If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with a tender, flaky texture, this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. The luscious combination of spicy, sweet, and creamy elements turns simple salmon filets into an irresistible meal that feels both special and comforting. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing friends, this recipe brings a punch of vibrant flavor with minimal fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of making this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe. Each one plays a crucial role—whether it’s providing richness, heat, or a burst of color—to create that signature bold and creamy taste.
- 4 salmon filets, about 1½ pounds, skins on: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick and promotes a lovely golden finish.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a smoky warmth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle savory depth into the fish.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild bite and complexity.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base for the bang bang sauce that coats the salmon with richness.
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings a perfect blend of sweet and spicy heat that makes this dish unforgettable.
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha: Adjust based on your heat preference—adds an exciting kick.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances spice with a gentle sweetness to round out the sauce.
- Chives, chopped for garnish: Offers a fresh, bright contrast and a pop of green color.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple prep sets the stage to cook your salmon evenly and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Drizzle olive oil over each salmon filet, rubbing it gently on all sides to lock in moisture and help the seasoning stick. Mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper together, then sprinkle this flavorful blend generously over the salmon. This layer of spice gives your filets a seasoned crust packed with flavor.
Step 3: Make the Signature Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. This creamy sauce is what truly brings the dish to life. Split it into two halves—one for brushing over the salmon before baking and the other for drizzling at the end to double down on flavor!
Step 4: Coat and Arrange the Salmon
Brush the first half of the sauce evenly over each salmon filet. Place the filets skin-side down on your lined baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced out to bake evenly and get that beautiful texture.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the salmon for 8 to 10 minutes. Keep an eye starting around the 6-minute mark so you don’t overcook the delicate fish. The goal is an internal temperature of 145°F for perfectly flaky salmon. If you want a bit of crispy edge, pop them under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Final Touches
Once baked, transfer the salmon to a serving plate and drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped chives for that fresh, vibrant finish that wakes up all the senses.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped chives adds not only color but also a mild onion flavor that perfectly complements the creamy, spicy sauce. For extra flair, a few lime wedges can provide a bright citrus note to balance the richness.
Side Dishes
Steamed jasmine or basmati rice is a classic pairing, soaking up the delightful bang bang sauce that drips off the salmon. Roasted or sautéed vegetables such as asparagus, snap peas, or bok choy add crunch and freshness to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe over a bed of mixed greens with avocado slices and crunchy cucumber ribbons for a refreshing salad twist. You can also plate it with crispy roasted potatoes or even tucked inside lettuce wraps for a fun, handheld option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to 2 days, making a quick lunch or light dinner just as enjoyable.
Freezing
Freezing cooked salmon can be a bit tricky due to its delicate texture, but if needed, wrap each filet tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Use within one month for best flavor and thaw slowly overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
The best way to reheat your bang bang salmon is gently in a warm oven (around 275°F) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the salmon moist and tender rather than drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use salmon without skin for this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Skin-on filets help keep the salmon moist during cooking, but skinless works well too. Just handle gently to prevent it from drying out.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce has a balanced heat that can be adjusted by adding more or less Sriracha. It’s pleasantly spicy but not overwhelming, making it accessible for most palates.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?
Yes, grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Just brush the sauce on before placing it on the grill and watch carefully as it cooks quickly over direct heat.
Is the sauce suitable for other proteins?
Definitely! This creamy, spicy sauce is fantastic on shrimp, chicken, or even drizzled over grilled vegetables.
What can I substitute for Thai sweet chili sauce?
If you can’t find Thai sweet chili sauce, a mix of honey and a mild chili sauce or a sweet-spicy jam can work as a substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite the same.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe a try and discover just how quickly a handful of simple ingredients can come together to create something so exciting and delicious. It’s a perfect blend of bold flavors and comforting textures that anyone will love, whether it’s your first time or your hundredth. Happy cooking and eating!
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Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (4 salmon filets)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make baked salmon dish featuring a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. The salmon filets are seasoned, baked to perfection, and then finished with a drizzle of the bold sauce and a garnish of fresh chives. This recipe offers a delightful balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors, making it a perfect weeknight dinner served warm, ideally with rice.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon filets (about 1½ pounds, skins on)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup (116 g) mayonnaise
- ¼ cup (66 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
Garnish
- Chives, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Salmon: Drizzle olive oil over all sides of the salmon filets and gently rub it in for even coating. In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper and sprinkle this seasoning evenly over the salmon.
- Make Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Stir well until smooth. This yields about 1 cup of sauce; set half aside for serving later and use half for brushing on the salmon.
- Brush Sauce: Use half of the prepared sauce to evenly brush over the top of each salmon filet, coating them with the flavorful Bang Bang sauce.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the salmon filets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is some space between each piece.
- Bake Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, checking after 6 minutes to avoid overcooking. The salmon is done once it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
- Optional Broil: For a crispier finish, broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes after baking.
- Finish and Garnish: Transfer the salmon to a serving plate and drizzle with the reserved sauce. Sprinkle chopped chives on top for a fresh, colorful garnish.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Salmon warm, ideally alongside rice or your favorite side dishes.
Notes
- You can adjust the sriracha amount to control the spiciness of the sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon; checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness.
- For a keto-friendly meal, serve the salmon with steamed vegetables instead of rice.
- Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Skin-on filets help keep the salmon moist during baking but can be removed before serving if preferred.
