Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Sizzling Bang Bang Salmon Recipe: Spicy Bliss on a Plate

Culinary magic happens when bang bang salmon bursts onto your dinner plate with its irresistible crunch and zesty charm.

Creamy, spicy sauce drizzled generously creates an explosion of flavors that dance across your taste buds.

Wild textures blend seamlessly in this crowd-pleasing dish that originated from creative restaurant kitchens.

Crisp panko coating guarantees a satisfying crackle with every single bite.

Seafood enthusiasts will adore how quickly this recipe comes together, making weeknight cooking feel like a gourmet adventure.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary salmon fillet into something extraordinary and memorable.

You won’t believe how effortlessly this recipe turns an average meal into a celebration of bold, tantalizing flavors.

What Makes Bang Bang Salmon Totally Crave-Worthy

  • Speed Up Cooking: Quick preparation method that transforms salmon into a restaurant-quality dish in just minutes.
  • Flavor Explosion: Tangy sweet chili sauce mixed with spicy sriracha creates a mouthwatering bang bang sauce that elevates the mild salmon flavor.
  • Crispy Texture Magic: Perfectly seared salmon develops a golden, crispy exterior while maintaining a tender, juicy interior that delights every bite.
  • Versatile Meal Option: Adaptable recipe suitable for busy weeknights, date nights, or impressive dinner parties with minimal cooking skills required.

What Goes Into Bold Bang Bang Salmon

Core Ingredients:
  • Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the main protein of the dish.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.
Cooking Fats and Oils:
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a crispy exterior and prevents the salmon from sticking to the pan.
Sauce Components:
  • Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey, Lime Juice: A combination of creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy ingredients that create the signature bang bang sauce.
Garnish and Toppings:
  • Green Onions, Sesame Seeds, Red Chili Slices: Fresh herbs and seeds that add color, texture, and additional flavor to the finished dish.

How to Get That Bang Bang Flavor Just Right

Step 1: Prepare Salmon Fillets

Grab your salmon fillets and gently pat them dry using paper towels. This crucial step removes excess moisture and helps create a wonderfully crispy exterior when cooking.

Step 2: Season the Fish

Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over both sides of the salmon fillets, ensuring even coverage for maximum flavor.

Step 3: Heat the Cooking Surface

Place a large skillet on the stove and pour in olive oil.

Turn the heat to medium-high and wait until the oil starts shimmering and looks hot.

Step 4: Cook Salmon Skin-Side Down

Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet.

Let them sizzle for 4-5 minutes until the skin turns golden and becomes delightfully crispy.

Step 5: Flip and Finish Cooking

Gently flip the salmon and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.

The fish is ready when it turns opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

Step 6: Whip Up Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey
  • Lime juice

Whisk everything together until the sauce becomes smooth and well blended.

Step 7: Plate and Drizzle

Transfer the cooked salmon to serving plates and generously drizzle the bang bang sauce over the top.

Step 8: Add Garnish

Sprinkle the salmon with:
  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Optional red chili slices

These toppings add extra texture and visual excitement to the dish.

Step 9: Serve Immediately

Bring the salmon to the table right away while it’s hot and the sauce is freshly drizzled for the most delicious experience.

Bang Bang Salmon Tips You’ll Love

  • Pat salmon fillets thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent excess moisture during cooking.
  • Use high-quality olive oil and maintain medium-high heat for achieving perfectly golden, crispy salmon skin.
  • Check salmon's internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked fish every time.
  • Create a balanced bang bang sauce by adjusting spice levels to suit personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Garnish with fresh green onions and sesame seeds for added texture and vibrant flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Tasty Takes on Bang Bang Salmon

  • Coconut Crusted Salmon: Coat salmon in shredded coconut and panko breadcrumbs before pan-frying for a tropical, crunchy exterior that complements the spicy bang bang sauce.
  • Grilled Asian Salmon: Replace skillet cooking with outdoor grilling, using cedar planks to infuse smoky flavor while maintaining the signature bang bang sauce coating.
  • Air Fryer Quick Salmon: Use air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, creating a crispy texture without additional oil while keeping the original bang bang sauce recipe intact.
  • Mango Salsa Topping: Replace green onion garnish with fresh mango salsa, adding a sweet and tangy layer that balances the spicy sauce and enhances the salmon's richness.

