There’s something undeniably comforting about gathering around the dinner table with a dish that’s both familiar and full of surprises. For our family, salmon has always been one of those go-to proteins that shows up in every season—quick to cook, easy to flavor, and always satisfying. But when you give it a little twist—like the irresistible kick of creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce—it becomes something truly special.

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is our weeknight hero. It’s inspired by the bold, crave-worthy flavors found in Asian-fusion cuisine—specifically, that famous Bang Bang sauce known for its perfect balance of heat and creaminess. Originally popularized in restaurants as a shrimp dish, the “Bang Bang” concept has taken on a life of its own, and for good reason. It’s flavorful, it’s fast, and it has that “wow” factor that makes even a simple piece of salmon feel like a treat.

Whether you’re cooking for your family or just making a cozy dinner for yourself, this dish delivers comfort and a bit of flair. It’s perfect for those evenings when you want something quick, but still crave a little magic on your plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Big Flavor, Low Effort: That signature Bang Bang sauce transforms everything it touches.
• Healthy Comfort Food: High in protein and packed with nutrients.
• Customizable Heat: You control the spice level to suit your taste.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (or lemon juice as substitute)

To Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh lime wedges (optional)

HOW TO MAKE BANG BANG SALMON:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it’s heating, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings stick and ensures the fish gets a nice, light crust when cooked.

Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased foil. Drizzle olive oil over each piece, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give them a gentle rub so every inch gets seasoned.

Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and look opaque throughout.

Step 4: Make the Sauce
While the salmon is baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Taste it and adjust the sriracha if you want more heat. This sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, with a satisfying kick—it’s what gives the dish that addictive bang-bang flavor.

Step 5: Broil with Sauce (Optional but Recommended)
Once the salmon is cooked through, spoon a generous amount of the Bang Bang sauce over each fillet. Switch your oven to broil and pop the salmon back in for 1–2 minutes. This helps the sauce caramelize just a bit and gives the top that restaurant-style finish. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a minute or two. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh pop of flavor and texture. Serve with lime wedges on the side if you like a zesty finish.

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Adjust Spice to Your Preference: If you’re sensitive to heat, reduce the sriracha or leave it out entirely. You can always add more later!
• Use Skin-On Salmon: The skin helps hold the fillet together while baking and adds flavor. You can remove it after cooking if you prefer.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make extra sauce and use it on chicken, roasted veggies, or rice bowls throughout the week.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Aim for an internal temp of 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
• Diet: Gluten-Free, Pescatarian-Friendly

NOTES:

This dish is incredibly flexible. You can use the same sauce on shrimp, chicken, or even tofu. It also pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh cucumber salad. And if you’re serving it for guests, drizzle the extra sauce over everything—it adds instant gourmet vibes!

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Estimated per serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 9g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sodium: 520mg

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I make this in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook the seasoned salmon at 400°F for 10–12 minutes in the air fryer. Add the sauce during the last 2 minutes for a quick caramelization.

Is there a lighter version of the sauce?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or a mix of yogurt and mayo to lighten it up while keeping it creamy.

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before seasoning and baking.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, and add a fresh drizzle of sauce before serving to bring back the flavor.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Easy Crispy Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
• Bang Bang Salmon Bites: A Bite-Sized Explosion of Flavor
• Crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bites
• Honey Butter Garlic Glazed Salmon Bites

CONCLUSION

This Bang Bang Salmon brings restaurant-style flavor to your kitchen without the hassle. It’s bold, bright, and has just the right amount of heat to wake up your taste buds. Whether it becomes your new weeknight favorite or a fun twist for your next dinner party, one thing’s for sure—everyone will be asking for the recipe.

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