Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

I absolutely love this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe because it’s the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and sweet all at once. When I first tried this, I was blown away by how easily the flavors came together with just a handful of ingredients, and the salmon turns out tender and juicy every time. It’s one of those meals that feels fancy but comes together in about 15 minutes—ideal for a weeknight dinner or an impressive but effortless dish to serve guests.

You’ll find that this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is so versatile and forgiving, especially if you’re new to cooking fish. The sweet chili, sriracha, and honey combo creates a beautiful glaze that caramelizes just right in the air fryer or oven. Plus, the garlic adds a subtle kick that rounds out the flavors. I love whipping this up when I want something that’s flavorful yet light, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe are simple but thoughtfully paired to give you that spicy-sweet, creamy glaze that clings to the salmon perfectly. Make sure your smokescreen’s fresh because a good-quality salmon really makes a difference.

• Salmon Filets: I always go for skinless salmon filets for easy cooking and clean presentation.
• Mayonnaise: This adds creaminess and richness to the sauce that balances the spicy chili and sriracha.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Look for a good brand with a sticky texture and the right amount of sweetness.
• Sriracha: Adds heat and a smoky garlic flavor; you can adjust this depending on how spicy you want it.
• Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness—feel free to add more if you want a milder glaze.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic really lifts the sauce and makes a noticeable flavor difference.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple but essential seasoning to bring out the salmon’s natural flavor.
• Dried Parsley and Sesame Seeds: Optional for garnish but adds a lovely touch of color and a bit of nuttiness.

Variations

I like to mix things up with this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe depending on what’s in season or what my family is craving. Don’t be afraid to tweak the sauce or try a few added ingredients to make it your own.

• Lower Heat Version: When my kids are eating with us, I reduce the sriracha and add a bit more honey to keep it milder, and they love it just the same.
• Add Crunch: Sometimes I top the salmon with crushed peanuts or crispy fried shallots for an extra texture contrast.
• Swap the Protein: If salmon isn’t your thing, this sauce is equally delicious on shrimp or grilled chicken.
• Herb Boost: Fresh cilantro or basil mixed into the sauce adds a nice pop of freshness that’s really lovely.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prep Your Salmon

Start by patting your salmon filets dry with a paper towel, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is key to enhancing the natural flavor of the fish and helps the sauce stick better later on.

Step 2: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and honey. I like to use a whisk to make sure the sauce is smooth and evenly combined. Don’t forget to set aside about half of this sauce for spooning over the salmon when it’s cooked.

Step 3: Coat the Salmon

Next, generously spread the sauce all over the salmon pieces, coating every side so the flavors get into the fish while cooking. You’ll notice that the sauce is thick enough to cling nicely, which means you’ll get that caramelized glaze we all love.

Step 4: Cook to Perfection

Place the salmon in a preheated air fryer at 400°F and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, checking for doneness; the salmon should flake easily without drying out. If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake it in the oven at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes. I’ve found that controlling cooking times depending on your salmon’s thickness is important—overcooked salmon is such a bummer!

Step 5: Add Final Touches and Serve

Once cooked, spoon the reserved sauce on top of each salmon filet, then sprinkle some dried parsley and sesame seeds for a pop of color and texture. Serve immediately while it’s warm and enjoy the layers of flavor this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe brings to your plate.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing my Bang Bang Salmon with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and a little dried parsley or even fresh cilantro when I have it on hand. It adds a nice pop of color and a subtle crunch that really elevates the dish visually and flavor-wise.

Side Dishes

Some of my favorite side dishes to serve alongside this salmon are jasmine rice or coconut rice, sautéed garlic green beans, or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the heat and richness. Roasted sweet potatoes also bring a comforting sweetness that pairs wonderfully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at dinner parties, I’ve served this Bang Bang Salmon over a bed of crispy wonton strips or even inside lettuce wraps for a light, finger-food option. Drizzle extra sauce on the side for dipping, and you’ll have guests asking for the recipe right away!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Bang Bang Salmon in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat it within two days. The sauce keeps well, but the salmon is best fresh, so I avoid hanging on to it too long.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked salmon before, but with this glaze, I recommend freezing the salmon and sauce separately if possible. Freeze the salmon in a tightly sealed bag and the sauce in a small container, then thaw and gently reheat together to keep the texture and flavor intact.

Reheating

To reheat leftover Bang Bang Salmon, I prefer warming it in a low-heat oven or air fryer for just a few minutes to maintain that crispy edge. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make the salmon rubbery and the sauce separate.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe has become a go-to for me when I want dinner that feels indulgent but doesn’t require a ton of effort or fancy ingredients. It’s a perfect balance of sweet heat and creamy goodness that makes every bite exciting. I genuinely hope you give this recipe a try—it’s one I keep coming back to, and I think you’ll enjoy it just as much as my family and I do. Give it a shot, and maybe pop open a crisp white wine to celebrate your cooking win!

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