Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowl blends a crackly crispy salmon bite with a creamy bang bang sauce for a truly crave-worthy bowl. The flavors swing from sweet to spicy to savory, with fresh cucumber, avocado, and broccoli brightening every bite. This quick, healthy weeknight meal fits a busy family’s schedule while delivering a complete, balanced dinner in a single, satisfying bowl.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowl
- Flavor explosion in every bite.
- Achieve perfectly crispy salmon with a hot skillet.
- Quick and easy to prepare (about 40 minutes total).
- Healthy, balanced meal designed for busy schedules.
- Highly customizable for dietary needs and preferences.
Ingredients + Notes/Substitutions
Bang Bang Sauce:
- Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, 1/3 cup
- Sweet chili sauce, 4 Tbsp
- Sriracha, 2 tsp (adjust to taste)
Crispy Salmon Bites:
- Salmon fillet, 1 lb, chopped into bite-sized chunks (skin-on recommended)
- Avocado oil for cooking, 1 Tbsp
- Coconut aminos, 1/2 cup (or low-sodium soy sauce + maple syrup/brown sugar)
- Rice vinegar, 1 Tbsp
- Fresh garlic, minced, 2 cloves
- Sriracha, 1 tsp (optional, for extra kick)
- Toasted sesame oil, 2 tsp (optional)
For the Bowls:
- Asian Cucumber Salad (see below)
- Cucumbers, sliced
- Rice vinegar
- Toasted sesame oil
- Optional: pinch of sugar, red pepper flakes
- Cooked brown rice, 3 cups
- Broccoli florets, 1 large head
- Ripe avocado, sliced
Notes and substitutions to keep it flexible:
- Dairy swaps: Greek yogurt can be swapped for mayo in the bang bang sauce. For a healthier alternative, Greek yogurt offers more protein and probiotics compared to mayonnaise.
- Sweetness and heat: adjust sriracha in both the sauce and salmon marinade to taste.
- Sub proteins: chicken, shrimp, or tofu bites are great stand-ins for the salmon.
- Grains: use quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles for variation.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare Cucumber Salad: Toss cucumbers with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar if desired. Let sit at least 15 minutes, ideally an hour.
- Cook Rice: Prepare brown rice per package instructions. Plan quantities for your servings.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk Greek yogurt (or mayo), sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Refrigerate until use.
- Prepare Broccoli: Steam, sauté, or roast until tender-crisp.
- Prep Salmon Marinade: In a small bowl, mix coconut aminos, rice vinegar, minced garlic, sriracha, and sesame oil.
- Cut Salmon: Break salmon fillet into bite-sized cubes; skin can stay on or be removed based on preference.
- Sear Salmon: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook Salmon Bites: Place salmon skin-side down if present. Let cook 2–3 minutes until golden, then flip.
- Glaze: Add the marinade to the pan, cooking and flipping salmon every few minutes until glazed and cooked through.
- Check Doneness: Internal temp should reach 145°F, or center is opaque and flakes easily. According to the USDA, fish like salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure safety and proper doneness.
- Assemble Bowls: Start with a bed of rice, add cucumber salad, broccoli, and avocado. Top with salmon bites.
- Drizzle & Garnish: Finish with bang bang sauce. A splash of extra aminos or teriyaki, plus green onions or sesame seeds, is optional.
Pro Tips for Perfect Salmon Bowls
- Crispy Salmon: Use a hot skillet and avoid crowding; let the salmon sear undisturbed at first.
- Prevent Sticking: Ensure ample oil and a properly heated pan.
- Doneness: A meat thermometer gives precise results (145°F).
- Flavor Boost: Fresh garlic and sesame oil really lift the salmon marinade.
- Sauce Control: Tailor the sriracha level for your heat tolerance.
- Freshness: Choose bright, fresh salmon for best texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations
- Serving: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Offer extra bang bang sauce on the side.
- Storage: Keep salmon and bowl components in airtight containers in the fridge for 3–4 days; sauce lasts up to a week.
- Meal Prep: Cook rice and prepare both sauces ahead; pre-chop vegetables.
- Variations:
- Protein: Swap chicken, shrimp, or tofu bites.
- Grains: Try quinoa, cauliflower rice, or noodles.
