Bang Bang Salmon (Oven or Stovetop)

Alright, this Bang Bang Salmon? It’s bold, creamy, and just the right mix of sweet, spicy, and savory—all baked onto tender, flaky salmon. It’s one of those dishes that feels restaurant-level but takes barely any effort.

I made it on a weeknight when I wanted something fun without a lot of work. Stirred together a quick sauce with mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha, slathered it over salmon fillets, and baked them to golden perfection. The glaze caramelized beautifully—and every bite had that signature bang bang kick.

It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad on the side. If you’re into bold flavors and simple prep, this one’s a must-try. Let’s get it in the oven—you’re gonna love it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Popular with Families: Bang Bang Salmon has a gentle spice level and a creamy texture that’s appealing to both adults and kids. The sauce can be made mild or spicy to suit everyone’s tastes.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The sweet chili sauce and honey add sweetness, while fresh lime juice and a bit of sriracha create a balanced tang and gentle heat. The flavors don’t overpower the fish; instead, they enhance the natural richness of salmon.
• Quick and Convenient: With less than 10 minutes of prep and about 15–20 minutes of cooking time, this is a reliable option for weeknight meals.
• Flexible Presentation: Bang Bang Salmon can be served with rice, roasted vegetables, or greens for a complete meal. The sauce also doubles as a dip for other proteins.
• Great for Meal Prep: The cooked salmon keeps well in the refrigerator, and the extra sauce can be stored separately for easy lunches or dinners later in the week.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep and Cook Times

• Prep Time: 10 minutes—this includes measuring out spices, whisking the sauce, and patting the salmon fillets dry for best browning.
• Cook Time: 16–20 minutes in the oven, or about 3–4 minutes per side if cooking on the stovetop.
• Total Time: 26–30 minutes from start to finish, including time to rest the fish after cooking.

Servings

• This recipe makes enough for 4 main-course servings using standard-sized salmon fillets (about 5–6 ounces each).
• To feed more, simply multiply the ingredients and use a larger baking sheet or skillet.

Difficulty Level

• Bang Bang Salmon is beginner-friendly, with no complicated steps. All you need is a gentle hand when mixing the sauce and an eye on the oven timer to prevent overcooking.
• Experienced cooks can experiment with custom spices or different ways to serve the dish.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Baking Sheet or Skillet: Use a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment for oven baking, or a large, heavy skillet (such as cast iron or nonstick) for stovetop cooking.
• Small Mixing Bowl: To whisk together the Bang Bang sauce.
• Measuring Spoons: For precise spice and sauce measurements.
• Small Whisk or Fork: Helps create a smooth, even sauce.
• Tongs or Fish Spatula: For gently flipping and serving the salmon.
• Paper Towels: Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps it brown nicely and prevents sticking.

Optional:

• Parchment Paper or Foil: Makes for easy cleanup if you’re baking the salmon.
• Zester or Grater: If you want to add a touch of lime zest for extra brightness in the sauce.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon

For the Salmon:

• Salmon Fillets (4 pieces, 5–6 oz each): Look for fillets with bright, firm flesh and minimal odor. Wild-caught or sustainably farmed options are best. Skin-on fillets help retain moisture and make handling easier, but skinless also works.
• Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds flavor and keeps the salmon moist as it cooks.
• Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle, savory depth without overpowering the fish.
• Onion Powder (½ teaspoon): Rounds out the seasoning and highlights the natural sweetness of salmon.
• Smoked Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings mild smokiness and a deep color to the crust.
• Salt (¾ teaspoon, or to taste): Essential for seasoning the fish evenly.
• Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds mild, gentle heat.
• Cayenne Pepper (optional, a pinch): Use if you want the fish itself to have a bit of background heat.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise (⅓ cup): The creamy base of the sauce. You can use full-fat or light, but avoid salad dressing spreads.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (3 tablespoons): Gives the sauce a sweet, tangy flavor and gentle spice. Look for it in the Asian foods section at most supermarkets.
• Sriracha Sauce (1–2 teaspoons): Provides heat and extra tang. Adjust the amount to match your desired spice level.
• Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat and adds a smooth sweetness.
• Fresh Lime Juice (2 teaspoons): Adds brightness and balances out the richness of the sauce.

