Bang Bang Salmon Made Perfect in Just 15 Minutes
This Bang Bang Salmon is a delightful dish that’s sure to brighten your dinner table. It’s creamy, slightly spicy, and incredibly easy to make. In just 15 minutes, you can serve up a warm and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. Your family will love the tender salmon topped with sweet and zesty Bang Bang sauce.
Why You Will Love This Bang Bang Salmon
This recipe is a winner for many reasons! It’s quick, taking only 15 minutes from start to finish. The ingredients are simple and easy to find, making it an everyday meal that fits into any home. Plus, it’s creamy and rich, yet light enough for a healthy dinner option. You can whip it up on a hectic evening and still enjoy a lovely meal together as a family.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
Making this salmon is straightforward and beginner-friendly. You’ll season the fish, cook it in a skillet, and mix up the quick sauce. Just a few simple steps and you’ll have a delicious dish ready in no time.
What You Need
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Step-by-Step
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon in the pan, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until done.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked salmon and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon
This salmon pairs wonderfully with brown rice or quinoa for a filling meal. You can serve it alongside a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced plate. It’s also great for special occasions or weekday dinners, making it an all-around perfect choice!
How to Store Bang Bang Salmon
To store leftovers, place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it, but it’s best if eaten fresh. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Recipe Tips
- For crispier salmon, cook it a bit longer, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Adjust the sriracha amount based on your spice preference.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter option.
- Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon for a good sear.
- Try this with chicken or tofu as a protein alternative.
Variations & Swaps
- Substitute the mayonnaise with avocado for a creamy twist.
- For a different flavor, add a tablespoon of lime zest to the sauce.
- Use cod or trout instead of salmon for an alternate fish.
- Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the sauce.
- Swap out honey for maple syrup for a vegan-friendly version.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Just cook the salmon fresh when you’re ready to eat, so it stays tender and warm.
Can I freeze this salmon?
It’s best to eat salmon fresh, but you can freeze it if necessary. Just make sure it’s wrapped well in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet on low heat, flipping halfway through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful not to overheat, as it can dry out the fish.
What if I don’t have sriracha?
You can substitute it with hot sauce or omit it for a milder sauce. Just taste and adjust according to your preference.
What are some good sides to serve with this?
Consider serving it with steamed broccoli, a fresh garden salad, or some fluffy couscous to create a well-rounded meal. Brown rice or roasted vegetables would also complement the flavors nicely.
Bang Bang Salmon
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 fillets 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version) Substitute with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- 3 tablespoons 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste) Adjust based on spice preference.
- 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon honey Can be substituted with maple syrup for a vegan version.
- 1 lime Juice of 1 lime
- 2 stalks 2 green onions, finely chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place the salmon in the pan, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until done.
Making the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
Serving
- Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked salmon and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
