Bang Bang Salmon

This vibrant Bang Bang Salmon transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into something extraordinary in just 15 minutes. The combination of perfectly seared salmon with the creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce creates an irresistible dish that tastes like it came from your favorite restaurant.

I first made this recipe when I needed something quick but impressive for unexpected dinner guests. The sauce was such a hit that my husband now requests "that amazing orange salmon" at least once a week. What started as a last-minute solution has become our favorite way to enjoy salmon.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets either skin-on or skinless depending on your preference. Look for thick center-cut pieces with vibrant color and firm texture
• Olive oil for perfectly searing the fish and preventing sticking
• Salt and black pepper the essential foundation for any good seasoning
• Garlic powder adds savory depth without the risk of burning that fresh garlic has
• Paprika brings a subtle smokiness and beautiful color to the salmon
• Mayonnaise creates the creamy base for our bang bang sauce
• Sweet chili sauce provides that signature sweet heat Asian flavor profile
• Sriracha adds customizable spiciness to the sauce
• Honey balances the heat with natural sweetness
• Fresh lime juice brightens the entire dish with necessary acidity
• Green onions add fresh flavor and beautiful color contrast

How To Make Bang Bang Salmon

Prepare the Salmon

Start by patting your salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures you'll get a beautiful sear rather than steaming the fish. Season generously on all sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, pressing the seasonings gently into the flesh to adhere.

Heat Your Pan Properly

Add olive oil to a large skillet and heat over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers but doesn't smoke. The right temperature is key for getting that restaurant-quality crust without overcooking the fish.

Master the Salmon Cooking Technique

Place salmon in the hot pan skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. This protects the delicate flesh and allows the skin to crisp perfectly. Let it cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until you see the color change about halfway up the sides of the fillets. Flip carefully using a fish spatula and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium doneness. The salmon should flake easily but still be slightly translucent in the center.

Create the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice in a bowl until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy to your preference. The sauce should be vibrant orange with a pourable but not runny consistency.

Finish and Serve with Flair

Transfer the cooked salmon to serving plates, generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over each fillet allowing it to cascade down the sides. Sprinkle with freshly chopped green onions for color, flavor, and texture contrast. Serve immediately while the salmon is still warm and the sauce is cool for the perfect temperature contrast.

The sweet chili sauce is truly the secret ingredient that makes this dish special. I discovered it years ago during a cooking class in Thailand and have kept it as a pantry staple ever since. My daughter, who typically avoids seafood, asks for seconds whenever I make this Bang Bang Salmon, which speaks volumes about how approachable and delicious this recipe truly is.

Make-Ahead Options

The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes weeknight cooking even faster, as you only need to focus on cooking the salmon. The sauce actually improves after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together more thoroughly. Just give it a quick stir before using.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer a lighter version, Greek yogurt can replace half or all of the mayonnaise in the sauce. For those avoiding refined sugar, pure maple syrup works beautifully in place of honey. Plant-based mayonnaise creates an excellent dairy-free version without compromising flavor. In a pinch, lemon juice can substitute for lime, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.

Serving Suggestions

This Bang Bang Salmon pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce. For a lower-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or a simple cucumber salad. Steamed broccoli or bok choy provides a perfect vegetable accompaniment. For an impressive presentation, serve the salmon over a bed of rice with extra sauce on the side and garnish with sesame seeds alongside the green onions.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make Bang Bang Salmon in the oven instead?

Yes! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the salmon as directed, place on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily. Add the sauce after baking.

→ What can I substitute for sriracha if I don't like spicy food?

For a milder version, you can reduce the sriracha amount or substitute with 1 tablespoon of ketchup plus a dash of hot sauce or just a pinch of cayenne pepper for very subtle heat.

→ What sides pair well with Bang Bang Salmon?

This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed rice, roasted vegetables, Asian slaw, or a simple green salad. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.

→ Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes dinner prep even faster.

→ How can I tell when salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still slightly translucent in the center. For medium doneness, the internal temperature should reach 125-130°F (52-54°C). The fish will continue cooking slightly after removing from heat.

→ Is there a dairy-free version of Bang Bang sauce?

Yes! Use dairy-free mayonnaise as your base. Vegan mayo works perfectly in this sauce while maintaining the creamy texture and flavor profile.