Bang Bang Salmon

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🍽️ Recipe: Bang Bang Salmon

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 12–15 minutes

  • Servings: 4

Ingredients

The Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • ½ tsp garlic powder

  • Salt and black pepper to taste

  • Optional: Cornstarch (for a slight crust)

The Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)

  • ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

  • 1–2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust based on your heat tolerance)

  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup

  • 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

Instructions

  1. Prep the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Set aside about 1/4 of the sauce for drizzling later.

  2. Season the Fish: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a light dusting of cornstarch if you want a bit of a “bite” to the edges.

  3. Cook (Air Fryer or Oven):

    • Air Fryer (Recommended): Place fillets in the basket at 400°F (200°C). Brush a generous layer of the sauce over the top. Cook for 8–10 minutes depending on thickness.

    • Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Place salmon on a lined baking sheet. Coat with sauce and bake for 12–15 minutes.

  4. Glaze & Char: For the best results, brush on more sauce halfway through cooking. If using an oven, you can broil for the last 2 minutes to get those charred, bubbly spots on the glaze.

  5. Finish: Remove from heat, drizzle with the reserved sauce, and garnish with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

💡 Tips for Success

  • Dry the Fish: Use a paper towel to remove moisture from the salmon before seasoning. This ensures the sauce sticks and the fish flakes properly rather than steaming.

  • Don’t Overcook: Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), but many prefer it at 135°F for a more tender texture.

  • The “Crunch” Factor: If you love texture, top the salmon with crushed Panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little butter before baking.

🥗 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380 kcal

  • Protein: 34g

  • Fat: 22g

  • Carbs: 11g

  • Sugar: 8g

✨ Benefits

  • Omega-3 Powerhouse: Excellent for heart health and brain function.

  • High Protein: Keeps you full and supports muscle repair.

  • Anti-Inflammatory: Thanks to the healthy fats in the salmon and the capsaicin in the sriracha.

❓ Common Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen salmon? A: Absolutely. Just make sure it is fully thawed and patted dry before you start.

Q: Is there a way to make this dairy-free or Keto? A: It is naturally dairy-free (if using mayo). For Keto, swap the sweet chili sauce for a sugar-free version and use a keto-friendly sweetener instead of honey.

Q: What should I serve this with? A: It pairs perfectly with jasmine rice, quinoa, or garlicky bok choy. For a low-carb option, try cauliflower rice or a crisp cucumber salad.

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