If you’re craving a dish that bursts with flavor in every bite, the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is an absolute game changer. Imagine a perfectly cooked salmon fillet, crispy on the edges and tender inside, coated with a luscious, creamy sauce that balances sweetness, spice, and tang. It’s a dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also brings a delightful pop of color and texture to your dinner table. This recipe is simplicity and elegance rolled into one, making it perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe calls for straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create a sensational dish. Each component is essential, adding layers of flavor, texture, and vibrant appeal to the final result.
- 1.1 pound salmon (4 fillets): Fresh salmon is the star, providing rich, buttery flavor and tender flesh.
- 2 stalks spring onions, chopped: Adds a crisp, fresh bite and a lovely pop of green color.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the sauce, making it luxuriously smooth.
- 2 tbsp sriracha: Brings a spicy kick that wakes up the palate.
- 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce: Infuses a gentle sweetness and a hint of heat that perfectly complements the salmon.
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup: Adds depth with a natural sweetness that balances the spice.
- ½ tbsp lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy brightness to round out the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, maple syrup, and lemon juice in a bowl or jar until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering a perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors that will elevate the salmon beautifully.
Step 2: Coat the Salmon Fillets
Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Use a pastry brush to generously coat each fillet with the bang bang sauce, making sure to cover the top, sides, and edges. This not only flavors the fish but also helps to lock in moisture during cooking.
Step 3: Cooking in the Oven or Air Fryer
If you’re using an oven, preheat it to 400°F. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a greased baking tray and bake for about 15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. For an air fryer, lightly oil the basket, preheat to 400°F, arrange the fillets skin-side down in a single layer, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes. Both methods ensure a tender interior with a slightly crispy exterior.
Step 4: Garnish and Serve
Once cooked, garnish the salmon with the chopped spring onions and drizzle some extra bang bang sauce on top. Serve immediately while it’s warm and bursting with flavors. This step adds a fresh crunch and an extra layer of saucy goodness that ties everything together.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped spring onions are classic for a reason—they add fresh color and a sharp bite that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce. You can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for added texture and herbal brightness.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice to soak up the extra bang bang sauce. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or snap peas add vibrant color and crunch, making your meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your Bang Bang Salmon Recipe over a bed of mixed greens or spiralized vegetables. Drizzle the remaining sauce artfully around the plate and top with a lime wedge for an extra pop of color and citrus zing. Your guests will be wowed by both the flavors and the visual appeal!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers (though that rarely happens!), store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy it as a quick meal or snack.
Freezing
Salmon with the bang bang sauce freezes best before cooking. Coat the fillets with the sauce, place them in a freezer-safe container or bag, and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and cook as described.
Reheating
To keep the salmon tender and prevent it from drying out, reheat gently in a low oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving when possible, as this can make the fish tough and the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The sauce can be made up to two weeks in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully and saves time when you’re ready to cook.
What if I don’t have sriracha? Can I substitute something else?
If sriracha isn’t available, you can use any other hot sauce with a similar heat level, like chili garlic sauce or a mild hot sauce. Adjust the quantity to taste depending on your preferred spice level.
Is it okay to cook salmon with the skin on?
Yes, cooking salmon with the skin on helps keep the fillets moist and intact. It also gets deliciously crispy if you choose to pan-sear or roast it. You can easily remove the skin after cooking if you don’t want to eat it.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
While fresh salmon is preferred for the best texture and flavor, frozen salmon works well too. Just make sure to thaw it fully in the refrigerator before coating with sauce and cooking.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?
The recipe has a lovely balance of spice and sweetness, offering a gentle kick rather than overwhelming heat. You can always adjust the amount of sriracha to make it milder or hotter based on your taste.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is one of those dishes that easily becomes a favorite because it manages to be simple, vibrant, and indulgent all at once. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your rotation. Don’t wait to bring this delightful flavor combo to your table!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a deliciously crispy, sweet, spicy, and creamy dish perfect for dinner. The salmon fillets are coated generously with a flavorful bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, pure maple syrup, and lemon juice, then baked or air fried to perfection. Garnished with fresh spring onions and extra sauce, this dish offers a delightful balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess complemented by your favorite vegetable side.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1.1 pound salmon, 4 fillets
- 2 stalks spring onions, chopped
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha
- 2 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp pure maple syrup
- ½ tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl or jar, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, pure maple syrup, and lemon juice. Whisk thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and well combined.
- Prepare the Salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Using a pastry brush, coat each salmon fillet generously with the bang bang sauce, ensuring the sides are well covered for maximum flavor.
- Preheat the Cooking Appliance: Preheat your oven to 400°F (if baking) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F, brushing the basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Salmon: For oven baking, place the salmon fillets skin side down on a greased baking tray and bake for 15 minutes. For air frying, arrange the salmon fillets in a single layer skin side down in the air fryer basket and cook for 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through.
- Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish the salmon with chopped spring onions and drizzle extra bang bang sauce on top. Serve the salmon warm with your choice of vegetable side dishes.
Notes
- Leftover bang bang sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks.
- To ensure the salmon is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part; it should read 145°F.
- You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by varying the amount of sriracha according to your preference.
