Bang Bang Salmon
Bang Bang Salmon is tender, flaky salmon coated in a creamy sweet-spicy sauce with just the right kick. It’s fast enough for a weeknight dinner, but bold enough to feel restaurant-level. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or on top of a crunchy salad.
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Nutrition (per serving)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Salmon is fast, flavorful, and incredibly versatile. The salmon cooks quickly, then the creamy sweet-spicy bang bang sauce takes it over the top with a restaurant-style finish. It works for weeknight dinners, meal prep bowls, and even party-style salmon bites.
Ingredient Highlights
Salmon stays tender and flaky when cooked quickly at high heat. Sweet chili sauce adds the signature sticky sweetness, while sriracha brings heat you can easily adjust. Mayo creates the creamy base that makes bang bang sauce cling to every bite, and a splash of vinegar or lime brightens everything up so it doesn’t taste heavy.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Pat salmon dry. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
Season the salmon so it’s flavorful before the sauce goes on.
Step 2: Make the bang bang sauce by whisking together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and optional sesame oil.
Whisk the Bang Bang sauce until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Cook the salmon in the oven, air fryer, or skillet until just cooked through.
Air fry for a quick, juicy salmon finish.
Step 4: Spoon or brush bang bang sauce over the cooked salmon. If you want it slightly caramelized, broil for 1 to 2 minutes.
Spoon or brush the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon.
Step 5: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.
Finish with scallions, sesame, and a squeeze of lime.
Tips for Best Results
For the juiciest salmon, avoid overcooking and pull it as soon as it flakes easily with a fork. If you love a sticky, slightly charred finish, add the sauce at the end and broil for a minute or two, watching closely. For salmon bites, cut the salmon into even cubes so everything cooks at the same speed and the sauce coats every piece evenly.
Pull the salmon as soon as it flakes easily so it stays juicy.
Variations
If you want a lighter bang bang sauce, swap half the mayo for Greek yogurt. For extra heat, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne. If you want it more citrusy, use lime juice and zest. This recipe also works beautifully as bang bang salmon tacos, bang bang salmon bowls, or bang bang salmon salad.
Classic, lighter, or extra spicy depending on your heat level.
FAQ
Can I make bang bang salmon in the air fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 10 minutes depending on thickness.
Can I prep bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Store it in the fridge for up to 5 days and stir before using.
What should I serve with bang bang salmon?
Rice, cucumber salad, roasted broccoli, slaw, or tortillas all work well.
Recipe
Bang Bang Salmon
Ingredients
- 1.25 lb (570 g) salmon fillets (or salmon bites)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey (or maple syrup)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (or lime juice)
- 1 tsp sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Pat salmon dry. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional garlic powder.
- 2
Step 2: Make the bang bang sauce by whisking together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and optional sesame oil.
- 3
Step 3: Cook the salmon (choose one method): Air fryer: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 7 to 10 minutes.
- 4
Step 4: Spoon or brush bang bang sauce over the cooked salmon. If you want it slightly caramelized, broil for 1 to 2 minutes.
- 5
Step 5: Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime. Serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.