This Bang Bang Salmon is the perfect combination of crispy, tender salmon topped with a sweet and spicy sauce. It’s a quick and easy meal that packs a ton of flavor, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The creamy Bang Bang sauce adds the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making each bite irresistible!
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare this dish. With just a few ingredients and a short cooking time, you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal on your table in no time. Serve it alongside steamed rice or your favorite vegetables for a complete meal your whole family will enjoy!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
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1 teaspoon rice vinegar
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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1 tablespoon chopped green onions
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Salt and pepper to taste
Directions:
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Rub salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
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Place the fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
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Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
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While the salmon is baking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth and well combined.
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Once the salmon is cooked, remove from the oven and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet.
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Garnish with chopped green onions.
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Serve immediately and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Bang Bang Salmon: A Flavorful Fusion of Sweet and Spicy
Bang Bang Salmon is one of those dishes that perfectly balances crispy, tender fish with a rich, creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. It’s a dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings for something both indulgent and healthy. Whether you’re a seafood lover or new to cooking fish, this recipe will elevate your dining experience with minimal effort. The dish brings together the delightful flavors of salmon and the iconic “bang bang” sauce that has become a favorite in many Asian-inspired cuisines.
The Magic of Bang Bang Sauce
The key to the magic of Bang Bang Salmon lies in its sauce. The Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, tangy, and spicy combination that comes together quickly with ingredients that are likely already in your kitchen. It typically includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a few seasonings, which all work in harmony to create a flavor explosion in every bite. The sauce itself is the perfect balance of heat from the sriracha, sweetness from the chili sauce, and creaminess from the mayo. The result is a sauce that coats the crispy salmon fillets with a silky, smooth texture that enhances the flavor of the fish.
What makes Bang Bang sauce unique is the versatility it offers. It pairs perfectly with not just salmon, but other seafood like shrimp, as well as grilled chicken and roasted vegetables. The sauce can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, which is convenient for busy nights when you want to whip up a quick meal but still want something packed with flavor. It’s no wonder that the Bang Bang sauce has gained a devoted following.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is often touted as one of the healthiest fish you can eat, and for good reason. It’s a nutrient-packed fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to improve cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and lowering cholesterol. Additionally, salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and immune function.
In addition to omega-3s, salmon is loaded with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, selenium, and iodine. These nutrients play important roles in maintaining bone health, boosting energy levels, and supporting thyroid function. With its combination of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, salmon is a fantastic option for anyone looking to add more nutritious meals to their diet.
This makes Bang Bang Salmon not only a delicious dish but a healthy choice for those looking to enjoy a meal that’s both indulgent and nourishing. When paired with a side of vegetables or whole grains, it can easily be part of a balanced meal that satisfies your hunger without compromising your health goals.
How to Make the Perfect Bang Bang Salmon
The preparation of Bang Bang Salmon is incredibly simple and quick, making it ideal for busy nights when you want to put together a satisfying meal with minimal time in the kitchen. While the salmon fillets bake in the oven, you can easily whip up the Bang Bang sauce, making the entire process efficient and convenient. The salmon fillets themselves don’t require much seasoning—just a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Once baked, the crispy texture of the salmon provides the perfect base for the creamy, spicy sauce.
If you’re worried about overcooking the salmon, don’t be. This recipe is designed to keep the salmon moist on the inside while achieving a crispy exterior. The baking time is just right to ensure that the fish remains tender and flaky. For those who prefer a bit of a crunch, you could even finish off the salmon under the broiler for a minute or two to get that extra crispy texture.
Perfect Pairings for Bang Bang Salmon
While the Bang Bang Salmon is delicious on its own, it pairs exceptionally well with various sides that complement its rich and spicy flavors. One of the most popular pairings is steamed white rice, which helps to balance the heat from the sriracha in the sauce. The mild, neutral taste of rice allows the flavors of the salmon and sauce to shine through. If you prefer a healthier alternative, try quinoa or cauliflower rice, both of which will provide a nutritious base for the dish.
Vegetables are another excellent option to serve alongside this dish. Roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans add color, texture, and additional nutrients. The earthiness of the vegetables complements the sweetness of the sauce, creating a well-rounded meal. For a more indulgent side, crispy sweet potato fries are an excellent choice. Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with the spicy kick of the Bang Bang sauce.
If you’re looking for a light, refreshing side, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will add a nice contrast to the richness of the salmon and sauce. The acidity from the vinaigrette will help cut through the creaminess of the Bang Bang sauce and provide a crisp, fresh element to the meal.
A Meal for Any Occasion
Bang Bang Salmon is versatile enough to be served for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, preparing a special meal for a loved one, or simply making dinner for the family, this dish is sure to impress. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elevated enough to be served at a special gathering. The vibrant flavors and beautiful presentation will make it a standout dish on your dinner table.
Furthermore, the simplicity of the recipe makes it a great choice for novice cooks who want to try their hand at cooking seafood without feeling intimidated. Even if you’re not an experienced chef, you can easily master this recipe and create a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bang Bang Salmon is a must-try dish for anyone who loves seafood or is looking for a flavorful, quick, and healthy meal. The crispy salmon fillets, paired with the creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce, make for a perfectly balanced dish that will satisfy your taste buds. Whether you enjoy it as a main course with a side of rice and vegetables or want to serve it as part of a larger meal, this dish will impress your family, friends, or guests.
Not only does Bang Bang Salmon offer a delicious eating experience, but it also brings the health benefits of omega-3s, high-quality protein, and essential vitamins. With a simple preparation process and versatile serving options, this dish is bound to become a regular in your recipe rotation. So why not give it a try? Your taste buds will thank you.