Baked Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Introduction
These baked Bang Bang salmon bites are tender, spicy-sweet, and easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner.
The creamy chili sauce gives them takeout-style flavor, making them great for game day, party platters, or casual family meals.
Ingredients (4 servings)
Ingredients
Ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce
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How to Make Baked Bang Bang Salmon Bites
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Prep the oven and pan
Heat the oven to 425°F and line a sheet pan with parchment for easy cleanup.
Pat the salmon dry so the oil and seasonings stick well.
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Remove the skin
Place the fillet skin-side down on a cutting board and hold one end with a paper towel.
Slide a sharp knife between the flesh and skin, keeping the blade almost flat.
Use a gentle sawing motion while pulling the skin backward until it releases.
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Season the salmon
Cut the salmon into bite-sized cubes and place them in a bowl.
Toss with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
Arrange the pieces in a single layer, leaving a little space between them.
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Bake and mix the sauce
Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F.
While it bakes, stir mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and red pepper flakes in a bowl.
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Coat and serve
Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes so the juices settle.
Toss gently with some sauce, or drizzle the sauce over the top.
Serve the rest on the side for dipping.
Substitutions
- Mayonnaise for Greek yogurt
- Greek yogurt makes the sauce tangier and lighter. It stays creamy, though the finish is less rich.
- Sweet chili sauce for apricot jam plus extra sriracha
- Apricot jam keeps the sauce glossy and sweet. Extra sriracha adds heat and a fun fruity twist.
- Salmon for steelhead trout
- Steelhead trout bakes like salmon and stays tender. The flavor is slightly milder, which lets the sauce shine.
Tips
- Use center-cut salmon
- Center-cut pieces are thicker and cook more evenly. Thin tail pieces can dry out before the centers finish.
- Keep the cubes similar
- Aim for 1-inch pieces for steady baking. Mixed sizes lead to dry small pieces and undercooked large ones.
- Add sauce after baking
- Add the sauce after baking, not before. Mayo-based sauce can split and dull in the oven.
- Warm the sauce slightly
- Let the sauce sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Cold sauce can tighten and coat the salmon less smoothly.
- Broil for extra color
- Broil for 1 minute after baking if you want browned edges. Watch closely, because the salmon can overcook fast.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 683 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 43 | g |
| Total Fat | 53 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 6 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Why did my salmon turn dry?
- The pieces likely baked too long or were cut too small. Pull them once they flake and reach 145°F.
- Can I make these ahead?
- You can cube and season the salmon a few hours early. Mix the sauce ahead too, then bake just before serving.
- How do I know the salmon is done?
- The center should look just opaque and flake with gentle pressure. A thermometer should read 145°F in the thickest piece.
- Can I use frozen salmon?
- Yes, but thaw it fully and pat it very dry first. Extra moisture can steam the bites instead of roasting them.
Serving Suggestions
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