Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

I absolutely love this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe because it’s a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and creamy — and it comes together in no time. When I first tried this, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients created such a flavorful punch, making it a go-to dish on busy weeknights or when I want to impress friends without spending hours in the kitchen.

You’ll find that the sauce is what really sets this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe apart. It’s creamy from the mayo, has a smoky kick from the sriracha, and a touch of sweetness from honey and Thai sweet chili sauce. Plus, cooking it in the air fryer means you get crispy edges while keeping the salmon tender inside — trust me, you don’t want to miss this combo!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together so well, creating that quintessential bang bang sauce that clings to the salmon with just the right balance. I always keep these on hand, and the salmon is super easy to find fresh or frozen.

• Salmon Filets: I prefer skin-on for extra crispiness, but skinless works just fine.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps the sauce stick beautifully to the fish.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives a sweet heat that’s milder than just sriracha alone.
• Sriracha: Adds a nice spicy kick, adjust more or less to control heat.
• Honey: Balances spicy and tangy flavors with natural sweetness.
• Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced gives the sauce a punchy depth you can’t get from powder.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that brings out the salmon’s natural flavors.
• Dried Parsley (optional): For a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of green.
• Sesame Seeds (optional): Adds a subtle nutty crunch and pretty garnish.

Variations

I like to switch things up with this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe depending on my mood or what I have in the fridge. Don’t be afraid to make it your own by tweaking the spice level or swapping ingredients.

• Less Spicy: When my kids are around, I reduce the sriracha and add more honey to keep the sauce mild but still flavorful.
• Extra Crunch: Adding panko breadcrumbs on top before air frying gave me a crispy coating that my family went nuts over.
• Dairy-Free: Swapping mayonnaise for a dairy-free mayo keeps the sauce creamy without any dairy.
• Herb Boost: Toss in fresh cilantro or basil to the sauce for a bright, herby flavor twist.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Season and Prepare the Salmon

Start by seasoning both sides of your salmon filets with salt and pepper — simple but essential. This step really enhances the natural flavors and creates a savory base for the sauce to shine. Pat your filets dry with a paper towel to help the sauce stick better.

Step 2: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, and honey until smooth. I usually reserve about half the sauce for spooning on top after cooking, so don’t use it all right away. This sauce is the heart of the recipe, so tasting and adjusting the spice or sweetness at this stage is key.

Step 3: Coat the Salmon Generously

Use a spoon or your fingers to spread the bang bang sauce liberally all over every side of your salmon filets. Don’t be shy here — that sauce is the flavor jackpot and makes the salmon juicy and delicious.

Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C), then place the salmon filets inside the basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, depending on thickness — you want the salmon to flake easily but still be moist inside. If you don’t have an air fryer, baking at 375°F for 12-15 minutes works beautifully too.

Step 5: Finish with More Sauce and Garnish

As soon as your salmon is done, spoon some of the reserved bang bang sauce over the top. Sprinkle with dried parsley and sesame seeds if you’d like some extra texture and a lovely presentation. Serve immediately while the salmon is warm and saucy!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I love finishing this Bang Bang Salmon with a sprinkle of dried parsley and sesame seeds because it adds a little freshness and texture that make every bite pop. Sometimes, I toss on a squeeze of lime or fresh chopped cilantro for brightness and contrast to the rich sauce.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this salmon paired with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or quinoa and a crisp cucumber salad. Roasted veggies like asparagus or green beans work beautifully too, soaking up any extra bang bang sauce you drizzle over.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I serve this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe over a bed of coconut rice topped with sliced avocado and fresh herbs — it feels fancy but is so easy to pull together. You can also plate it family-style with vibrant slaws or grilled pineapple salsa for a fun, festive flair.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Bang Bang Salmon stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I recommend keeping the salmon and any extra sauce separate if possible to maintain that fresh, saucy texture when reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked salmon before, but the bang bang sauce can slightly change in texture after thawing. If you want to freeze, I suggest freezing the plain cooked salmon and making fresh sauce when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the microwave or a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. Adding a spoonful of the reserved or fresh bang bang sauce after reheating brings the flavors right back to life.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is one of those magic meals that feels both indulgent and healthy, quick to make yet full of personality. I love sharing it with friends because it never fails to impress with its bold flavors and simple prep. You really should give this a try — I promise it’ll become a favorite fast!

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