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Easy Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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