If you’re craving a weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in a snap, Bang Bang Salmon is about to become your new obsession. This crowd-pleasing dish features perfectly baked salmon fillets dressed in a creamy, tangy, and just-spicy-enough Bang Bang sauce that will have you reaching for seconds. With a harmonious blend of sweet chili, sriracha, and mayo, every bite of Bang Bang Salmon brings indulgent flavor and a little kick, making it hard to believe how easy it all is to whip up from scratch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Bang Bang Salmon is all about making simple ingredients shine. Each item does a specific job, from ensuring the salmon cooks up juicy and flavorful, to bringing the sauce to life with irresistible layers of heat and sweetness.
- Salmon fillets: Look for four 6-ounce pieces, skinless or skin-on; fresh or previously frozen both work as long as they’re thawed and patted dry for perfect roasting.
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon lends moisture to keep the salmon tender and adds a subtle richness.
- Salt: A half teaspoon is just right to enhance all the bold flavors without overwhelming the dish.
- Black pepper: Adds gentle warmth and depth that balances the sauce’s creamy sweetness.
- Paprika: Brings a pop of color and a hint of smoky earthiness that perks up the whole plate.
- Garlic powder: For a whisper of garlicky goodness in every bite.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce, perfectly mellow and lush.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tbsp): Offers sticky sweetness and that signature tangy, garlicky flavor.
- Sriracha (1 tbsp or to taste): Adjust the amount if you love more or less heat—this is where the spicy magic happens.
- Honey (1 tbsp): Balances the sriracha’s fire and brings out the natural sweetness in the sauce.
- Rice vinegar (1 tsp, optional): Adds a delicate, bright tang that makes the sauce sing.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so everything is ready to cook as soon as you’re done with your quick prep. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a swipe of oil to keep cleanup effortless. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this is the secret to getting that beautiful, slightly crisp top as they roast.
Step 2: Season and Arrange the Fillets
Brush each salmon fillet lovingly with olive oil, ensuring the whole surface is glistening. Now, sprinkle over salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder, making certain each piece is cloaked in flavor. Place the fillets on your prepared baking sheet, skin side down if using skin-on salmon. This keeps the fish sturdy and extra moist while roasting.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pop the seasoned salmon into your preheated oven and let it bake for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fillets are opaque and flake effortlessly with a fork, or when your trusty thermometer reads 145°F (63°C) at the thickest point. Baking at high heat locks in juiciness while creating savory edges—so good!
Step 4: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon is doing its thing, grab a small bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and (if you’re feeling zesty) the rice vinegar. Give it a taste: Add more sriracha if you love some burn, or a touch more honey for extra comfort. The result is a sauce so creamy, punchy, and crave-worthy, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything in sight.
Step 5: Sauce and Serve
As soon as your salmon emerges from the oven, lavish the fillets with generous spoons of Bang Bang sauce while they’re still hot. Let the sauce drape and pool over the sides, or serve it on the side for accordion-like dipping. Finish things off with green onions or a flurry of sesame seeds for that “ta-da!” vibe.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon
Garnishes
Elevate your Bang Bang Salmon with the simplest touch—sliced scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Both add crunch, color, and a hit of fresh flavor that perfectly complements the creamy, spicy sauce. If you’re feeling extra, a squeeze of lime or a lightning bolt of microgreens brings both brightness and flair to the plate.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Salmon shines alongside fluffy jasmine rice or nutty brown rice, ready to soak up any extra sauce. For something green, try quick-roasted broccoli, garlicky sautéed bok choy, or a crisp cucumber salad, which all cut the richness and add beautiful contrast. Want a crunchier pairing? Air fryer potato wedges or even sweet potato fries are a match made in heaven with that spicy-sweet sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving Bang Bang Salmon in rice bowls topped with avocado slices, edamame, and shredded carrots—the ultimate power bowl! Or, tuck the fillets inside tortillas for a killer taco night, complete with coleslaw and extra Bang Bang sauce. If you’re all about appetizers, flake the salmon and pile it onto crostini with microgreens for a party-perfect bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep extra Bang Bang Salmon fresh, transfer cooled fillets to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to three days. For the best flavor, keep the sauce separate and only drizzle on just before eating. The sauce itself keeps well in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week, which is handy for sandwiches or dipping veggies on the fly!
Freezing
Salmon freezes beautifully once cooked, making this meal great for advance meal prep. Simply wrap individual cooked fillets tightly in plastic wrap or foil, tuck them into a freezer bag, and store for up to two months. Be sure to freeze the sauce separately in a small container so you can thaw just the amount you need when cravings strike.
Reheating
To reheat Bang Bang Salmon without drying it out, place the thawed or refrigerated salmon in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm it in a 325°F oven until just heated through (about 10 minutes). For a quick fix, you can microwave in 20-second bursts, but go slow to keep that luscious texture. Always add the Bang Bang sauce after reheating for the freshest taste.
FAQs
Can I use another fish for Bang Bang Salmon?
Absolutely! This recipe is delicious with other firm, mild fish like cod or halibut. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for thinner fillets, as they may bake faster than salmon. The Bang Bang sauce truly works on almost anything—it’s magic!
Is Bang Bang Salmon spicy?
Bang Bang Salmon has a gentle, inviting heat thanks to sriracha, but it’s easily customizable. If you prefer a milder flavor, simply reduce the sriracha or leave it out entirely. For those who love some fire, add extra to taste.
Can I make Bang Bang Salmon in an air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer delivers even speedier results and a fantastic texture. Cook the seasoned salmon at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. The sauce stays exactly the same and is just as irresistible.
What’s the best way to know when salmon is done?
Your salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque all the way through. For extra confidence, check that the thickest part registers 145°F with an instant-read thermometer. Overcooking is the main enemy here—so keep an eye out!
Can I make Bang Bang Salmon gluten-free?
Definitely! Simply make sure your sweet chili sauce and sriracha are gluten-free (most major brands are, but always double-check the label). The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish an easy and safe choice for those who avoid gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve never tried Bang Bang Salmon before, trust me—once you take that first bite, this dish will become a fixture in your dinner rotation. Bursting with vibrant flavors and ready in less than half an hour, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to whenever you need a little dinnertime delight. Give it a whirl and fall in love with how easy and delicious homemade Bang Bang Salmon can be!
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Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a delicious and flavorful baked salmon dish topped with a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce. This Asian-inspired recipe is easy to make and a sure crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skinless or skin-on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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 (optional, for tang)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet.
- Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry, brush with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Bake the salmon: Place the seasoned salmon on the baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Finish and serve: Drizzle the baked salmon with the sauce and garnish with green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
- To make it in the air fryer, cook salmon at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
- The bang bang sauce is versatile and can be used as a dip for veggies or shrimp.
- Extra sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 21g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
