avoid overcrowding, about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
- Meanwhile, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl to create your bang bang sauce. Adjust the sriracha amount depending on your preferred spice level.
- Once all the bites are cooked, toss them gently in the sauce or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like, and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: International
