Craving a quick and flavorful dinner? Bang Bang Salmon is juicy, flaky, and covered in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s ready in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Serve it with rice or veggies, and you’ve got a meal the whole family will love.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Salmon is a recipe that balances flavor, speed, and versatility. The salmon cooks in under 10 minutes, yet every bite bursts with a sweet and spicy kick from the creamy sauce. You’ll love how the sauce combines the richness of mayonnaise with Thai sweet chili and a hint of Sriracha for heat.
It’s also a flexible recipe. You can bake it, broil it, or even pop it in the air fryer when you want a crisp finish. Because it uses simple pantry ingredients, it’s beginner-friendly and nearly foolproof. Families enjoy it because the sauce can be adjusted for mild or bold spice.
Another reason this dish works so well is how easily it pairs with sides. Rice, roasted vegetables, or even a fresh salad turn it into a balanced dinner. The recipe is also great for meal prep, since leftovers taste just as good cold over greens. Quick, delicious, and adaptable, this salmon will quickly become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Making Bang Bang Salmon only requires a few fresh salmon filets and some simple pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a role in balancing flavor and texture, creating a dish that feels special without extra effort.
Key Ingredients
Salmon: Choose fresh, skin-on salmon filets. The skin protects the flesh while cooking and keeps it moist.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base for the sauce. It helps the flavors cling to the fish.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and a gentle kick. It’s the key to that classic “bang bang” taste.
Sriracha: Brings heat. Use a little for mild spice or more if you love it fiery.
Substitutions and Variations
You can replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce. Chicken or white fish like cod and sea bass also work beautifully with the same flavors. Adjust the spice by adding more Sriracha or cutting it back if cooking for kids. If you’re short on sweet chili sauce, mix honey with a touch of hot sauce for a quick fix.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon (Step-by-Step)
Prepare the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment. Rub each salmon filet with olive oil, making sure all sides are coated. Then sprinkle a mix of paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly across the fish.
Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. The mixture should be smooth and creamy. Divide the sauce in half, saving one portion for brushing before baking and the other for drizzling when serving.
Cook the Salmon
Place the salmon filets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Brush with half the prepared sauce. Bake for 8–10 minutes, checking at 6 minutes to avoid overcooking. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally. For a crispier top, broil for 1–2 extra minutes.
Add Sauce and Serve
Transfer the cooked salmon to plates. Drizzle with the reserved sauce and sprinkle chopped chives on top for freshness. Serve it warm alongside rice or veggies.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon Method
For an even quicker version, cook Bang Bang Salmon in the air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Lightly oil the basket or line it with parchment designed for air fryers. Place the seasoned salmon filets inside, skin-side down, and brush with half the sauce.
Cook for 5–6 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F. This method creates a crispier texture while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Drizzle the remaining sauce once it’s cooked, then garnish with chives. The air fryer version is ideal if you’re making sides like Air Fryer Fried Pickles or Air Fryer Parmesan Crusted Chicken and want everything done fast.
Tips for Perfect Salmon
Salmon can overcook quickly, so always check it around the 6-minute mark. It should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F. Leaving the skin on helps protect the delicate flesh and makes it easier to remove after cooking if you prefer not to eat it.
If you enjoy a crispy finish, broil for 1–2 minutes after baking. Always use parchment or oil the air fryer basket to prevent sticking. Remember to divide the sauce to avoid cross-contamination with raw fish. These small steps guarantee your salmon turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Salmon pairs beautifully with fluffy rice or quinoa. You can also serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for balance. If you like, make extra sauce to serve on the side as a dip. It’s delicious with veggies or even spooned over a baked potato, like this Air Fryer Baked Potato.
For a lighter option, serve the salmon cold over salad greens with an extra drizzle of sauce. It also works well for meal prep because it reheats gently without drying out.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the extra sauce refrigerated separately for up to a week. For the best texture, reheat salmon in the oven until just warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold straight from the fridge over a salad.
Never leave the mayo-based sauce at room temperature for long. If you’re packing lunch, store the sauce in a small sealed container and drizzle it just before eating. Leftover salmon keeps its flavor and makes a quick, satisfying meal.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon is quick, flavorful, and versatile. With its creamy, spicy sauce and flaky fish, it’s a recipe that works just as well for busy weeknights as it does for meal prep. Try both the oven and air fryer methods to see which you prefer. Serve it with rice, veggies, or salad, and don’t forget that extra drizzle of sauce. Once you try it, you’ll see why this dish is a favorite in so many kitchens. You can also check out more recent recipes or save this one to your Pinterest board for later.
Bang Bang Salmon
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking sheet Lined with parchment paper
- Mixing bowl
- Brush or spoon For applying sauce
Ingredients
- 4 filets (about 1½ pounds) salmon, skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Rub salmon filets with olive oil on all sides.
- Mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper together. Sprinkle evenly over salmon.
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Divide sauce into two portions.
- Brush half the sauce over the seasoned salmon.
- Place salmon skin-side down on the prepared sheet. Bake 8–10 minutes, checking doneness at 6 minutes. Internal temp should reach 145°F. Broil for 1–2 minutes if desired.
- Remove from oven. Drizzle with the remaining sauce, garnish with chives, and serve warm with rice.
