Easy Bang Bang Salmon

🍣 Easy Bang Bang Salmon

Spicy, creamy, and full of flavor – ready in just 25 minutes!

Bang Bang Salmon is a fun twist on the famous Bang Bang Shrimp. It’s made with juicy, flaky salmon and topped with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and totally addictive.

Whether you bake, grill, or pan-fry the salmon, it turns out delicious every time. This dish is great for quick weeknight dinners, family meals, or even meal prep!

❤️ Why You’ll Love It

• So flavorful – creamy, spicy, tangy sauce on tender salmon
• Quick & easy – only 25 minutes from start to finish
• Healthy – high in protein and omega-3s
• Flexible – cook it your way: bake, grill, or pan-sear
• Perfect for meal prep – stores and reheats well

🕒 Time & Servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
• Serves: 4 people

🛒 Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (more or less to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

1. If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   If pan-searing, heat a nonstick pan on medium-high.
   For grilling, heat your grill to medium.
2. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
3. Brush each fillet with olive oil and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

• To Bake:
  Place salmon skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  Bake for 12–15 minutes, until the center reaches 145°F (63°C).
• To Grill:
  Oil your grill. Place salmon skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes per side.
• To Pan-Sear:
  Place salmon skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook for 4–5 minutes, flip, then cook another 3–4 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix together:

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey (if using)
• Vinegar or lime juice

Taste it! Add more sriracha if you like it spicier, or more sweet chili sauce if you want it sweeter.

Step 4: Put It All Together

1. Place cooked salmon on a serving plate.
2. Spoon the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet.
3. Sprinkle with green onions, sesame seeds, or serve with lime wedges (optional).

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the salmon right away with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad on the side.

🍽️ Fun Ways to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

• Bowl-style: Over rice or quinoa with avocado and veggies
• In tacos: Flake the salmon and serve in tortillas with slaw
• On a salad: Add to greens, tomatoes, cucumber, and use the sauce as dressing
• Sheet pan dinner: Bake salmon with veggies like asparagus or sweet potatoes

🧠 Tips for Success

• Dry the fish first: Helps it brown nicely
• Don’t overcook: Salmon is best when it flakes easily and stays moist
• Use a thermometer: Cook to 145°F (63°C) inside
• Make sauce ahead: It tastes even better after sitting in the fridge!

🥡 Storing & Reheating

• Store: Keep leftovers in the fridge (in airtight containers) for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven or on a pan over low heat.
• Freeze: You can freeze the raw, seasoned salmon (without sauce) for up to 3 months.

🥗 Healthy Swaps

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce
• Skip honey or use sugar-free sauce for less sugar
• Pair with whole grains like brown rice or quinoa
• Add veggies like steamed broccoli or a cucumber salad

❓ FAQ

Can I make it less spicy?
Yes! Use less sriracha or leave it out.

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw it overnight in the fridge first.

Can I use a different fish?
Absolutely! Cod, trout, or halibut work well too.

Can I grill the salmon?
Yes! It tastes amazing grilled — just oil the grates first.

🎉 Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Salmon is quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor. The spicy, creamy sauce on perfectly cooked salmon is a combo that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself — this dish is sure to impress.