Name: Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each); 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice; sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Get ready to fall in love with Bang Bang Salmon, a dish that’s as bold and bright as it is simple to make. Succulent salmon fillets are seared until golden and then finished in the oven, all while you whip up a creamy, spicy, honey-sweet bang bang sauce that’s utterly irresistible. Whether you’re a longtime fan of bold flavors or looking to jazz up your weeknight dinners, this fusion favorite bursts with color, texture, and a zingy kick that transforms an everyday meal into something truly special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Bang Bang Salmon lies in its short, sharp cast of ingredients—each one hand-picked to bring maximum flavor, tenderness, or crunch to the dish. Trust me, every item on this list earns its place for either taste, color, or that mouthwatering finish we’re after.

Salmon fillets (4, about 6 ounces each): Rich, flaky salmon is the heart of the recipe, soaking up every bit of the sauce’s flavor.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Accent the natural sweetness of the fish and bring all the elements together.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Delivers a gentle warmth that doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps sear the salmon for a gorgeous crust while keeping it moist inside.
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): The creamy base for our irresistible bang bang sauce—try Greek yogurt for a lighter touch.
Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings sweetness and a little zip for that signature “bang bang” kick.
Sriracha (1 tablespoon): The star spice, adjustable to your preferred heat level.
Honey (1 tablespoon): Adds luscious, rounded sweetness that balances the heat.
Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Pops the flavors with a fresh citrusy zing.
Sliced green onions & sesame seeds (for garnish): Optional, but highly recommended for crunch and vibrant color.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. While the oven heats up, pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This small move is key to achieving that beautifully seared exterior. Now, give each fillet a good sprinkle of salt and black pepper on both sides—seasoning every layer really pays off in the final dish.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the skillet. Let them sizzle and sear for about 2 minutes; don’t move them, as this helps develop flavor and texture. Flip each fillet carefully and sear the other side for just 1 more minute. This technique locks in the salmon’s juices while giving it a scrumptious golden crust.

Step 3: Finish in the Oven

Using a spatula, transfer the seared salmon to your prepared baking sheet. Slide it into the hot oven and bake for 6 to 8 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You’ll know they’re ready when the flesh flakes easily with a fork—don’t overbake! The salmon will remain juicy and tender, perfect for soaking up the sauce.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon bakes, bring together the stunning sauce that makes this dish unforgettable. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. Taste and tweak—add an extra squeeze of lime or a dash more sriracha if you love a fiery finish. You’ll want to drizzle this creamy, spicy, slightly sweet sauce on just about everything.

Step 5: Drizzle and Garnish

Once your Bang Bang Salmon is out of the oven, plate it up and immediately spoon the luscious sauce generously over each fillet. Don’t hold back! Finish with a flourish of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for crunch and color. Serve right away to enjoy the salmon at its peak—tender, steamy, and loaded with flavor.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Garnishes

Give your Bang Bang Salmon the attention it deserves with fresh, vibrant garnishes. Scatter a handful of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds across your saucy fillets. Not only do they add color and a hint of crunch, but those final touches make the meal look just as inviting as it tastes. If you love a little extra zing, finish with a wedge of lime or a drizzle of extra sriracha for more heat.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Try it with jasmine or coconut rice to soak up every last drop of sauce or a simple cucumber salad for a cool, crisp contrast. Roasted vegetables, like broccoli or bok choy, complement the salmon’s richness and add extra color to your plate. For an extra treat, serve with quick pickled carrots or radishes for tang and crunch.

Creative Ways to Present

Besides simply plating up fillets, get creative with your Bang Bang Salmon! Flake the cooked salmon and spoon over steamed rice bowls topped with colorful veggies and extra sauce. Or, tuck saucy salmon into warm tortillas with slaw for fusion-style tacos. You can even break it into chunks for salad bowls or sushi-inspired wraps—the punchy flavors work wonders in all kinds of meals, making leftovers incredibly versatile.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, Bang Bang Salmon keeps well for up to two days in an airtight container in the fridge. Store the sauce and salmon separately if possible to maintain the best texture, though it’s still delicious together for easy reheating lunches and dinners.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked salmon fillets before adding the sauce—simply wrap each fillet tightly and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat gently before drizzling with freshly made bang bang sauce for best results. The sauce itself is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well due to separating when thawed.

Reheating

To reheat, place salmon fillets in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven until heated through, about 10 minutes. For an even quicker option, use a microwave at low power, covering the fillets with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out. Always add the bang bang sauce after reheating for the best taste and texture.

FAQs

Can I use skinless salmon fillets?

Absolutely! Both skin-on and skinless fillets work well for Bang Bang Salmon. If using skinless, just sear gently to avoid sticking, and reduce the sear time slightly for the most tender results.

Is there a substitute for mayo in the sauce?

Yes—if you prefer a lighter version, swap the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. It stays creamy and tangy, but with fewer calories and a boost of protein.

How spicy is Bang Bang Salmon?

The spiciness level is really up to you! With the listed sriracha and sweet chili sauce, it lands at a mild to medium heat. Add more sriracha if you’re a spice lover or cut back for a milder, kid-friendly version.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Bang Bang Salmon is naturally gluten-free, but always double-check your sweet chili sauce and sriracha labels to be certain. Most mainstream brands are safe, but it never hurts to verify if you’re cooking for someone with sensitivities.

Do I have to sear the salmon before baking?

Searing adds a lovely golden crust and deeper flavor, but you can skip this step and bake the salmon directly if you’re short on time. The results will still be juicy and delicious, just a bit less crispy around the edges.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Salmon is one of those dishes that quickly becomes a go-to favorite—vibrant, fun, and impossibly tasty every single time. Whether you’re having a cozy night in or want to impress at your next dinner party, this spicy-sweet twist on salmon is sure to dazzle. Treat yourself to something bold tonight—you’ll be glad you did!

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

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4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a flavorful dish that combines the richness of salmon with a spicy and sweet bang bang sauce. Perfect for a quick and delicious dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

Bang Bang Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice

Garnish:

sliced green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Preheat oven and prep salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
Sear the salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet, sear salmon fillets skin-side down for 2 minutes, then flip and sear for 1 more minute.
Bake the salmon: Transfer salmon to the baking sheet and bake for 6–8 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
Make the bang bang sauce: Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl.
Finish and serve: Drizzle the sauce over the cooked salmon, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, and serve hot.