If you are craving a meal that beautifully blends bold flavors with fresh textures, then you absolutely need to try the Teriyaki Salmon Bites with Avocado Cucumber Salad and Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe. This dish is an absolute celebration of sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy all in one bite-sized delight. The salmon morsels glazed in teriyaki, paired with a crisp avocado cucumber salad, and finished off with a zingy sriracha mayo create a harmonious dance of flavors that’s sure to impress anyone at your table. It’s elegant enough for guests yet easy enough for a weeknight dinner, making it a versatile favorite in my recipe collection.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create these vibrant Teriyaki Salmon Bites with Avocado Cucumber Salad and Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe, you’ll use simple, fresh ingredients that each bring something special to the plate— from the tender salmon to the creamy avocado and the punchy sriracha mayo that ties it all together.
- Salmon fillet: Fresh, skinless, and cut into bite-sized pieces to ensure perfect cooking and easy eating.
- Teriyaki sauce: Adds the signature sweet and salty glaze that makes the salmon irresistible.
- Sesame oil: Provides a nutty aroma that elevates both the salmon and the salad.
- Cornstarch: Helps achieve that lightly crisp exterior when air fried, giving great texture.
- Ripe avocados: Creamy and rich, perfectly balancing the bold seafood flavors in the salad.
- Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and freshness to the salad.
- Rice vinegar: Brings a gentle acidity to brighten the avocado cucumber salad.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the spicy sriracha mayo, smoothing out the heat.
- Sriracha sauce: Delivers the exciting kick of spice everyone loves.
- Lemon or lime juice: Adds a zesty lift to the mayo, rounding out the flavors.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
- Cooked jasmine or basmati rice: The perfect fluffy foundation to serve with the salmon bites and salad.
- Sesame seeds: Gorgeous garnish that adds a slight crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Teriyaki Salmon Bites with Avocado Cucumber Salad and Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Salmon Bites
Start with a simple but flavor-packed marinade. Whisk together teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Toss in the salmon pieces and let them soak up all these wonderful flavors for at least 20 minutes. This step is key to infusing the salmon with that perfect balance of savory and sweet, while the cornstarch preps the bites to get a light crisp on the outside.
Step 2: Air Fry the Salmon
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated salmon pieces in a single layer inside the basket, taking care not to overcrowd. Air fry for about 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll want the salmon fully cooked but still juicy, and the edges just lightly caramelized. The air fryer makes this step effortless while delivering a lovely texture that’s hard to beat.
Step 3: Prepare the Avocado Cucumber Salad
While the salmon cooks, combine diced ripe avocados and crisp cucumber half-moons in a bowl. Drizzle with rice vinegar and sesame oil, then season with salt and pepper. Toss gently so the avocado stays creamy and the cucumber stays crunchy. This salad adds a refreshing contrast to the warm, glazed salmon bites, making each mouthful a delightful experience.
Step 4: Make the Spicy Sriracha Mayo
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lemon or lime juice, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy. This spicy mayo is the perfect finishing touch — a little heat with a citrusy zing that cuts through the richness of the salmon and the avocado salad.
Step 5: Assemble and Serve
To serve, spoon cooked jasmine or basmati rice onto plates. Top with a generous portion of the air-fried teriyaki salmon bites, followed by a scoop of the avocado cucumber salad. Drizzle the spicy sriracha mayo over everything, then sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for that beautiful finishing touch. This arrangement makes each bite layered with the freshest textures and flavors you can imagine.
How to Serve Teriyaki Salmon Bites with Avocado Cucumber Salad and Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions brings visual appeal and pops of flavor that complement the dish. A sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro or a wedge of lime on the side can add brightness and an extra layer of freshness that wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish is beautifully complete on its own, but if you want to add a side, think lightly steamed vegetables like snap peas or bok choy, or even a simple miso soup. These sides keep the meal balanced and don’t overpower the delicate yet flavorful main.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Teriyaki Salmon Bites with Avocado Cucumber Salad and Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe in small bowls for individual portions, perfect for casual gatherings. For a more elegant twist, plate the salmon bites atop a bed of mixed greens or thin rice noodles and drizzle the mayo in a graceful zigzag. The vibrant colors and textures will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salmon bites and salad can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sriracha mayo chilled as well. Storing them separately helps maintain their textures and freshness.
