Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls are a fun and tasty meal packed with flavor! They feature crispy salmon bites drizzled with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce, served over rice or veggies.
These bowls are perfect for lunch or dinner and super easy to whip up. I love adding some fresh veggies for crunch—every bite is a party on your plate! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillet works best for this recipe. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use cooked shrimp or even tofu for a plant-based option. Both provide a great texture and absorb flavors well.
Rice: Jasmine rice adds a nice fragrance to the dish, but feel free to swap it with brown rice or quinoa for a healthier option. Cauliflower rice is also a great low-carb alternative!
Vegetables: Kale and broccoli are nutritious, but you can mix it up! Try spinach, snap peas, or any seasonal vegetables you prefer. I’ll often use whatever is fresh at the market.
Bang Bang Sauce: If you want a lighter version, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt. For a vegan option, try plant-based mayo. You can adjust the Sriracha for spice level; I usually go easy at first!
How Do You Get the Salmon Bite Cooked Just Right?
Cooking salmon bites perfectly is key to this dish. You want them golden and crispy outside while tender inside. Here’s how:
- Cut salmon into uniform cubes for even cooking.
- Heat the skillet until hot before adding oil, which helps crisp up the crust.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes per side on medium-high heat without overcrowding the pan.
Trust your instincts! If it smells amazing, you’re on the right track. Removing the salmon once cooked ensures it doesn’t overcook and dry out.
Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon oil (vegetable or avocado oil)
For the Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or sushi rice
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- Lime wedges, for garnish
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and marination, and 20 minutes for cooking and assembling. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough for guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
In a bowl, combine the salmon cubes with soy sauce and honey. Toss them together so the salmon is well coated. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes while you prep the rest of the ingredients.
2. Cook the Salmon Bites:
Heat oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated salmon cubes carefully. Cook them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden, glazed, and cooked through. Remove them from the heat and set aside.
3. Steam the Vegetables:
Fill a pot with a bit of water and a steaming basket. Bring the water to a boil and add the chopped kale and broccoli florets. Steam for about 3-4 minutes, or just until they’re tender yet still vibrant. Set aside.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the Sriracha for heat if needed. This sauce adds a delicious kick to your bowls!
5. Assemble the Bowls:
Divide the cooked rice between serving bowls. On top of the rice, arrange the steamed kale, broccoli, red cabbage, avocado slices, and the crispy salmon bites. It should look colorful and inviting!
6. Garnish and Drizzle:
Sprinkle the bowls with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and crunch. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the top of everything.
7. Serve:
Finally, add lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the bowls—this adds a lovely brightness to every bite. Enjoy your homemade Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls right away!
This bowl is a delightful mix of textures and flavors—creamy avocado, crisp veggies, tender salmon with a sweet soy glaze, all brightened up by the tangy, spicy Bang Bang sauce!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon For This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to fully thaw it before cutting it into cubes. Thawing can be done in the refrigerator overnight or by placing the sealed salmon in a bowl of cold water for about an hour.
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Just give it a good stir before using it to refresh the flavors.
What Other Vegetables Can I Add?
You can customize your bowl with any vegetables you like! Try bell peppers, snap peas, carrots, or even corn. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time depending on the veggies you choose, especially if they’re thicker or denser.
How Do I Store Leftover Bowls?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can keep the components separate or together. When reheating, warm the salmon and veggies gently in the microwave or on the stovetop to keep them tender.
