If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances creamy, spicy, and smoky flavors with tender, flaky fish, this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a spectacular twist on classic salmon, topped with a luscious, zesty sauce that will make every bite an explosion of flavor. Whether you bake, grill, or pan-sear your salmon, this recipe brings out the best in this versatile fish, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for family dinners or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe are surprisingly simple and each plays a crucial role in creating that unforgettable flavor profile and appealing presentation. From spices to sauce components, every item brings something special to the table.

Salmon fillets (4, 6 oz each): Your main star, rich and full of healthy fats that stay moist when cooked right.
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Helps to crisp the salmon’s surface and carry flavors evenly.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): Adds deep, savory notes enhancing the overall taste.
Smoked paprika (1 tsp): Infuses a subtle smoky warmth that complements the spicy sauce beautifully.
Salt (½ tsp): Seasoning that elevates every ingredient’s flavor.
Black pepper (½ tsp): Offers a gentle bite to balance the creamy sauce.
Mayonnaise (½ cup): Forms the rich, velvety base of the Bang Bang sauce.
Sweet chili sauce (2 tbsp): Brings sweetness with a mild kick that ties the sauce together.
Sriracha (1 tbsp): The heat powerhouse — adjust to suit your spice preference.
Honey or maple syrup (1 tbsp, optional): Smooths out the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
Rice vinegar or lime juice (1 tsp): Adds brightness and tang for balance.
Chopped green onions: Fresh and crunchy garnish to finish the dish.
Sesame seeds: Adds a nutty texture and beautiful look.
Fresh lime wedges: For an extra zesty squeeze on the side.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Start by preheating your oven, skillet, or grill to the right temperature—the key to perfectly cooked salmon. Pat the fillets dry to ensure a nice crust, then brush them lightly with olive oil. Season each fillet with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for that irresistible flavor base.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

Whether you choose to bake, grill, or pan-sear your salmon, each method offers its unique charm. Baking is gentle and ensures even cooking throughout, grilling imparts a smoky aroma and crisp skin, while pan-searing creates a golden-brown, flavorful exterior. Keep an eye on the timing to avoid overcooking—your salmon should flake easily but stay moist and tender.

Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Whip up the creamy Bang Bang sauce in a small bowl by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or maple syrup if you like it sweeter, and a splash of rice vinegar or lime juice for tang. Taste and tweak the balance of heat and sweetness until it feels just right. This sauce is what makes the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe truly sing.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Once your salmon is cooked to perfection, place it on a serving plate and generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over each fillet. The creamy, spicy sauce clings beautifully to the crispy or tender surface of the fish, marrying all the flavors together.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Finish with a warm garnish of chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for texture and color. Add fresh lime wedges on the side for those who love a bit of zing. Serve immediately and watch this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe become an instant favorite at your table.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes like chopped green onions and sesame seeds provide a fresh crunch and nutty flavor that contrast delightfully with the creamy sauce. A squeeze of fresh lime brightens every bite, giving the dish a refreshing balance you won’t want to miss.

Side Dishes

This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up every bit of that fantastic sauce. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or snap peas add a crisp, healthy complement, while a fresh green salad keeps things light and vibrant on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the salmon over a bed of crunchy shredded cabbage or napa slaw for added texture. You can even turn it into a bowl meal with rice, avocado slices, and a handful of fresh herbs. This versatile recipe makes it easy to dress up your presentation to suit any occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which might be rare!), store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

While fresh is best for this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe, you can freeze cooked salmon for up to 1 month. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a vacuum-sealed bag to protect its texture and flavor during freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low-temperature oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. Add a little extra Bang Bang sauce after reheating to revive the flavors and keep it moist and vibrant.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on or skinless salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Both work well. Skin-on salmon crisps up nicely when cooked and adds texture, but skinless fillets are just as delicious and easier to eat for some.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?

The level of spice can be adjusted to your taste by varying the amount of sriracha. Start with less if you prefer mild heat, or add more if you love a fiery kick.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, the sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before serving to bring the flavors back together.

What’s the best way to prevent salmon from sticking when grilling?

Make sure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled. Patting the salmon dry and not moving it too soon while grilling also helps achieve that perfect sear without sticking.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is great for meal prep since it reheats well and the sauce keeps the salmon moist and flavorful even after a day or two in the fridge.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is such a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. The vivid flavors, easy preparation, and fabulous presentation make it a recipe to keep close at hand whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing loved ones. Give it a try soon—you might just discover your new favorite way to enjoy salmon!

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 24 reviews

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe offers a perfect blend of spicy, sweet, and creamy flavors that elevate tender, perfectly cooked salmon fillets. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, the salmon is seasoned with garlic powder, smoked paprika, and a hint of black pepper, then topped with a luscious Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Garnished with green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges, it’s a quick, versatile, and vibrant dish ideal for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Author: Ruby
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Bake, Grill, or Pan-Sear
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper

Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

Garnish

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds
Fresh lime wedges

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a skillet over medium-high heat for pan-searing, or preheat your grill to medium heat. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, brush both sides with olive oil, then season evenly with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to enhance flavor and create a nice crust.
Cook the Salmon: For baking, place fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). For grilling, place salmon skin-side down on a well-oiled grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, carefully flipping to prevent sticking. For pan-searing, heat a nonstick skillet on medium-high heat, cook skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or maple syrup if using, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha for heat or more sweet chili sauce for sweetness.
Assemble the Dish: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to a serving plate and generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over each fillet. Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh lime wedges to add freshness and texture.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Bang Bang Salmon immediately with your favorite side dishes such as steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for a balanced and delicious meal.

Notes

You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by varying the amount of sriracha used.
For a dairy-free version, use a mayonnaise substitute if needed.
Salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
The sauce can be prepared ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor in the sauce.
Skin-on salmon helps keep the fillets moist during cooking, but you can remove the skin if preferred.