Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe

If you’re looking to shake up your weeknight dinner routine, this Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls recipe is about to become your go-to! Imagine flaky, caramelized salmon bites tossed in a bold, creamy sauce and nestled in a bowl packed with vibrant veggies, silky avocado, and nutty brown rice. Every bite bursts with the perfect balance of flavors: tangy, sweet, spicy, crispy, fresh. Trust me, your tastebuds (and your dinner guests) are in for a treat!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls is just how straightforward the ingredients are—you can find everything at almost any grocery store. Each element builds delicious layers of flavor, texture, and color, so don’t skip any part; they all matter for that true “wow” effect!

• Salmon filet: The star—choose fresh or frozen, skin on or off; you’ll cut it into juicy, bite-sized chunks that crisp up in a flash.
• Coconut aminos: Adds deep umami and a touch of natural sweetness; swap with low-sodium soy sauce plus maple syrup for a similar effect.
• Rice vinegar: Brings gentle tang and brightness to balance rich flavors.
• Minced garlic: Fresh garlic gives the salmon marinade a bold, savory backbone.
• Sriracha: For that essential kick in both the sauce and the glaze; use more or less to taste.
• Toasted sesame oil: Totally optional, but highly recommended for a nutty, toasty aroma.
• Avocado oil: Perfect for high-heat crisping—any neutral, high-temp oil works, but avoid olive oil to prevent burning.
• Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise: The base of the creamy Bang Bang sauce; go Greek for extra protein or classic mayo for a richer touch.
• Sweet chili sauce: This gives the Bang Bang sauce its signature sweetness and subtle heat—don’t skip it!
• Asian cucumber salad: Snappy, fresh, and tangy—an optional element but 100% worth the few extra minutes of prep.
• Brown rice: Nutty, wholesome, and hearty—build your bowl with a fluffy rice base to catch all that saucy goodness.
• Broccoli florets: Lightly sautéed or steamed, these add color and satisfying crunch.
• Avocado: Slices of creamy avocado tie all the flavors together for that final touch.

Variations

Believe it or not, these bowls were made for riffing! Whether you’re working around allergies, craving something new, or just want to empty your veggie drawer, there are lots of easy ways to tweak your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls for any mood or moment.

• Swap the Protein: Try crispy tofu, grilled shrimp, or even chicken chunks for your own spin on bang bang flavor.
• Go Grain-Free: Replace brown rice with cauliflower rice or shredded cabbage for a low-carb, veggie-packed base.
• Extra Veggies: Add shredded carrots, edamame, sliced radishes, or sugar snap peas for crunch and color.
• Make it Spicier: Amp up the heat in your sauce and glaze with extra sriracha, red pepper flakes, or a drizzle of chili oil.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

Step 1: Prep the Cucumber Salad

Start by tossing together your Asian cucumber salad ingredients in a small bowl. Set it aside so the flavors can get to know each other—let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (but up to an hour if you have time). This simple step adds brightness and crunch to every bite of your bowls!

Step 2: Cook the Brown Rice

Cook your rice according to the package instructions, using whatever amount you need (I recommend making enough for leftovers!). Brown rice lends a satisfying, hearty base and catches all the saucy magic from the salmon.

Step 3: Mix Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Now for the star sauce! Stir together Greek yogurt or mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl until silky smooth. Pop it in the fridge so it’s perfectly chilled when you’re ready to assemble.

Step 4: Sauté or Steam the Broccoli

While the rice and sauce are doing their thing, cook your broccoli. I love a quick sauté in avocado oil and a splash of water for tender-yet-vibrant broccoli, but steaming or roasting also work beautifully.

Step 5: Marinate and Sear the Salmon Bites

Cut your salmon into bite-sized pieces—it’s up to you if you leave the skin on (it gets deliciously crispy!). Mix together coconut aminos, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, and sesame oil, then pour over the salmon and let it soak in. Heat your skillet with avocado oil over medium-high. When sizzling, arrange salmon pieces (skin-side down if using) and let them crisp up without moving for a couple of minutes. Flip, add the marinade, and cook until glazed and cooked through, flipping as needed. You’re looking for juicy, lacquered salmon bites that are crispy and seductive—yum!

Step 6: Assemble Your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

Grab a couple of bowls, layer in a generous scoop of rice, cucumber salad, broccoli, and sliced avocado. Top with your crispy salmon chunks and drizzle generously with that addictive bang bang sauce. For the saucy fans, add a little more coconut aminos or teriyaki. A final sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds is the finishing flourish—and there you have it: dinner bliss!

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

Garnishes

The right garnish takes these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls from everyday to restaurant-level. I love a sprinkle of sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and maybe thinly sliced red chiles for that pop of color. Even a handful of fresh cilantro or a scatter of microgreens makes these bowls look positively gourmet.

Side Dishes

Honestly, these bowls are a meal in themselves, but you can play them up with sides like miso soup, crispy seaweed snacks, or a light Asian-style slaw. For a fun twist, add grilled pineapple slices or serve with steamed edamame for extra protein.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting or meal-prepping, lay out all the fixings in a “bowl bar” style—let everyone build their own Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls! Or, present individual bowls layered with care and an artful drizzle of sauce for a showstopping dinner plate. Bento boxes or mason jars also make these perfect for lunch on the go.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the salmon, rice, veggies, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Everything keeps well for up to 5 days, so you can enjoy quick, healthy lunches for days!

Freezing

Cooked salmon bites can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months—just cool completely before freezing. For best results, freeze the rice and veggies separately and avoid freezing fresh avocado or cucumber salad, as their textures won’t be the same once thawed.

Reheating

Reheat salmon bites in a skillet over medium heat or in an air fryer to restore that crispy texture—just a few minutes will do. Warm the rice and veggies separately, and always add fresh sauce, avocado, and salad just before serving for that just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as smitten with these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls as I am! They’re colorful, bold, and impossibly tasty—just perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring solo. Give them a try, make them your own, and let each spoonful remind you that dinner can be something to truly look forward to.

Print