There was a busy weeknight not long ago when I really needed a quick, satisfying dinner that didn’t require a dozen ingredients or a lot of fuss. That’s when I turned to my trusty Bang Bang Salmon. This dish has found a special spot in my weeknight cooking routine because it hits all the right notes: a creamy, spicy zing balanced with tender salmon that cooks in a snap. It’s exactly the kind of recipe I keep close when time is tight but I still want something delicious on the table.
What You’ll Need for This Bang Bang Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) – fresh is best but frozen works too; thaw completely
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – you can swap avocado oil if you prefer
- Salt and pepper – simple seasoning helps those bang bang sauce flavors pop
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise – the base of our creamy Bang Bang Salmon sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – found in most grocery stores near the Asian food aisle
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha – adjust according to how spicy you want your Bang Bang Salmon
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup – balances the spicy sauce nicely
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar – adds that slight tang typical of Asian-inspired salmon dishes
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced – for garnish and fresh flavor
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, a mix of a little honey, garlic powder, and chili flakes works okay for this Bang Bang Salmon. It’s a budget-friendly twist without losing the signature spicy salmon recipe vibe. When shopping, look for salmon fillets with the skin on for crispier edges if you like that crispy salmon dish texture.
I like to prep the sauce while the salmon hits the pan to save time. This dish keeps things simple because good cooking should be accessible and satisfying without complication. Store leftover sauce in a small jar in the fridge—it keeps for up to a week, and it tastes great on other dishes too.
Here’s my little secret that makes this Bang Bang Salmon extra special: I always include a little extra Sriracha—just a tiny splash—to give it an added zing that wakes up the flavors and keeps everyone asking for seconds.
How to Make This Bang Bang Salmon:
- Season your salmon: Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps you get that crispy salmon dish texture we love. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This simple step is key to a flavorful Bang Bang Salmon.
- Heat your pan: Place a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. When it’s shimmering hot, you’re ready for the salmon. I always remind myself this is the step where patience pays off with your Bang Bang Salmon because the salmon needs a few minutes undisturbed to crisp up.
- Cook salmon skin-side down: Lay the fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes without moving them. You’ll see the edges start to turn opaque, and the skin will get nice and crispy. If your Bang Bang Salmon looks like it’s sticking, don’t worry—that’s a good sign the crust is forming.
- Flip and finish cooking: Carefully flip the fillets over and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness and how you like your salmon done. The internal temperature should reach 125-130°F for that tender, juicy finish.
- Make your Bang Bang sauce: While salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Taste and tweak—if you like it spicier, add a bit more Sriracha. This creamy Bang Bang Salmon sauce is the heart of the dish, so don’t rush it.
- Plate and dress: Once the salmon is cooked, plate each fillet and spoon the Bang Bang sauce on top. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for freshness and a little crunch.
From start to finish, this Bang Bang Salmon takes about 15 to 20 minutes, making it an ideal quick dinner during busy evenings. While your salmon cooks, you can clean up the prep mess or toss together a simple side, like steamed rice or a crisp salad.
Over the years, I’ve learned that using fresh salmon and keeping the sauce balanced between spicy and sweet makes all the difference for this Bang Bang Salmon. If you find the sauce too thick, a teaspoon of water helps loosen it up without losing creaminess.
Serving Your Bang Bang Salmon:
This Bang Bang Salmon truly shines when served alongside something fresh and light, like steamed jasmine rice or crunchy Asian slaw. The sauce complements mild sides well, creating a balanced plate without overwhelming the flavors. Another perfect match is the Bang Bang Fried Rice, which you can find on Cakes Plus Taste—it’s a crowd-pleaser that plays nicely with the creamy sauce salmon.
When I serve this Bang Bang Salmon for family dinners, the presentation is simple but effective: salmon fillet on a white plate with a generous spoonful of the spiced cream sauce salmon on top and a sprinkle of chopped green onions. It’s enough to make the meal feel a little special without extra fuss.
For a casual get-together, try serving this as part of a spread with other Asian-inspired dishes. It’s a guaranteed hit, and friends always ask for the recipe. One of my favorite seasonal twists is adding a side of grilled asparagus in spring or a quick cucumber salad in the summer, which keeps things fresh and light.
