Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon
Homemade Crispy Bang Bang Salmon delivers crispy, tender salmon fillets coated in a crunchy panko crust and drizzled with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Ready in under 30 minutes, this quick and healthy meal balances bold flavors and textures, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. Customize it with gluten-free options and spice levels to suit your taste.
- Author: Emilly
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Salmon and Coating
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko/almond flour)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (for breadcrumbs mixture)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for breadcrumbs mixture)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for pan-frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo/Greek yogurt)
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove moisture. Season both sides lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to create a subtle savory base.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with flour (or almond flour), one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder and salt.
- Coat the Salmon: Dredge each fillet in the flour, shaking off excess. Dip the salmon into the beaten eggs to moisten, then press firmly into the panko mixture to coat evenly and form a thick crunchy crust.
- Pan-Fry the Salmon: Heat vegetable oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the coated salmon fillets skin side down if using skin-on. Fry 3-4 minutes per side until the crust is golden and salmon is cooked through but tender inside. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature and crispiness.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to balance sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Drizzle and Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving plate and generously drizzle with bang bang sauce. Garnish as desired with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or cilantro. Serve immediately for best crunch and flavor.
Notes
- Dry salmon thoroughly before breading to ensure a crispy crust.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan during frying to keep oil temperature steady and maintain crunch.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for a light, airy crunch that surpasses regular breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the bang bang sauce consistency by adding more lime juice for tanginess or more mayo for creaminess.
- Let the salmon rest a few minutes after frying to redistribute juices and retain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: crispy salmon, bang bang sauce, quick dinner, pan-fried salmon, spicy sauce, healthy seafood, gluten-free salmon, easy salmon recipe