Hello, fellow food adventurers! Are you ready to add a burst of flavor and excitement to your dinner table? Today, we’re diving into the wonderfully delicious world of Bang Bang Salmon! If you’ve ever enjoyed the famous Bang Bang Shrimp, get ready for its equally, if not more, amazing fish counterpart. This dish is an absolute game-changer, featuring tender, flaky salmon coated in a creamy, sweet, and subtly spicy sauce that will have your taste buds singing with joy. It’s the kind of meal that feels gourmet but is surprisingly simple to whip up, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress without the stress.
The magic of Bang Bang Salmon truly lies in its incredible sauce. It’s a delightful fusion of mayonnaise, sweet chili, and a touch of Sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce!) that creates a harmonious balance of flavors. The sweetness dances beautifully with the heat, while the creaminess binds everything together into a luscious coating for our star ingredient – the salmon. We’ll be using fresh salmon fillets, which are a fantastic source of omega-3s and truly shine when cooked properly. If you’re looking for more ways to prepare this magnificent fish, check out our baked salmon recipe for some classic inspiration!
One of the best things about this Bang Bang Salmon recipe is how quickly it comes together. We’re talking about a maximum of 35 minutes from start to finish, which means you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table even on your busiest evenings. It’s a fantastic option if you’re looking for quick and easy dinner recipes for busy weeknights that don’t compromise on taste or health. Plus, salmon cooks relatively fast, locking in all its natural juices and creating that melt-in-your-mouth texture we all crave.
This recipe is incredibly versatile, too. Serve it over fluffy white rice to soak up every last drop of that amazing sauce, alongside some steamed broccoli for a complete meal, or even flaked into a fresh salad for a lighter option. Don’t be shy about experimenting with the spice level; you can always adjust the Sriracha to your preference. Understanding flavor profiles is key to making any dish your own, and this Bang Bang sauce is a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or just starting your cooking journey, this Bang Bang Salmon is destined to become a staple in your home. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and let’s get cooking! You’re in for a treat.
Ingredients
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4 Salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
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1 tbsp Olive oil
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1/2 tsp Salt
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1/4 tsp Black pepper
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1/2 cup Mayonnaise (full-fat for best results)
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1/4 cup Sweet chili sauce
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1-2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
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1 tbsp Honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)
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1 tbsp Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
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2 tbsp Fresh cilantro or green onions (chopped, for garnish)
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1 tsp Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents the salmon from sticking and helps it cook evenly.
💡 Tip: Using parchment paper is a great hack for hassle-free cleanup after baking!
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a nice crust. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if applicable. Drizzle them with olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you like it spicier), honey/maple syrup (if using), and fresh lime juice until completely smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – perhaps a little more Sriracha or a squeeze more lime.
Bake the seasoned salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it's nearly cooked through. The internal temperature should be around 130-135°F (54-57°C) at this stage. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
Remove the salmon from the oven. Spoon or brush a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce over each fillet, ensuring they are nicely coated. Reserve a little extra sauce for serving if desired.
Return the salmon to the oven and continue to bake for another 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness (it should flake easily with a fork) and the sauce is slightly bubbly and warmed through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Carefully remove the baked Bang Bang Salmon from the oven. Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like white rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh green salad. Enjoy!
💡 Tips
- Don't overcook the salmon! It's best when it's just cooked through and still flaky and moist. Use a meat thermometer if unsure.
- Adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce to your preference by adding more or less Sriracha.
- For extra flavor, let the salmon marinate in a light sprinkle of salt and pepper for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- Fresh lime juice is key for brightening the flavors of the sauce. Don't skip it!
🎨 Variations
- Spicy Mango Bang Bang Salmon: Add 1-2 tablespoons of finely diced fresh mango to the sauce for a tropical twist.
- Grilled Bang Bang Salmon: Instead of baking, grill the salmon until nearly done, then brush with sauce and finish grilling until cooked through and slightly charred.
- Bang Bang Salmon Skewers: Cut salmon into 1-inch cubes, skewer them, and bake or grill. Brush with sauce halfway through cooking.
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon: Cook salmon in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, then coat with sauce and air fry for another 2-3 minutes.
- Smoky Bang Bang Salmon: Add a pinch of smoked paprika to your salmon seasoning before baking.
📊 Nutrition
Recipe FAQs
Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good whisk before using.
What kind of salmon should I use?
You can use any type of salmon fillet you prefer – Atlantic, Sockeye, Coho, or King salmon all work beautifully. Fresh or thawed frozen fillets are both fine. Skin on or off is a personal preference; the skin helps keep the fish moist and crispy if cooked properly.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Be careful not to overcook, as it can dry out quickly. The flesh should still look slightly translucent in the very center if you prefer it medium, but fully opaque throughout for well-done.
Can I make this recipe less spicy?
Yes! Simply reduce the amount of Sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce, or omit it entirely if you prefer a mild flavor. You can also add a touch more honey or sweet chili sauce to balance the flavors.
There you have it – your new go-to recipe for incredibly flavorful Bang Bang Salmon! This dish is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this recipe is sure to impress and delight. Don't forget to share your creations with us, and let us know how you liked it in the comments below! Happy cooking!
