Bang Bang Salmon (Easy 20-Minute Dinner)
Bang Bang Salmon — Easy 20-Minute Dinner
This bang bang salmon is crispy on the outside, tender and flaky inside, and coated in a creamy sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce that’s completely addictive. The sauce — a mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha — takes 2 minutes to make and transforms a simple salmon fillet into something extraordinary. 20 minutes, one pan, weeknight dinner solved.
Why This Recipe Works
- 20 minutes total
- Bang bang sauce — creamy, sweet, spicy, tangy
- Crispy seared salmon — golden crust with flaky center
- Easy enough for weeknights, impressive enough for date night
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (for extra crispy exterior)
- Salt and pepper
Bang bang sauce:
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp honey
Garnish: green onions, sesame seeds
How to Make It
Step 1 — Make the sauce. Whisk mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey together. Set aside.
Step 2 — Prep the salmon. Pat fillets dry. Dust the top (flesh side) lightly with cornstarch. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 3 — Sear. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Place salmon flesh-side down (cornstarch side) and sear 4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook 3–4 more minutes until cooked through (145°F internal).
Step 4 — Sauce and serve. Drizzle bang bang sauce generously over the salmon. Top with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve over rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bang bang sauce?
A creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce originally popularized by Bonefish Grill’s bang bang shrimp. It’s mayo-based with sweet chili sauce and Sriracha. Quick, versatile, and goes on everything.
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes — bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes. You won’t get the crispy sear, but it’s easier and hands-off.
Can I air fry bang bang salmon?
Yes — 400°F for 8–10 minutes. Spray with oil for crispiness. Add sauce after cooking.
How spicy is bang bang sauce?
Mildly spicy with 1 tbsp Sriracha. The mayo and sweet chili sauce cool the heat significantly. For hotter, add 2 tbsp Sriracha.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Thaw completely and pat very dry. Wet salmon won’t develop a crispy sear.
What to serve with bang bang salmon?
Steamed jasmine rice, stir-fried vegetables, Asian cucumber salad, or coconut rice.
Can I use this sauce on other proteins?
Yes — bang bang shrimp, chicken, tofu, and cauliflower are all excellent with this sauce.
How long does the sauce keep?
Refrigerate up to 1 week. It’s great to make a double batch and use throughout the week on different proteins.
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Make Bang Bang Salmon: A Quick and Delicious Dinner Recipe
Enjoy succulent salmon fillets coated in a spicy-sweet sauce that combines bold flavors in this delightful Bang Bang Salmon recipe. Quick and easy to prepare, this dish offers a perfect balance of savory, spicy, and sweet notes, making it a versatile and delicious dinner option.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Oil for frying
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
Directions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, season with salt and pepper, and coat with cornstarch.
- Pan-fry the salmon fillets in oil until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside.
- In a separate pan, sauté minced garlic, then add chili sauce, honey, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Toss the fried salmon in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer the Bang Bang Salmon to a serving platter, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
- Enjoy with your favorite side dishes or over a bed of steamed rice.
