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

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, brush each fillet with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Cook the Salmon:
- To Bake: I place the salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down, and 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 and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully to avoid sticking.
- To Pan-Sear: I heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, 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.
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.
Assemble the Dish: I transfer the cooked salmon fillets to a serving plate, drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet, and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or lime wedges, if desired.
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

Air Fryer Method: I preheat my air fryer to 400°F (200°C), place the sauce-coated salmon fillets skin-side down in the basket, and cook for 12-15 minutes. This method gives the salmon a crispy exterior while keeping it moist inside.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites: I cut the salmon into 1-inch cubes, season, and cook them as above. These bites are perfect for appetizers or over salads.
Spice Level Adjustment: I increase or decrease the amount of sriracha in the sauce to suit my heat preference.
Alternative Proteins: I substitute salmon with chicken or shrimp for a different take on the dish.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: I reheat the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. I avoid using the microwave to prevent drying out the fish.
Bang Bang Sauce: I store any leftover sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.

FAQs

What is Bang Bang sauce made of?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and an optional touch of honey or maple syrup and rice vinegar or lime juice.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator. I cook the salmon fresh for the best texture but have also reheated it successfully.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. I cook the salmon and store it in meal prep containers with sides like rice and vegetables. I keep the sauce separate and add it just before eating.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, I thaw the frozen salmon fillets in the refrigerator overnight before using them in the recipe.

What sides pair well with Bang Bang Salmon?

I enjoy serving Bang Bang Salmon with jasmine rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon is a delightful fusion of bold flavors and healthy ingredients. I appreciate its versatility and how quickly it comes together, making it a go-to recipe for both busy weeknights and special occasions. Whether I bake, grill, or pan-sear the salmon, the result is always a satisfying meal that's sure to impress.

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: Main Course
Method: Baked, Grilled, Pan-Seared, Air-Fried
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American Fusion

Print Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish featuring flaky salmon fillets topped with a creamy, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce. Perfect for weeknights, this versatile recipe can be cooked in the oven, on the grill, in a skillet, or air fryer.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), or heat a grill or skillet.
Pat salmon dry, brush with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook the salmon using your preferred method:
Bake: 12–15 minutes on a baking sheet.
Grill: 4–5 minutes per side on a preheated grill.
Pan-sear: 4–5 minutes skin-side down, then flip and cook 3–4 minutes more.
Air fry: 12–15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
Mix sauce ingredients in a small bowl and adjust seasoning.
Drizzle sauce over salmon and garnish.
Serve immediately with desired sides.