- Vegetables: Add edamame, shredded carrots, peppers, or kimchi.
- Cooking method: Air fryer or oven-baked salmon—briefly adapted in steps.
Nutrition Information
Estimated values per serving (1 serving of 2): calories 976, protein 61 g, fat 41 g, carbohydrates 88 g, sodium 1881 mg, fiber 13 g, sugar 18 g.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 976 kcal |
| Protein | 61 g |
| Fat | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 88 g |
| Sodium | 1881 mg |
| Fiber | 13 g |
| Sugar | 18 g |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these salmon bites in an air fryer?
Yes. Toss seasoned bites with a light coating of oil, air fry at 400°F for about 6–8 minutes, turning once, then glaze with the bang bang sauce for a minute to set.
Can I bake the salmon bites instead of pan-frying?
Absolutely. Arrange on a parchment-lined sheet, bake at 425°F for 7–9 minutes, flip, then brush with marinade and bake 3–5 minutes more until glazed and cooked through.
Can I prepare components of this meal ahead of time?
Yes. Cook rice, prepare sauces, and chop vegetables ahead. Reheat salmon gently in a skillet with a splash of water or stock to avoid drying.
Is this recipe gluten-free/dairy-free?
Using coconut aminos keeps it gluten-free; Greek yogurt makes it dairy-inclusive unless you swap for mayo. If dairy-free, use a mayo-based bang bang sauce without yogurt.
Conclusion
This dish wraps a crisp, flavorful salmon bite with a creamy bang bang kiss and a colorful, nutrient-packed bowl. It’s easy, quick, and flexible enough for weeknights or entertaining. The Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowl prove that a satisfying, wholesome meal can come together fast without sacrificing taste. Give it a try, and share your tweaks and triumphs in the comments. Enjoy the bowl and the smiles it brings.

Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowl
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Cutting Board
- Sharp knife
- Large Skillet
- tongs
- Meat thermometer
- Large Bowls
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce:
- Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise 1/3 cup
- Sweet chili sauce 4 Tbsp
- Sriracha 2 tsp (adjust to taste)
Crispy Salmon Bites:
- Salmon fillet 1 lb, chopped into bite-sized chunks (skin-on recommended)
- Avocado oil for cooking 1 Tbsp
- Coconut aminos 1/2 cup (or low-sodium soy sauce + maple syrup/brown sugar)
- Rice vinegar 1 Tbsp
- Fresh garlic minced, 2 cloves
- Sriracha 1 tsp (optional, for extra kick)
- Toasted sesame oil 2 tsp (optional)
For the Bowls:
- Asian Cucumber Salad
- Cooked brown rice 3 cups
- Broccoli florets 1 large head
- Ripe avocado sliced
Instructions
Main Preparations
- Prepare the cucumber salad by combining all ingredients in a bowl and allowing it to sit for at least 15 minutes, or ideally an hour.
- Cook the brown rice according to package directions, adjusting the amount based on the number of servings.
- While rice cooks, prepare the bang bang sauce by stirring together ingredients in a small bowl until well-combined, then refrigerate.
- Steam, sauté, or roast the broccoli florets to your preference; for sautéing, use about 1 teaspoon of avocado oil and ¼ cup of water in a nonstick skillet.
Prepare the Salmon
- In a small bowl, combine coconut aminos, rice vinegar, minced garlic, optional sriracha, and optional sesame oil, stirring until the sauce is well-combined.
- Cut the raw salmon filet into bite-sized cubes on a cutting board, optionally removing the skin.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot.
- Carefully place salmon chunks skin-side down on the hot skillet and cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Pour the prepared salmon sauce into the skillet, reducing heat if the boil is too rapid, and continue cooking and flipping the salmon for 4-5 minutes until fully glazed and cooked through.
- Verify salmon doneness by checking for an internal temperature of 145°F with a meat thermometer, or when the center is light pink without any raw darker pink.
Make the Crispy Salmon Bowls
- Add desired amounts of cooked brown rice, cucumber salad, sautéed broccoli, and sliced avocado to two large bowls.
- Divide the cooked crispy salmon bites between the bowls and drizzle with the bang bang sauce, optionally adding extra coconut aminos or teriyaki sauce, chopped green onions, and sesame seeds.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this flavorful and nutritious meal.


