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Bang Bang Salmon – Spicy, Creamy, and Irresistible
Bang Bang Salmon is a modern twist on traditional baked salmon, featuring a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that elevates the fish to restaurant-quality perfection. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual entertaining, or even meal prep. With just a handful of ingredients, you can transform ordinary salmon into a flavor-packed masterpiece.
Whether you’re a seafood lover or trying salmon for the first time, this dish delivers a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and umami. The creamy Bang Bang sauce clings to the salmon, creating a mouthwatering glaze that pairs beautifully with rice, roasted vegetables, or fresh greens.
In this article, we’ll walk you through every step—from ingredient selection to cooking tips—and provide variations to customize your Bang Bang Salmon.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2–3 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, finely minced
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for extra heat
Garnish
- Sesame seeds, toasted
- Fresh cilantro or green onions, chopped
- Lime wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels. Rub olive oil evenly on both sides, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Bake the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if applicable. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is cooked through but still tender and moist. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: While the salmon is baking, combine mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy. Adjust the spiciness by adding more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne.
- Glaze the salmon: Once the salmon is baked, brush generously with the Bang Bang sauce. You can return it to the oven for 2–3 minutes to slightly caramelize the sauce, or serve immediately for a creamier texture.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro or green onions on top. Serve with lime wedges for a fresh, zesty finish.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Salmon
- Choose fresh salmon: Look for fillets with firm flesh and a vibrant pink-orange color. Wild-caught salmon has a richer flavor, but farmed salmon is also excellent.
- Don’t overbake: Salmon cooks quickly. Overbaking can make it dry. Check the internal temperature with a thermometer or use the fork-test: the flesh should flake easily but remain moist.
- Adjust spiciness: The beauty of Bang Bang sauce is its versatility. Reduce sriracha for milder heat or increase for a fiery kick.
- Marinate if desired: For extra flavor, you can marinate the salmon in 1–2 tbsp of the sauce for 15–30 minutes before baking.
Serving Suggestions
- With rice: Serve over steamed jasmine or basmati rice for an Asian-inspired meal.
- With greens: Pair with a fresh salad or sautéed greens for a lighter option.
- With roasted vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers complement the creamy, spicy sauce beautifully.
- Meal prep friendly: Bake multiple fillets and store in airtight containers for lunches or dinners during the week.
Variations
- Air fryer Bang Bang Salmon: Cook fillets at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes for a crispy exterior.
- Bang Bang Shrimp or Chicken: Use the same sauce with shrimp or chicken tenders for a different protein option.
- Spicy Coconut Version: Add 1–2 tbsp of coconut milk to the sauce for a creamy, tropical twist.
Fun Facts & Cultural Context
The term “Bang Bang” is inspired by the popular Bang Bang Shrimp dish, which originated in Houston, Texas. It refers to the bold, spicy, and creamy flavor profile of the sauce. While salmon isn’t traditional in the original recipe, it pairs beautifully with the sauce due to its rich, fatty texture.
Bang Bang Salmon is part of the modern fusion cuisine trend, combining Asian-inspired flavors like sriracha and sesame with classic Western ingredients like salmon and mayonnaise. It’s a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a gourmet-level dish at home.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Vitamin A: 4%
- Vitamin C: 6%
- Calcium: 2%
- Iron: 8%
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Salmon is more than just a quick dinner—it’s a flavorful, show-stopping dish that feels special yet is incredibly easy to prepare. Its creamy, spicy sauce adds a wow factor, while the tender, flaky salmon ensures every bite is satisfying. Perfect for weeknight meals, dinner parties, or meal prep, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite.
Bang Bang Salmon
Creamy, spicy Bang Bang Salmon with a flavorful glaze, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat salmon fillets dry. Rub with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Place salmon on prepared sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through but still moist.
- While salmon bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Brush baked salmon generously with Bang Bang sauce. Optional: return to oven for 2–3 minutes to slightly caramelize.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, cilantro or green onions, and serve with lime wedges.
Notes
Adjust sriracha for spiciness. Can be made ahead and stored in fridge for 1-2 days.
