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Bang Bang Salmon Made Perfect in Just 15 Minutes Recipe

4.5 from 146 reviews

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe delivers a spicy, tangy twist on tender, pan-seared salmon fillets, ready in just 15 minutes. The crispy exterior and juicy interior of the salmon pair perfectly with a creamy and zesty Bang Bang sauce featuring sweet chili, sriracha, and lime for a quick, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

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

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season them evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on all sides.
  2. Heat Your Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until shimmering but not smoking to get the perfect sear on the salmon.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes to develop a crispy crust. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily.
  4. Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth and well combined, adjusting spiciness to taste.
  5. Finish and Serve: Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the hot salmon fillets and sprinkle with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise lightens the Bang Bang sauce without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Adjust sriracha quantity based on your preferred spice level.
  • Skin-on salmon helps keep the fillet moist and adds texture but can be removed after cooking if preferred.
  • Serve with a side of steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
  • Patting the salmon dry before seasoning is key to achieving a crispy exterior.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, spicy salmon, pan-seared salmon, quick salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, seafood with spicy sauce