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Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

4.5 from 120 reviews

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe features perfectly baked salmon fillets coated in a flavorful blend of paprika, garlic powder, and spices, topped with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. It’s a quick, delicious, and vibrant seafood dish ideal for weeknight dinners served with rice or your favorite sides.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about pounds), skin on
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
  2. Season the Salmon: Drizzle olive oil over the salmon fillets and gently rub it on all sides to ensure even coating and moisture retention. In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
  3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In another small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until the mixture is smooth. Divide the sauce in half for different uses.
  4. Apply Sauce to Salmon: Use half of the prepared sauce to brush generously over the salmon fillets, which will infuse flavor and help keep the fish moist while baking. Reserve the remaining sauce to drizzle on after cooking or for dipping.
  5. Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, making sure to leave space between them for even heat distribution. Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), which ensures the salmon is cooked through but still tender. Begin checking for doneness at 6 minutes to avoid overcooking.
  6. Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon to serving plates and drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped chives for a pop of color and mild onion flavor. Serve immediately with rice or your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Air Fryer Option: For a quicker alternative, cook salmon in an air fryer at 400°F for 5-6 minutes instead of baking.
  • Spice Level: Start with 1 teaspoon of sriracha in the sauce and adjust according to your preferred heat level.
  • Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  • Storage: Leftover cooked salmon can be refrigerated for up to 2 days. The Bang Bang sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
  • Skin: Keep the skin on during cooking as it helps retain moisture and adds flavor.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, baked salmon, spicy salmon, creamy chili sauce, quick dinner, seafood recipe