What makes the perfect weeknight dinner so irresistible? For me, it’s all about quick and easy homemade recipes like these crispy bang bang salmon bites, pan-seared to perfection with a side of tangy gravy. Save this idea for a delicious family favorite meal to try soon.

crispy bang bang salmon bites on a white plate with gravy and parsley

Introduction

Imagine a dish that combines the tender flakiness of salmon, the crunch of a perfectly cooked exterior, and the savory richness of a homemade gravy, all elevated by the freshness of parsley. Our crispy bang bang salmon bites are not just a meal; they’re an experience. Made with everyday ingredients and requiring minimal effort, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make and requires no special cooking skills, making it accessible to anyone who loves to cook or is just starting out in the kitchen.

Why This Works

• Flavor balance and ingredient accessibility: The combination of salmon, bang bang sauce, and homemade gravy creates a flavor profile that is both familiar and exciting. Plus, all the ingredients are easily found in most supermarkets.
• Ease of preparation: Despite the impressive presentation and taste, this dish is surprisingly simple to prepare. It requires basic cooking techniques and can be ready in under 30 minutes.
• Impressive results with minimal effort: The bang bang sauce and the crispy coating on the salmon give this dish a gourmet feel without the gourmet effort, making it perfect for impressing dinner guests or family members.

Key Ingredients

The main ingredients for this recipe include salmon fillets, panko breadcrumbs, eggs, bang bang sauce (which can be store-bought or homemade), flour, and ingredients for the homemade gravy such as butter, flour, and chicken or fish broth. For the bang bang sauce, you’ll need mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Practical substitutions can be made for the sauce ingredients based on personal taste preferences. For example, if you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it altogether.

Instructions

1. Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut the salmon into bite-sized pieces, beat the eggs in one bowl, and mix the panko breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt and pepper in another. Prepare the bang bang sauce if making it from scratch by mixing all the sauce ingredients together in a bowl until well combined.
2. Step 2: Dip each salmon piece into the flour, then the eggs, and finally the panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs gently onto the salmon to ensure they stick. Heat about half an inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated salmon pieces and cook until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the salmon from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
3. Step 3: To make the gravy, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of flour and whisk it into the butter to make a roux, cooking for about 1 minute. Slowly pour in the broth, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until it thickens, stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Step 4: For the final touches, place the crispy salmon bites on a serving plate. Drizzle the homemade gravy over the salmon and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy exterior giving way to tender, flavorful salmon, all complemented by the rich gravy and freshness of parsley.

Handy Tips

• For an extra crispy coating, you can chill the breaded salmon pieces in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better to the salmon.
• When making the gravy, it’s crucial to whisk constantly when adding the broth to the roux to prevent lumps from forming. If you do encounter lumps, you can try straining the gravy through a fine-mesh sieve before serving.
• Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the salmon. Cook in batches if necessary, to ensure that each piece has enough room to cook evenly. This will also prevent the oil temperature from dropping too much, which can result in greasy or undercooked salmon.

Heat Control

Maintaining the right heat is crucial for achieving the perfect crispiness on the salmon without overcooking it. For frying, the ideal oil temperature is between 350°F and 375°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of breadcrumb into it; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready. When cooking the gravy, medium heat is preferred to prevent the butter from burning or the sauce from thickening too quickly.

Crunch Factor

Achieving the right crunch on the salmon bites is key to this dish. The panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crisper coating than regular breadcrumbs. To enhance the crunch, make sure the oil is at the right temperature before frying, and don’t overcook the salmon. The exterior should be golden brown and crispy, while the interior remains tender and moist. If you find your salmon bites are not crunchy enough, you can try baking them in a preheated oven at 400°F for a few minutes after frying to crisp them up further.

Pro Kitchen Tricks

• For easier cleanup, line your workspace with parchment paper or a silicone mat before breading the salmon. This will catch any stray breadcrumbs or egg spills, making cleanup a breeze.
• Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is at the perfect frying temperature. This will help you achieve a crispy exterior without overcooking the salmon.
• Don’t skip the step of drying the salmon pieces with paper towels before breading. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from adhering properly, leading to a less crispy final product.

Storage Tips

• Leftover crispy salmon bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.
• The homemade gravy can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently over low heat, whisking occasionally, until warmed through.
• For the best results, do not freeze the breaded salmon bites, as the freezing and thawing process can make the coating soggy. However, you can freeze the cooked salmon bites without the gravy, then reheat them in the oven when needed.

Gift Packaging Ideas

While crispy bang bang salmon bites are best served fresh, the bang bang sauce can be a lovely gift for friends or family who enjoy cooking. Consider packaging the sauce in decorative jars, topping them with a ribbon, and including a recipe card for the salmon bites. For a more substantial gift, you could prepare a batch of the sauce and a batch of the crispy salmon bites (without the gravy), package them in airtight containers, and include reheating instructions.

Flavor Variations

• Different spices: Add some dried herbs like thyme or rosemary to the panko breadcrumbs for an herby twist, or use smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Creative toppings: Instead of parsley, try using chopped scallions, dill, or basil for a different freshness. You could also top the salmon with sliced almonds or sesame seeds for added crunch.
• Ingredient swaps: For a vegetarian version, swap the salmon with portobello mushrooms or eggplant slices. Simply adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable’s thickness and density.

Troubleshooting

• Texture problems: If your salmon bites end up too greasy, it might be because the oil wasn’t hot enough. If they’re not crispy, try baking them in the oven for a few minutes after frying.
• Ingredient replacements: If you can’t find panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute, though the result might not be as light and crispy.
• Over/undercooking signs: Overcooked salmon will be dry and flake easily. Undercooked salmon will be moist and might still look translucent in the center. Aim for a tender, flaky texture that’s not too dry or too moist.

FAQs

• Can I freeze it? It’s best not to freeze the breaded and fried salmon bites, as freezing can affect the texture of the coating. However, you can freeze the cooked salmon without the breading and gravy, then reheat it when needed.
• Is it gluten-free? The recipe as described is not gluten-free due to the use of wheat flour in the breading and potentially in the gravy. However, you can easily make it gluten-free by substituting the wheat flour with a gluten-free flour mix and ensuring the broth used in the gravy is gluten-free.
• Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can easily double or triple the recipe if you’re serving a larger crowd. Just remember to cook the salmon bites in batches if necessary, to prevent overcrowding the skillet.

Conclusion

Crispy bang bang salmon bites on a white plate with gravy and parsley are not just a recipe; they’re a culinary experience waiting to happen. With its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and the ease of preparation, this dish is sure to become a favorite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings or toppings to make it your own, and enjoy the process of creating something truly special. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy, making it a great addition to any meal, from casual weeknights to special occasions.