Bang Bang Salmon Bowls

These bang bang salmon bowls bring bold flavor and a satisfying crunch together in a wholesome dinner that’s ready in no time. Tender bites of salmon are air fried until perfectly caramelized and coated with a sweet and spicy creamy bang bang sauce. Served over a bed of fluffy rice with fresh, crisp veggies and vibrant toppings, this bowl hits every craving. You can customize it easily depending on what you have on hand or what you feel like eating.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I wanted something quick yet exciting. Now my family asks for it regularly, especially because each bowl can be tailored to their tastes, which keeps dinner interesting.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: skinless for easy seasoning and faster cooking cut into cubes for crispiness and even cooking
• Brown sugar: adds a gentle caramel sweetness that balances the spicy sauce
• Garlic powder: brings warmth and a savory depth to the salmon seasoning
• Ground ginger: adds a touch of zing and pairs beautifully with the sweet and spicy sauce
• Salt: for seasoning the fish just right
• Black pepper: for a subtle bite that enhances all the other flavors
• Smoked paprika: lends smokiness and beautiful red color to the salmon bites
• Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie): is creamier and richer than regular mayo, making the bang bang sauce irresistibly smooth
• Thai sweet chili sauce: delivers the signature sweet, sticky, and mildly spicy flavor in the bang bang sauce
• Honey: boosts sweetness and balances the heat from sriracha
• Sriracha: adds the heat you can adjust to how spicy you like it
• Fresh lime juice: cuts through the richness of the mayo and balances all the flavors
• Cooked jasmine or basmati rice: as the classic, fluffy bowl base
• Sliced cucumber: to add a cool and crisp contrast
• Shredded red cabbage: offers crunch, color, and a slight bitterness that rounds out the bowl
• Shredded carrots: for sweetness and vibrant color
• Shelled edamame: adds texture plus plant based protein
• Cooked broccoli: provides a hearty vegetable option
• Sliced green onions: for a fresh, bright bite
• Microgreens: optional for an elegant garnish
• Sesame seeds: for a nutty crunch on top

Instructions

Preheat:

Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius if your model requires preheating

Season salmon:

In a medium bowl, combine cubed salmon with brown sugar garlic powder ground ginger salt black pepper and smoked paprika Toss gently until the salmon is evenly coated with the seasoning

Make sauce:

In another bowl whisk together Japanese mayonnaise Thai sweet chili sauce honey sriracha and fresh lime juice to make the bang bang sauce Taste and adjust any flavors until it’s perfect Divide the sauce into two portions and refrigerate one half for drizzling later

Coat salmon:

Pour the remaining bang bang sauce over the seasoned salmon and toss so every piece is coated with creamy spicy sweet goodness

Air fryer prep:

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with oil and arrange the salmon in a single layer Avoid overcrowding by working in batches if necessary

Air fry:

Air fry the salmon for five to six minutes then carefully flip each piece and cook for another five to six minutes until the salmon is cooked through with caramelized edges Remove cooked salmon to a plate and repeat for remaining batches

Finish and garnish:

Once all the salmon is cooked drizzle with the reserved bang bang sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions if desired

Assemble bowls:

To assemble the bowls start with a scoop of cooked jasmine or basmati rice then pile the salmon on top Add crisp vegetables like sliced cucumber shredded carrots red cabbage and edamame or broccoli Drizzle with extra bang bang sauce and finish with microgreens and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a restaurant worthy touch

I love Japanese mayonnaise in this sauce because it is creamier and has a subtle sweetness compared to regular mayo. It brings a richness that really helps marry the sriracha honey and chili sauce for a perfectly balanced bang bang sauce. One of my fondest memories making this dish was the first time my kids got excited about eating salmon, which usually they avoid. The familiar creamy sauce won them over, and now it’s a family favorite.

Storage Tips

Store leftover salmon bites and any extra bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days This keeps the salmon from becoming soggy and the sauce fresh for drizzling Reheat the salmon gently in the air fryer or oven to maintain that crispy texture

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can’t find Japanese mayonnaise use regular mayonnaise but consider adding a touch of rice vinegar or lemon juice for brightness Swap Thai sweet chili sauce for a mix of honey and a dash of chili garlic sauce if needed Lime juice can be replaced with lemon juice without losing much freshness

Serving Suggestions

Try serving the salmon bites wrapped in warm tortillas or nori sheets for a handheld option that’s great for gatherings For a lower carb bowl swap the rice with cauliflower rice or extra shredded cabbage Add avocado slices or pickled onions to layer in more flavor and texture Sesame seeds and microgreens add a nice finishing touch to your presentation

Enjoy these bang bang salmon bowls for a quick weeknight meal that feels special. They’re perfect for customizing and meal prep.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What is the secret to the bang bang sauce flavor?

The sauce blends Japanese mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, sriracha, and fresh lime juice, creating a creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy balance that complements salmon perfectly.

→ How do I achieve crispy salmon without drying it out?

Air frying salmon cubes at 400°F for about 5-6 minutes per side crisps the edges while keeping the inside tender. Avoid overcrowding the basket for even cooking.

→ Can the bowl be customized with other vegetables?

Absolutely! Fresh cucumber, shredded carrots, red cabbage, edamame, broccoli, and green onions are just some options. Feel free to add or swap according to your taste and availability.

→ Is it possible to prepare the salmon in an oven instead?

Yes, you can bake the salmon in a single layer at 400°F for 14-16 minutes, flipping halfway. Toss in the bang bang sauce after baking to maintain its flavor and avoid burning the sugars.

→ What are some serving suggestions for this dish?

Serve it over jasmine or basmati rice for a classic bowl, pile it onto a salad or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option, or enjoy it on skewers with extra sauce for parties.