Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

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When I first made this Bang Bang Salmon recipe, I was just looking for a bold, flavorful way to jazz up weeknight salmon. What I didn’t expect was how quickly it would become a family favorite. With its creamy, spicy-sweet sauce and tender chunks of salmon, this dish hits every note — savory, rich, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. It’s one of those dishes that tastes like you spent hours on it, but it comes together surprisingly fast.

I love how the salmon caramelizes under the broiler while the sauce thickens to a glossy finish. And the best part? You can serve this in so many ways — over rice, with roasted veggies, in lettuce wraps, or even on top of a salad. It’s that versatile and addicting. This Bang Bang Salmon is everything I want in a dinner: effortless, punchy, and satisfying.

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Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

This recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor into your kitchen with minimal effort. The salmon is juicy and flaky, while the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce adds a satisfying kick. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish delivers big flavor with simple ingredients. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes — making it perfect for busy weeknights.

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What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

You can use fresh or frozen salmon for this recipe, but I recommend skinless, boneless fillets cut into cubes for even cooking and more surface area for that irresistible sauce. Wild-caught salmon will give you a deeper, richer flavor, while farm-raised tends to be milder and fattier, which also works well here.

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Options for Substitutions

No mayo? Try plain Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier twist.
Can’t find sweet chili sauce? Mix sriracha with a little honey and rice vinegar.
Don’t eat seafood? This bang bang sauce works wonders on chicken, tofu, or even roasted cauliflower.
Looking to make it dairy-free? Use a vegan mayo or coconut cream instead of the traditional version.

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Ingredients for This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

• Salmon fillets (skinless, boneless) – The star of the dish. Tender and flaky, salmon absorbs the bold bang bang sauce beautifully.
• Mayonnaise – Creates the creamy base of the sauce, helping everything emulsify and cling to the salmon.
• Sweet chili sauce – Brings sweetness and a mild heat, giving the sauce its signature bang bang flavor.
• Sriracha – Adds a spicy kick. Adjust to your heat preference.
• Honey – Balances the heat with a touch of natural sweetness.
• Garlic (minced) – Infuses savory depth to the sauce and roasted flavor when baked.
• Lime juice – Brightens the overall dish and cuts through the richness of the mayo.
• Salt & pepper – Essential for seasoning the salmon before baking.
• Olive oil or cooking spray – Prevents sticking and helps the salmon sear.
• Fresh chopped parsley or green onions – For garnish and a pop of freshness.

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Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, minced garlic, and lime juice. Taste and adjust for your desired level of sweetness or heat. Set aside.

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Step 2: Cube the Salmon

Cut the salmon into 2-inch chunks. This helps them cook evenly and absorb more sauce. Pat the pieces dry with a paper towel for better browning.

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Step 3: Season the Fish

Sprinkle the cubed salmon with salt and pepper. Optionally drizzle with a little olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.

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Step 4: Arrange and Bake

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and place the salmon cubes evenly spaced. Bake uncovered for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is almost fully cooked.

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Step 5: Add the Bang Bang Sauce

Remove the salmon from the oven and pour the sauce evenly over the top. Use a spoon to coat each piece.

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Step 6: Broil to Finish

Switch your oven to broil and return the salmon to the oven. Broil for 2-4 minutes, or until the top is slightly charred and the sauce is bubbling and caramelized.

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Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley or green onions over the top and serve hot. It’s best enjoyed fresh from the oven.

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How Long to Prepare the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Prep Time: The preparation takes about 10–15 minutes. That includes mixing the sauce, cubing the salmon, and seasoning everything. If you’re using frozen salmon, make sure to factor in thawing time in advance.

Cooking Time: Baking the salmon takes about 10–12 minutes, followed by 2–4 minutes under the broiler to achieve that golden crust. So, total cooking time is roughly 15–20 minutes. From start to finish, you can have this entire dish ready in 30 minutes or less.

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Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon

• Pat the salmon dry before seasoning — this helps it sear and bake without steaming.
• Use fresh lime juice for the sauce — it adds a noticeable brightness.
• Don’t skip the broiler step — it caramelizes the sauce and gives a crispy edge to the salmon.
• Taste the sauce before baking — everyone’s heat tolerance is different, so feel free to adjust the sriracha.
• Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after broiling so the juices redistribute and stay moist.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overcooking the salmon – Keep a close eye on the broiler to avoid drying out the fish.
• Using too much sauce upfront – Wait until after baking to add most of the sauce so it doesn’t burn.
• Crowding the pan – Give the salmon space so it roasts rather than steams.
• Skipping the seasoning – Salt and pepper bring out the natural flavor of the salmon.
• Forgetting to taste the sauce – Adjust the sweet and heat levels to your preference.

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What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon?

1. Jasmine Rice

Fluffy jasmine rice soaks up the extra sauce perfectly.

2. Steamed Broccoli

Its mild flavor pairs well with the spicy, creamy salmon.

3. Garlic Noodles

Tossed in sesame oil and soy sauce, these noodles are a savory companion.

4. Cucumber Salad

Cool, crunchy cucumbers balance the richness of the dish.

5. Lettuce Wraps

Scoop pieces of salmon into butter lettuce for a light and fresh serving idea.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration: Store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing it.

Reheating: Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but be careful not to overcook.

Freezing: It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition (per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Calories: 420 kcal
• Protein: 30g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugar: 6g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 85mg
• Sodium: 480mg
• Fiber: 0g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes it a “Bang Bang” sauce?

Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy blend made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It’s popular in Asian-American fusion recipes.

Can I grill the salmon instead?

Yes! You can grill the salmon cubes on skewers or in a grill pan. Add the sauce after grilling for best flavor.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely — just reduce or omit the sriracha for a milder version.

Can I use pre-cooked salmon?

Yes, but you’ll want to heat it gently and just broil it briefly with the sauce to avoid overcooking.

Can I make this low-carb?

Definitely. Serve it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps instead of rice or noodles.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon is the kind of recipe that proves quick and easy doesn’t mean boring. With just the right balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet, it’s a flavor-packed dinner you can whip up in half an hour. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is endlessly adaptable and guaranteed to impress. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again and again.

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