Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender salmon with a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings bold tastes and simple preparation together.

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 (for garnish)
• Sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Fresh lime wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a skillet over medium-high heat for 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 using your preferred method:
   • To Bake: Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
   • To Grill: Place salmon skin-side down on a well-oiled grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully.
   • To Pan-Sear: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste.
4. Step 4: Transfer cooked salmon to a serving plate. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately with your choice of sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crisp skin, pat salmon completely dry before seasoning and cook skin-side down first.
• Adjust sriracha amount to control the heat level of the sauce.
• Try substituting mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce.
• Serve over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
• For a gluten-free option, verify that your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the Bang Bang sauce separate until ready to serve. Reheat salmon gently in the oven at low temperature or enjoy cold in salads. Reheating in a skillet can help maintain crispy edges.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking and good texture.

Is Bang Bang sauce very spicy?

The sauce has a mild to moderate heat depending on how much sriracha you add. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less sriracha.

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful and spicy fish dish featuring tender salmon fillets coated in a smoky garlic and paprika seasoning, then cooked using your preferred method—baked, grilled, or pan-seared. Topped with a creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a hint of lime, this recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

• Author: Grace
• 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

For the Salmon

• 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

For the 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

For Garnish

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat if pan-searing, or 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.
2. Cook the Salmon: For Baking: Place the salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down, and bake for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For Grilling: Place salmon skin-side down on a well-oiled grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully to avoid sticking. For Pan-Searing: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, cook the salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice by adding more sriracha or sweetness with more sweet chili sauce as preferred.
4. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to a serving plate. Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over each fillet.
5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the salmon. Serve immediately with fresh lime wedges and your choice of side dishes such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• You can choose any cooking method: baking, grilling, or pan-searing depending on your preference and equipment availability.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely for a milder sauce.
• The honey or maple syrup in the sauce is optional but helps balance the spiciness with sweetness.
• Salmon skin can be left on or removed based on personal preference; skin-on helps keep the fish moist during cooking.
• Ensure salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety and optimal texture.

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