Go Back Email Link
–+ servings
Chopsticks resting on a bowl with rice, salmon bites, and other toppings including bang bang sauce.

Bang Bang Salmon Bowls

Salmon Bang Bang Bowls are a quick, nutritious meal featuring smoky air fryer salmon bites, a sweet and flavorful Bang Bang sauce, cooked rice, and your choice of toppings. They’re perfect for meal prep and easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and add-ins.
No ratings yet
Yield: 5 servings
Prep Time:25 minutes
Cook Time:13 minutes
Total Time:38 minutes
Print Pin Rate

Ingredients
 

Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise (I used avocado mayo.)
  • 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce (I used Melinda’s brand.)
  • 2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (plus more to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon honey

Air Fryer Salmon Bites:

  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons smoked paprika (sub: paprika)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil (sub: olive oil)
  • 1 1/2 pounds salmon (skin removed)

For the Bowls: (see cooking notes for additional ideas)

  • 3 cups cooked white or brown rice (coconut rice would be delicious!)
  • 2 medium carrots (peeled and grated)
  • 1 medium cucumber (sliced or diced)
  • Pickled red onions (to taste; sub: radishes or red onion, thinly sliced)
  • 1 large ripe avocado (diced or sliced)
  • 2 limes (cut into wedges)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  1. Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth. Cover and set aside in the fridge so flavors meld together. (Tip: Put into a plastic squeeze bottle.)
  2. Prep Salmon Bites: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, smoked paprika, chili powder, cornstarch onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Cut the (skinless) salmon into 1-2 inch pieces and pat dry with a paper towel. Add the salmon and oil to the spices and gently toss until evenly coated.
  3. Air Fry: Arrange salmon bites in the basket of an air fryer in a single, even layer, with a little space between pieces (you will likely need to do this in two batches). Air fry at 400°F for 8 minutes, shaking at least once during the cook time, until crispy on the outside. (Tip: This is a good time to prep all your fresh toppings/garnishes.)
  4. Assemble Bang Bang Bowls: Assemble the base for the bowls using cooked rice and salmon bites. Top with carrots, cucumber, pickled red onions, avocado, and any additional optional toppings (see Cooking Notes). Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of Bang Bang sauce per bowl. Garnish with a squeeze of lime and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes/Tips

  • Before Beginning: If you didn’t buy pre-cooked rice, start cooking your rice according to package instructions before beginning this recipe so it’s ready to go. You’ll need ½ - ¾ cup cooked rice per bowl. I think our Instant Pot Coconut Rice recipe would be amazing in this dish!
  • Optional additional toppings: Roasted broccoli, edamame beans, thinly sliced red cabbage, thinly sliced radishes.
  • Tips for prepping fresh toppings: 
    • Prep ahead of time and store in the fridge in individual containers.
    • Use the large grating side of a box grater for the carrots. Then turn the grater to the side that has a mandolin slicer to thinly slice the cucumber and radishes (watch your fingers!).
  • I personally think the pickled red onions make a BIG impact on this dish. If you have a little time at the front end, slice and make these onions. So easy and delicious!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 bowl (with our listed toppings) | Calories: 579 kcal (29%) | Carbohydrates: 46 g (15%) | Protein: 32 g (64%) | Fat: 29 g (45%) | Cholesterol: 75 mg (25%) | Sodium: 779 mg (34%) | Fiber: 5 g (21%) | Sugar: 10 g (11%)
If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe!
Author: Rachel Tiemeyer