This Bang Bang Salmon takes seafood to extraordinary heights with its perfect balance of sweet, spicy and savory flavors. Tender salmon chunks are seared to perfection, then smothered in a luscious, creamy sauce with just the right amount of heat. Each bite delivers an explosion of flavor that lives up to the dish’s energetic name. With its vibrant appearance and bold taste profile, this dish transforms ordinary salmon into a crave-worthy sensation that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds.
Quick Info
- Servings: 4 portions
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Fat: 26g per serving
- Cuisine: Asian-American Fusion
The History Behind Bang Bang Salmon
Bang Bang sauce has its roots in Szechuan cuisine, where the original “bang bang” referred to a method of tenderizing meat by pounding it with a wooden stick or mallet (hence the “bang bang” sound). The modern sauce evolved from this tradition but took on a life of its own in Western fusion cooking.
The signature Bang Bang sauce we know today—a creamy, sweet, and spicy blend—gained massive popularity in the early 2000s when it became a staple at chain restaurants, typically paired with shrimp. The sauce’s unique combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha hit the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy notes that appealed to American palates seeking bold flavors with an Asian influence.
The genius of applying this beloved sauce to salmon represents the continuing evolution of fusion cuisine. Salmon, with its rich flavor and meaty texture, provides the perfect canvas for the robust Bang Bang sauce. The dish exemplifies how traditional Asian flavors have been adapted and reimagined in contemporary cooking.
This particular preparation gained significant popularity through social media, where its vibrant appearance and catchy name made it highly shareable. Food bloggers and home cooks helped propel Bang Bang Salmon to trending status in recent years, cementing its place in the modern repertoire of easy yet impressive weeknight dinners that deliver restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Irresistible Flavor Combination – The perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements creates a sauce that’s impossible to resist.
- Quick Preparation – From start to finish in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you still want something special.
- Impressive Presentation – The vibrant sauce and garnish create a dish that looks like it came from a restaurant, despite the simple preparation.
- Customizable Heat Level – Easily adjust the spice level up or down to suit your preference without compromising flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options – Works beautifully as a main dish over rice, in a bowl with vegetables, or even as part of a fusion taco night.
- Crowd-Pleasing Appeal – The familiar yet exciting flavor profile appeals to both adventurous eaters and those who typically shy away from seafood.
- Nutrient-Rich Indulgence – Combines the health benefits of salmon with a sauce that makes it feel like a treat rather than a “healthy choice.”
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 pounds salmon fillets, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- 3 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, lime juice, and salt.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – add more sriracha for extra heat or more honey for sweetness.
- Set aside about 1/3 of the sauce for serving. The remainder will be used for coating the cooked salmon.
Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels. This ensures better searing and prevents sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Season the salmon cubes evenly with the spice mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the salmon pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary).
- Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly charred on the edges.
Finish the Dish:
- Preheat your oven’s broiler.
- Pour two-thirds of the Bang Bang sauce over the seared salmon in the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and starting to caramelize on the edges.
- Remove from oven and immediately garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds if using.
Serve:
- Serve the Bang Bang Salmon hot, with the reserved sauce on the side for extra dipping.
- Accompany with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze of citrus before eating.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a fresh Asian-inspired salad.
Recipe Notes
- Salmon Selection: For best results, use center-cut salmon fillets with the skin removed. Fresh salmon yields the best texture, but thawed frozen salmon works well too.
- Heat Management: The key to perfectly seared salmon is patting it dry and ensuring your pan is hot enough before adding the fish.
- Sauce Consistency: If your Bang Bang sauce seems too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Heat Customization: For a milder version, reduce the sriracha by half. For extra heat, add a teaspoon of chili oil or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Storage Information: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold over a salad.
- One-Pan Option: To make this truly a one-pan meal, add par-cooked broccoli or snap peas to the skillet before adding the sauce and placing under the broiler.
- Air Fryer Variation: This recipe works beautifully in an air fryer – cook salmon cubes at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, then toss with the sauce.
This Bang Bang Salmon transforms an everyday protein into an extraordinary meal that feels indulgent while still being quick enough for weeknight cooking. The combination of perfectly cooked salmon with the creamy, sweet-spicy sauce creates an irresistible dish that satisfies all your flavor cravings at once. Whether you’re cooking to impress guests or simply wanting to elevate your dinner routine, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort – truly living up to its “bang bang” name!
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 pounds salmon fillets, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish:
- 3 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, lime juice, and salt.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed – add more sriracha for extra heat or more honey for sweetness.
- Set aside about 1/3 of the sauce for serving. The remainder will be used for coating the cooked salmon.
Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon pieces dry with paper towels. This ensures better searing and prevents sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Season the salmon cubes evenly with the spice mixture.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the salmon pieces, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary).
- Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly charred on the edges.
Finish the Dish:
- Preheat your oven's broiler.
- Pour two-thirds of the Bang Bang sauce over the seared salmon in the skillet, gently tossing to coat each piece.
- Place the skillet under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is bubbly and starting to caramelize on the edges.
- Remove from oven and immediately garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and sesame seeds if using.
Serve:
- Serve the Bang Bang Salmon hot, with the reserved sauce on the side for extra dipping.
- Accompany with lime wedges for a fresh squeeze of citrus before eating.
- This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or a fresh Asian-inspired salad.
Notes
- Salmon Selection: For best results, use center-cut salmon fillets with the skin removed. Fresh salmon yields the best texture, but thawed frozen salmon works well too.
- Heat Management: The key to perfectly seared salmon is patting it dry and ensuring your pan is hot enough before adding the fish.
- Sauce Consistency: If your Bang Bang sauce seems too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of water at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Make Ahead: The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Heat Customization: For a milder version, reduce the sriracha by half. For extra heat, add a teaspoon of chili oil or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Storage Information: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold over a salad.
- One-Pan Option: To make this truly a one-pan meal, add par-cooked broccoli or snap peas to the skillet before adding the sauce and placing under the broiler.
- Air Fryer Variation: This recipe works beautifully in an air fryer – cook salmon cubes at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, then toss with the sauce.