Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Quick & Zesty Bang Bang Salmon Recipe for Dinner Success

Sizzling bang bang salmon brings a culinary adventure right to your dinner plate, promising an explosive blend of flavors that dance across your palate.

Creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, this dish upgrades an ordinary seafood meal into a taste sensation that sparks excitement.

The magic lies in its unique sauce, a harmonious mixture that balances heat, sweetness, and tanginess with remarkable precision.

Fresh salmon becomes the perfect canvas for this vibrant coating, absorbing every nuanced layer of deliciousness.

Seafood enthusiasts and flavor seekers alike will find themselves captivated by the bold and zesty profile of this remarkable preparation.

Each bite promises a symphony of textures and sensations that elevate the humble fish to gourmet status.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-worthy technique with just a few simple ingredients and some culinary enthusiasm.

Bold Side Dishes for Bang Bang Salmon Night

  • Spice Up with Crisp White Wine: Complement the zesty Bang Bang sauce with a bright, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. These wines cut through the richness of the salmon and balance the spicy-sweet sauce perfectly.
  • Create Asian-Inspired Side Dish: Serve alongside garlic-ginger bok choy or cucumber sesame salad. These light, refreshing sides enhance the bold flavors of the Bang Bang Salmon while adding nutritional variety to the meal.
  • Match with Cooling Beverage: Pair the spicy salmon with a cold Thai iced tea or a crisp lager beer. These drinks help temper the heat from Sriracha and provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
  • Elevate with Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped macadamia nuts over the salmon just before serving. These add delightful texture and nutty flavor that complements the Bang Bang sauce's complexity.

Mix Up Your Bang Bang Salmon with These Saucy Ideas

  • Tropical Citrus Salmon: Replace Thai sweet chili sauce with fresh orange juice and lime zest for a bright, zesty flavor profile. Add a sprinkle of toasted coconut flakes on top for extra crunch and island-inspired taste.
  • Spicy Korean Salmon: Swap Sriracha for gochujang sauce and add sesame oil to the marinade. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and green onions for an authentic Korean-inspired version of the dish.
  • Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Substitute paprika with dried oregano and thyme. Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the sauce, and add crumbled feta cheese as a finishing touch. Incorporate lemon juice for a tangy Mediterranean flair.
  • Smoky Chipotle Salmon: Use chipotle powder instead of paprika and mix adobo sauce into the Bang Bang sauce. Add a touch of smoked paprika for deeper smoky notes. Top with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a Mexican-inspired twist.

Why Bang Bang Salmon Brings the Heat and the Sweet

  • Ignite Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes through the Bang Bang sauce, creating a mouth-watering experience that transforms ordinary salmon into an extraordinary dish.
  • Master Quick Gourmet Cooking: With just 15 minutes of total preparation and cooking time, home cooks can easily create a restaurant-quality meal that looks impressive and tastes incredible, making sophisticated cooking accessible to everyone.
  • Customize with Easy Adaptations: The versatile Bang Bang sauce allows for personal tweaks by adjusting Sriracha levels for heat preference, and the recipe works equally well with different protein options like chicken or tofu, providing flexibility for various dietary needs.
  • Boost Nutritional Powerhouse: Salmon brings high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients, while the simple cooking method preserves its natural goodness, making this dish both delicious and health-conscious.

What You Need for Spicy-Crispy Bang Bang Salmon

Salmon and Seasoning:
  • Salmon Filets: Fresh, high-quality fish with rich flavor and tender texture, ideal for quick cooking.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and prevents sticking to the cooking surface.
  • Paprika, Garlic Powder, Kosher Salt, Black Pepper: Classic spice blend for enhancing salmon's natural taste and adding depth of flavor.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise: Creamy base that provides smooth texture and richness to the sauce.
  • Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweet and tangy notes with a hint of heat.
  • Sriracha: Introduces extra spiciness and complexity to the sauce.
  • Honey: Balances heat with natural sweetness and helps create glossy sauce.
Garnish:
  • Chives: Fresh herb that adds bright color and mild onion-like flavor to finish the dish.

Easy Steps to Make Flavor-Packed Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for hassle-free cooking and cleanup.

Step 2: Prep the Fish

Gather your ingredients:
  • Salmon filets
  • Olive oil
  • Paprika
  • Garlic powder
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, making sure every inch gets some love. Mix the spices in a small bowl and sprinkle generously over the filets, giving them a gentle press to help the seasoning stick.

Step 3: Whip Up the Saucy Magic

In another bowl, blend together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Thai sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey

Stir until smooth and creamy. Split the sauce into two portions- one for baking, one for the final drizzle.

