Easy Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Bang Bang Salmon recipe combines tender, flavorful salmon with a creamy, spicy sauce that adds a delightful kick. Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear the salmon, this dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, fresh lime wedges

Instructions

1. Step 1: Prepare the salmon by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, heating a skillet over medium-high heat if pan-searing, or preheating your grill to medium heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, brush with olive oil, and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Step 2: Cook the salmon. To bake, place fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until 145°F (63°C) internal temperature. To grill, place skin-side down on a well-oiled grill and cook 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully. To pan-sear, heat a nonstick skillet and cook skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through.
3. Step 3: Make the Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or maple syrup if using, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness as desired.
4. Step 4: Assemble the dish by placing the cooked salmon on a serving plate and drizzling the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or lime wedges if you like.
5. Step 5: Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad and enjoy your flavorful meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispy skin when pan-searing, press the salmon gently with a spatula during the first few minutes of cooking.
• Adjust the sauce heat by reducing or increasing the sriracha to suit your taste.
• Swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce option.
• Add fresh herbs like cilantro or basil to the sauce for a fresh twist.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. The Bang Bang sauce is best served chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate spice level thanks to sriracha, but you can easily adjust the heat by using less or more sriracha or sweet chili sauce according to your preference.

Easy Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

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4.8 from 84 reviews

This Easy Bang Bang Salmon recipe features perfectly cooked salmon fillets topped with a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, the salmon is seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and spices to enhance its natural flavor. The versatile sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice, providing a flavorful punch that pairs beautifully with the rich fish. Garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges, this vibrant dish is quick to prepare, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

Optional Garnishes

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a skillet over medium-high heat if pan-searing. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor.
2. Cook the Salmon: Choose your preferred cooking method:
   • Baking: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), ensuring the salmon is tender and flaky.
   • Grilling: Oil the grill grates, then place salmon skin-side down. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully to prevent sticking and to achieve a lightly charred crust.
   • Pan-Searing: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until crisp and golden, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or maple syrup if using, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust spice and sweetness by adding more sriracha or sweet chili sauce as preferred.
4. Assemble the Dish: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to a serving plate. Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over each fillet for rich flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges to add freshness and texture.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately, pairing with complementary side dishes such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a well-rounded meal.

Notes

• You can use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets based on your preference.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to control the heat level.
• Honey or maple syrup is optional in the sauce but adds a subtle sweetness that balances the spice.
• If baking, consider using a rack on the baking sheet for more even heat circulation.
• Store any leftover Bang Bang sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• This recipe works well with other fish or even chicken if you want to vary your protein.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, Spicy Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe, Baked Salmon, Quick Dinner, Seafood Sauce, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha Sauce, Healthy Salmon Recipe