These Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls are a fun and tasty meal! They feature crispy salmon bites topped with a creamy, spicy sauce and served over fluffy rice and fresh veggies.
You won’t believe how easy these are to whip up! I often make them for a quick dinner, and they’re always a hit. Plus, who doesn’t love a little crunch along with some zing? Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is key for this dish! If you prefer a different fish, try using firm white fish like cod or halibut. For a vegetarian option, crispy tofu works beautifully too.
Rice: Sushi rice gives you that perfect sticky texture, but jasmine rice is a fantastic substitute. Quinoa is a nutritious alternative if you’re looking for a gluten-free grain.
Broccoli: Fresh steamed broccoli adds color and crunch, but feel free to swap it out for snap peas or bell peppers if you like those better. Both add crunch and freshness!
Bang Bang Sauce: If you’re not a fan of mayo, try using Greek yogurt for a lighter version. And adjust the Sriracha to your spice tolerance— less for a milder taste!
How Do I Get Perfectly Cooked Salmon?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll nail it! Start with a hot non-stick skillet; high heat helps create a nice sear.
- Cook for about 2-3 minutes without moving the cubes. This ensures they get a lovely crust.
- When you flip, be gentle to keep them from breaking apart. Finish cooking for an additional 2 minutes until they’re just cooked through but still flaky.
- Let them rest for a minute off heat—this keeps them juicy!
Enjoy making your Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls! With these tips, you’ll impress everyone at the dinner table!
Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Bowl:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 cups cooked sushi rice or jasmine rice
- 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
- 1 medium cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 large carrot, peeled into ribbons or shredded
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach or lettuce, chopped
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
For the Marinade/Sauce:
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste for spice level)
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll spend about 15 minutes on prep, including marinating the salmon, and another 15 for cooking and assembling. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade:
Start by mixing the marinade! In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined. Set it aside; we will use it shortly!
2. Marinate the Salmon:
Take your cubed salmon and place it in a medium bowl. Pour half of the marinade over the salmon and gently toss it to ensure all pieces are coated. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.
3. Cook the Salmon:
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated salmon cubes to the skillet and let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes to get a nice golden sear. Gently flip each piece and cook for another 2 minutes until they’re fully cooked but still moist. Remove it from the heat and drizzle the remaining marinade over the salmon, tossing gently to coat.
4. Steam the Broccoli:
In the meantime, steam your broccoli florets until they are tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Once done, set them aside.
5. Prepare Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey (or sugar), and lime juice until smooth and creamy. This sauce adds the perfect kick to your bowls!
6. Assemble the Bowls:
Now, it’s time to put everything together! Divide the cooked rice equally into serving bowls. On top of the rice, arrange the chopped spinach, steamed broccoli, cucumber slices, carrot ribbons, creamy avocado, and the cooked salmon cubes.
7. Finish with Toppings:
Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds over the top of the bowls. Now, drizzle that delicious Bang Bang sauce generously over everything!
8. Serve:
Serve your Bang Bang Salmon Bite Bowls immediately, with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor if you’d like. Enjoy your vibrant, flavorful meal with a perfect balance of spice, freshness, and crunch!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to fully thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water for quicker thawing before cutting it into cubes and marinating.
What Can I substitute for Honey in the Marinade?
If you prefer a different sweetener, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a 1:1 substitute for honey. You could also use brown sugar, but dissolve it in a little warm water first for even mixing.
How Should I Store Leftover Bowls?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the salmon, rice, and fresh veggies separate, if possible, to maintain their textures. Reheat the salmon gently in the microwave or stovetop before serving. The sauce can be added just before enjoying!
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Definitely! To increase the heat, add more Sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce or include red chili flakes to the marinade. Additionally, you could serve it with sliced fresh jalapeños for an extra kick!
