Bang Bang Salmon

The bold and zesty flavors of this Bang Bang Salmon recipe are guaranteed to wake up your taste buds. With a simple blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice, this creamy glaze coats the salmon in a luscious, spicy-sweet layer that caramelizes beautifully in the pan.

This dish is ideal for those hectic evenings when you need something quick yet gourmet. It pairs perfectly with a bed of fluffy jasmine rice, a side of steamed greens, or even a crisp cucumber salad. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers on flavor, heat, and comfort — all in under 30 minutes.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 2 teaspoons honey or maple syrup

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil

• Chopped green onions, for garnish

• Sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)

• Cooked jasmine rice or steamed vegetables, for serving

Directions:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the sriracha.

2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

4. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the salmon is mostly cooked through.

5. Carefully flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

6. Spoon the prepared bang bang sauce over the salmon during the final minute of cooking, letting it bubble and slightly caramelize.

7. Remove from heat and let the salmon rest for a minute.

8. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

9. Serve hot with jasmine rice or steamed vegetables.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Kcal: 390 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

What Makes Bang Bang Salmon So Popular?

Bang Bang Salmon has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to its irresistible combination of creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors—all wrapped around tender, juicy salmon. Inspired by the well-known Bang Bang Shrimp dish made famous by restaurants, this seafood spin offers an exciting twist for salmon lovers. The dish draws on Asian-inspired flavors, blending sriracha and sweet chili sauce for heat and sweetness, balanced with a cooling, creamy base like mayonnaise or Greek yogurt.

It’s perfect for those who crave bold, zesty meals but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With minimal ingredients and a quick cook time, Bang Bang Salmon delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. It’s versatile, meal-prep friendly, and works for everything from weeknight dinners to impressive date nights or dinner parties.

Flavor Profile: Sweet, Spicy, Tangy, and Creamy

The heart of this dish lies in the signature Bang Bang sauce. It’s a marriage of contrasting elements that balance beautifully on the palate. The sweetness of the chili sauce contrasts with the fiery punch of sriracha, while lime juice cuts through the richness with a zingy freshness. Creamy mayonnaise or a light Greek yogurt base ties it all together, adding body and a smooth texture that clings to the salmon without overwhelming it.

When seared or baked, the sauce lightly caramelizes on the outside of the salmon, enhancing the flavor with just the right amount of char and depth. The end result is a silky, spicy coating over flaky, moist salmon. Every bite is an explosion of flavor, and it’s easy to see why this dish has become a fan favorite for spice lovers and flavor enthusiasts alike.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There are so many reasons to fall in love with Bang Bang Salmon. First, it’s incredibly easy to make—even for beginners. You don’t need fancy techniques or special kitchen tools. A skillet, a bowl, and basic pantry staples are all it takes.

Second, it’s highly customizable. Want to cut down the spice? Reduce the sriracha or swap it with a milder hot sauce. Need a dairy-free version? Use vegan mayo or a plant-based yogurt. Craving extra crunch? Add chopped peanuts or crispy fried onions on top. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, Bang Bang Salmon fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Lastly, it looks stunning on the plate. The glaze gives the salmon a glossy finish, and garnishes like sesame seeds, scallions, or lime wedges make it look like something straight out of a gourmet kitchen. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to show off on social media—or just savor at your own table.

A Great Source of Protein and Omega-3s

Salmon is one of the most nutrient-rich fish available. It’s packed with lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like B12 and D. Omega-3s are known for supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and improving brain function. Adding salmon to your diet just once or twice a week can bring a host of health benefits.

What makes this recipe even better is that it uses minimal added sugar, and the sauce can be adjusted for lighter, more health-conscious preferences. Pairing it with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh cucumber salad makes it a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nourishing.

Perfect for Meal Prep and Busy Weeknights

One of the best things about Bang Bang Salmon is its convenience. If you’re meal-prepping for the week or need something quick after work, this recipe has your back. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week. The salmon can be cooked in batches and stored in airtight containers, then reheated gently when needed.

Because the sauce pairs well with many side dishes, you can rotate your weekly meals easily. Serve it with brown rice and edamame one day, on top of a salad the next, or tucked into tacos or wraps for a fun fusion twist. It’s incredibly adaptable to any meal plan.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Bang Bang Salmon

Achieving perfectly cooked salmon is easier than you might think. Here are a few tips to ensure success:

• Don’t overcook the salmon. It’s best to cook it until just opaque in the center, so it stays moist and tender. Overcooked salmon tends to be dry and chalky.

• Pat the fillets dry before cooking to get a good sear. This also helps the sauce stick better.

• Use medium-high heat when searing in a pan. A nice crust on the outside brings texture and seals in juices.

• Add the sauce at the end of cooking. This prevents it from burning while allowing it to warm and slightly caramelize for extra flavor.

• Let the salmon rest for a minute or two before serving. This helps redistribute juices and enhances tenderness.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Salmon

This dish shines with a variety of sides. For a comforting and classic pairing, try it with:

• Jasmine or basmati rice

• Steamed broccoli or bok choy

• Garlic sautéed green beans

• Coconut rice with lime zest

• Asian cucumber salad

• Quinoa bowls with edamame and shredded carrots

For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or zoodles (zucchini noodles) work beautifully. Want to take it in a fusion direction? Serve Bang Bang Salmon in lettuce wraps, rice paper rolls, or on top of a ramen bowl with a soft-boiled egg.

Creative Variations to Try

While the traditional recipe is stellar as is, you can tweak Bang Bang Salmon to keep things fresh:

• Air Fryer Method: For a crispier texture with less oil, cook the salmon in an air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes. Add the sauce at the end.

• Grilled Bang Bang Salmon: Perfect for summer cookouts. Grill the salmon fillets and baste with sauce during the last minute of grilling.

• Bang Bang Salmon Bowls: Layer cooked rice or grains with shredded cabbage, avocado, cucumbers, and a salmon fillet on top. Drizzle with extra sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

• Salmon Tacos: Break the fillets into chunks and serve in warm tortillas with slaw and a drizzle of the sauce.

• Baked Version: If you want a more hands-off approach, bake the salmon at 375°F for 12–15 minutes and add sauce before the last 3 minutes of baking.

Who Will Love This Dish?

Whether you’re a seafood fanatic, a spice lover, or simply looking for a fresh dinner idea, Bang Bang Salmon will hit the mark. It’s family-friendly (just adjust the heat for kids), elegant enough for guests, and satisfying enough to make it into your regular meal rotation. Even those who claim not to like salmon have been known to convert after trying it coated in this addictively creamy sauce.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon is more than just a trendy dish—it’s a culinary experience packed with flavor, simplicity, and versatility. It brings together everything we love in a weeknight dinner: fast prep, bold taste, nutritional value, and visual appeal. Whether you’re cooking it in a pan, baking it in the oven, or crisping it up in an air fryer, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.

Its creamy, spicy sauce elevates salmon in a way that feels indulgent but still wholesome, and it’s endlessly customizable to your dietary needs and flavor preferences. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again—not just for the taste, but for the ease and satisfaction it brings to your kitchen.

If you’re looking to spice up your seafood routine, Bang Bang Salmon is the answer. Simple, stunning, and packed with flavor—it’s the kind of dish that turns any night into something special.