Crispy Salmon with Rice

This hearty bang bang salmon bites bowl has become my weeknight savior when I want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Crispy salmon bites, fluffy jasmine rice, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce come together in one colorful, crave-worthy bowl that satisfies every time.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy work week when I wanted something that felt restaurant-worthy without the fuss. Now it's in regular rotation at our house, with my partner requesting it almost weekly for both dinner and packed lunches.

Ingredients

• Fresh salmon skinless and cut into bite sized cubes provides the perfect protein that stays juicy inside while crisping beautifully outside
• Garlic powder and smoked paprika create a flavorful coating that complements the rich salmon
• Panko breadcrumbs offer superior crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs giving that perfect textural contrast
• Mayonnaise forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce adding richness that coats each bite perfectly
• Sweet chili sauce brings balanced sweetness and gentle heat essential for authentic bang bang flavor
• Jasmine rice provides a fragrant fluffy base that soaks up the delicious sauce
• Fresh vegetables like shredded cabbage carrots and avocado add crunch color and nutrition

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Your Cooking Device

For oven users heat to 400°F with a rack positioned in the center ensuring even heat distribution throughout. If using an air fryer preheat to 390°F which creates the perfect environment for crispy exteriors while keeping the salmon moist inside.

Season The Salmon

Place your evenly cut salmon cubes in a medium bowl making sure pieces are similar in size for even cooking. Add garlic powder smoked paprika salt and black pepper gently tossing until every piece is uniformly coated. This seasoning blend penetrates the fish while creating a flavorful foundation.

Coat With Breadcrumbs

Press each seasoned salmon piece into panko breadcrumbs ensuring complete coverage on all sides. The panko should stick nicely to the seasoned fish without needing egg wash. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil which helps achieve that golden brown exterior during cooking.

Cook The Salmon

For oven baking arrange the coated pieces in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet allowing at least half inch between pieces for proper air circulation. Bake for 12 to 14 minutes until the exterior turns golden and crispy while the interior remains tender. With air fryer cooking arrange in a single layer without overcrowding which may require cooking in batches for 8 to 10 minutes flipping halfway through.

Make The Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise sweet chili sauce sriracha lime juice and honey in a small bowl until completely smooth. The lime juice brightens the creamy sauce while the honey balances the heat from sriracha creating that perfect sweet heat combination that makes bang bang sauce so addictive.

Assemble Your Bowls

Start with a generous base of warm jasmine rice divided among serving bowls. Layer with fresh vegetables for color nutrition and crunch. Position the crispy salmon bites on top then drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. Finish with fresh herbs and sesame seeds which add visual appeal and textural contrast.

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The sweet chili sauce is really the secret ingredient that makes this dish shine. I discovered its magic after trying several different sauce combinations. It adds that perfect balance of sweetness and gentle heat that complements the rich salmon without overpowering it. My daughter who typically avoids spicy food completely cleans her plate when I serve this.

Storage Solutions

These bowls make excellent leftovers which is why I often double the recipe. Store the components separately in airtight containers with the salmon and rice together but keep the sauce and fresh vegetables separate. This prevents sogginess and ensures everything maintains its texture. The salmon will stay good in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and actually reheats beautifully in the air fryer for just a few minutes to restore crispiness.

Ingredient Substitutions

This recipe welcomes adaptations based on what you have available. Chicken thighs cut into small pieces work wonderfully as an alternative to salmon. For a vegetarian option try firm tofu cubed and prepared the same way. The jasmine rice can be swapped for brown rice quinoa or even cauliflower rice if you prefer a lower carb option. For the sauce Greek yogurt makes a protein rich substitute for some of the mayonnaise though I recommend keeping at least half mayonnaise for optimal creaminess.

Serving Suggestions

While these bowls are a complete meal on their own they pair beautifully with a simple miso soup for an Asian inspired dinner. For entertaining serve the components buffet style letting guests build their own bowls with additional toppings like pickled ginger kimchi or cucumber salad. During summer months I often add fresh mango chunks which complement the sweet heat of the bang bang sauce perfectly.

Cultural Context

Bang bang sauce originated in Szechuan cuisine where the name refers to the sound of a wooden mallet hitting meat to tenderize it. While traditionally paired with chicken in American Chinese fusion restaurants the sauce works wonderfully with seafood. This recipe represents the best of fusion cooking combining Asian flavor profiles with western preparation techniques resulting in a dish that honors both traditions while creating something uniquely satisfying.

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Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Bang Bang Salmon Bowls ahead of time?

Yes! You can cut the salmon up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 3 days ahead (store in the refrigerator). For best results, cook the salmon just before serving to maintain its crispy texture.

→ How do I store leftover Bang Bang Salmon?

Store leftover salmon and rice in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible. Reheat salmon in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes to restore crispiness, then add fresh toppings.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in the Bang Bang sauce?

Absolutely! Adjust the amount of sriracha to taste—use less for a milder sauce or more for extra heat. You can also add honey for additional sweetness to balance the spice level according to your preference.

→ What's the best way to ensure crispy salmon bites?

For maximum crispiness, cut salmon into evenly sized pieces so they cook at the same rate, spray the panko breadcrumbs lightly with oil before cooking, and don't overcrowd the baking sheet or air fryer basket. Air frying typically yields the crispiest results.

→ Are there alternatives to jasmine rice for the bowls?

Yes, these salmon bites are versatile and work well with multiple bases. Try quinoa or brown rice for additional nutrition, cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or serve them in lettuce wraps, tacos, or on top of a salad for lighter alternatives.