Bang Bang Salmon

 

Absolutely! Bang Bang Salmon is a restaurant-quality dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. It features tender, flaky salmon fillets coated in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together in under 20 minutes.

Here’s a simple yet fantastic recipe for baking the salmon and making the signature sauce.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

· Quick & Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes from start to finish.
· Bold Flavor: The sauce is addictive—a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy.
· Versatile Cooking Methods: Works beautifully baked, pan-seared, or air-fried.
· Healthy & Protein-Packed: Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Ingredients (for 2 servings)

For the Salmon:

· 2 (6-8 oz) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless
· 1 tablespoon olive oil
· ½ teaspoon paprika
· Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

· ¼ cup mayonnaise
· 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
· 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha or other hot sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
· 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
· 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice

For Garnish:

· Sliced green onions
· Toasted sesame seeds
· Fresh cilantro or parsley

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Instructions (Baking Method)

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a nice texture. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Season: Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and rub it over the top and sides. Season generously with salt, pepper, and paprika.
4. Bake: Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
5. Make the Sauce: While the salmon bakes, whisk together all the ingredients for the Bang Bang sauce in a small bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust spice level (more Sriracha) or sweetness (more honey) to your liking.
6. Sauce the Salmon: When the salmon is done, remove it from the oven. You can either:
   · Drizzle: Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top of the fillets.
   · Brush: For a more caramelized finish, brush the sauce on the salmon and broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro. Serve immediately.

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Alternative Cooking Methods

Pan-Searing (For a Crispy Top):

1. Season salmon as directed.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place salmon skin-side up (or presentation-side down if skinless). Cook for 4-6 minutes until a golden crust forms.
4. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-5 minutes, until cooked to your liking.
5. Remove from heat and drizzle with the sauce.

Air Frying:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Lightly spray the basket with oil. Place seasoned salmon in the basket.
3. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, until cooked through.
4. Drizzle with sauce before serving.

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What to Serve with Bang Bang Salmon

This flavorful salmon pairs well with simple sides that balance the rich sauce:

· Steamed White Rice or Jasmine Rice: The classic choice to soak up the extra sauce.
· Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a healthier option.
· Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans.
· Simple Salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette dressing.

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Pro Tips for Success

· Don’t Overcook the Salmon: The salmon is perfect when it reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium-rare, or 145°F (63°C) for well-done. It will continue to cook slightly after removed from the heat.
· Adjust the Heat: The “bang” comes from the Sriracha. Start with 1 teaspoon and add more after tasting the sauce if you want more spice.
· Make it a Bowl: Flake the cooked salmon over rice with steamed veggies and a generous drizzle of sauce for a delicious “Bang Bang Salmon Bowl.”
· Double the Sauce: The sauce is so good you might want to make extra for dipping or drizzling over your side dishes.

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Common Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different fish?
Yes! This sauce is fantastic on shrimp (Bang Bang Shrimp is a famous dish), cod, tilapia, or scallops. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may separate slightly; just give it a stir when reheating. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low-temperature oven.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce. The consistency will be slightly thinner.

Enjoy your quick, flavorful, and impressive Bang Bang Salmon