This Bang Bang Salmon is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let me know if you’d like more tips or variations!

This is the first time I’m sharing this recipe, and I couldn’t be more excited!

I really love how simple yet flavorful this Bang Bang Salmon is. It’s the perfect combination of crispy, tender salmon topped with a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce. It’s become one of my go-to dishes for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

I did my best to make this recipe as easy as possible while keeping the bold flavors intact. I use fresh salmon fillets, baked to perfection, and then drizzle them with a homemade Bang Bang Sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and a splash of lime juice.

I used to serve this dish only during family dinners, but now it’s a frequent star at gatherings with friends. It pairs wonderfully with rice, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad, making it versatile and satisfying for any occasion.

What is Bang Bang Salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful dish featuring salmon fillets baked or pan-seared until tender and flaky, then topped with a creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang Sauce. The sauce, inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, brings a delightful mix of heat, sweetness, and creaminess that perfectly complements the rich flavor of salmon.

The dish is versatile and easy to prepare, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and seasoned cooks. The combination of the succulent salmon and bold sauce creates a restaurant-quality meal that’s simple enough to whip up at home. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining guests, Bang Bang Salmon is sure to impress.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, ~6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lime juice

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or skillet
• Parchment paper or foil (for baking)
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk or fork
• Knife and cutting board

How to make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 3:

In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.

Step 4:

Drizzle or spread the Bang Bang Sauce over the baked salmon fillets. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Salmon

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon. The fresher the salmon, the better the flavor and texture of your dish.
• Pat the salmon fillets dry. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures the fish cooks evenly.
• Bake the salmon skin-side down. If using skin-on fillets, baking them skin-side down helps retain moisture.
• Adjust the sriracha in the sauce. If you prefer less heat, use less sriracha or substitute it with a mild hot sauce.
• Enhance the seasoning. Add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra depth of flavor.
• Don’t overcook the salmon. Overcooking can make the salmon dry. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• Rest the salmon after baking. Letting the salmon rest for a minute or two locks in its juices.
• Garnish for presentation. Sprinkle chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro on top for added flavor and visual appeal.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon?

I like to serve Bang Bang Salmon over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa. The sauce seeps into the grains, adding flavor to every bite. This combination is hearty and filling, perfect for a comforting dinner.

For a lighter option, pair it with a fresh salad. A mix of leafy greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes dressed in a tangy vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon beautifully. The freshness of the salad balances the bold, creamy flavors of the Bang Bang Sauce.

Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or carrots also work wonderfully with this dish. Their natural sweetness and slight caramelization enhance the overall flavor profile, making for a wholesome and satisfying meal. You can even roast the vegetables alongside the salmon for added convenience.

How to Store Leftovers?

Store leftover Bang Bang Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the quality of the dish, ensure the salmon cools to room temperature before sealing it. The Bang Bang Sauce can be stored separately to prevent the salmon from becoming soggy.

When reheating, use a low heat setting to warm the salmon gently. This helps retain its moisture and texture. The best methods are reheating in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or using a skillet over low heat. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the salmon and cause the sauce to separate.

Recipe Variations To Try!

• Switch proteins: Use shrimp, chicken, or tofu instead of salmon for a different take on the recipe.
• Grill the salmon: Grilling adds a smoky flavor to the fish, enhancing its taste.
• Lighten the sauce: Swap mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier Bang Bang Sauce.
• Add soy sauce: Incorporate a teaspoon of soy sauce into the Bang Bang Sauce for an umami kick.
• Include fresh herbs: Mix in chopped cilantro or parsley for a fresher taste.
• Add crunch: Sprinkle crushed peanuts or sesame seeds on top for texture.
• Keto-friendly option: Use sugar-free sweet chili sauce and serve with cauliflower rice.
• Boost flavor: Add a drizzle of sesame oil to the sauce for a nutty aroma.
• Use other fish: Substitute trout or tilapia for salmon to suit your preference.
• Extra spice: Stir in chopped fresh chilies for a fiery version of the dish.

FAQ

1. Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

2. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

3. Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
Yes, use a dairy-free mayonnaise alternative for a dairy-free version.

4. Can I pan-sear the salmon instead of baking?
Absolutely! Sear the salmon in a skillet with olive oil for 3–4 minutes per side.

5. Can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or replace it with a mild hot sauce.

6. Can I air-fry the salmon?
Yes, cook the salmon in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.

7. Can I use bottled Bang Bang Sauce?
Yes, but homemade sauce offers a fresher taste and allows you to adjust the flavor.

8. What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
Mix honey, a pinch of chili flakes, and a splash of vinegar as a quick substitute.

9. Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet with the salmon?
Yes, vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes roast well alongside the salmon.

10. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply scale up the ingredients and bake in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a flavorful and easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its bold Bang Bang Sauce and tender, flaky salmon, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Bang Bang Salmon

Recipe by Food by AyakaCourse: MainCuisine: Asian

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

10

minutes

Cooking time

15

minutes

Calories

400

kcal

This Bang Bang Salmon is quick, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Let me know if you’d like more tips or variations!

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, ~6 oz each)

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/4 tsp black pepper

• For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp lime juice

Directions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
• Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
• In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha.
• Drizzle or spread the Bang Bang Sauce over the baked salmon fillets. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.