Easy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Cast-Iron Skillet) 

Sharing is caring!

If you’re looking for a quick, flavor-packed dinner that feels a little fancy but couldn’t be easier, these Bang Bang Salmon bites are about to be your new favorite.

this …

They’re crispy, tender, and coated in a creamy sweet-heat sauce that’s completely irresistible. Ready in less than 30 minutes and packed with flavor, they’re perfect for busy weeknights, appetizers, or serving over rice for an easy, delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 12 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Prep level: Beginner +

​Ingredient Notes & Swaps

• Mayonnaise: Use full-fat for the best flavor. You can swap in light mayo or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: If you don’t have any on hand, try honey mixed with a splash of rice vinegar and red pepper flakes.
• Sriracha sauce: Adjust to taste or swap it with hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Lime juice: Fresh lime juice brightens and balances the richness of the spicy sauce. Lemon juice works in a pinch.
• Salmon filets: Skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes. Both fresh or thawed frozen salmon work well.
• Olive oil: You can substitute avocado oil or any neutral cooking oil.
• Seasonings: I use a mixture of onion powder, garlic powder, Old Bay seasoning (low sodium), salt, and fresh ground black pepper. Fresh minced garlic can be used, and Old Bay can be swapped with Cajun seasoning.

Step-by-Step Instructions

• Whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice. Set aside.

• Pat the salmon dry and cut it into even bite-sized cubes.
• Toss with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay, salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lime juice.

• Preheat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for 3-4 minutes. Add a thin layer of oil.
• ​Sear salmon for a couple of minutes per side until golden brown. Remove, keep warm, and let rest to finish cooking.

• Toss with the sauce or drizzle it over the top.
• Sprinkle with green onions and/or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
• Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

See the recipe card below for complete measurements and cook times.

Laura Belle’s Tips

1. Pat the salmon dry – This helps the oil and seasonings stick better and gives you a crispier exterior.
2. Cut evenly-sized pieces – Uniform cubes cook at the same rate and prevent overcooking.
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan – Give the salmon space so it sears instead of steaming. Cook in batches if needed.
4. ​Cook just until flaky – Salmon cooks fast! Remove it as soon as it flakes easily with a fork to keep it tender and juicy.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Salmon

• Rice & Grain – Jasmine rice is fluffy and simple, perfect for soaking up extra sauce. Cauliflower rice and coconut rice are great options.
• Veggie Sides – Steamed broccoli or edamame are simple and rich with vitamins and protein.
• Light Options – A crisp Asian-style cabbage slaw from Miss in the Kitchen or a cucumber salad is cool, refreshing, and complements the bold sauce.

Storage Tips

• Store any leftover salmon bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store sauce separately if possible. Freezing is not recommended.

• Reheat gently – Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat for a few minutes until heated through. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep some crispiness.

Continue to Content

Yield: 4 servings

Easy Bang Bang Salmon Bites (Cast-Iron Skillet Method)

Print

Ready in less than 30 minutes and packed with flavor, These Bang Bang Salmon Bites are perfect for busy weeknights, appetizers, or serving over rice for an easy, delicious meal the whole family will enjoy.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 12 minutes

Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients

• ​Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
• 1-2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
• Salmon Bites:
• 1.5 pounds of salmon – approximately 6-8 ounces per serving (purchase without skin or remove skin before cutting and cooking)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – divided
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Juice of half a lime

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai chili sauce, Sriracha, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Adjust heat to taste. Set aside.
2. Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels. Cut into even bite-sized pieces. 
3. In a large bowl, toss the salmon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, Old Bay seasoning, salt, pepper, and the juice of half of a lime until evenly coated.
4. Heat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil; swirl to coat the pan.
5. Arrange the salmon pieces in a single layer, leaving space between them. Do not overcrowd the pan. (Cook in batches if needed).
6. Sear for about 2-3 minutes per side, turning carefully, until golden brown. Remove and keep warm to rest for 1-2 minutes. 
7. Gently toss with the bang bang sauce or drizzle over the top.
8. Optional: Sprinkle with green onions and/or sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture.
9. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Notes

Helpful Tools

• Small bowl
• Large bowl
• Sharp kitchen knife
• Whisk
• Cast-iron skillet

Recipe Tips

• Pat the salmon dry 
• Cut evenly-sized pieces
• Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed.
• Cook just until flaky – Remove it as soon as it flakes easily with a fork to keep it tender and juicy.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 685Total Fat: 51gSaturated Fat: 9gUnsaturated Fat: 43gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 1011mgCarbohydrates: 13gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 38g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest