Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for the mayonnaise in the sauce. It will be slightly tangier but still delicious. Sour cream can also work in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit thinner.

How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer - aim for 145°F. Visually, perfectly cooked salmon will be opaque on the outside but still slightly translucent in the center. The fish should flake easily with a fork but still be moist.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before seasoning. Frozen salmon that's not properly thawed will release excess moisture during cooking, diluting your delicious sauce.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy for kids?

Definitely! Simply omit the Sriracha completely and use less Thai sweet chili sauce, supplementing with extra honey for sweetness. You can always serve additional spicy sauce on the side for adults who prefer more heat.

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Name: Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 4 salmon filets, about 1½ pounds, skins on; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ cup (116 g) mayonnaise; ¼ cup (66 g) Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste; 1 tablespoon honey; Chives, chopped for garnish

This Bang Bang Salmon is a game-changer for your dinner rotation – ready in just 20 minutes with the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. The tender salmon gets coated with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that caramelizes beautifully in the oven. It’s an effortless way to elevate a weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen when really, you barely broke a sweat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Simple: From start to finish in 20 minutes – perfect for those evenings when you want something impressive without the fuss.
Flavor Explosion: The combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy elements creates a perfect harmony that will make your taste buds dance.
Foolproof Method: Even if you’re nervous about cooking fish, this straightforward technique yields perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Versatile: Elegant enough for entertaining but easy enough for a Tuesday night dinner. This recipe bridges the gap between special-occasion food and everyday cooking.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Salmon filets: The star of the show! Choose fresh, vibrant-colored filets with the skin on to keep the fish moist during cooking.
Olive oil: Helps the seasonings stick to the salmon and promotes beautiful browning.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky flavor and gorgeous color to the salmon.
Garlic powder: Provides that essential savory note without the hassle of mincing fresh garlic.
Kosher salt: Enhances all the other flavors – don’t skimp here!
Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that complements the sweet and spicy sauce perfectly.
Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the sauce and helps keep the salmon incredibly moist.
Thai sweet chili sauce: The secret weapon! Delivers sweetness with a gentle kick.
Sriracha: Brings the “bang” to Bang Bang Salmon – adjust according to your heat preference.
Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully.
Chives: Adds a fresh, oniony finish and vibrant color contrast.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Spice Level Adjustments

Dial the heat up by adding more Sriracha, or tone it down by reducing the amount. You can also substitute the Sriracha with gochujang for a deeper, more complex heat.

Seafood Swaps

This sauce works beautifully with other fish like mahi-mahi, cod, or even shrimp if salmon isn’t your thing.

Sauce Enhancements

Add a tablespoon of grated ginger to the sauce for an aromatic twist, or mix in some lime zest for a citrusy punch.

Serving Options

Instead of rice, serve over cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option, or alongside roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Prep and Season

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drizzle the salmon filets with olive oil, gently rubbing it into all sides. Mix the paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl, then sprinkle this seasoning mix evenly over the salmon.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix thoroughly until smooth and well-incorporated. Divide the sauce into two equal portions – you’ll use half now and half after baking.

Step 3: Apply Sauce and Bake

Brush half of the bang bang sauce generously over each salmon filet. Place the salmon skin-side down on your lined baking sheet, ensuring there’s space between each piece. Bake for 8-10 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.

Start checking at the 6-minute mark to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

If you’d like a slightly crispy top, broil for 1-2 minutes. Transfer the cooked salmon to serving plates, drizzle with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Salmon: Let your salmon sit out for 15 minutes before cooking for more even baking.
Don’t Overcook: Salmon continues to cook after you take it out of the oven. Remove it when it’s just slightly underdone at the center for perfectly moist results.
Sauce Consistency: If your bang bang sauce seems too thick, add a teaspoon of water to thin it slightly for easier brushing.
Parchment Paper is Your Friend: It prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Skin-On Benefits: Cooking with the skin on helps keep the salmon moist. You can easily separate the flesh from the skin after cooking if you prefer not to eat it.

How to Serve

Perfect Pairings

Serve this vibrant salmon over fluffy jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up all that incredible sauce. For a complete meal, add steamed or roasted broccoli, asparagus, or bok choy on the side.

Presentation Ideas

For an impressive dinner party presentation, serve the salmon on a large platter over rice, with extra sauce in a small bowl on the side. Garnish generously with chives and add some sesame seeds for visual appeal.

Complementary Flavors

A simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing makes a refreshing counterpoint to the rich salmon. For drinks, try an ice-cold Riesling or a lightly hopped beer.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavor actually develops beautifully overnight!

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked salmon, the texture may change slightly. If you need to freeze, store in an airtight container for up to 1 month, and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating

For the best texture, gently reheat the salmon in a 275°F oven until just warmed through (about 10 minutes). Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but use 50% power in short intervals to avoid drying it out.

Make-Ahead Tips

Prepare the bang bang sauce up to 3 days ahead and store in the refrigerator. You can also season the salmon up to 8 hours before cooking, keeping it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for the mayonnaise in the sauce. It will be slightly tangier but still delicious. Sour cream can also work in a pinch, though the sauce will be a bit thinner.
How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?

The most reliable method is using an instant-read thermometer – aim for 145°F. Visually, perfectly cooked salmon will be opaque on the outside but still slightly translucent in the center. The fish should flake easily with a fork but still be moist.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it dry before seasoning. Frozen salmon that’s not properly thawed will release excess moisture during cooking, diluting your delicious sauce.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy for kids?

Definitely! Simply omit the Sriracha completely and use less Thai sweet chili sauce, supplementing with extra honey for sweetness. You can always serve additional spicy sauce on the side for adults who prefer more heat.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Salmon brings restaurant-quality flavor to your dinner table with minimal effort. The contrast between the tender, flaky salmon and the creamy, sweet-spicy sauce creates a dish that feels special without requiring culinary school skills. Give it a try the next time you’re craving something a little different from your usual dinner routine – I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe collection!