If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner, these Crispy Salmon Bites with rice and bang bang sauce are the ultimate weeknight treat! The salmon is perfectly seasoned and air-fried to crispy perfection, paired with egg-fried rice and drizzled with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. It’s an easy-to-make meal that feels like a restaurant-quality dish right at home. Let’s dive into this simple and delicious recipe!
Method
Prepare the Salmon Bites
Start by cutting the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces, making sure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Once cut, gently pat them dry with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture when cooking. Next, season the salmon pieces evenly with garlic pepper, onion granules, paprika, and old bay seasoning. These seasonings will infuse the salmon with great flavor and help achieve a slightly smoky and savory profile. For the next step, you can either use an air fryer or an oven to cook the salmon. If you’re using an air fryer, preheat it to 180°C (350°F) and cook the salmon bites for about 10 minutes, checking to ensure they turn crispy and golden brown. Alternatively, if you’re using the oven, preheat it to 200°C (400°F) and bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes. Regardless of the method you choose, the key is to ensure the salmon is cooked through and crispy on the outside.
Cook the Egg-Fried Rice
Begin by boiling the rice according to the instructions on the packet, then drain it and let it cool. It’s best to use cooled rice for fried rice as it holds its shape better and prevents it from becoming mushy. If you want to prepare it ahead of time, this step can easily be done in advance. Once the rice is ready, heat a frying pan or wok over medium heat. Lightly spray the pan with cooking spray to avoid sticking. Add the frozen peas and sliced spring onions, cooking them for 1-2 minutes until they’re softened and fragrant. After the vegetables have softened, push them to one side of the pan, making room for the egg. Pour the whisked egg into the empty side and scramble gently until it’s cooked through. After the egg is fully scrambled, add the cooled rice to the pan. Stir everything together, ensuring the rice and veggies are evenly distributed. Drizzle a little soy sauce over the rice and fry it for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until the rice is well-coated and heated through.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine the light mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Stir everything together until it becomes a smooth, creamy sauce. The light mayo provides a rich, creamy base, while the sweet chili sauce adds a subtle sweetness, and the sriracha brings a spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice tolerance, whether you want it mild or extra hot. This sauce is the perfect complement to the crispy salmon and egg-fried rice, adding a creamy and zesty contrast to the dish.
Assemble and Serve
Once the salmon bites are cooked and the egg-fried rice is ready, it’s time to assemble the dish. Start by plating the egg-fried rice as the base. Carefully arrange the crispy salmon bites on top of the rice, allowing the flavors to meld together. Generously drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce over the salmon and rice. For a complete meal, you can add some optional sides such as edamame beans and tenderstem broccoli. These sides add an extra nutritional boost and a fresh crunch that balances the rich and creamy flavors of the main dish.
Crispy Salmon Bites with Rice & Bang Bang Sauce
Equipment
- Air fryer or oven
- Frying pan or wok
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
- For the Salmon Bites:
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 tsp garlic pepper
- 1 tsp onion granules
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp old bay seasoning or additional paprika if unavailable
- For the Egg-Fried Rice:
- 120 g dry rice
- 50 g frozen peas
- 1 egg whisked
- Splash of soy sauce
- Sliced spring onions
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 4 tbsp light mayo
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- Optional Sides:
- Edamame beans
- Tenderstem broccoli
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon Bites.Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel.Season the salmon evenly with garlic pepper, onion granules, paprika, and old bay seasoning.Place the salmon pieces in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, or bake in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
- Cook the Egg-Fried Rice.Boil the rice according to packet instructions, drain, and let it cool (or prepare ahead of time for best results).Heat a frying pan or wok over medium heat with a little cooking spray. Add the frozen peas and spring onions, cooking for 1-2 minutes until soft.Push the veggies to one side and pour the whisked egg into the pan. Scramble gently until cooked through.Add the cooled rice and stir everything together. Drizzle with soy sauce and fry for another 2-3 minutes until heated and well-coated.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce.In a small bowl, mix the light mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble and Serve.Plate the egg-fried rice, top with crispy salmon bites, and drizzle with the bang bang sauce. Add edamame beans and tenderstem broccoli on the side for a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Add a sprinkle of sesame seeds or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- Swap rice for quinoa or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
- Serve with a side of miso soup or a fresh cucumber salad.
Fun Fact
Did you know salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for brain and heart health? Including salmon in your diet is not only delicious but also super nutritious!
Precautions for the Method
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on the cooking time to ensure the salmon stays tender on the inside while crispy on the outside.
- Even Cooking: Shake the air fryer basket halfway through for even crispiness.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce to suit your spice preference.
Conclusion
These Crispy Salmon Bowls are a perfect combination of flavor, texture, and nutrition. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or enjoying them fresh, they’re bound to become a favorite. With the creamy bang bang sauce, crispy salmon, and wholesome sides, it’s a meal that feels indulgent but is so easy to make. Try this recipe, and let me know what you think. Happy cooking! 🥗🐟✨