🐟 Bang Bang Salmon Recipe (Ready in 15 Minutes)
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy! Juicy, tender salmon fillets are pan-seared or baked to golden perfection and then coated in a luscious Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. The sauce clings beautifully to the flaky salmon, giving every bite a burst of flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you want something special with minimal effort.
🧂 Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tbsp honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise (or yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste. Set aside. - Season the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. - Cook the Salmon (Two Options):
- Pan-Seared Method (Quick & Crispy):
Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, until golden and cooked through. - Oven-Baked Method:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
Bake salmon for 10–12 minutes until flaky and tender.
- Pan-Seared Method (Quick & Crispy):
- Add the Sauce:
Once the salmon is cooked, drizzle or brush the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with chopped green onions. - Serve:
Serve hot with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
🍽 Servings
- Makes 4 servings
Notes
- For a lighter version, replace mayo with Greek yogurt or light mayonnaise.
- Want extra crunch? Top with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts before serving.
- Adjust sriracha based on your spice preference — add more for heat, less for mildness.
- Use fresh salmon for the best texture and flavor; frozen works too if thawed properly.
🧠 Tips
- Don’t overcook salmon: It should be tender and flake easily with a fork.
- If pan-searing, start with skin-side down to achieve crispy skin.
- Let the salmon rest for a minute after cooking before saucing — this helps it absorb flavors.
- The Bang Bang sauce can also be used as a dip for shrimp, chicken, or roasted veggies.
⚖️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values with regular mayonnaise)
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Protein: 34 g
- Fat: 24 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
(With Greek yogurt instead of mayo, calories drop to ~310 kcal per serving.)
🌿 Health Benefits
- Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health.
- Lime and chili sauce add antioxidants and vitamin C.
- Greek yogurt version boosts protein and reduces fat.
- A wholesome balance of lean protein, healthy fats, and satisfying flavor!
❓ Q&A Section
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes — just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure even cooking.
Q2: Is this recipe spicy?
It’s mildly spicy. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your liking for more or less heat.
Q3: Can I make it in the air fryer?
Absolutely! Cook at 200°C (400°F) for 8–10 minutes, then brush with sauce.
Q4: What sides go best with this?
Try garlic rice, roasted veggies, couscous, or mashed potatoes for a balanced meal.
Q5: Can I store leftovers?
Yes — refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave.