If you’ve been on the hunt for a dish that bursts with flavor, is easy to prepare, and feels a little bit special, then this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is about to become your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender, flaky salmon fillets baked to perfection and topped with a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce make for a meal that satisfies cravings and impresses every time. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this dish strikes the perfect balance between bold and comforting, all while looking stunning on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the simplicity of olive oil seasoning the fish to the complex harmony in the bang bang sauce, each item is essential for bringing this dish to life.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each): Choose fresh, high-quality fillets for the best taste and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds richness and helps the seasonings stick while keeping the salmon moist.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that complements the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Lends a savory depth without overpowering the fish.
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika: Brings a hint of smokiness and beautiful color to the crust.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Offers a perfect mix of sweetness and spice.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Kicks up the heat with its vibrant chili flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the spiciness with gentle sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds a bright, tangy note to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish): Provides a fresh, crispy contrast.
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional): Adds subtle crunch and a nutty flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat ensures your salmon will bake evenly and develop a delicate crust. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking. Pat the salmon fillets dry to help the olive oil and seasonings cling better. Place the fillets skin-side down, drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika evenly across each piece. This simple seasoning combo is what gives the salmon a beautifully balanced flavor profile before it hits the oven.
Step 2: Bake the Salmon
Pop the salmon into the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. This timing is perfect to achieve a cooked-through, flaky texture while keeping the fillets juicy inside. You’ll know they’re ready when the salmon easily flakes with a fork but still retains its moistness. While baking, the flavors meld together — the paprika adds a slight earthiness, and the garlic powder infuses subtle aroma that will pair fabulously with the final sauce.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon cooks, prepare the magic in a small bowl. Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until you get a smooth, creamy sauce that’s bursting with complex layers of spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors. The sauce truly makes this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe sing, providing that signature boldness and luscious texture that coats the fish deliciously.
Step 4: Dress the Salmon and Garnish
Once your salmon is out of the oven, don’t wait to elevate it. Spoon or drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over each fillet while it’s still warm — this helps the sauce soak in a little and meld with the flavors. Finally, sprinkle chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds over the top. These garnishes add a fresh crunch and slight nuttiness, rounding out the flavor and adding a pop of color that makes your dish look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Green onions and sesame seeds are the classic garnishes, but you can also try thinly sliced red chili or cilantro for an added pop of brightness and vibrant color. These simple touches bring not just visual appeal but also a variety of textures that complement the creamy sauce and tender salmon perfectly.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with fluffy jasmine rice or nutty quinoa to soak up every bit of the bang bang sauce. Alternatively, a crisp green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon. The balance of starch, greens, and protein creates a well-rounded meal that feels satisfying and complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Bang Bang Salmon recipe on a bed of sautéed spinach or nestled atop roasted cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. You can also flake the salmon and toss it into a crunchy slaw for a vibrant, textural salad perfect for warm weather meals or lunchboxes. Presentation is key, and this dish plays well with plenty of creative plating ideas.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3 days. Keeping the sauce separate until reheating is ideal to maintain the best texture, but if stored together, the flavors will continue to meld beautifully.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon, but for best results, freeze the fillets without the sauce. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and adding fresh bang bang sauce.
Reheating
Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or microwave to prevent drying out. If you stored sauce separately, spoon it over just before serving to keep the vibrant flavor and creamy texture intact. A quick warm-up ensures your Bang Bang Salmon recipe stays just as delicious as when freshly made.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry to remove excess moisture before seasoning and baking. This helps the seasonings stick and ensures even cooking.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce has a pleasant kick thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce, balanced by honey and mayo, so it’s flavorful without being overwhelming. You can always adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha, depending on your preference.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you use gluten-free sweet chili sauce, this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is completely gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
Can I cook the salmon on the grill or in an air fryer?
Definitely. Grilling or air frying are great alternatives to baking and can add a nice smoky flavor or extra crispness to the salmon. Just keep an eye on cooking times as they may be shorter compared to the oven.
What can I serve instead of rice or quinoa?
Roasted vegetables, cauliflower rice, or even creamy mashed potatoes make excellent sides. The key is to choose something that complements the bold flavors and saucy texture of the Bang Bang Salmon without competing with it.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is one of those rare finds that makes weeknight dinners feel like a special occasion and simple lunches feel indulgent. Every bite delivers bold flavors, satisfying textures, and just enough heat to keep things exciting without overwhelming. I can’t wait for you to try it and add it to your favorite recipe rotation—you’ll be reaching for it again and again!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful, Asian-inspired baked salmon dish featuring tender fillets topped with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. This easy-to-make recipe combines simple seasoning and a rich sauce to create a delicious weeknight dinner that pairs perfectly with jasmine rice or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the salmon from sticking. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a nice crust when baked, then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Season the salmon: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salmon fillets. Sprinkle salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika over the fillets for a balanced and aromatic seasoning.
- Bake the salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: While the salmon is baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating the signature Bang Bang sauce.
- Dress and garnish the salmon: Once the salmon is done baking, remove it from the oven. Spoon or drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with chopped green onions and optional sesame seeds to add freshness and a touch of crunch.
- Serve: Serve your Bang Bang Salmon immediately with your choice of jasmine rice, quinoa, or a crisp side salad for a complete meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, increase the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
- This dish pairs well with jasmine rice, quinoa, or a crisp salad.
- You can also grill or air-fry the salmon instead of baking for a different texture and flavor.
- Use gluten-free sweet chili sauce to keep the dish gluten-free.
