If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing seafood dish that’s equal parts bold, creamy, and deeply satisfying, Bang Bang Salmon is a dream come true. With flaky, oven-baked salmon fillets topped generously with a sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy bang bang sauce, this recipe brings restaurant magic right to your dinner table in just 25 minutes. Whether you’re feeding your family or entertaining friends, the unforgettable flavors and beautiful presentation will have everyone reaching for seconds — and asking for your secret!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What I love about Bang Bang Salmon is how it transforms the simplest lineup of ingredients into a show-stopping meal. Each element plays a role in creating that legendary balance of heat, richness, and umami — all while keeping things foolproof in the kitchen.
- Salmon Fillets: Go for fresh, firm fillets (about 6 oz each) for the perfect flaky texture and gorgeous color.
- Olive Oil: A light drizzle helps keep the salmon moist as it bakes and gives the surface a subtle, golden sheen.
- Salt: Enhances the natural sweetness of the salmon and brings all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper: Adds a gentle warmth that rounds out the overall flavor of each bite.
- Garlic Powder: Brings a savory backbone that infuses the salmon with irresistible depth.
- Mayonnaise: The velvety base for your bang bang sauce, lending creaminess and balance.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Offers a burst of sweet heat and a glossy finish to the sauce.
- Sriracha: Pumps up the spice level and gives that signature bang bang kick!
- Honey: A little drizzle mellows the heat and ties it all together with a hint of sweetness.
- Rice Vinegar: Brightens the sauce so it’s never heavy, but perfectly zingy and fresh.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and give it a quick spritz or brush of oil to keep the salmon from sticking. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels — this step helps them roast up beautifully and allows the seasonings to cling.
Step 2: Season It Up
Place your salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each piece. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Don’t be shy here; that blend sets a savory stage for the bright bang bang sauce you’ll add later.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Slide the tray into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact timing depends on the thickness of your fillets and how well done you like your salmon. The fillets should be just opaque and flake easily when you press them gently with a fork. Resist the urge to overbake — juicy salmon is key for the best Bang Bang Salmon!
Step 4: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce
While the salmon bakes, grab a small bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar. Mix until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and beautifully blended. Taste and tweak the sriracha if you want more or less heat. This sauce is the signature of Bang Bang Salmon, so give it a quick taste and adjust it just the way you like.
Step 5: Sauce and Serve
As soon as your salmon comes out of the oven, generously spoon or drizzle the bang bang sauce over each fillet. Don’t skimp — the creamy, spicy topping is what sets Bang Bang Salmon apart from every other salmon recipe. For a finishing touch, you can sprinkle on some fresh scallions, sesame seeds, or lime wedges before bringing it to the table.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon
Garnishes
The right garnish can elevate Bang Bang Salmon from delicious to restaurant-worthy. I love a sprinkle of sliced scallions for freshness, toasted sesame seeds for crunch, and a wedge of lime for a zesty twist. A little chopped cilantro or a drizzle of extra chili sauce can add color and fun for special occasions.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs like a dream with a bowl of fluffy jasmine rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp cabbage slaw to balance the richness of the sauce. You can keep things classic or mix it up based on what’s fresh or what you’re craving — even steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy make fabulous companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the cooked, sauced salmon into bite-sized pieces and serving them over salad greens or fashioning bang bang salmon tacos with soft tortillas and crunchy veggies. For parties, small fillets on appetizer spoons or atop toast rounds make a show-stopping starter. There are endless ways to let this dish shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover Bang Bang Salmon, allow the fillets to cool, then refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Store any extra bang bang sauce separately and only dress the salmon right before serving to keep everything at its very best.
Freezing
Salmon freezes surprisingly well! Pop cooled, un-sauced baked fillets into a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and add fresh bang bang sauce after reheating for a just-made taste.
Reheating
When you’re ready to reheat, warm the salmon fillets gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or until hot throughout. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the salmon moist and flaky. Rewarm the sauce separately or serve it at room temperature for the freshest, creamiest finish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for Bang Bang Salmon?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon fillets completely in the refrigerator and pat them dry before seasoning and baking. This helps the spices stick and ensures even cooking.
Is there a lighter alternative to mayonnaise for the sauce?
Yes, you can swap the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt or a mixture of yogurt and a little mayo. The result will be a lighter, tangier bang bang sauce that still clings beautifully to the salmon.
How spicy is Bang Bang Salmon?
The heat level is totally up to you. Using one tablespoon of sriracha gives a gentle kick, but you can dial it up or down based on your heat preference. Taste the sauce before serving and adjust as needed!
What can I do with extra bang bang sauce?
Leftover sauce is gold! Drizzle it over grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, crispy tofu, or even as a dip for fries. It keeps for several days in the fridge and livens up so many dishes.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Definitely! Grill the seasoned salmon fillets over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, then finish with the bang bang sauce. The smoky flavor from the grill adds a delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
I really can’t recommend Bang Bang Salmon enough — it’s fast, vibrant, and always brings a little wow to the table. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just jazzing up your weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try… I promise you’ll be hooked after the first bite!
