If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor and brings a lively kick to your dinner table, this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is just what you need. Combining the creamy richness of mayonnaise with the spicy tang of sriracha and the subtle sweetness of honey, this salmon dish delivers a perfect balance of tastes with every bite. It is incredibly simple to prepare, yet impressive enough to serve to friends or family on any night of the week. Once you try this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe, it will quickly become one of your favorite go-to meals packed with bold flavor and tender, flaky salmon.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role, from creating a creamy, spicy sauce to enhancing the natural flavors of fresh salmon with bright and sweet notes.
- Fresh salmon fillets (4, 6 ounces each): Choose high-quality, skin-on or skinless fillets for optimal flavor and texture.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Acts as the creamy base for the sauce, offering richness and moisture.
- Sriracha sauce (3 tablespoons): Gives a fiery kick that adds zing without overpowering the salmon.
- Honey (2 tablespoons): Balances heat with natural sweetness and helps caramelize the topping when baked.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a refreshing citrus note that brightens the entire dish.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by warming your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking the salmon evenly while allowing the sauce to develop a beautifully caramelized finish.
Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This sauce is the star of the show and will infuse the salmon with layers of spice, sweetness, and tang.
Step 3: Coat the Salmon
Lay the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet and generously spread half of the prepared bang bang sauce over the top of each piece. Make sure the sauce is evenly distributed to bring consistent flavor to each bite.
Step 4: Bake the Salmon
Place the tray into your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. This step locks in moisture and cooks the fish perfectly while letting the sauce meld into the salmon.
Step 5: Optional Broil for Caramelization
If you love a crunchy, caramelized top, switch your oven to broil and let the salmon cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning while achieving a beautiful golden finish.
Step 6: Serve with Remaining Sauce
Once cooked, drizzle the remaining bang bang sauce over the salmon. This final touch enhances the flavor contrast and ties the whole dish together deliciously.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle chopped fresh cilantro or green onions on top of the salmon to add a vibrant pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the spicy sauce perfectly. A few lime wedges on the side also add a fun interactive element for guests to squeeze over their fish for extra zing.
Side Dishes
To balance the rich and spicy flavors of the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe, serve alongside light sides like steamed jasmine rice, garlic sautéed greens, or a crisp cucumber salad. These options provide refreshing textures and mild flavors that keep the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try plating your salmon over a bed of quinoa tossed with fresh herbs or serve it in lettuce wraps for a low-carb, handheld option. This dish also shines as a topping for warm bowls of noodles or crispy roasted potatoes, turning it into a centerpiece that excites every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, but it’s best enjoyed fresh to maintain tender texture and the zing of the sauce.
Freezing
Although salmon can be frozen, freezing cooked Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is not recommended as the sauce may separate, and the texture can become mushy. For best results, freeze raw salmon fillets separately and prepare the sauce fresh when ready to cook.
Reheating
To reheat your Bang Bang Salmon Recipe, gently warm it in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to avoid drying out. Avoid microwaving as it tends to toughen the salmon and change the sauce texture.
FAQs
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a lighter, tangier version of the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe’s sauce while keeping it creamy and delicious.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?
The heat mainly comes from the sriracha, which is moderate in spiciness. Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your spice tolerance.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this is a fantastic meal prep choice because it stores well and reheats nicely, making it ideal for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Grilling is a great alternative! Brush the salmon with the sauce and grill until cooked through for a smoky twist on this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe.
What can I substitute for honey?
If you don’t have honey on hand, maple syrup or agave nectar work well as natural sweeteners that maintain the balance of flavors.
Final Thoughts
There is just something so comforting and exciting about this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe that makes it impossible not to love. Whether you’re after a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to impress your guests, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and savor the delightful balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy notes paired perfectly with tender, flaky salmon.
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe features tender, oven-baked salmon fillets coated in a flavorful, creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. With a perfect balance of spicy and sweet notes, this quick and easy dish can be prepared in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal option for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the salmon.
- Make the Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined, creating the signature Bang Bang sauce.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet and coat each generously with half of the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring the fish is well covered for maximum flavor.
- Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Optional Broil: For extra caramelization and a slightly charred finish, broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the salmon before serving for a deliciously creamy and spicy finish.
Notes
- You can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Make sure to not overcook the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
- Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
