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Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls Recipe

5 from 90 reviews

These Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites Bowls feature tender, bite-sized salmon chunks glazed in a flavorful bang bang sauce and paired with fresh Asian cucumber salad, sautéed broccoli, creamy avocado slices, and brown rice for a wholesome and delicious meal. The salmon is perfectly pan-seared for crispy skin and paired with a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce made with Greek yogurt, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, making this bowl a vibrant and satisfying dish with a great balance of textures and flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise)
  • 4 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tsp sriracha

Salmon and Glaze

  • 1 lb salmon filet (cut into bite-sized chunks)
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil (for cooking)
  • 1/2 cup coconut aminos
  • 1 Tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 large cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tsp sriracha (optional)
  • 2 tsp toasted sesame oil (optional)

Vegetables and Sides

  • 1 Batch Asian Cucumber Salad
  • 3 cups cooked brown rice
  • 1 large head broccoli (chopped into florets)
  • 1 large ripe avocado (sliced)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Cucumber Salad: In a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the Asian cucumber salad. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes, ideally an hour, to allow the flavors to meld.
  2. Cook the Rice: Prepare brown rice according to the package directions. For two servings, use around 1 cup dry rice to yield about 3 cups cooked rice.
  3. Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together plain Greek yogurt (or mayo), sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
  4. Cook the Broccoli: Steam, sauté, or roast broccoli based on your preference. The recommended method is sautéing broccoli florets in 1 teaspoon of avocado oil and 1/4 cup water in a nonstick skillet until tender-crisp.
  5. Prepare the Salmon Glaze: Mix coconut aminos, rice vinegar, minced garlic, optional sriracha, and toasted sesame oil in a small bowl until well combined.
  6. Cut the Salmon: Place the salmon filet on a cutting board and cut into bite-sized cubes. Leave skin on if desired, which crisps nicely during cooking.
  7. Heat Oil in Skillet: Heat 1 tablespoon avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot and shimmering.
  8. Cook the Salmon: Place salmon chunks skin side down in the hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip salmon pieces and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
  9. Glaze the Salmon: Pour prepared salmon glaze into the skillet. It will boil immediately—reduce heat to medium if it evaporates too fast. Continue flipping and cooking the salmon for about 4-5 minutes until fully glazed and cooked through. The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
  10. Check Doneness: Confirm salmon is cooked when the center turns light pink with no raw darker pink parts remaining, or use a meat thermometer to ensure 145°F.
  11. Assemble Bowls: Divide cooked brown rice into large bowls. Top with Asian cucumber salad, sautéed broccoli, and sliced avocado. Evenly distribute crispy salmon bites over the bowls.
  12. Add Final Touches: Drizzle bang bang sauce over the bowls. Optionally, add extra coconut aminos or teriyaki sauce for more moisture. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
  13. Serve and Enjoy: Enjoy this colorful, flavorful, and nutritious meal immediately.

Notes

  • Using avocado oil is recommended as it handles high heat better than olive oil, which can burn easily.
  • If you prefer skinless salmon, you can remove the skin before cooking.
  • The bang bang sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for convenience.
  • Cooking time for salmon may vary depending on chunk size and heat level—monitor closely.
  • The Asian cucumber salad improves in flavor when left to marinate longer.
  • Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect doneness for the salmon to avoid under or overcooking.
  • You can substitute coconut aminos with soy sauce mixed with a bit of maple syrup if desired.
  • For extra garnish, chopped green onions and sesame seeds add color and texture.

Keywords: salmon bowl, crispy salmon bites, bang bang sauce, Asian cucumber salad, healthy salmon recipe, brown rice bowl, quick salmon dinner