Get ready to fall in love with Bang Bang Salmon—a dish that manages to hit every note on the flavor scale, from creamy and spicy to sweet and tangy, all wrapped up in the tender, flaky perfection of baked salmon. There’s something truly special about the way the bang bang sauce clings to each fillet, transforming a simple weeknight meal into a restaurant-worthy experience at home. If you’re craving a quick dinner that’s both bold and accessible, this Bang Bang Salmon recipe is designed to be your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a million things to make Bang Bang Salmon sing—just a handful of ingredients, each bringing its own unique magic to the table. These essentials work together beautifully, guaranteeing incredible taste and that signature sauce that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, skinless fillets for best flavor, about 6 ounces each—perfect for soaking up that bang bang sauce.
- Olive oil: Lightly coats the fish, keeping it moist while amping up that irresistible golden finish.
- Salt: Enhances the natural sweet richness of the salmon and balances the zip of the sauce.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth that plays perfectly with the spicy sauce.
- Garlic powder: Builds a mellow, garlicky base that melds into every bite.
- Mayonnaise (for the sauce): Gives the bang bang sauce its creamy, luscious body—try light mayo or Greek yogurt if you want it lighter.
- Sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a hint of heat, making the sauce addictive.
- Sriracha: Turns up the spice so you can dial the heat up or down to your taste.
- Honey: Balances the sriracha, adding smooth complexity and helping the sauce glaze the fish beautifully.
- Lime juice: The zingy citrus cuts through richness and brightens every bite.
- Chopped green onions (for garnish): Adds freshness and color—plus a little crunch to contrast the soft fish.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): These tiny seeds look gorgeous and bring a nutty finish right at the end.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
Step 1: Prep the Baking Sheet and Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This ensures the salmon won’t stick and cleanup is a breeze—a true lifesaver on busy nights. Lay out your four salmon fillets, patting them dry with paper towels for the best browning.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Drizzle each fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Use your hands or a brush to rub the seasoning in, making sure every surface gets some love. This simple trio gives the salmon just the right touch of savory flavor and helps lock in moisture while it bakes.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into your preheated oven and let the salmon bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks beautifully opaque. Don’t overcook it—juicy, tender salmon is what you’re after!
Step 4: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is baking, mix up the star of the show. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice. Whisk until smooth. Give it a quick taste—add extra sriracha if you want more heat, or another drizzle of honey if you’re in the mood for sweetness.
Step 5: Sauce It Up and Garnish
Once the salmon fillets are cooked, take them off the baking tray and arrange them on plates or a serving platter. Generously spoon or drizzle that creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce all over the tops. Finish with chopped green onions and a scattering of sesame seeds for crunch and color.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon
Garnishes
This dish truly comes alive with a generous sprinkle of fresh green onions and nutty sesame seeds. Not only do they look beautiful, but their freshness and crunch make every bite more exciting. For extra flair, try adding thinly sliced radishes or even a few cilantro leaves.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Salmon is a real team player, working alongside so many delicious sides. Serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, with a side of steamed broccoli or snap peas for a classic feel. If you’re feeling bold, try coconut rice or a bright cucumber salad for a fresh, zesty pairing. The creamy sauce is made for soaking!
Creative Ways to Present
Layer the salmon onto salad greens for a stunning, lighter meal. You can also tuck pieces into warm tortillas, drizzle with extra bang bang sauce, and call it the world’s best fish taco night. Want to wow a crowd? Serve smaller pieces on skewers with a sauce drizzle and watch your appetizer tray disappear.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Bang Bang Salmon, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep the salmon and sauce separate if possible, so the fish stays firm and the sauce doesn’t thin out.
Freezing
Cooked salmon can be frozen, though its texture may change slightly after thawing. Cool any leftovers completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to one month. Leave the sauce behind, as creamy sauces generally don’t freeze as well—just mix up a fresh batch when ready to serve.
Reheating
Gently warm leftover salmon in a low oven (about 300°F) or in a covered skillet over very low heat to help retain moisture and tenderness. Add fresh bang bang sauce once it’s warmed to revive all that signature flavor without splitting the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for Bang Bang Salmon?
Absolutely! Just thaw them thoroughly in the fridge overnight, then pat dry before seasoning and baking. This prevents extra moisture that can make the fish bake unevenly or become soggy.
Can I grill or air fry Bang Bang Salmon instead of baking?
Yes, this recipe works beautifully on the grill or in the air fryer. Grill over medium heat for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or air fry at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Both ways create a deliciously crisp-edged fish that’s perfect for saucing.
Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
The classic bang bang sauce uses mayonnaise, which is typically dairy-free, but double-check your brand if allergies are a concern. Vegan mayo is a wonderful substitute if you want to keep everything plant-based.
How can I adjust the spice level in Bang Bang Salmon?
The sriracha is the heat source, so simply add less (or more!) to match your spice preference. A little extra lime juice can also mellow out too much heat if you go overboard.
What should I do if my bang bang sauce is too thick?
If your sauce is too dense to drizzle, just whisk in a teaspoon or two of water or lime juice at a time until it reaches your ideal smooth, pourable texture.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Salmon is one of those recipes that truly brings a little wow-factor to your dinner table with next to no fuss. If you’re looking for a dish that’s crowd-pleasing, quick, and guaranteed to put a smile on your face (and everyone else’s!), it’s time to make Bang Bang Salmon your next kitchen adventure. Enjoy every saucy, spicy bite!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a delicious Asian-inspired dish featuring tender baked salmon fillets coated in a spicy and creamy bang bang sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner that will impress your taste buds.
Ingredients
For the salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
For the bang bang sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- juice of 1/2 lime
For garnish:
- chopped green onions
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the sheet and rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Make the bang bang sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
- Assemble: Remove the salmon from the oven, spoon or drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top.
- Garnish: Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise.
- This recipe also works well on the grill or in the air fryer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 490 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
