Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
If you love bold flavors that pack a punch and seafood that feels like a warm hug, you are going to fall head over heels for this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe. It’s a vibrant, spicy, and sweet delight that transforms simple salmon fillets into a restaurant-worthy dish without fuss. The creamy, zesty sauce combined with perfectly baked salmon creates a dish that’s as satisfying as it is quick to prepare—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is a brilliant example of how a handful of straightforward ingredients come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the dish sing.
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (6 ounces each): Choose firm, well-marbled fillets for the best flavor and texture.
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option): Adds creaminess and helps mellow the heat from the sriracha.
- 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Brings a spicy kick that’s central to the dish’s bold character.
- 2 tablespoons honey: Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness and caramelization.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: Introduces a refreshing citrus brightness that lifts the flavors.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Sauce
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the salmon cooks evenly and stays moist inside with that gorgeous slightly caramelized edge. While it’s heating up, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until the sauce is completely smooth. This creamy, tangy, spicy blend is what makes the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe so addictive.
Step 2: Coat the Salmon Fillets
Lay your salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Generously slather half of the spicy mayo mixture all over the top of the salmon. Don’t be shy here—this sauce will create a lovely glaze while baking that locks in moisture and flavor.
Step 3: Bake Until Perfectly Cooked
Pop the salmon into the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. You’re aiming for a beautifully cooked interior and an internal temperature of 145°F. This way, the salmon stays tender and flaky without drying out, while the sauce starts to set and caramelize on top.
Step 4: Optional Broil for Extra Caramelization
If you want to take things up a notch, switch your oven to broil and give the salmon an additional 2-3 minutes. This optional step caramelizes the sauce further, adding a touch of crunch and an irresistible golden finish to your Bang Bang Salmon Recipe.
Step 5: Serve with the Remaining Sauce
Once out of the oven, drizzle the remaining sauce over the salmon for an extra burst of creaminess and spice. This final touch ties the whole dish together and amps up the flavor profile.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped cilantro or green onions add a pop of color and freshness that compliments the richness of the sauce. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds introduces a satisfying crunch and a subtle nutty note that makes each bite even more delightful.
Side Dishes
Pair this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe with coconut rice or jasmine rice to soak up the creamy sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables such as broccoli, snap peas, or asparagus offer a fresh, crisp contrast. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or a simple mixed green salad works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salmon over a bed of soba noodles tossed with light soy sauce and sesame oil. You could also transform it into a vibrant bowl by adding avocado slices, pickled cucumbers, and shredded carrots for a truly Instagram-worthy meal full of flavor and texture.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Salmon Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the best texture, store the sauce separately if possible and drizzle it over just before serving again.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze cooked salmon wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 1 month. Defrost overnight in the fridge, but keep in mind the sauce’s texture may change slightly once frozen.
Reheating
To reheat, use a gentle oven temperature of 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes to warm through without drying out. Avoid microwaving as it may dry the salmon and alter the sauce’s creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great lighter alternative that still gives the sauce creaminess with a tangy twist. It’s perfect if you want a healthier spin without sacrificing flavor.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?
The heat mainly comes from the sriracha, which adds a pleasant spice that can be adjusted to your tolerance. If you prefer milder dishes, simply reduce the quantity of sriracha or opt for a mild chili sauce.
What if I don’t have lime juice? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute lime juice with fresh lemon juice as it provides a similar bright acidity. Avoid bottle-ready juices for the best fresh taste.
Is it necessary to broil the salmon? What difference does it make?
Broiling is optional but highly recommended if you want that extra caramelized crust on top. It adds an attractive golden color and a slight crispness to finish off the dish marvelously.
Can I make this recipe with other types of fish?
Yes! This sauce goes well with other firm, flaky fish like cod, halibut, or even shrimp. Just adjust cooking times as needed to ensure the seafood is perfectly cooked.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about a dish that is vibrant, packed with flavor, and yet as straightforward as this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe. It’s one of those recipes you hold onto because it delivers every single time—spicy, sweet, creamy, and totally crave-worthy. I wholeheartedly encourage you to dive in and make this dish part of your regular rotation. Trust me, it’s a winner you’ll want to share again and again!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe features tender, oven-baked salmon fillets coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce made with mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. With a quick preparation time of just 25 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that combines bold flavors with healthy, flaky fish.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon evenly.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until the sauce is smooth and fully incorporated.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet. Generously coat each fillet with half of the prepared sauce, ensuring an even layer on top.
- Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F, indicating the fish is cooked through and flaky.
- Optional Broil: For an extra caramelized finish, broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over the top before serving.
Notes
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier sauce.
- Ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
- Broiling is optional but adds a nice caramelized texture to the sauce.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
