Bang Bang Salmon

If you’re craving something bold, spicy, creamy, and totally addictive, this Bang Bang Salmon recipe is exactly what you need in your weeknight dinner rotation. Inspired by the ever-popular Bang Bang Shrimp, this version uses perfectly baked or pan-seared salmon fillets smothered in a creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce that hits every flavor note—sweet, savory, and just the right amount of heat. The result is a dish that feels restaurant-quality but comes together effortlessly at home. It’s fast, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable whether you’re cooking for one, two, or a family.

What Is Bang Bang Salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon is a delicious twist on the viral Bang Bang Shrimp—an appetizer made famous by restaurants like Bonefish Grill. The original sauce features a creamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha or hot sauce. It’s tangy, creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once. When paired with tender, flaky salmon, it becomes a full-on flavor bomb that feels indulgent without being complicated. You can bake the salmon, air fry it, or pan-sear it depending on your mood and how crispy or soft you want the edges. Once cooked, the fish is glazed or drizzled with that creamy bang bang sauce and optionally garnished with fresh herbs, sesame seeds, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a reason everyone becomes obsessed with bang bang-style dishes: they’re ridiculously tasty and incredibly simple to make. This Bang Bang Salmon is no exception. It’s a one-pan, minimal-effort meal that tastes like something you’d order from a trendy seafood spot. The sauce alone could carry the dish—it’s creamy with just the right balance of heat and sweetness—but when it melts over hot salmon, it creates a luscious glaze that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s also highly versatile: you can serve it over rice, quinoa, noodles, or wrapped in lettuce cups for a low-carb option. Want to meal prep for the week? This recipe holds up beautifully in the fridge and even better when paired with roasted vegetables or a crisp salad.

The Secret’s in the Sauce

What makes bang bang anything irresistible is the sauce, and making it couldn’t be easier. All you need is mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version), sweet Thai chili sauce, a bit of sriracha or hot sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice to brighten it up. The mayo makes it creamy, the chili sauce adds sweetness and tang, and the sriracha brings that gentle heat that lingers just enough. This sauce comes together in a minute or less and can be adjusted depending on how spicy you like your food. You can even prep it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week—trust me, you’ll want to put it on everything from roasted veggies to sandwiches.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Step-by-Step

Start by choosing your salmon. You can use skin-on or skinless fillets depending on your preference. Pat them dry and season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of paprika or garlic powder for added depth. If baking, place the fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 12–15 minutes, or until the fish is flaky and cooked through. If pan-searing, heat a bit of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. While the salmon cooks, mix your bang bang sauce in a bowl. Once the fish is done, you can either brush the sauce over the salmon and pop it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes to caramelize, or simply drizzle the sauce over top before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro if you like.

Tips for Best Results

The key to perfectly cooked salmon is not overcooking it. Salmon continues to cook a bit after being removed from heat, so take it out when it’s just turning opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you’re not sure, use a food thermometer—salmon is perfectly cooked at 60°C (145°F). If you want the sauce to stick better or form a glaze, add it during the last 2 minutes of baking or quickly broil it after spreading the sauce. For an even crispier texture, lightly coat the salmon with cornstarch or flour before pan-searing. And don’t forget to let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after cooking so the juices can redistribute.

Creative Ways to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

This dish is incredibly flexible and pairs well with so many sides. You can go classic and serve it over jasmine rice or coconut rice with steamed broccoli or bok choy. Want something lighter? Toss together a cucumber-avocado salad or serve it over a bed of shredded cabbage and carrots for a bang bang salmon bowl. You can also flake the salmon and use it in tacos with cabbage slaw and lime crema, or pile it into lettuce cups for a low-carb dinner. Feeling bold? Try it on top of noodles with some sautéed spinach and drizzle extra sauce on top—it’s like takeout, but healthier and faster.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Tips

Bang Bang Salmon is great for meal prep or storing leftovers. Cooked salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. Keep the sauce separate if possible and add it fresh when reheating. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish. The sauce can be made in advance and kept in the fridge for up to a week, and it also makes a great dip for veggies or topping for grain bowls and wraps.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon is one of those recipes that surprises you the first time you make it. It’s so easy, yet delivers huge flavor. The balance of spicy, creamy, and sweet sauce paired with juicy, flaky salmon creates a meal that feels restaurant-level without requiring advanced cooking skills or specialty ingredients. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or looking for new ways to enjoy salmon, this recipe is a guaranteed win. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, meal prep, or anytime you’re craving something fast, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Try it once, and it just might become your new favorite salmon recipe.

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