Step 4: Create Flavor Layers

Brush half the sauce over the salmon, coating it with a tantalizing glaze. Arrange the filets on the baking sheet, leaving some breathing room between them.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the sheet into the oven and cook for 8-10 minutes. Keep an eye on it after 6 minutes. You’re looking for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Want a crispy top? Hit it with the broiler for 1-2 extra minutes.

Step 6: Finish with Flair

Transfer the salmon to a serving plate. Drizzle the remaining sauce over the top, creating a mouthwatering finish. Sprinkle some chopped chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up with steamed rice or a crisp salad.

Bang Bang Salmon Tips That Keep It Tender and Bold

  • Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, bright-colored salmon filets with firm flesh and a clean ocean smell for the best flavor and texture.
  • Control Sauce Heat: Adjust Sriracha amount to match your spice tolerance, adding gradually to create a perfectly balanced Bang Bang sauce.
  • Prevent Overcooking: Watch salmon closely during baking, as overcooking can make the fish dry and tough; use a meat thermometer for precise doneness.
  • Enhance Crispiness: Pat salmon filets dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior when baking.
  • Maximize Flavor Infusion: Let seasoned salmon rest for 10 minutes before baking to allow spices to penetrate the fish and create a more complex taste profile.

Keeping Bang Bang Salmon Just as Good the Next Day

  • Refrigerate: Seal leftover salmon in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the Bang Bang sauce separate to maintain texture.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve moisture and flavor.
  • Refresh Sauce: Drizzle fresh Bang Bang sauce over reheated salmon to revive its zesty taste and add moisture before serving.
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Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe


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4.5 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Zesty Bang Bang Salmon brings Korean-inspired flavors to your dinner table with a crispy, spicy coating that delights the senses. Quick and easy preparation ensures you can enjoy restaurant-quality seafood at home with minimal effort.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon filets (about pounds), skin-on

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce and Garnish:

  • 0.5 cup (116 g) mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup (66 g) Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for seamless cooking and easy cleanup.
  2. Coat salmon filets with olive oil, ensuring complete and even coverage.
  3. Create a zesty seasoning blend by mixing paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.
  4. Gently press the seasoning mixture onto the salmon, allowing the spices to adhere and infuse flavor.
  5. Craft the signature Bang Bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth and well-integrated.
  6. Strategically divide the sauce into two portions: one for pre-baking glaze and another for final drizzling.
  7. Generously brush half the sauce over the salmon filets, creating a glossy, flavorful coating.
  8. Arrange the salmon on the prepared baking sheet, positioning filets skin-side down with adequate spacing.
  9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 8-10 minutes, monitoring doneness around the 6-minute mark.
  10. Check the salmon’s internal temperature, aiming for 145°F (63°C). For additional crispness, broil for 1-2 minutes.
  11. Carefully transfer the cooked salmon to a serving plate.
  12. Embellish the filets with the remaining Bang Bang sauce, adding a luxurious finishing touch.
  13. Sprinkle chopped chives over the salmon for a pop of color and fresh herbaceous flavor.
  14. Complement the dish with steamed rice or a light salad to create a balanced, satisfying meal.

Notes

  • Spice levels can be adjusted by increasing or decreasing Sriracha amount for personal heat preference.
  • Salmon cooks quickly, so monitor closely to prevent overcooking and maintain tender, flaky texture.
  • Fresh ingredients like homemade chili sauce or local honey elevate the overall flavor profile dramatically.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 468
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 727 mg
  • Fat: 34 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Alex Reed

Alex Reed

Founder & Lead Content Writer

Expertise

Recipe Development and Testing​, Culinary Education​, Food Writing and Blogging​, Sustainable Cooking Practices, Global Cuisine Exploration

Education

Johnson & Wales University

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and contemporary cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development. Emphasized hands-on experience in diverse culinary traditions.​

Le Cordon Bleu Paris

  • Program: Diplôme de Cuisine
  • Focus: Advanced instruction in French culinary techniques, including sauce preparation, pâtisserie, and haute cuisine.​

Alex Reed is an inventive chef and food creator with a passion for dishes that balance taste, health, and sustainability. 

Trained at Portland Community College and holding an Advanced Pastry Arts certificate from Oregon Culinary Institute, Alex brings more than 10 years of practical culinary experience to every recipe he develops. 

His background uniquely blends traditional cooking skills with modern, mindful eating principles. As the founder of Beard and Bonnet, Alex creates recipes that encourage readers to cook confidently.

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