Spicy Crispy Salmon Recipe- flavor packed & easy!
Flavor-packed spicy crispy salmon with chili mayo, perfect over rice or veggies—easy, bold, and ready in under 30 minutes!

If you’ve ever craved the spicy, creamy, and slightly tangy flavor of your favorite sushi bowl but wanted something quick and easy to whip up at home, this Spicy Crispy Salmon Recipe is your answer. Made with cubed salmon, tossed in a medley of bold spices, and seared until golden brown, this dish is everything you love about sushi—minus the raw fish and complicated prep. Top it off with a rich spicy mayo sauce, and you’ve got yourself a restaurant-worthy dish made in less than 30 minutes.
Whether you’re looking for a new salmon rice bowl idea or want to impress guests with crispy salmon bites, this flavor-packed recipe has it all. With ingredients easily found in most grocery stores and instructions simple enough for weeknights, you’ll want to make this dish again and again. Let’s dive into why this dish is one of our amazing recipes that belongs in your regular rotation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold, spicy flavor: The blend of chili sauce, paprika, garlic powder, and lime juice delivers that crave-worthy heat and zing.
- Crispy texture: Cooking the salmon in olive oil over medium heat ensures a perfectly seared outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Simple ingredients: Everything from mayonnaise to onion powder can be found in your pantry or at local grocery stores.
- Versatile serving options: This dish works beautifully on a bed of white rice, cauliflower rice, or crispy sushi rice. Add creamy avocado, green onions, or a jalapeño slice for a sushi-inspired twist.

A Breakdown of the Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to bring these delicious flavors together:
- 2 lbs cubed, skinless salmon: Use a sharp knife and cutting board to dice fresh salmon filets into bite-sized pieces.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: You can use regular mayo or upgrade to Japanese mayo for a richer taste.
- 1/4 cup chili sauce: Adds the spicy element to the sauce—feel free to mix in some sriracha sauce or hot sauce for an extra kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the salmon to a crisp in a large skillet or nonstick skillet.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Toasted and sprinkled on top, they provide a nutty crunch.
- 1 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper: This spice mix brings out the bold, savory essence of the salmon.
- 1/2 lime, juiced: A finishing touch that brightens the whole dish with zesty acidity.
How to Make the Recipe
- Prep the Salmon: Start by patting your cubed salmon dry with a paper towel. This is essential for achieving that crispy texture. Then toss the salmon pieces in a mixture of the spices: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan or large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned salmon in a single layer, and cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring and gently crushing with a rice paddle or spoon. You’re aiming for a golden brown crust on each piece.

- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and chili sauce to create your spicy mayo sauce. Add a splash of lime juice or a pinch of chili powder for even more depth.
- Assemble and Serve: Serve the cooked salmon over white rice, brown rice, or crispy rice cakes. Drizzle with the spicy mayo sauce, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Optional toppings: green onions, creamy avocado, or a drizzle of eel sauce.

How to Store the Recipe
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it’s that good), store them properly for later:
- Refrigerate: Place any leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm the salmon in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until heated through. You can also use a toaster oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
- Don’t freeze: Due to the mayo-based sauce and texture of the salmon mixture, freezing is not recommended.
- Leftover rice? Turn it into a crispy rice recipe the next time by pan-frying it in a little avocado oil with a pinch of salt and serving it underneath the reheated salmon.
Sides to Pair with your Spicy Crispy Salmon






Tips for Making the Recipe
- Dry the salmon well: Don’t skip the paper towel step! Removing moisture helps the salmon sear properly.
- Even pieces cook best: Use a sharp knife to ensure the salmon is uniformly cubed for even cooking.
- Medium heat is key: Cooking on medium heat ensures you get that perfect sear without burning the spices.
- Add variety: Want to switch it up? Try serving it in a sushi bowl with cooked salmon, avocado, and jalapeño slices or turn it into crispy salmon bowls with cauliflower rice and veggies.
- Use a rice cooker: For fluffy rice every time, use a rice cooker—it’s especially handy for prepping weeknight meals.
This crispy spicy salmon recipe is a great way to elevate your weeknight dinners or impress at your next gathering. With minimal prep, maximum flavor, and a truly addictive texture, it’s one of those amazing recipes you’ll turn to again and again. Whether you serve it as crispy salmon bites or in a hearty salmon rice bowl, the result is nothing short of crave-worthy.
FAQs
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry with a paper towel before cubing and seasoning.
Sweet chili sauce works great, but for a spicier kick, go with sriracha sauce or even a mix of both.
For this recipe, it’s best to use skinless salmon filets. If your salmon has skin, remove it on a cutting board before cubing.
Yes, as long as you use gluten-free mayo and chili sauce. Always double-check product labels!
Sure! Spread the salmon pieces on a baking sheet in an even layer, spray with cooking spray, and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until golden brown.
If you’re avoiding mayo, try Greek yogurt mixed with hot sauce and lime juice as a lighter alternative.

Crispy Spicy Salmon Recipe- flavor-packed & easy!
Ingredients
- 2 lb salmon skinless, cubed
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- 1/2 lime juiced
Instructions
- Start by taking cubed salmon pieces and pat dry with a paper towel. Toss salmon in spices.
- In a medium saucepan, add olive oil and seasoned salmon pieces. Cook salmon over medium heat for approximately 5-10 minutes crushing and stirring frequently.
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise with chili sauce. Set aside.
- Once salmon is cooked, serve over rice, vegetables, and top with spicy mayo sauce. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and a squeeze of lime juice. Enjoy!