Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Salmon is packed with flavor and comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy evenings. The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce adds a zesty kick to the rich salmon, creating a mouthwatering combination that is both satisfying and light. It pairs beautifully with rice, steamed vegetables, or a fresh salad, offering a balanced meal that is both nutritious and indulgent. Plus, this recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have on hand.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2-3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
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1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
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1 tsp honey
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1 tbsp lime juice
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2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
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Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Salmon:
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Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat.
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Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
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In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
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Serve:
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Spoon the bang bang sauce generously over each salmon fillet.
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Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
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Enjoy:
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Serve immediately with your choice of sides such as steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
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Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 10 minutes
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Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your preferred spice level, or substitute with another hot sauce.
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Grilled Salmon: Instead of pan-searing, grill the salmon fillets for a smoky flavor.
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Creamier Sauce: Add a splash of sour cream or Greek yogurt to the sauce for extra creaminess.
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Bang Bang Shrimp: Use this same sauce recipe for shrimp or chicken for versatile bang bang dishes.
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Gluten-Free: Ensure the sweet chili sauce and other condiments are gluten-free for a gluten-friendly version.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
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Reheating: Gently reheat the salmon in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Add fresh bang bang sauce after reheating to maintain its creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes or until cooked through. Then top with the bang bang sauce before serving.
What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?
You can make a quick substitute by mixing chili sauce with a bit of honey or sugar and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice.
Is this recipe spicy?
It has a mild to moderate spice level that can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing the sriracha.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the bang bang sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I use this sauce for other dishes?
Absolutely! This versatile sauce works great on shrimp, chicken, or even drizzled over roasted vegetables.
What sides go well with Bang Bang Salmon?
Steamed jasmine rice, sautéed greens, roasted broccoli, or a fresh cucumber salad complement the dish well.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally dairy-free. Just double-check the mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce labels if you have dietary restrictions.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
Can I freeze cooked Bang Bang Salmon?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze cooked salmon without sauce for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat gently before adding fresh sauce.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it completely before cooking for best results.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon is a quick, flavorful dish that brings exciting bold flavors to your dinner table with minimal effort. The creamy, spicy sauce paired with perfectly cooked salmon creates a meal that’s both satisfying and fresh. Whether for a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a taste of restaurant-quality seafood right at home!
Bang Bang Salmon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a quick and flavorful seafood dish featuring tender, flaky salmon topped with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Combining sweet chili, sriracha heat, and tangy lime, this easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Pair it with rice or veggies for a balanced, delicious meal that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1/2 cup mayonnaise
-
2-3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
-
1-2 tsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
-
1 tsp honey
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1 tbsp lime juice
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2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
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Prepare the Salmon:
Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook salmon skin-side down (if skin-on) for 4-5 minutes per side or until cooked through and flakes easily. Remove from heat. -
Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. -
Serve:
Spoon the bang bang sauce over the salmon fillets. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. -
Enjoy:
Serve immediately with sides like steamed rice, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Adjust sriracha to control spice level.Try grilling salmon for a smoky flavor.Add sour cream or Greek yogurt for creamier sauce.Sauce works great on shrimp or chicken too.Use gluten-free sauces for gluten-friendly version.
