If you’re on the hunt for a weeknight dinner that dazzles without piling on kitchen chaos, look no further than Bang Bang Salmon. This lively dish features tender, flaky salmon fillets baked to perfection and slathered in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce that’s downright crave-worthy. It’s a beautiful blend of flavors with just enough kick to keep things interesting, making it one of those recipes you’ll find yourself returning to time and time again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Bang Bang Salmon comes from a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients that join forces to create spectacular taste. Every item on this list has a direct role in shaping the flavor profile, ensuring it’s as punchy and vibrant as it looks on your plate.
- Salmon fillets: Choose center-cut pieces for even baking and the most tender result.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the salmon moist while it bakes.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and drawing out the salmon’s natural flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a luscious, creamy base for the beloved bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Delivers sweet heat and a sticky, glossy texture to the mix.
- Sriracha: Brings the fire! Adjust to suit your preference for spicy food.
- Honey: Balances the zip and heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
- Lime juice: Lifts everything with its fresh acidity—don’t skip it.
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds: Optional, but they add crunch, zing, and a pop of color on top.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Begin by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease it if that’s your style. Getting your pan prepped now saves any scrambling later when your hands are covered in sauce.
Step 2: Ready the Salmon Fillets
Pat each salmon fillet dry with a paper towel for the best texture—this helps the seasonings stick and ensures you’ll get a nice, slightly crisp edge. Lay the fillets skin-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Give each piece a light drizzle of olive oil, then season them generously with salt and pepper to make every bite delicious.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until your sauce is smooth and a gorgeous pale coral color. This is the flavor bomb that makes Bang Bang Salmon utterly irresistible. Taste and tweak the sriracha if you want an extra punch of heat!
Step 4: Sauce and Bake
Spoon about half of that dreamy sauce over the salmon, spreading it evenly (a silicone brush works wonders here). Slide the baking sheet into your hot oven and let the salmon bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or just until the fish flakes easily with a fork. If you love a lightly caramelized, golden finish, broil the salmon for 1 or 2 minutes at the end—just watch closely so it doesn’t burn.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the salmon from the oven and transfer to plates. Drizzle with the remaining bang bang sauce, then scatter with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for that finishing flair. Serve up your Bang Bang Salmon while it’s hot and bask in the well-deserved compliments!
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon
Garnishes
For the best finishing touch, sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the salmon just before serving. Not only do they add a pop of color, but the green onions bring a fresh, herbal lift, while sesame seeds add a fun little crunch and extra nuttiness.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Salmon pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, nutty quinoa, or a tray of simply roasted vegetables. Lightly dressed greens or shredded cabbage slaw cut through the richness of the sauce, while a wedge of lime on the side never hurts.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Bang Bang Salmon into rice bowls with avocado and radish, tuck pieces into lettuce wraps for a fresh take, or flake the salmon and pile it onto slider buns for playful, party-friendly sandwiches. It’s also fantastic over cold noodles for a summery spin!
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 sauce separate if possible, so your salmon stays as fresh and flavorful as possible.
Freezing
Bang Bang Salmon freezes surprisingly well! Simply let the salmon cool completely, wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and place in an airtight container. Freeze for up to two months. I recommend storing the bang bang sauce separately for the best texture when you reheat.
Reheating
To reheat, arrange the salmon in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Alternatively, gently reheat individual portions in the microwave at a low setting, drizzling with extra sauce after warming to keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Salmon with frozen salmon fillets?
Definitely! Just let the fillets thaw completely and pat them dry before using. This ensures the seasonings and sauce stick properly, and you still get that beautiful flaky texture.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?
Yes, Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you want a lighter or dairy-free option. It makes the sauce tangier and a bit more nutritious, but still creamy and delicious.
How spicy is Bang Bang Salmon?
It’s just the right level of zing for most palates thanks to the sweet chili sauce and a dash of sriracha. If you prefer it milder, simply reduce the sriracha; for more fire, add a little extra!
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?
Absolutely! Grill the fillets over medium-high heat, brushing with bang bang sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a deliciously smoky twist on the original recipe.
What’s the best way to know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks just opaque at the thickest point. Overcooking can make it dry, so keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Salmon is that rare unicorn of a dish: quick enough for busy weeknights, impressive enough for guests, and endlessly customizable. Give it a try and let this bold, saucy salmon win your heart and your dinner table over in just 25 minutes flat!
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Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a delicious and spicy Asian-inspired dish featuring tender baked salmon fillets glazed with a sweet and tangy sauce. This easy weeknight dinner is bursting with flavor and perfect for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Garnish:
- Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat dry salmon fillets and place them on the baking sheet. Season with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Make the sauce: Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Spread half of the sauce over the salmon.
- Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily. Optionally, broil for 1–2 minutes for caramelization.
- Serve: Drizzle with remaining sauce, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, then serve hot.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
- For a lighter option, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the sauce.
- Adjust the sriracha for more or less heat according to taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
