Bang Bang Salmon That’s Creamy, Spicy, and Totally Weeknight-Friendly

Bang Bang Salmon is your weeknight dinner hero in a spicy, creamy disguise. This easy-peasy salmon recipe brings big flavor with minimal fuss, starring a crave-worthy bang bang sauce you’ll want to slather on everything—from salmon to veggies to your finger (no judgment). If you’re juggling work, kids, laundry, and maybe a podcast in the background, this 20-minute recipe will feel like a mini kitchen miracle. Somewhere between spicy and sweet, with a crispy baked finish, Bang Bang Salmon checks all the boxes for busy moms and flavor fans alike.

And hey, if your family usually turns up their noses at fish, this one might just flip the script. Even the picky eaters may go back for seconds—because that sauce? It’s the stuff of saucy dreams. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or need something fast and fabulous, Bang Bang Salmon has your back (and your dinner plate).

Table of Contents

What is Bang Bang Salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon is basically your new favorite way to do fish night. It’s salmon fillets, seasoned just right and baked until perfectly flaky, topped with a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that steals the show every time. The sauce is a quick mix of mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a hint of honey—simple pantry staples that come together in magic harmony.

The name might sound a little dramatic (bang bang!), but it just refers to the bold, punchy flavor combo. This dish is inspired by the bang bang shrimp craze, but here, we’re giving salmon the spotlight. What makes it extra lovable? You get all the fancy takeout vibes without the actual takeout—or the price tag. Whether you’re feeding yourself, a couple of hungry tweens, or your salmon-skeptical spouse, Bang Bang Salmon makes everyone happy. It’s fast, fresh, and totally fuss-free, making it an easy go-to for weeknight dinners or casual get-togethers.

Reasons to Try Bang Bang Salmon

Let’s be honest—cooking seafood at home can feel like a gamble. Will it be dry? Will the kids eat it? Do I need fancy ingredients or a culinary degree? Not with Bang Bang Salmon. First, it’s fast—like 20-minutes-and-done fast. That’s faster than waiting for delivery, and definitely quicker than convincing a toddler to put on shoes.

Second, it’s flavorful enough to impress guests but easy enough for a sleepy Tuesday night. The bold, creamy bang bang sauce covers all bases: it’s tangy, sweet, spicy, and ultra satisfying. Plus, salmon is rich in healthy fats (hello, omega-3s!) and high-quality protein, so you’re doing your body a favor without even trying. If your crew loves bold flavors, this recipe will be on repeat. And if you’re new to cooking salmon? This is the perfect entry point—no fishy smell, no complicated techniques, and no stress. Bonus: it pairs beautifully with almost anything, from roasted veggies to rice bowls.

Ingredients Needed to Make Bang Bang Salmon

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 1½ 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 if you like a kick)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions to Make Bang Bang Salmon – Step by Step

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Salmon Like a Pro

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. You’ll want it hot and ready to get that salmon cooked just right—crispy edges, tender middle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (for easy cleanup because no one wants to scrub fish residue after dinner). Now grab those salmon fillets—ideally around 6 ounces each—and place them skin-side down on the sheet. Drizzle the olive oil evenly over each piece, using your hands or a brush to coat them gently. This helps keep the fish moist and flavorful while roasting.

Next, in a small bowl, mix together your dry seasonings: paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. It’s a simple blend, but trust me, it packs a punch. Sprinkle this mix generously over the salmon. You’re creating a flavor base that complements the boldness of the sauce, so don’t skimp!

Step 2: Mix the Sauce, Then Bring on the Bang Bang Magic

In another bowl (this one’s for the sauce that steals the show), combine the mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Whisk until smooth and luscious. This is the heart of Bang Bang Salmon—creamy, spicy, sweet, and totally addictive. Taste and adjust the heat level if needed; if you’re spice-shy, stick to 1 teaspoon of sriracha. Want more kick? Add a little extra. This sauce isn’t bossy—it’s customizable.

Now, divide the sauce in half. Half will go on the salmon before baking, the other half is reserved for drizzling when serving. Using a brush or spoon, coat the salmon with that first half of sauce. It’ll caramelize slightly in the oven and create a rich outer layer that locks in moisture.

Place the salmon in the oven (middle rack is your sweet spot) and bake for 8–10 minutes, depending on the thickness. Start checking around 6 minutes—salmon can overcook faster than you’d think. You want it to flake easily with a fork and hit an internal temp of 145°F.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a minute or two. This gives the juices a second to settle in—think of it like a mini spa moment for your fish. Now comes the fun part: drizzle the reserved sauce over each fillet and top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives. Serve it up hot and bask in the compliments.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Salmon

Bang Bang Salmon is the main character, but let’s not forget the supporting cast. A fluffy bed of jasmine or coconut rice is a classic pick—it soaks up that extra sauce like a champ. For something lighter, try a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette or roasted green beans with garlic. Craving comfort? Pair it with buttery mashed potatoes or creamy mac and cheese (yes, you read that right). If you’re meal-prepping or keeping it low-carb, cauliflower rice or a quinoa salad also work beautifully. For even more dinner inspiration, check out our BBQ Chicken and Roasted Sweet Potato Bowls—they’re perfect with extra bang bang sauce drizzled on top.

Key Tips for Making Bang Bang Salmon

First tip—don’t overcook it! Salmon is done when it flakes easily and hits 145°F. A digital thermometer is your best friend here. Second, if you’re feeding spice-sensitive folks, start with less sriracha and let everyone add more to their own plates. Third, the sauce can be made ahead of time (up to a week!)—just store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Want crispier edges? Use the air fryer at 400°F for 5–6 minutes instead of baking. And lastly, leave the skin on—it helps keep moisture in while cooking, and peels right off after if you prefer it skinless.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Bang Bang Salmon

Leftovers? Yes please. Bang Bang Salmon keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days, stored in an airtight container. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 300°F for about 10 minutes or pop it in the air fryer for a few minutes to revive the crispiness. Microwaving works too, but keep it brief (30-60 seconds) to avoid drying it out. The sauce stays good in the fridge for up to a week—use it on sandwiches, chicken, or even roasted veggies for a flavor upgrade.

FAQs

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

Is the sauce kid-friendly?
With just 1 tsp of sriracha, it’s mild. Reduce it further or skip it altogether for sensitive eaters.

Can I grill instead of bake?
Absolutely! Just grill over medium heat for 4–5 minutes per side, and baste with the sauce.

What’s a good mayo substitute?
Plain Greek yogurt works in a pinch—just expect a tangier twist.

Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes! Use a dairy-free mayo and you’re golden.

What about meal prep?
Totally doable. Cook the salmon ahead, store the sauce separately, and reheat when ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Salmon might sound like something off a trendy menu, but it’s totally doable at home—and honestly, better. It’s fast, foolproof, and packed with personality, just like your favorite weeknight recipes should be. If you’re looking for a bold new way to bring salmon into your rotation, this is it. And if you loved this, you’ll probably go crazy for our Ground Turkey Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce or our Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp with Rice. Ready to make dinner magic? Bang Bang Salmon is calling.

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