What the heck is this?
If you’re a fan of crispy, spicy, and melt-in-your-mouth salmon, then these Crispy Spicy Salmon Bites are about to become your new obsession. Picture this: tender chunks of salmon, seasoned with bold spices, lightly battered and fried to golden perfection. These bites are crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds dance. This recipe is everything you love about salmon — with the added bonus of a crispy coating and a fiery zing. It’s the perfect appetizer, snack, or light main dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something delicious, these spicy salmon bites are sure to impress. Get ready for a flavor-packed experience that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and tender in every bite — you get the best of both worlds.
- A spicy kick with a balance of savory and sweet flavors.
- Super quick to make — ready in just under 30 minutes.
- Perfect for meal prep, snacks, or as an appetizer for your next get-together.
- Healthier than fried chicken but just as satisfying.
- The combination of spices and salmon is irresistibly addictive.
The Good Stuff You’ll Need
- 1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-size pieces
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Lime wedges, for serving
Let’s Do This
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by cutting the salmon fillet into bite-size pieces, about 1-2 inches each. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help the coating stick better.
Step 2: Make the Dry Coating
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will give your salmon that crispy, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Dip and Coat
Pour the buttermilk (or regular milk) into a shallow dish. Take each piece of salmon and dip it into the buttermilk, then coat it thoroughly in the dry mixture. Press the salmon pieces gently into the flour mixture to ensure a good, even coat. Set aside.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated salmon pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook in batches. Fry the salmon bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the salmon bites from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Spicy Sauce
While the salmon is frying, prepare the spicy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if you want it spicier, or more honey for a sweeter balance.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once all the salmon bites are fried, drizzle the spicy sauce over the top or toss the bites in the sauce to coat them evenly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for that extra citrusy pop.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve these crispy salmon bites with a side of steamed rice or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
- Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce, like a creamy avocado dressing or a cool ranch dip, to balance the heat.
- Want a more substantial meal? Serve them on top of a bed of mixed greens or in tacos with some fresh salsa and guacamole.
- These bites are also perfect with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea to cool down the heat.
Switch It Up
- If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of cayenne and chili powder, and swap sriracha for a milder hot sauce.
- Try using different fish, like cod or tilapia, for a similar texture and flavor.
- Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make it a meal by adding some sautéed vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and spinach to the mix.
- Swap the sriracha for chipotle sauce for a smoky, spicy flavor.
Make-Ahead Tips
These crispy salmon bites are best served fresh, but you can prep them in advance. Coat the salmon pieces and store them in the fridge for up to an hour before frying. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until they’re crispy again.
Questions People Actually Ask
Q: Can I bake the salmon bites instead of frying them?
A: Yes! If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake the salmon bites. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with cooking spray and bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before coating it.
Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The spicy sauce can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat before serving.
Q: How do I make these even spicier?
A: To increase the heat, simply add more sriracha or even some chopped fresh jalapeños to the sauce for an extra kick.
Crispy Spicy Salmon Bites: Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
If you’re a fan of crispy, spicy, and melt-in-your-mouth salmon, then these Crispy Spicy Salmon Bites are about to become your new obsession. Picture this: tender chunks of salmon, seasoned with bold spices, lightly battered and fried to golden perfection. These bites are crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, with a spicy kick that’ll make your taste buds dance. This recipe is everything you love about salmon — with the added bonus of a crispy coating and a fiery zing. It’s the perfect appetizer, snack, or light main dish. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving something delicious, these spicy salmon bites are sure to impress. Get ready for a flavor-packed experience that’s as satisfying as it is easy to make.
Ingredients
1 pound fresh salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-size pieces
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if you don’t have buttermilk)
2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil, for frying
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by cutting the salmon fillet into bite-size pieces, about 1-2 inches each. Pat the pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which will help the coating stick better.
Step 2: Make the Dry Coating
In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, chili powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This mixture will give your salmon that crispy, flavorful crust.
Step 3: Dip and Coat
Pour the buttermilk (or regular milk) into a shallow dish. Take each piece of salmon and dip it into the buttermilk, then coat it thoroughly in the dry mixture. Press the salmon pieces gently into the flour mixture to ensure a good, even coat. Set aside.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil or vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the coated salmon pieces in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan; you may need to cook in batches. Fry the salmon bites for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the salmon bites from the skillet and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 5: Make the Spicy Sauce
While the salmon is frying, prepare the spicy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the sriracha sauce, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat by adding more sriracha if you want it spicier, or more honey for a sweeter balance.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
Once all the salmon bites are fried, drizzle the spicy sauce over the top or toss the bites in the sauce to coat them evenly. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges for that extra citrusy pop.
Notes
Serve these crispy salmon bites with a side of steamed rice or a simple green salad for a well-rounded meal.
Pair them with a tangy dipping sauce, like a creamy avocado dressing or a cool ranch dip, to balance the heat.
Want a more substantial meal? Serve them on top of a bed of mixed greens or in tacos with some fresh salsa and guacamole.
These bites are also perfect with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea to cool down the heat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~300 calories per serving
- Protein: ~25g per serving