Bang Bang Salmon is the spicy, creamy, flavor-packed dinner you didn’t know you needed—but once you try it, you’ll be hooked. Think crispy, tender salmon filets glazed with a creamy, sweet-heat sauce that’s just the right amount of tangy, spicy, and addictive. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes like you ordered takeout from a trendy Asian-fusion spot, but it’s made right in your own kitchen in under 25 minutes. One pan. Zero fuss. Maximum flavor. Let’s get to it!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 22 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon filets (6 oz each, skin on or off)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon garlic powder for a little extra punch
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Kewpie mayo if you’re feeling fancy)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (more if you like it hotter)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice (for tang)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Red chili flakes
- Steamed rice or jasmine rice for serving
- Roasted broccoli or snap peas on the side
Instructions
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (or fire up your air fryer to 400°F if you want an even quicker cleanup). Pat salmon dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, pepper, and garlic powder if using.
- Make That Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and vinegar. Give it a little taste—if you want it spicier, add another squeeze of Sriracha. This sauce is liquid gold, y’all.
- Cook the Salmon: Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon for about 2–3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 7–8 minutes (or air fry for 8–10 minutes) until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Sauce It Up: Once the salmon is cooked, spoon that bang bang sauce generously over each filet. You can pop it under the broiler for 1–2 minutes if you want the sauce to get caramelized and bubbly—highly recommend.
- Garnish & Serve: Top with green onions, sesame seeds, or a pinch of chili flakes. Serve over fluffy rice with a veggie on the side, and watch everyone go back for seconds.
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Why You’ll Love It
It’s fast. It’s flavorful. And it’s a total crowd-pleaser—even picky eaters get on board with this one. You can even meal prep it by doubling the sauce and keeping it on hand for shrimp, chicken, or tofu. And if you’re keto or low-carb? Just swap out the honey for a little erythritol and serve it over cauliflower rice. Boom.