Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe because it feels like a perfect mix of sweet, spicy, and creamy all wrapped onto a tender, flaky salmon filet. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something a little special to impress guests, this recipe hits all the right notes—without hours in the kitchen. It’s one of those dishes where the sauce really steals the show, bringing bold flavors that pair beautifully with the richness of salmon.

When I first tried this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe, I was amazed by how easily it comes together and how family-friendly it is. You don’t have to be a grill master or have fancy ingredients on hand to enjoy restaurant-quality flavors at home. Plus, cooking it in an air fryer makes it extra convenient, so you can get dinner on the table fast with minimal cleanup. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to recipe for busy nights and weekend specials alike!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create a flavorful punch that complements the richness of salmon perfectly. When shopping, look for fresh salmon filets and quality sweet chili sauce for the best results.

• Salmon Filets: Fresh wild-caught or farmed salmon works great; opt for filets with skin on for easier cooking and crispier edges.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps the sauce cling to the salmon beautifully.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: The star sweet-spicy component; feel free to get a mild or extra spicy version depending on your taste.
• Sriracha: Brings the heat; adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
• Honey: Balances the spice with its natural sweetness and gives that lovely sticky glaze.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth that’s simply irresistible.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
• Dried Parsley and Sesame Seeds: Optional garnishes that add a pop of color and a subtle crunch.

Variations

I like to tweak this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe now and then depending on what’s in my fridge or who I’m cooking for. Feel free to customize the heat level or swap honey with maple syrup for a different flavor twist.

• Mild Version: If you’re not a fan of spicy food, reduce or omit the sriracha and use extra sweet chili sauce for sweetness.
• Gluten-Free: Make sure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free; many brands are, but it’s always good to check.
• Oven-Baked: Whenever I don’t want to use the air fryer, baking this at 375°F makes the salmon tender and juicy too.
• Extra Crunch: Add crushed peanuts or cashews on top after cooking for a delightful crunch.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season Your Salmon

Start by patting your salmon filets dry with paper towels so the sauce sticks better. Then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. I always make sure to season evenly—don’t skimp here because it really enhances the final flavor!

Step 2: Mix Your Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and honey. Stir until smooth and creamy. Don’t forget to reserve about half of the sauce for drizzling after the salmon cooks — this little trick amps up the flavor and presentation.

Step 3: Coat the Salmon

Generously spread the sauce mixture all over your salmon filets, making sure every side is covered. This is where they soak up all that tangy, spicy goodness, so don’t hold back. Hands-on is best here—using your fingers helps get the sauce into every nook.

Step 4: Cook in the Air Fryer (or Oven)

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Place the coated salmon filets skin-side down in the basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness. You’ll want to check for that perfect flaky texture without overcooking — salmon should still be juicy and tender inside. If you don’t have an air fryer, baking in the oven at 375°F for 12-15 minutes works beautifully too.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serve

Once cooked, spoon some of the reserved sauce on top of each filet and sprinkle with dried parsley and sesame seeds for a lovely finish. Serve hot and watch it disappear fast—the combination of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors is irresistible!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with dried parsley and sesame seeds because they add just the right amount of color and texture without overpowering the flavors. Sometimes, I throw on a few thinly sliced green onions or fresh cilantro if I want a fresher, brighter hit.

Side Dishes

This Bang Bang Salmon pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. Roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli make a great side too—light and fresh to balance out the rich sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the salmon on a bed of coconut rice with sliced avocado and a wedge of lime on the side. It turns this simple recipe into a vibrant, elegant plate that gets all the compliments!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Bang Bang Salmon in an airtight container in the fridge and usually eat it within 2 days to enjoy optimal freshness. Make sure to keep the sauce separate or spooned on top to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon with the Bang Bang sauce isn’t my favorite because the sauce texture changes a bit, but if you need to, freeze it in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the fridge. I recommend reheating slowly to preserve flavor.

Reheating

To keep the best texture, I reheat leftover Bang Bang Salmon gently in the oven at a low temperature or use a quick zap in the microwave with a cover to lock in moisture. You can freshen it up by adding a little extra sauce on top before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites because it’s quick, full of flavor, and always impresses whoever I serve it to. I encourage you to try it out and play around with the heat and sweetness levels until you find your perfect balance. Cooking salmon with this bang bang sauce feels like treating yourself to a special meal without any stress—perfectly doable in any kitchen. Trust me, once you make it, your family and friends will be asking for it again and again!

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