Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful twist on the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, combining the creamy, spicy, and tangy signature sauce with tender, flaky salmon. This dish is perfect for those who love bold flavors and want a healthy, protein-packed meal that's quick and easy to prepare. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, the salmon is topped with a zesty Bang Bang sauce that's equal parts indulgent and irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bold, delicious flavor: I love how it combines creamy, tangy, and spicy elements for an unforgettable taste.
Quick and easy: I can have it ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Healthy option: It's packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and nutritious ingredients.
Customizable heat: I adjust the spice level to suit my taste preferences.
Versatile cooking methods: I choose to bake, grill, or pan-sear the salmon.
Family-friendly: It's a flavorful dish that's mild enough to please a crowd.
Perfect for meal prep: It keeps well and reheats beautifully for quick lunches or dinners.

Ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice

Optional Garnishes

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Fresh lime wedges

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a skillet over medium-high heat if pan-searing. For grilling, I preheat my grill to medium heat.
I pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. I brush each fillet with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

To Bake: I place the salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down. I bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
To Grill: I place the salmon skin-side down on a well-oiled grill. I cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully to avoid sticking.
To Pan-Sear: I heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. I cook the salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice.
I taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha for heat or more sweet chili sauce for sweetness.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

I transfer the cooked salmon fillets to a serving plate. I drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet.
I garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or lime wedges, if desired.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

I serve immediately with my choice of side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet

Variations

Spice Level: I adjust the amount of sriracha to make it milder or spicier.
Sweetness: I add honey or maple syrup for a sweeter sauce, or omit it for a tangier flavor.
Cooking Method: I choose between baking, grilling, or pan-searing based on my preference.
Garnishes: I experiment with different garnishes like chopped cilantro or crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: I reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, I use a microwave, heating in 30-second intervals to avoid overcooking.

FAQs

How can I make this dish spicier?

I increase the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to add more heat. I can also add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, I thaw the frozen salmon fillets in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. I ensure they are fully thawed and pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

What sides pair well with Bang Bang Salmon?

I often serve it with steamed rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad. The flavors complement a variety of sides.

Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. I make the sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. This saves time when preparing the meal.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the sauce?

I use Greek yogurt as a healthier alternative to mayonnaise. It provides a similar creamy texture with added protein.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon is a delightful fusion of flavors that's both easy to prepare and satisfying. With its creamy, spicy sauce and tender salmon, it's a dish I turn to for quick weeknight dinners or when entertaining guests. I appreciate its versatility and the ability to customize it to my taste. Whether I'm looking for a healthy meal or something indulgent, this recipe delivers every time.

Bang Bang Salmon

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baked, Grilled, or Pan-Seared
Cuisine: American, Fusion

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Description

Bang Bang Salmon is a quick, bold, and flavorful dish that pairs tender, flaky salmon with a creamy, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce. A healthy, protein-rich dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. With customizable heat and cooking methods like baking, grilling, or pan-searing, it's a versatile option for any home cook. Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, spicy salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or prepare grill/skillet.
Season Salmon: Pat dry, brush with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook Salmon using your preferred method:
Bake: 12–15 minutes until internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
Grill: 4–5 mins per side.
Pan-sear: 4–5 mins skin-side down, then 3–4 mins on the other side.
Prepare Sauce: Mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (optional), and vinegar/lime juice in a bowl.
Assemble: Place salmon on serving plate, drizzle with sauce, and garnish.
Serve with your favorite sides like rice, veggies, or salad.