Bang Bang Salmon – Spicy, Creamy, Irresistible
When you need a weeknight dinner that’s bold, flavorful, and ready in no time, Bang Bang Salmon is the recipe to keep on hand. These tender cubes of salmon are seared until golden, then tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s absolutely irresistible. Served over fluffy rice, it’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and think, “This is a keeper.”
This recipe takes inspiration from the famous bang bang shrimp but swaps in buttery salmon for a fresh twist. The contrast of crispy edges, tender flakes, and that signature bang bang sauce makes it a meal that feels both comforting and restaurant-quality. And the best part? It comes together in about 30 minutes, so you can enjoy it any night of the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds fresh salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 2 cups cooked white rice (for serving)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or green onions (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures the salmon gets a golden sear.
- Season: Place the salmon in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Gently toss to coat evenly.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Adjust spice and sweetness to taste. Set aside.
- Cook the salmon: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
- Toss in sauce: Remove skillet from heat. Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the salmon or toss gently to coat the cubes.
- Serve: Spoon the salmon over bowls of fluffy white rice. Garnish with chopped chives or green onions, and drizzle with extra sauce if desired.
Tips & Tricks:
- For extra crispy salmon, lightly dredge the cubes in cornstarch before cooking.
- Adjust spice by reducing or increasing the amount of sriracha.
- If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture.
Variations:
- Bang Bang Shrimp: Use shrimp instead of salmon for the classic version.
- Bang Bang Tofu: Swap salmon for crispy tofu cubes for a vegetarian twist.
- Bang Bang Salmon Tacos: Tuck saucy salmon into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and avocado.
Bang Bang Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat salmon dry and cut into bite-sized cubes.
- Season salmon with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and sear salmon cubes for 2–3 minutes per side until cooked through.
- Toss cooked salmon in bang bang sauce or drizzle on top.
- Serve salmon over rice, garnish with chives, and enjoy.
Notes
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve over jasmine or basmati rice for a hearty meal.
- Pair with a crisp cucumber salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced plate.
- Use leftovers in rice bowls or wraps for lunch the next day.
Storage Information:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. For best taste, add a little extra sauce when reheating.
FAQ:
- Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing? Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
- Is bang bang sauce spicy? It has a mild-to-medium kick, but you can reduce the sriracha if you prefer less heat.
- Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise? Yes, Greek yogurt lightens the sauce while keeping it creamy.
History / Fun Facts:
Bang Bang sauce originated as part of the bang bang shrimp dish, popularized by Asian-fusion restaurants. The name “bang bang” refers to the bold, explosive flavor combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy in one bite. It has since become a versatile sauce used on chicken, shrimp, and now—salmon!