Variations for Bang Bang Salmon

• Lighter Sauce: Substitute Greek yogurt for half (or all) of the mayonnaise. This gives the sauce a tangy note and reduces calories.
• Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle toasted panko breadcrumbs or chopped roasted peanuts over the finished salmon for extra texture.
• Extra Heat: Increase the sriracha, add a few dashes of hot sauce, or use a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in the sauce.
• Citrus Swap: Use lemon juice if you don’t have lime; both add needed acidity.
• Protein Substitutes: This sauce pairs well with shrimp, chicken breast, tofu, or even roasted cauliflower for a vegetarian version.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Salmon

• Pat Dry: Use paper towels to gently pat each salmon fillet dry on all sides. This step helps the spices stick and gives a nice crust after cooking.
• Season: Place the salmon on a plate or baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the top and rub to coat evenly.
  In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using). Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over each fillet. Gently rub in so the seasoning coats all sides.

2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

• In a small mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice.
• Whisk with a fork or small whisk until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust: add a bit more sriracha for heat or a touch more honey for sweetness, as you prefer.
• Set aside. (If making ahead, cover and chill the sauce for up to 3 days.)

3. Cook the Salmon

Oven Method (Recommended for Ease):

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare Pan: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Arrange the salmon fillets, skin side down if skin-on, with a little space between each piece.
3. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. The exact time depends on thickness; salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is just opaque in the center. For thicker fillets, it may take a few more minutes.
4. Optional Broil: For a golden top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes—but watch closely so the spices don’t burn.

Stovetop Method (Great for Crispier Edges):

1. Heat Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of olive oil.
2. Sear: Once hot, add salmon fillets, seasoned side down. Cook for 3–4 minutes without moving, until the bottom is golden and crusty.
3. Flip: Carefully flip with a spatula. Cook another 3–4 minutes, or until salmon is just cooked through.

4. Finish and Serve

• Let the salmon rest for 2–3 minutes after cooking.
• Drizzle each piece with a generous spoonful of Bang Bang sauce.
• Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Bang Bang Salmon is versatile and pairs well with simple sides. Here are a few ways to serve:

• With Rice or Grains: Spoon the salmon and sauce over steamed white or brown rice, quinoa, or farro.
• With Veggies: Add steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh cucumber salad for a balanced plate.
• In Bowls: Layer cooked salmon with greens, avocado, cooked grains, and crunchy veggies for a filling meal.
• Topped with Crunch: Garnish with sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of chopped peanuts if you like a little crunch.

Storing Bang Bang Salmon

• Leftover Salmon: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or reheat gently in the microwave or oven until just warmed through.
• Bang Bang Sauce: Keep extra sauce in a small airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before using again.
• Meal Prep: Store salmon and sauce separately for freshest results. Add sauce just before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when it’s just cooked through and still moist. Remove from the oven or pan as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
• Even Pieces: Try to use salmon fillets of similar size and thickness so they cook at the same rate.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste: You control the heat and sweetness—taste your sauce and add more lime, honey, or sriracha as you like.
• Sauce Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a teaspoon of water or lime juice.
• Skin-On Salmon: If using skin-on fillets, cook with the skin side down first to crisp it up and help the fish hold together.

Nutrition

Nutrient	Per Serving (1/4 recipe)
Calories	340
Protein	26g
Fat	21g
Saturated Fat	4g
Carbohydrates	12g
Sugar	9g
Fiber	0g
Sodium	510mg

Values are approximate and will vary with exact ingredients used.

Bang Bang Salmon FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

Is Bang Bang Salmon spicy?
The sauce is mildly spicy. Adjust sriracha to control the heat.

Can I use a different fish?
Yes, try this with trout, cod, or tilapia, but cooking times may vary.

How do I know salmon is done?
It flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. An instant-read thermometer should read 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.

Can I grill the salmon?
Yes, grill over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon is a practical, flavorful meal that’s easy enough for everyday cooking but satisfying for any occasion. The tender fish and creamy, gently spicy sauce pair well with grains or greens, and the recipe can be adapted to fit your tastes. It’s a dependable dish for meal prep or for serving guests.