Bang Bang Salmon has completely transformed my weeknight dinner routine. Before discovering this gem, I often found myself staring into the fridge, dreading another complex meal after a long day. But now, this dish is my secret weapon for getting a flavorful, satisfying, and incredibly quick meal on the table. It’s that perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy, all wrapped around tender, flaky salmon. If you’re anything like me and constantly searching for a delicious escape from dinner dilemmas, then you’re in for a treat.
Why This Dish Will Be Your New Weeknight Hero
There’s a reason Bang Bang Salmon is gaining so much popularity, especially for those busy weeknights. First off, it’s astonishingly quick. We’re talking about a meal that comes together faster than most takeout orders. Plus, salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with omega-3s, so you’re not just eating fast, you’re eating well. The “bang bang” sauce itself is a revelation — a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet concoction that coats the fish beautifully and adds an irresistible zing to every bite. It’s also incredibly versatile; whether you’re serving it with a simple side of rice or a crisp salad, it feels like a gourmet meal without the gourmet effort.
> “I was skeptical about another ‘quick’ recipe, but this Bang Bang Salmon is the real deal! My picky eaters devoured it, and I was shocked how fast it was to make. It’s definitely entering our regular rotation.” — A delighted home cook
Preparing Your Bang Bang Salmon
The beauty of this Bang Bang Salmon recipe lies in its straightforward approach. You’ll start by getting your salmon fillets ready, ensuring they’re patted dry for that perfect sear or bake. Then, the magic really happens as you whisk together the vibrant, creamy “bang bang” sauce – a simple mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha for that signature kick. Once your salmon is cooked to flaky perfection, it gets generously coated in this incredible sauce, transforming a simple piece of fish into an explosion of flavor. It’s truly a dish that promises big taste with minimal fuss.
What You’ll Need
To create this delectable Bang Bang Salmon, gather these essential ingredients:
- Salmon fillets: 4 (about 6 oz each), skin on or off, wild-caught if possible for best flavor.
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup (good quality, full-fat for the best creamy texture).
- Sweet chili sauce: 1/4 cup (adds essential sweetness and a subtle tang).
- Sriracha: 1-2 tablespoons (adjust to your preferred spice level).
- Rice vinegar: 1 tablespoon (to balance the sweetness and add brightness).
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: To taste.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (for cooking the salmon).
- Green onions: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for garnish).
- Sesame seeds: 1 teaspoon, toasted (for garnish, optional).
Directions to Follow
Here’s how to bring your Bang Bang Salmon to life:
- Preheat & Prep Salmon: If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a nice crust. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if you like it spicier), rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Cook the Salmon (Choose Your Method):
- Pan-Seared: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet (cast iron works great) over medium-high heat. Once hot, place salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 2-4 minutes, or until cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
- Baked: Place salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and flakes easily.
- Coat with Sauce: Once the salmon is cooked, generously spoon or brush the Bang Bang sauce over each fillet. You can do this right in the pan, on the baking sheet, or transfer to serving plates first.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if using. Serve immediately!
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Bang Bang Salmon is incredibly versatile, making it easy to pair with a variety of sides. For a truly quick weeknight meal, serve it alongside a simple bowl of steamed white or brown rice, allowing the vibrant sauce to mingle with the grains. If you’re looking to add some green, a quick sautéed asparagus or broccoli works wonderfully, as does a fresh, crisp side salad with a light vinaigrette. For a slightly more adventurous pairing, consider cauliflower rice for a low-carb option, or even smashed roasted potatoes that can soak up all that delicious sauce. Don’t be afraid to artfully drizzle any extra sauce over your chosen side dish!
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Should you find yourself with any delicious leftovers (a rare occurrence with this dish!), proper storage is key. Allow the Bang Bang Salmon to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating gently is best to prevent the salmon from drying out. A microwave on a low setting for short bursts (30-60 seconds) until just warmed through works well. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a toaster oven or conventional oven at a low temperature (around 275°F/135°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warm. Avoid high heat, as it can make the salmon tough. Freezing salmon with the sauce isn’t typically recommended, as the mayonnaise base can separate upon thawing, affecting the sauce’s texture.
Tricks for Success
To truly elevate your Bang Bang Salmon, here are a few pro tips:
- Dry Salmon is Happy Salmon: Before seasoning, always pat your salmon fillets extremely dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, which is essential for getting a beautiful sear and crispy skin (if you leave it on).
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly! Keep an eye on it. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork in the thickest part. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough, losing its luscious texture.
- Taste Test the Sauce: Seriously, do it! The “bang bang” sauce is customizable. Start with less sriracha and add more if you prefer a spicier kick. If it’s too sweet, a tiny squeeze of lime juice can brighten it up.
- Skin On or Off? For pan-searing, skin-on salmon usually yields a crispier result and helps protect the flesh. If baking, it’s entirely up to your preference.
- Garnish for Impact: Don’t underestimate the power of fresh garnishes. Chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds not only add visual appeal but also a subtle crunch and fresh flavor that complements the richness of the salmon.
Creative Twists
While the classic Bang Bang Salmon is fantastic, there are plenty of ways to put your own spin on it:
- Spice Level Adjustment: For those who love heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to your sauce. If you prefer milder, reduce the sriracha or swap it for a tiny dash of smoked paprika for flavor without the fire.
- Herbaceous Kick: Stir in some fresh cilantro or chives into your sauce for an extra layer of freshness.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished dish can cut through the richness of the sauce and add a lovely zing.
- Sweetness Variation: If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can create a similar profile with a mix of regular chili sauce, a touch of honey or maple syrup, and a dash of rice vinegar.
- Different Proteins: This “bang bang” sauce isn’t just for salmon! It’s equally delicious on shrimp, chicken, or even firm tofu for a vegetarian option.
Common Questions
How long does it take to make Bang Bang Salmon?
From start to finish, you can realistically have this delicious meal on the table in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for your busiest weeknights. The salmon cooks quickly, and the sauce comes together in a flash.
Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce is actually better if it has a little time for the flavors to meld. You can whisk it together up to 2-3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before using.
What if I don’t have rice vinegar?
If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with a tiny splash of apple cider vinegar or even a little fresh lime juice. The goal is to add a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness and richness of the sauce, so use these alternatives sparingly and taste as you go.
Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Equipment
- paper towels
- shallow dish
- whisk
- baking sheet (for baking)
- parchment paper (optional, for baking)
- air fryer (for air frying)
- small bowl
- large bowl
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillets skin on or off, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch or arrowroot powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray or a light drizzle of oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
- 0.5 teaspoon soy sauce optional
For Garnish (Optional but Recommended)
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Prep the Salmon
- Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. Whisk together cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish, then dredge each salmon piece in the mixture until evenly coated.
Cook the Salmon (Choose Your Method)
- To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), spray a baking sheet, arrange salmon in a single layer, and bake for 12-15 minutes until cooked. To air fry, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), spray the basket, place salmon in a single layer (in batches if needed), and air fry for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- While the salmon cooks, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey or maple syrup, rice vinegar, lime juice, and optional soy sauce in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Combine and Serve
- Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a large bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over it. Gently toss until each piece is coated, then serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds.