If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and delicious dinner, these Crispy Salmon Bowls are just what you need! Packed with perfectly seasoned salmon bites, fluffy rice, and a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. It’s a great option for busy weeknights when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen. Let’s dive into this simple and flavorful recipe!
Method
Prep the Salmon
Begin by preparing the salmon fillets. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. Once cut, transfer the salmon pieces to a mixing bowl. Season the salmon thoroughly by adding garlic pepper, onion granules, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning. If you don’t have Old Bay on hand, you can substitute it with additional paprika or a Cajun seasoning blend for a similar depth of flavor. Gently toss the salmon pieces until each one is well-coated with the spice mixture, ensuring an even distribution of seasoning across all pieces.
Cook the Salmon
For perfectly crispy salmon bites, use an air fryer set to 180°C (350°F). Place the seasoned salmon pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer to allow for even air circulation. Cook them for approximately 10 minutes, making sure to shake the basket halfway through the cooking process to ensure each piece crisps evenly on all sides. If you don’t have an air fryer, baking the salmon in a preheated oven at the same temperature works just as well. Spread the pieces evenly on a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon develops a crispy exterior while remaining tender and juicy on the inside.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is cooking, prepare the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine four tablespoons of light mayonnaise with two tablespoons of sweet chili sauce. Add one tablespoon of sriracha for a spicy kick, adjusting the quantity to match your preferred spice level. Whisk the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well-combined. This sauce adds a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy notes to the dish, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
Assemble the Bowls
Once the salmon is cooked and the sauce is ready, it’s time to assemble the bowls. Start by dividing two portions of cooked rice evenly between two serving bowls. Arrange the crispy salmon pieces on top of the rice, followed by steamed tenderstem broccoli for a healthy, crunchy element. Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture and extra nutritional value. To finish, drizzle a generous amount of the bang bang sauce over the assembled ingredients, ensuring each component is coated with that irresistible creamy-spicy flavor.
Serve and Enjoy
With all the components beautifully arranged, your crispy salmon bowls are ready to serve. For an added touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle some sesame seeds or chopped green onions on top. Enjoy the bowls fresh, while the salmon remains crispy and the flavors are at their peak. This dish is not only packed with vibrant flavors and textures but is also quick and easy enough for a hassle-free weeknight dinner.
Crispy Salmon Bowls
Equipment
- Air fryer or oven
- Mixing bowls
- Knife and cutting board
- Spoon or whisk for mixing the sauce
Ingredients
- For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tsp garlic pepper
- 1 tsp onion granules
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning or substitute with extra paprika or Cajun seasoning
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 4 tbsp light mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- For Serving:
- 2 portions of cooked rice
- Steamed tenderstem broccoli
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Salmon.
- Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces. Place them in a bowl and mix with garlic pepper, onion granules, paprika, and Old Bay seasoning (or substitutes).
- Step 2: Cook the Salmon.
- Place the seasoned salmon pieces in the air fryer basket and cook at 180°C (350°F) for 10 minutes, shaking halfway through. If you don’t have an air fryer, bake them in the oven at the same temperature for 12-15 minutes until crispy.
- Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce.
- In a small bowl, mix together the light mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference.
- Step 4: Assemble the Bowls.
- Divide the cooked rice between two bowls. Add the crispy salmon, steamed tenderstem broccoli, and sliced avocado. Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top.
- Step 5: Serve and Enjoy.
- Your crispy salmon bowls are ready to be enjoyed!
Notes
- 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.
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!
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! 🥗🐟✨