The Best Sides for Bang Bang Salmon

  • Pair with Crisp Riesling: A slightly sweet white wine with bright acidity that perfectly balances the spicy and creamy bang bang sauce, cutting through the richness of the salmon.
  • Serve with Cucumber Slaw: A cool, crunchy side dish with rice vinegar and fresh herbs that provides a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy salmon and complements its zesty sauce.
  • Match with Jasmine Rice: Fluffy, fragrant rice acts as a neutral base that soaks up the delicious bang bang sauce while offering a subtle, comforting backdrop to the bold salmon flavors.
  • Complement with Asian Pickled Vegetables: Tangy, crisp pickled carrots and daikon radish add a sharp, acidic element that brightens the dish and provides textural contrast to the tender salmon.

Storing Bang Bang Salmon the Smart Way

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 275°F, place salmon on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
  • Microwave: Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

Bang Bang Salmon FAQs and Fixes

  • What is bang bang sauce made of?

Bang bang sauce is a creamy, spicy condiment created by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice, which delivers a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.

  • How do I know when salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and becomes opaque, with a golden crispy exterior and tender, flaky interior.

  • Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm fish like halibut, cod, or sea bass, which will work well with the bang bang sauce and cooking method.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 23 reviews

  • Total Time: 18-19 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy and creamy bang bang salmon delivers a flavor explosion that dances between crispy and luscious textures. Creamy sriracha mayo and perfectly golden panko crust make this dish a quick, irresistible meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 150 grams/5.3 ounces each)

Cooking Base:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon lime juice

Garnish:

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
  • 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)

Instructions

  1. Thoroughly blot salmon fillets with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, promoting a perfectly crisp exterior.
  2. Generously season both sides of salmon with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor profile.
  3. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat, adding olive oil until it shimmers and radiates intense heat.
  4. Gently position salmon fillets skin-side down, allowing the skin to develop a golden, crackling texture for approximately 4-5 minutes.
  5. Carefully rotate salmon and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until fish turns opaque and reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F.
  6. Simultaneously prepare bang bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until achieving a silky, harmonious blend.
  7. Plate the golden-crusted salmon and lavishly cascade the vibrant bang bang sauce over each fillet.
  8. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and optional fiery red chili slices to elevate visual and textural dimensions.
  9. Present immediately to preserve the salmon’s optimal temperature and sauce’s fresh vibrancy.

Notes

  • Pat salmon thoroughly to achieve maximum crispiness, removing all surface moisture before cooking ensures golden exterior.
  • Opt for high-quality salmon with consistent thickness for even cooking and optimal texture throughout the fillet.
  • Customize heat levels by adjusting sriracha quantity in bang bang sauce, allowing personalization for spice preferences.
  • Consider gluten-free adaptation by using tamari instead of traditional sweet chili sauce for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7-8 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 484
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 584mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 19g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 33g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg
Mia Thompson

Mia Thompson

Pastry Chef & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Creating wholesome, seasonal desserts with a focus on nutrition.
  • Developing recipes on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Experimenting with plant-based and gluten-free recipes.​

Education

Portland Community College – Baking and Pastry Arts Program
Specialized in artisanal bread, seasonal desserts, and sustainable baking methods.

National University of Natural Medicine – Bachelor of Science in Nutrition (BScN)
Focused on “Food as Medicine” philosophy, with core threads in nutrition.


Mia’s love affair with baking began in her grandmother’s kitchen, where sneaking spoonfuls of batter first sparked her curiosity. She refined her skills through Portland Community College’s Baking and Pastry Arts Program and her expertise at the National University of Natural Medicine, earning a B.Sc. in Nutrition.
At The Scrumptious Pumpkin, Mia reimagines classics with effortless seasonal treats, healthier twists on old favorites, and playful confections that feel like pure joy. Beyond the oven, she nurtures her urban garden, forages local ingredients around Portland, and leads hands‑on nutrition workshops for her community.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star