Crispy Buttermilk Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce

Crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, these salmon bites are soaked in buttermilk, lightly dredged in a seasoned flour blend, and fried until golden. They’re served with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that takes them over the top. Perfect for appetizers, weeknight dinners, or party platters.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 1 lb skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes

• ½ cup buttermilk

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)

• ½ teaspoon paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon lime juice (fresh is best!)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon

• Rinse and pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes, ensuring even sizing for uniform cooking.

• Season lightly with salt and pepper.

• Place salmon cubes in a bowl and pour over the buttermilk. Toss to coat evenly. Let marinate for 15–30 minutes (optional, but it helps tenderize and flavor the fish).

2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together:

  • Mayonnaise

  • Sweet chili sauce

  • Sriracha

  • Honey

  • Lime juice

• Taste and adjust the spice level with more sriracha if desired. Set aside or refrigerate until serving.

3. Dredge the Salmon

• In a shallow bowl or dish, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

• Remove salmon from the buttermilk (allow excess to drip off) and coat each piece in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere well.

4. Fry the Salmon Bites

• Heat vegetable oil (about 1 inch deep) in a heavy skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C).

• Working in batches, carefully place the salmon pieces in the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan.

• Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

Air Fryer Option: Spray salmon bites with oil and cook in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Serve

• Arrange the crispy salmon bites on a platter.

• Drizzle with Bang Bang sauce or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.

• Garnish with chopped fresh chives or green onions (like in your photo) and a squeeze of lime.

⏱️ Timing

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Marinating Time (optional): 15–30 minutes

• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

• Total Time: ~35–45 minutes

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white rice, jasmine rice, or garlic fried rice.

• Add to tacos with slaw and extra Bang Bang sauce for spicy salmon tacos.

• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping.

Storage & Reheating

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheat: Best reheated in the air fryer or oven at 375°F (190°C) until crisp, about 5–7 minutes.

• Do not microwave unless you don’t mind them losing their crisp.