Freezing
While the salmon bites freeze well, the avocado cucumber salad does not freeze properly due to the creamy avocado texture. Freeze the cooked salmon bites individually on a tray before transferring to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month, then thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the salmon bites gently in the air fryer or oven at a low temperature to avoid drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the salmon rubbery. Add fresh avocado cucumber salad and sriracha mayo after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Absolutely! You can bake the salmon bites in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway to achieve a similar crispness. Alternatively, pan-searing on medium-high heat works well, but keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Is it possible to use other types of fish in this recipe?
Yes, while salmon is ideal for its richness, you can substitute with firm, flaky fish like cod or halibut. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking lighter fish varieties.
How spicy is the sriracha mayo? Can I adjust it?
The sriracha mayo has a medium level of heat that you can definitely adjust. Start with less sriracha if you prefer milder spice, then add more to taste. The lemon or lime juice helps balance the heat with freshness.
Can this be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free teriyaki sauce or make your own gluten-free version at home. Ensure the sriracha sauce you use is gluten-free as well to keep the recipe safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
What rice is best to serve with Teriyaki Salmon Bites with Avocado Cucumber Salad and Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe?
Jasmine or basmati rice are perfect choices due to their fragrant aroma and fluffy texture. They soak up the delicious flavors without overpowering the delicate salmon and fresh salad components.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Teriyaki Salmon Bites with Avocado Cucumber Salad and Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe enough—it’s a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make and versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or simply treating yourself, this recipe brings a lovely balance of textures and tastes that’ll keep you coming back for more. Dive in and enjoy this tasty adventure with every bite!
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Teriyaki Salmon Bites with Avocado Cucumber Salad and Spicy Sriracha Mayo Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
These Teriyaki Salmon Bites are a delicious and healthy dish featuring bite-sized salmon pieces marinated in a savory teriyaki sauce, then air fried to crispy perfection. Served alongside a refreshing avocado cucumber salad and a spicy sriracha mayo, this recipe makes for a balanced and flavorful meal that’s quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Salmon Bites:
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into bite-sized pieces
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Avocado Cucumber Salad:
- 2 ripe avocados, diced
- 1 large cucumber, sliced into half-moons
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Sriracha Mayo:
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or lime juice
- Salt, to taste
To Serve:
- 2 cups cooked rice (jasmine or basmati, preferred)
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate Salmon: In a bowl, combine the teriyaki sauce, sesame oil, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Add the salmon bite-sized pieces to the mixture and toss well to coat evenly. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 20 minutes to absorb all the flavors.
- Air Fry Salmon: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the marinated salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 7-10 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through the cooking time to ensure even cooking. The salmon bites should be cooked through and have a slightly crispy exterior when done.
- Prepare Avocado Cucumber Salad: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the diced avocados and sliced cucumbers. Drizzle with rice vinegar and sesame oil, then season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss everything carefully to avoid mashing the avocado.
- Make Sriracha Mayo: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, lemon or lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning as needed to balance the spicy and creamy flavors.
- Assemble and Serve: Spoon the cooked jasmine or basmati rice onto plates or bowls. Top the rice with the air-fried salmon bites, add a scoop of the avocado cucumber salad on the side, and drizzle generously with the sriracha mayo. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Make sure to pat the salmon dry before marinating to help the cornstarch adhere better for a crispier texture.
- The air fryer time may vary slightly depending on the size of your salmon bites and your specific air fryer model.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the salmon bites in a 400°F (200°C) oven on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the mayo to control the spice level according to your preference.
- For a gluten-free version, verify that the teriyaki sauce used is gluten-free or make your own.
