Oh my goodness, you guys *have* to try these Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls! Seriously, if you’re looking for something new to cook that’s bursting with flavor and still feels super fresh and healthy, this is IT. I stumbled upon this recipe when I was trying to find a way to jazz up salmon and make a quick weeknight dinner that my whole family would devour. And wow, did it deliver! The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce combined with the tender salmon bites and fluffy rice? It’s just pure magic in a bowl, and it comes together so fast!
Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
Seriously, these Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are a total game-changer. Here’s why you’ll be making them on repeat:
- Super Easy & Quick: We’re talking minimal prep and cook time, perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Explosion: That bang bang sauce is everything – creamy, spicy, a little sweet, and totally addictive!
- Healthy & Fresh: Packed with lean protein from the salmon and good-for-you veggies.
- So Versatile: You can totally swap out the veggies or the rice to make it your own.
Gather Your Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
Alright, let’s get down to business! To whip up these amazing Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls, you’ll need just a few simple things. Grab about a pound and a half of salmon fillet – make sure the skin is off and cut it into nice, bite-sized cubes, about an inch big. We’ll toss those little guys with a tablespoon of olive oil, plus a pinch of salt and pepper to make them extra tasty. For the base, you’ll want a cup of cooked rice. Brown rice or white rice both work beautifully here, whatever you have on hand! Then, we need about a cup of mixed veggies. I love to use broccoli florets, some colorful bell pepper strips, and crisp sugar snap peas, but honestly, whatever you’ve got in the crisper drawer will be perfect. And for that dreamy bang bang sauce? You’ll need 2 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon of sriracha (but you can totally add more if you like it spicier!), 1 teaspoon of honey for sweetness, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar for a little tang, and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for that umami kick. Oh, and don’t forget a sprinkle of sesame seeds and some chopped green onions for topping if you’re feeling fancy!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
So, about those ingredients for our Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls – a few little notes! The sriracha is totally up to you. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with just half a tablespoon and add more if you dare! If you’re watching carbs or just want something a little different, you can absolutely swap the regular rice for cauliflower rice. It’s a fantastic low-carb option that works surprisingly well. And for the veggies, think outside the box! Shredded carrots, edamame, or even some thinly sliced zucchini would be delicious additions. The key is just to have a nice mix of colors and textures to go with that incredible salmon and sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparing Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
Alright, let’s get these delicious Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls from your kitchen to your table! It’s honestly so straightforward; you’ll be amazed at how quickly this comes together. First things first, crank up your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, grab those salmon cubes you prepped. Give them a good toss with that olive oil, salt, and pepper right on your baking sheet. Make sure they’re spread out in a single layer so they cook up nice and even. Pop them into the oven for about 8 to 10 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the salmon is cooked through and flakes apart easily with a fork.
Preparing the Salmon Bites
So, for those salmon bites, after you’ve cut your salmon into those perfect inch-sized cubes, just toss them gently with a tablespoon of olive oil, a good pinch of salt, and a bit of pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet – make sure they’re not all piled on top of each other. Pop them into a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). They only need about 8 to 10 minutes in there. You’re looking for them to be cooked through and super flaky. It’s really that simple!
Crafting the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is doing its thing in the oven, let’s whip up that amazing bang bang sauce! It’s ridiculously easy. Just grab a small bowl and whisk together your mayonnaise, sriracha (remember, more if you like it hot!), honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce. Keep whisking until it’s all smooth and creamy. Taste it and add more sriracha if you want that extra kick. It’s your sauce, your rules!
Assembling Your Delicious Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
Now for the fun part – putting it all together! Start by dividing your cooked rice between your serving bowls. Then, artfully arrange those gorgeous, flaky salmon bites right on top of the rice. Nestle in your colorful mixed vegetables around the salmon. Take that dreamy bang bang sauce you just made and drizzle it *generously* all over everything. Don’t be shy with the sauce! Lastly, if you’re using them, sprinkle on those sesame seeds and chopped green onions for a little extra flair and crunch. Boom! Your incredible Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are ready to be devoured.
Tips for Success with Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
To make sure your Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls turn out absolutely perfect every time, here are a few little pointers from my kitchen to yours! When you’re cooking the salmon, don’t overbake it – it should be just flaky and moist, not dry. Keep an eye on it, those 8-10 minutes fly by! For the sauce, if you want it creamier, you can add a tiny splash more mayonnaise, or if it’s too thick, a drop of water or even a little more rice vinegar can thin it out perfectly. Make sure your veggies are cut to a size that’s easy to eat with the salmon and rice, so they cook nicely and are a good bite. Trust me, these little details really make a difference!
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
While these Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are pretty much a complete meal on their own, sometimes it’s nice to have a little something extra! They’re fantastic with a simple side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or maybe some extra steamed edamame if you want more greens. You could also serve them with some crispy wonton strips for added crunch. Honestly, the veggies already in the bowl are pretty perfect, but if you want to add more, think about some thinly sliced cucumber or some quick-pickled red onions as side meals for dinner to really brighten things up!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
Got leftovers of these amazing Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls? Lucky you! Store any extra salmon, rice, and veggies in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes them perfect for clean meal prep! When you’re ready to reheat, I find the best way is to gently warm the salmon and rice in a skillet over medium-low heat, or you can pop it in the microwave for about a minute. Just add the sauce right before serving so it stays nice and creamy!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
Got some questions about making these awesome Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls? I’ve got you covered!
Q: How do I make the sauce less spicy?
A: Easy peasy! Just start with less sriracha, maybe just half a tablespoon, and you can always add more to taste. Or, add a little extra honey or mayonnaise to mellow it out. It’s your sauce, make it perfect for you!
Q: Can I cook the salmon differently?
A: Absolutely! While baking is super quick, you could also pan-sear the salmon bites in a skillet with a little oil until they’re cooked through and slightly crispy. Air frying them at around 375°F (190°C) for 6-8 minutes also works wonders!
Q: What if I don’t have rice?
A: No worries! These bowls are fantastic with cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option, or even quinoa or farro if you have those on hand. It’s all about what to cook with salmon that you love!
Q: Are these good for meal prep?
A: Yes, they totally are! They hold up really well. Just keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat to keep everything fresh and the sauce from making the salmon or rice soggy. They make fantastic fresh and healthy recipes for lunches!
Q: Is this recipe suitable for just two people?
A: You bet! This recipe is designed to make two servings, making it perfect for salmon recipes for two. If you need more, just double everything!
Estimated Nutritional Information for Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls
Just a heads-up, the nutritional info for these amazing Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls is an estimate, of course! One serving is roughly 650 calories, with about 35g of fat, 35g of protein, and 45g of carbohydrates. Remember, this can change a bit depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes!
For more delicious recipes and inspiration, check out our Pinterest page!
PrintBang Bang Salmon Bites: 1 Amazing Bowl
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls are a delicious and healthy meal. Tender salmon bites are coated in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce and served over a bed of fluffy rice with fresh vegetables.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (e.g., broccoli florets, bell pepper strips, snap peas)
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp soy sauce
- Optional toppings: sesame seeds, chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread the salmon in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- While the salmon is baking, prepare the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce until smooth.
- Assemble the bowls. Divide the cooked rice between two bowls.
- Top the rice with the cooked salmon bites and mixed vegetables.
- Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the salmon and vegetables.
- Add optional toppings like sesame seeds and green onions if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier sauce, add more sriracha.
- You can substitute cauliflower rice for regular rice for a lower-carb option.
- Feel free to use your favorite vegetables.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Sauce Mixing
- Cuisine: American