Name: Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon honey; 1 tablespoon lime juice

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Bang Bang Salmon is the ultimate game-changer for quick weeknight dinners and special occasions alike. Imagine tender, flaky baked salmon dressed up in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that hits just the right notes of heat and tang. Whether you’re an old friend of salmon recipes or just starting to explore, you’ll adore how effortlessly impressive this dish is. It comes together in under 30 minutes, but every mouthful is bold, luscious, and packed with flavor. Ready to make Bang Bang Salmon your new household favorite?

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients—Bang Bang Salmon is all about simplicity that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Every item on this list has an important role, from building the juicy, savory backbone of the fish itself to layering on that unforgettable signature sauce.

Salmon fillets: The star of the show! Choose fresh, firm fillets with the skin on for ultimate juiciness and flavor.
Olive oil: Drizzling the fillets in this heart-healthy oil helps create a golden, succulent finish in the oven.
Garlic powder: This pantry staple gives just the right hint of garlicky depth without overpowering the delicate salmon.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smokiness and a lovely pop of color to the finished Bang Bang Salmon.
Salt: Elevates all the flavors and brings balance to both the fish and the sauce.
Black pepper: Gives a peppery kick that wakes up the whole dish.
Mayonnaise: Forms the luscious base of the Bang Bang sauce—opt for full-fat or light, depending on your preferences.
Sweet chili sauce: Don’t skip this—it brings the specialty sweet heat you expect in a Bang Bang dish.
Sriracha: Cranks up the spice! Adjust the amount to make your salmon as mild or fiery as you like.
Honey: A touch of sweetness to mellow out the heat and round off the sauce.
Lime juice: Just a splash cuts through the richness and brightens the flavors.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Preheat and Prep the Baking Sheet

Start your Bang Bang Salmon journey by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up and to prevent any sticking. This little step will save you scrubbing time later on and make it so simple to slide the salmon off when it’s done.

Step 2: Get the Salmon Ready

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—moisture is the enemy of great caramelization! Lay them skin-side down on your prepared sheet. Drizzle olive oil evenly over the tops, then sprinkle on garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Make sure every fillet gets a little love from each seasoning for balanced flavor throughout.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection

Place your seasoned salmon in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done. Baking locks in moisture and gives you perfectly tender salmon every single time—no need to hover by the stove.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce

While your fish bakes, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Stir briskly until everything’s smooth and slightly glossy. This is the magic: a sauce that’s spicy, sweet, creamy, and bursting with brightness—all in one bowl!

Step 5: Finish and Sauce It Up

As soon as your Bang Bang Salmon comes out of the oven, use a spoon to generously drizzle that dreamy sauce over each fillet. The residual heat helps the sauce soak in, giving every bite a burst of flavor. Serve immediately for best results.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Garnishes

Give your Bang Bang Salmon a beautiful finishing touch with a sprinkling of chopped green onions or sesame seeds. Both add fabulous color and a pleasant, subtle crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a few cilantro leaves or even a wedge of lime on the side also amp up the plate.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs perfectly with a steaming bowl of jasmine rice, garlicky noodles, or even a pile of crisp, stir-fried veggies. The sauce is so bold that it turns humble sides into something unforgettable—think fluffy rice soaking up the flavors or vibrant greens coated in a bit of Bang Bang magic.

Creative Ways to Present

Why not try serving Bang Bang Salmon over a bowl of rice noodles for a fresh spin? Or flake the cooked salmon into tacos, wrap it in lettuce leaves for a light lunch, or serve on top of a colorful salad for an eye-catching meal. This recipe adapts easily, making dinner exciting every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, simply let the salmon cool to room temperature, then transfer fillets to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the Bang Bang sauce separate, so the salmon stays as fresh as possible.

Freezing

Bang Bang Salmon can be frozen, though it’s best without the sauce. Place completely cooled, unsauced fillets in a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly in foil before freezing for up to 2 months. The sauce is best made fresh for texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, place salmon fillets (without sauce) on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. Add fresh Bang Bang sauce just before serving to keep that gorgeous, creamy finish. Avoid microwaving, if possible, as it can dry out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Bang Bang Salmon?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat your salmon dry before seasoning and baking for best texture and flavor.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Salmon sauce?

The sauce has a gentle heat from sriracha and sweet chili sauce, but you can easily adjust it by adding more sriracha for spice-lovers or using less for a milder version.

Is there a lighter option for the Bang Bang sauce?

Yes! Swapping Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise gives a tangy, lighter result without sacrificing that creamy texture everyone loves.

What other proteins can I use with the Bang Bang sauce?

This versatile sauce shines on shrimp, chicken, or even roasted cauliflower. It’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again, not just for Bang Bang Salmon.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the fridge in a sealed container, making weeknight dinners a breeze.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something wildly satisfying about pulling a tray of Bang Bang Salmon from the oven and drizzling that zesty sauce over the top. It’s fast, it’s packed with flavor, and it’s nearly impossible not to love. Give this recipe a whirl—you might just find yourself making it again and again!

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

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4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful and spicy baked salmon dish topped with a creamy and tangy Bang Bang sauce. This Asian-inspired recipe is easy to make and perfect for a quick and delicious dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Bang Bang Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon lime juice

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them skin-side down on the baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bake the salmon: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Make the Bang Bang sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
Finish and serve: Spoon or drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the baked salmon fillets. Garnish with green onions or sesame seeds and serve immediately.