If there’s one thing I’ve learned in my quest to make meals my family actually gets excited about, it’s this: flavor is everything. That’s why I’m head-over-heels for this Bang Bang Salmon recipe. It’s got just the right mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy—like a little party for your taste buds. Plus, it’s so easy to whip up, you’ll feel like a kitchen rockstar without breaking a sweat.
Let’s dive in (oops, not “dive”—I mean, let’s get started) and make a dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
What Is Bang Bang Salmon, Anyway?
If you’ve ever had Bang Bang Shrimp, you know where this is headed. It’s all about the sauce—sweet chili, creamy mayo, a little honey, and just the right kick of sriracha. Slather that on perfectly cooked salmon, and BAM (or should I say “bang”?)—you’ve got a dish that feels fancy but is as simple as it gets.
What’s even better? This recipe uses ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. No last-minute grocery runs or complicated techniques—just good food, fast.
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Salmon
This recipe checks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy, and tastes incredible. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just figuring out your way around the kitchen, this dish is a guaranteed hit. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something homemade without spending hours prepping.
Is This Recipe Healthy?
Totally! Salmon is packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins. Plus, this recipe uses just the right amount of sauce to coat the fish without going overboard. It’s a flavorful way to enjoy a nutritious meal without feeling like you’re skimping on taste.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Now that we’ve got you craving Bang Bang Salmon, let’s take a closer look at the ingredients. The best part? You probably have most of these in your kitchen already.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get into the step-by-step, let’s talk about what makes this recipe tick. Here’s everything you’ll need to make Bang Bang Salmon magic happen:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon filets (about 2 pounds, skin-on)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise (trust me, don’t skip this—it makes the sauce creamy and amazing)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (plus a little extra for garnish)
- Chopped green onion (for that pop of color and extra flavor)
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
Making Bang Bang Salmon is as easy as 1-2-3. Seriously, even if cooking isn’t your thing, this recipe is totally foolproof. Here’s how you pull it all together:
1. Prep the Salmon
First things first: preheat your oven to 375°F. While it’s heating up, pat those salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Sprinkle them evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. This step might seem basic, but it makes a huge difference. A little seasoning goes a long way in bringing out that natural salmon flavor.
2. Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, honey, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and salt. Give it a quick taste test—you know, for “quality control.” If you want more heat, add an extra dash of sriracha. If you’re not into spicy foods, you can ease up on it. Either way, this sauce is about to become your new best friend.
3. Cook the Salmon
Lay your salmon filets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down. Brush a generous amount of the Bang Bang Sauce over each filet—don’t be shy here. You want every bite to be saucy and delicious. Pop the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.
4. Garnish and Serve
When the salmon’s done, pull it out of the oven and sprinkle it with sesame seeds and chopped green onion. These little touches don’t just look pretty—they add a great crunch and flavor boost. Serve it up with rice, roasted veggies, or even a light salad, and boom—you’ve got a meal that looks restaurant-worthy but came together in under 30 minutes.
Why This Recipe Works
- The Sauce Is Everything
The combination of mayo, chili sauce, and sriracha creates a creamy, tangy, and spicy glaze that balances perfectly with the richness of the salmon. - It’s Foolproof
There’s no complicated marinating, no tricky techniques. Just season, sauce, and bake—it’s really that simple. - It’s Versatile
Don’t love salmon? You can totally use this sauce on chicken, shrimp, or even tofu. It’s a keeper for sure.
Tips to Make It Even Easier
- Use Parchment Paper: Less cleanup? Yes, please. The salmon won’t stick, and you can toss the paper when you’re done.
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: This is key. If you’re not sure, check the internal temp—it should be around 145°F in the thickest part.
- Love This Recipe? Try the Air Fryer: Want an even crispier finish? Cook the salmon in the air fryer at 375°F for 10–12 minutes. And while you’re at it, don’t miss other air fryer favorites like Honey Buffalo Wings or Pineapple Sweet Chili Salmon.
- Make Extra Sauce: Trust me, you’ll want to drizzle this on everything—rice, veggies, you name it.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Salmon
This salmon is so packed with flavor, it pairs perfectly with simple sides. Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Steamed Rice: The sauce soaks right in, and it’s heavenly.
- Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini all work great.
- A Crisp Salad: Something light and fresh balances the richness of the salmon.
Bang Bang Salmon Variations
Feeling creative? Try these variations:
- Air Fryer Version: Cook the salmon at 375°F for 10–12 minutes in the air fryer.
- Gluten-Free: Make sure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free, and you’re good to go!
- Spicy Lovers: Double the sriracha for an extra kick of heat.
- Mild Version: Reduce or omit the sriracha if you’re serving kids or spice-sensitive guests.
How to Store and Reheat Bang Bang Salmon
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Storing: Place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm it up gently in the oven at 300°F or microwave it on low power to prevent it from drying out.
Pro Tip: Add a little extra sauce when reheating to bring back the full flavor.
FAQs About Bang Bang Salmon
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry to remove any extra moisture, and you’re good to go.
No problem! Reduce the amount of sriracha or leave it out entirely. You’ll still get plenty of flavor from the chili sauce and honey.
Absolutely! Just brush the sauce on while grilling and save a little extra for serving.
Keep leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in the microwave or oven so it doesn’t dry out.
The easiest way is to check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork. If you’re using a thermometer, the internal temperature should be around 145°F in the thickest part.
Yes! Simply preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the salmon for about 10–12 minutes. Brush the sauce on halfway through cooking and again before serving for the best flavor.
For sure! Grill the salmon over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side, brushing on the Bang Bang Sauce during the last few minutes. This method gives the salmon a smoky flavor that’s irresistible.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Salmon is one of those recipes that checks all the boxes—it’s quick, it’s flavorful, and it looks way more impressive than the effort it takes to make. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to wow.
So grab your salmon, whip up that sauce, and get ready to make a meal your family (or just you!) will rave about. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
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