Bang Bang Salmon
Crispy, tender salmon coated in a creamy, sweet, spicy “Bang Bang” sauce inspired by the famous restaurant-style flavor combination. This dish is quick, bold, and perfect for rice bowls, tacos, salads, or a main dinner plate.
Recipe Overview
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
- Total Time: About 30 minutes
What Is Bang Bang Sauce?
Bang Bang sauce is a creamy spicy sauce usually made with:
- mayonnaise,
- sweet chili sauce,
- hot sauce,
- honey.
It tastes:
- creamy,
- sweet,
- tangy,
- mildly spicy.
The sauce pairs especially well with salmon because the rich fish balances the spicy sweetness.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1½ pounds (680 g) salmon fillets
- Skin removed if preferred
- Cut into 4 portions or cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha
- Adjust depending on spice preference
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice or rice vinegar
Optional Garnishes
- chopped green onions
- sesame seeds
- cilantro
- lime wedges
Equipment Needed
- Baking tray or air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Spoon or whisk
- Parchment paper (optional)
Step 1 — Preheat Cooking Method
Oven Method
Preheat oven to:
- 425°F (220°C)
OR
Air Fryer Method
Preheat air fryer to:
- 400°F (200°C)
Step 2 — Prepare the Salmon
Pat salmon dry with paper towels.
Why this matters:
- helps seasoning stick,
- improves browning,
- prevents steaming.
Cut the Salmon
You can prepare it two ways:
Fillets
Elegant dinner-style presentation.
Cubes/Bites
Best for bowls, tacos, and crispy edges.
Cut into:
- 1½-inch chunks if using cubes.
Step 3 — Season the Salmon
In a small bowl mix:
- paprika
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- pepper
- cayenne
Drizzle salmon with olive oil.
Rub seasoning evenly over all sides.
Step 4 — Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a bowl combine:
- mayonnaise
- sweet chili sauce
- sriracha
- honey
- lime juice
Whisk until smooth.
Sauce Balance Guide
Sweeter
Add more honey or sweet chili sauce.
Spicier
Add extra sriracha or cayenne.
Tangier
Add more lime juice.
Step 5 — Cook the Salmon
Oven Method
Line baking tray with parchment paper.
Place salmon pieces spaced apart.
Bake:
- 10–12 minutes for cubes
- 12–15 minutes for fillets
Salmon is done when:
- flakes easily,
- center is opaque,
- internal temp reaches 145°F (63°C).
Air Fryer Method
Arrange salmon in single layer.
Cook:
- 8–10 minutes
Shake basket halfway if using cubes.
Optional Crispy Finish
Broil for:
- 1–2 minutes
This gives:
- caramelized edges,
- slight crispiness.
Step 6 — Add the Sauce
There are two methods:
Method 1 — Tossed
Toss cooked salmon gently in sauce.
Best for:
- rice bowls,
- tacos,
- salads.
Method 2 — Drizzled
Drizzle sauce over salmon before serving.
Best for:
- cleaner presentation,
- crispy texture retention.
Step 7 — Garnish
Top with:
- green onions
- sesame seeds
- cilantro
Serve with lime wedges.
Serving Ideas
Rice Bowl
Serve over:
- jasmine rice
- coconut rice
- brown rice
Add:
- cucumber
- avocado
- edamame
- carrots
Tacos
Use:
- flour tortillas
- slaw
- avocado
- extra Bang Bang sauce
Salad
Serve over:
- crunchy lettuce
- cabbage
- cucumbers
- carrots
Pasta or Noodles
Excellent with:
- rice noodles
- lo mein
- sesame noodles
Flavor Profile
This dish combines:
- rich buttery salmon,
- creamy sauce,
- sweet chili flavor,
- garlic spices,
- balanced heat.
Texture
You get:
- crispy edges,
- flaky salmon,
- silky sauce,
- fresh garnishes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Overcooking the Salmon
Dry salmon loses its buttery texture.
2. Crowding the Pan
Spacing helps caramelization.
3. Adding Sauce Too Early
Sauce can burn in high heat.
4. Not Drying the Salmon
Moisture prevents browning.
Storage
Refrigerator
Store up to:
- 3 days
Keep sauce separate if possible.
Reheating
Best reheated gently:
- oven at 350°F (175°C)
- for 5–7 minutes
Avoid overheating.
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~420
- Protein: ~34 g
- Fat: ~26 g
- Carbohydrates: ~10 g
