Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful twist on a classic favorite, featuring tender salmon fillets topped with a creamy, spicy sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when you want to impress without much fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a skillet over medium-high heat if pan-searing. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. 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.
2. Step 2: Cook the salmon. To bake, place fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down, and bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through (145°F internal temperature). To grill, place skin-side down on a well-oiled grill and cook 4–5 minutes per side. To pan-sear, cook skin-side down in a nonstick skillet for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Make the Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or maple syrup if using, and rice vinegar or lime juice in a small bowl. Adjust spice and sweetness to your taste.
4. Step 4: Transfer cooked salmon to a serving plate and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges as desired.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately with sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lime juice instead of rice vinegar for a brighter, tangier sauce.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the finished dish.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of sriracha or replace it with a mild chili sauce.
• Salmon can be cooked skin-on for extra flavor or skinless if preferred.

Storage

Store leftover cooked salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through, then drizzle with fresh sauce before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. Stir well before serving.

What sides go well with Bang Bang Salmon?

Rice, roasted vegetables, steamed greens, or a crisp salad all complement this dish nicely and balance the spicy, creamy sauce.

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 94 reviews

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe features perfectly cooked salmon fillets topped with a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce. Versatile cooking methods including baking, grilling, or pan-searing allow you to customize the dish to your preference. Finished with fresh green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges, this flavorful salmon makes for an impressive yet easy dinner option.

• Author: Naya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon Fillets

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

Bang Bang Sauce

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

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a skillet over medium-high heat if pan-searing. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to ensure the flavors penetrate the fish.
2. Cook the Salmon: Bake: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Grill: Place salmon on a well-oiled grill, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully to avoid sticking. Pan-Sear: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, sear salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or maple syrup (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust the spice and sweetness level by adding more sriracha for heat or sweet chili sauce for sweetness according to preference.
4. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets onto a serving plate. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet for a creamy, spicy coating. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges for added flavor and presentation.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complement the juicy, flavorful salmon and spicy sauce.

Notes

• You can adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce by varying the amount of sriracha and sweet chili sauce according to your taste.
• If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add honey or maple syrup; omit for a tangier sauce.
• Salmon fillets can be cooked using baking, grilling, or pan-searing methods depending on your preference and equipment.
• Ensure salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
• Use skin-on salmon for crispier texture if pan-searing or grilling; skinless is fine for baking.
• Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, spicy salmon recipe, baked salmon, grilled salmon, pan-seared salmon, creamy spicy sauce, easy dinner, seafood recipe