Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThe aroma wafting from my kitchen took me right back to a bustling Asian market, where the vibrant colors and tantalizing scents made each meal an adventure. Today, I’m excited to share my quick and easy recipe for Bang Bang Salmon. In just 15 minutes, you can whip up this succulent, protein-packed dish that marries crispy salmon with a creamy, spicy sauce that will elevate any weeknight dinner. Not only is it a flavorful escape from fast food, but it’s also a healthier twist on the classic Bang Bang Shrimp, with gluten-free options and a lighter Greek yogurt alternative. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser or a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on gourmet flair, this Bang Bang Salmon is sure to impress. Ready to dive into a culinary experience that’s as delicious as it is easy? Let’s get cooking! Why is Bang Bang Salmon a Must-Try? Simplicity at Its Best: You’ll be amazed at how quick and easy this dish is! With just 15 minutes from start to finish, it’s perfect for busy evenings. Flavor Explosion: The combination of sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice creates a bold and vibrant flavor profile that’s utterly mouthwatering. Healthy Twist: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein, this meal is a guilt-free alternative to takeaway options. Choosing Greek yogurt for the sauce lightens the dish without compromising taste! Versatile Cooking: You can easily swap in chicken or shrimp for a new take each time, making it adaptable for all cravings. Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re serving family or hosting friends, this Bang Bang Salmon will have everyone coming back for seconds! Pair it with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a deliciously complete meal. Bang Bang Salmon Ingredients For the Salmon • Salmon fillets – Rich in protein and omega-3s, skin-on preferred for a juicy texture. • Olive oil – Enhances flavor and prevents sticking while cooking. • Salt – Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. • Black pepper – Adds a subtle kick and depth to the seasoning. • Garlic powder – Infuses savory notes that complement the salmon perfectly. • Paprika – Introduces a vibrant color and hints of smokiness to the dish. For the Bang Bang Sauce • Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) – Forms the creamy base of the sauce; Greek yogurt offers a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor. • Sweet chili sauce – Provides sweetness and a delightful kick; easily swapped with a homemade version if desired. • Sriracha – Adjust the quantity to control spice level according to your taste preferences. • Honey – Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness for a harmonious flavor. • Juice of lime – Brightens the sauce and enhances its overall flavor with acidity. For Garnishing • Green onions – Adds freshness and a pop of color, making it visually appealing. This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a culinary journey you’ll want to embark on tonight! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bang Bang Salmon Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Allow the fish to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors while you prepare your cooking area. Step 2: Heat the Pan In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Wait for the oil to shimmer but not smoke—that’s when it’s ready. This step is key for achieving a beautifully crispy exterior on your Bang Bang Salmon, making each bite irresistibly delicious. Step 3: Cook the Salmon Carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them. This allows a delicious sear to form. Once the edges appear golden and crispy, gently flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium, ensuring tender, flaky salmon. Step 4: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce While the salmon cooks, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version), ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha, 1 tablespoon of honey, and the juice of one lime in a bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined, creating a creamy, flavorful sauce that will elevate your Bang Bang Salmon. Step 5: Finish and Serve Once the salmon is cooked to your liking, remove it from the heat and place it on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with your delicious Bang Bang sauce, allowing it to coat the fish beautifully. Garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch, and enjoy this dish that’s bound to impress! Expert Tips for Bang Bang Salmon Pat It Dry: Always pat salmon fillets dry before cooking to achieve that perfect crispy sear—moisture prevents browning. Adjust Spice: Modify sriracha to fit your heat preference. Start small, tasting as you go, and enhance for more kick! Extra Sauce: Reserve some Bang Bang sauce for dipping or drizzling at the table. It makes every bite even more delightful. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature—125°F for medium or 145°F for well-done salmon, ensuring perfection. Garnish Wisely: Don’t skip the green onions! They add brightness, freshness, and a pop of color to your Bang Bang Salmon presentation. Make Ahead Options These Bang Bang Salmon fillets are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the salmon in your seasonings and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish beautifully. Additionally, prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time by mixing it together and storing it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Just be sure to refrigerate it to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to cook, simply sear the marinated salmon and drizzle it with the prepared sauce for a delightful, restaurant-quality dinner. It’s a delicious solution for busy weeknights, saving you precious time without sacrificing flavor! What to Serve with Bang Bang Salmon A well-plated meal turns an evening of cooking into a cherished memory filled with flavor and warmth. Steamed Jasmine Rice: This fluffy rice perfectly complements the vibrant sauce, soaking up every delicious drop with each bite. Sautéed Bok Choy: Adds a crisp and tender texture, alongside a mild earthiness that balances the rich flavors of the salmon. Asian Cucumber Salad: The refreshing crunch of cool cucumbers tossed in rice vinegar is a great contrast to the salmon’s spicy creaminess. Quinoa Pilaf: A nutty, nutritious side that brings additional protein, and its texture creates an interesting contrast to the salmon’s smoothness. Garlic Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, these beans add crunch and a burst of flavor that pairs wonderfully. Miso Soup: Warm and savory, a cup of miso soup completes the meal with its umami essence, making it feel like a special occasion. Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc enhances the sweetness of the Bang Bang sauce while maintaining a refreshing palate. Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this sweet and creamy Thai treat pairs perfectly, providing a delightful end to your flavorful meal. Bang Bang Salmon Variations & Substitutions Feel free to make this dish your own by mixing up ingredients and flavors to match your taste preferences! Greek Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangy sauce that still packs a creamy punch. Protein Swap: Try using chicken breasts or shrimp instead of salmon for a different spin while keeping those bold flavors intact. Each protein pairs beautifully with the Bang Bang sauce, giving you delicious variety. Citrus Twist: Swap lime juice for fresh lemon juice to introduce a zesty brightness that elevates the overall taste. Heat Level Adjustments: Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your spice tolerance. Start small and add more for a kick that suits your palate; perfect for both heat lovers and mild enthusiasts. Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for an aromatic freshness that complements the dish wonderfully. Just sprinkle them in at the end for a vibrant aesthetic. Nutty Flavor: Drizzle with sesame oil before serving to add a rich nuttiness that complements the Asian-inspired theme beautifully. Crunchy Topping: Consider adding toasted sesame seeds or crushed nuts on top for an enjoyable added texture to each bite. This will provide a satisfying crunch against the tender salmon. Feel inspired to explore! You can learn more about adapting flavors in recipes with my guide on how flavors can tell your culinary story. The customizations let this beloved dish shine in new ways every time you prepare it. Storage Tips for Bang Bang Salmon Fridge: Store leftover Bang Bang Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain flavor and texture, reheat gently. Freezer: You can freeze the cooked salmon for up to 3 months. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. Bang Bang Sauce: Prepare the sauce in advance and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. It’s a great time-saver! Reheating: When reheating, gently warm the salmon in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or microwave it on low to preserve moisture and flavor. Bang Bang Salmon Recipe FAQs What type of salmon should I use for Bang Bang Salmon? I recommend using skin-on salmon fillets as they tend to be more moist and flavorful. Look for fillets with bright, vibrant color and no dark spots for the best quality. Fresh salmon should have a mild sea smell, while frozen salmon should be properly sealed without freezer burn. How should I store leftover Bang Bang Salmon? Leftover Bang Bang Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure to consume it within that timeframe for the best flavor. Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes or in the microwave on low to maintain its moisture and texture. Can I freeze Bang Bang Salmon after cooking? Absolutely! You can freeze cooked Bang Bang Salmon for up to 3 months. To do this, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently. What if I want a milder sauce for my Bang Bang Salmon? If you prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce the amount of sriracha or use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter flavor. You can also substitute the sweet chili sauce with a homemade mix of 2 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes, adjusting the spice to your liking. Is Bang Bang Salmon suitable for people with dietary restrictions? Yes! Bang Bang Salmon is naturally gluten-free, especially when you choose gluten-free sweet chili sauce. As always, check any packaged ingredients for allergens if you’re cooking for someone with food sensitivities. Feel free to substitute protein or modify the sauce ingredients to accommodate individual diets. Can I make Bang Bang Salmon ahead of time? Certainly! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This way, you’ll save time on busy nights while still enjoying a scrumptious meal. Just cook the salmon fresh right before serving for the best results. Bang Bang Salmon: Quick, Bold Flavors for Busy Nights This 15-Minute Bang Bang Salmon features bold flavors and creamy sauce, making it a must-try for busy diners. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 5 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 15 minutes mins Servings: 2 filletsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AsianCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Salmon2 fillets Salmon skin-on preferred for added moisture1-2 tbsp Olive oil helps in cooking1 tsp Salt to enhance flavor1 tsp Black pepper adds mild heat1 tsp Garlic powder infuses savory notes1 tsp Paprika provides color and smokinessFor the Bang Bang Sauce1/2 cup Mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for lighter option1/4 cup Sweet chili sauce adds a sweet kick1-2 tbsp Sriracha adjust to taste1 tbsp Honey balances the heat1 tbsp Juice of lime adds brightnessFor Garnish2 tbsp Green onions chopped for garnish Equipment Large skillet Method Step-by-Step InstructionsPat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let sit for a few minutes.In a large skillet, heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through.While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl.Remove salmon from heat, drizzle with Bang Bang sauce, garnish with green onions, and serve. Nutrition Serving: 1filletCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 10gProtein: 30gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 16gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1.5mg NotesAdjust sriracha based on your heat preference. Reserve some sauce for dipping. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