Leftovers are fantastic too. If you happen to have any Bang Bang Salmon left the next day, I love making a quick salmon bowl with rice and steamed veggies or even packing it for lunch with a simple green salad. It reheats gently in a skillet or microwave, but keep the sauce separate until you’re ready to eat to keep that creamy texture perfect.
If you like trying different versions, there’s a delightful crispy Cajun salmon bites recipe from Grillin With Dad that brings some smoky heat into the mix, which pairs nicely with a lighter Bang Bang sauce salmon. And for those who prefer an air fryer shortcut, you can check out an airy Bang Bang Salmon recipe in the Air fryer recipes group.
Common Questions About This Bang Bang Salmon:
Can I make parts of this Bang Bang Salmon ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the Bang Bang sauce salmon a day ahead and keep it refrigerated. It saves time and the flavors actually get a little deeper overnight.What’s a good substitute for mayo in this Bang Bang Salmon?
Greek yogurt works as a lighter substitute, though it will change the creamy texture just a bit. I’ve tried it when out of mayo, and it still turns out great.How spicy is this Bang Bang Salmon recipe?
It’s mildly spicy by default but you can easily dial it up with more Sriracha or chili sauce. Personally, I add a little extra heat for friends who like things fiery.Can I use frozen salmon for Bang Bang Salmon?
Definitely. Just make sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before seasoning to get that crispy salmon dish effect.How can I adjust this Bang Bang Salmon for more or fewer people?
Simple math works here! Just multiply or divide the sauce ingredients and cook the salmon in batches if needed.What side dishes work best with Bang Bang Salmon?
Steamed jasmine rice or my Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon are great for an order of dishes with complimentary flavors. For another delicious variation, try the Garlic Butter Salmon Easy recipe.Can I make a vegetarian version of Bang Bang Salmon?
While salmon is the star here, tofu or cauliflower steaks dressed in Bang Bang sauce salmon could be fun swaps if you want to try an Asian-inspired twist without seafood.How do I get the salmon skin crispy for Bang Bang Salmon?
Patting the skin dry and cooking skin-side down without moving the fillets much helps a lot. A hot pan and oil are key!
Final Thoughts on This Bang Bang Salmon:
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe holds a special place in my collection because it’s one I keep coming back to for that satisfying, easy dinner that feels just a little indulgent. It’s a creamy sauce salmon dish with a punch of flavor and a crispy salmon dish texture that makes the whole meal feel so rewarding.
My Top Tips for This Bang Bang Salmon:
- Dry your salmon skin well before cooking for the crispiest results.
- Balance your bang bang sauce carefully—taste and tweak for spicy, sweet, and tangy harmony.
- Use a non-stick or cast-iron skillet for even cooking and easy flipping.
I also love making variations to keep things fresh: swapping in lime juice for rice vinegar, switching sweet chili sauce for a homemade chili garlic blend, or adding a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch. But the version that gets requested most often at our table is the classic Bang Bang Salmon with green onions and that vibrant creamy sauce salmon topping.
If you want to try your hand at this dish, I encourage you to make it your own, adjust the spice levels, and maybe pair it with side dishes you love. I hope you enjoy the balance of spicy and creamy flavors and how straightforward this Bang Bang Salmon comes together. It’s a recipe that brings comfort, a little excitement, and loads of satisfaction right to your dinner table.
For more inspiration, you might enjoy these other family favorites: the Bang Bang Fried Rice recipe or the Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon, both go beautifully with this Bang Bang Salmon ensemble.
Here’s to many joyful, delicious meals ahead with this Bang Bang Salmon in your recipe box!
Bang Bang Salmon
Bang Bang Salmon features crispy, pan-seared salmon fillets coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, offering a flavorful twist inspired by classic bang bang dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
- Flip salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flaky.
- Remove salmon from skillet and place on serving plates.
- Drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over each fillet.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
Serve Bang Bang Salmon over steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal. For extra crunch, add crushed nuts or fried shallots on top.