Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe

Meet your new favorite weeknight dinner: Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls! This brilliant bowl bursts with color, flavor, and crunch—marrying tender, golden salmon bites with creamy bang bang sauce, fluffy brown rice, and ultra-refreshing cucumber salad. It’s the type of feel-good meal that delivers excitement with every bite and comes together in less than an hour.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of simple staples make these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls shine! Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor, texture contrast, and downright fun—don’t skip a thing if you want the full bowl experience.

• Salmon filet (1 lb): The star protein! Go for fresh, firm salmon for best texture, and remove any pesky pin bones before chopping.
• Coconut aminos (1/2 cup): Adds a sweet-salty, umami flavor and keeps things gluten-free—soy sauce works in a pinch!
• Rice vinegar (1 Tbsp): Lends a bright, slightly tangy punch to the salmon marinade.
• Minced garlic (2 large cloves): For that savory aroma you’ll crave in every salmon bite.
• Sriracha (1 tsp + 2 tsp): A touch of heat in both salmon and bang bang sauce—adjust up or down for your perfect spice.
• Toasted sesame oil (2 tsp, optional): For extra savoriness and intoxicating nutty aroma in the salmon.
• Avocado oil (1 Tbsp, plus more for sautéing): Helps crisp up the salmon and veggies while adding a subtle richness.
• Plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise (1/3 cup): The creamy base for that addictive bang bang sauce—you choose your style!
• Sweet chili sauce (4 Tbsp): Delivers tangy-sweet heat and gorgeous color to your final drizzle.
• Brown rice (3 cups cooked): The hearty, nutty, and wholesome grain that soaks up every last drop of sauce.
• Broccoli florets (from 1 large head): A simple, fiber-packed veggie that goes from crisp-tender to just the way you like it.
• Avocado (1 large): Adds creamy, cool relief and lovely color contrast—slice just before serving!
• Asian Cucumber Salad (1 batch): The crunchy, zingy, herby salad that brings every bite to life.

Variations

One of the best things about Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls is how endlessly adaptable they are! Whether you want to mix up the sauce, swap your protein, or pump up the veggies, it’s easy to make this recipe your own.

• Go Vegetarian: Sub in crispy tofu cubes or roasted cauliflower in place of salmon—the bang bang sauce is just as dreamy!
• Make It Extra Spicy: Add extra sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on top for a fiery kick.
• Try a Different Grain: Use jasmine or basmati rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter base.
• Add More Veggies: Toss in edamame, shredded red cabbage, or pickled carrots for even more color and crunch.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

Step 1: Prep the Asian Cucumber Salad

Start with zippy freshness! Mix all the cucumber salad ingredients in a small bowl, then let them marinate while you prepare the rest of your meal. The longer they sit, the more addictive—they pack a tangy, herby crunch that perks up every bite. If you have time, aim for at least 30 minutes!

Step 2: Cook the Rice

While the cucumber salad works its magic, start your rice. Rinse, cook, and fluff according to the package instructions—for two hearty servings, I usually make one cup of dry brown rice (it’ll yield about three cups cooked). Set it aside, covered, to keep warm and steamy.

Step 3: Stir Together the Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk Greek yogurt (or mayo), sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a bowl until gloriously creamy and smooth. This sauce is the secret to why every bite of crispy salmon feels so special—taste and adjust the heat if you like it spicier. Chill until you’re ready to serve.

Step 4: Marinate the Salmon Bites

Chop your salmon into evenly sized, bite-sized pieces for that perfect forkful. Toss them in a quick marinade of coconut aminos, rice vinegar, garlic, sriracha, and a dash of sesame oil if you want extra toasty flavor. Let them sit for at least 10–15 minutes so each piece gets fully infused.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon

Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the marinated salmon bites in a single layer so every chunk gets a crisp, golden sear. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side without crowding the pan—aim for gently cooked insides, with crisp edges and gorgeous color. Work in two batches if needed!

Step 6: Steam or Sauté the Broccoli

Time for an easy, vibrant veggie! You can quickly steam, roast, or sauté the broccoli—my favorite is to toss florets in a skillet with a splash of avocado oil and water. Cover and let them go until bright green and crisp-tender; about 5 minutes is all you need.

Step 7: Assemble Your Bowls

Here’s the fun part: to build your Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls, start with a cozy bed of rice, pile on cucumber salad, broccoli, and avocado, then crown it all with those glistening salmon bites. Drizzle (okay, smother!) everything in the bang bang sauce. Every bowl = pure joy!

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls

Garnishes

A sprinkle of sesame seeds and fresh chopped cilantro or green onions truly makes these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls pop—both visually and with a little extra crunch and freshness. A wedge of lime adds brightness and makes each forkful extra zippy.

Side Dishes

If you’re in the mood to round out your meal, pair your bowls with miso soup, a simple seaweed salad, or spicy kimchi for more punch. Steamed dumplings or edamame also make great, shareable sides for a casual dinner spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try serving the crispy salmon bites and sauce appetizer-style on a platter with toothpicks and rice on the side. Or, build mini bowls in small jars for a vibrant, layered meal prep option. Even lettuce wraps are fair game—just tuck in a little of everything for a flavor-packed bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls components separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The salmon and veggies keep well for up to 2 days—just avoid storing the avocado, as it tends to brown. Keep rice and sauce apart to maintain fresh texture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked salmon bites for up to one month—lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a bag or container. The rice also freezes beautifully, but skip freezing the cucumber salad (the crunch won’t survive!).

Reheating

For best results, reheat salmon bites in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes—it keeps them crispy without drying out. Sprinkle a little water over the rice before microwaving to bring back that just-cooked fluff. Assemble fresh with the chilled salad, sauce, and avocado!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you need a dinner that’s bold, beautiful, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table smile, these Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are always a winner. I can’t wait for you to grab a fork (or chopsticks!) and dive into this zesty bowl of color and crunch—let me know how you make yours shine!

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