Bang Bang Salmon

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Bang Bang Salmon is the perfect combination of crispy, flaky fish and a rich, creamy, spicy sauce that brings just the right amount of heat. The panko crust adds a delightful crunch, while the Bang Bang sauce balances it out with a sweet, tangy, and spicy kick. It’s a restaurant quality meal you can easily make at home in under 30 minutes!

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests. Serve it with a side of steamed rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to complete the meal. Whether you love seafood or are just looking to spice up your dinner routine, this Bang Bang Salmon will be a new favorite in your kitchen.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

4 salmon fillets
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha

1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon lime juice

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
Evenly spread the breadcrumb mixture over the top of each fillet, pressing gently to adhere.

Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the topping is golden brown.
While the salmon bakes, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.
Drizzle or brush the sauce over the cooked salmon before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Bang Bang Salmon: A Flavor-Packed, Easy-to-Make Seafood Dish

Seafood lovers, rejoice! Bang Bang Salmon is a delightful, restaurant-quality dish that brings together bold flavors, a crispy texture, and a creamy, spicy sauce that’s nothing short of addictive. Inspired by the famous Bang Bang Shrimp, this dish takes that same tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce and pairs it with flaky, tender salmon. The result? A satisfying, nutritious, and easy to make meal that fits into both busy weeknights and fancy dinner occasions.

If you’re someone who enjoys big flavors but wants a healthier alternative to deep fried seafood, this recipe is for you. It takes only about 25 minutes to make from start to finish and can be customized in countless ways. Whether you love bold spice or prefer a milder version, Bang Bang Salmon is versatile enough to suit your taste.

Let’s dive into the world of Bang Bang Salmon, exploring its origins, why it has become a favorite, how to customize it, what to serve it with, and its nutritional benefits.

What Is Bang Bang Salmon?

Bang Bang Salmon is a fusion of crispy, oven-baked salmon and a creamy, spicy sauce. The name “Bang Bang” comes from the original Bang Bang Shrimp, a dish made famous by Bonefish Grill. The signature sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha was initially used to coat crispy shrimp. However, home cooks and chefs alike quickly adapted this sauce to other proteins, including chicken and salmon.

By swapping shrimp for salmon, this dish becomes heartier, richer in nutrients, and easier to prepare for a full meal. Instead of deep-frying, this version uses baking or air frying, making it a healthier alternative without sacrificing that delicious, crispy texture.

The sauce plays a major role in the dish’s success. It is creamy, slightly sweet, tangy, and has a gentle heat that enhances the natural flavors of the salmon. This combination of flavors and textures makes Bang Bang Salmon irresistibly good.

Why Is Bang Bang Salmon So Popular?

There are many reasons why Bang Bang Salmon has become a go-to recipe for seafood lovers:

1. Big, Bold Flavors

This dish isn’t bland or boring far from it! The crispy breadcrumb topping provides a satisfying crunch, while the Bang Bang sauce delivers a mix of creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy elements. Every bite is packed with flavor, making it a favorite for those who love exciting dishes.

2. Quick and Easy to Make

Many people shy away from cooking fish because they think it’s complicated. Bang Bang Salmon is incredibly simple and foolproof. Since salmon cooks quickly, you can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for a fast yet delicious dinner.

3. Healthier Alternative to Fried Dishes

Unlike Bang Bang Shrimp, which is usually deep-fried, this salmon version is baked or air fried, reducing unnecessary oil while still maintaining a crispy texture. Plus, salmon is packed with omega 3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, making it a nutrient-dense option for a balanced diet.

4. Versatile and Customizable

One of the best things about this dish is how easily it can be adapted. Whether you want to tweak the spice level, use gluten-free ingredients, or add extra seasonings, Bang Bang Salmon is incredibly flexible to match your preferences.

5. Pairs Well with Many Sides

Bang Bang Salmon is delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Whether you prefer a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a grain like quinoa or rice, you can create a balanced meal effortlessly.

How to Customize Bang Bang Salmon

One of the best things about Bang Bang Salmon is how adaptable it is. Here are a few ways you can tweak it to match your preferences:

Adjusting the Spice Level

If you love heat, add more sriracha or even a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha or substitute it with honey mustard for a sweeter version.

Making It Gluten-Free

Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers instead of traditional panko.
Make sure your sweet chili sauce is labeled gluten-free, as some brands may contain wheat-based additives.

Air-Fryer Method for Extra Crispiness

Instead of baking, you can air-fry the salmon at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes.

This method gives the fish an extra crispy topping with minimal oil.

Alternative Protein Options

This sauce works well with chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even cauliflower for a vegetarian version.

Best Side Dishes to Serve with Bang Bang Salmon

A well-rounded meal includes a delicious main dish and the perfect side. Here are some great pairings:

1. Rice & Grains

Steamed jasmine rice – absorbs the delicious Bang Bang sauce beautifully.
Coconut rice – adds a sweet, tropical balance to the spicy flavors.

Quinoa – a protein-packed, healthy grain option.

2. Vegetables

Roasted asparagus – simple, elegant, and slightly crispy.
Steamed broccoli – adds a nutritious, fresh contrast.

Grilled zucchini – a smoky flavor that pairs well with the sauce.

3. Salads

Asian slaw – a mix of cabbage, carrots, and a light sesame dressing.
Cucumber avocado salad – refreshing and cooling to balance the heat.

Mixed greens with citrus dressing – the acidity helps cut through the richness of the sauce.

Health Benefits of Bang Bang Salmon

Aside from being delicious, Bang Bang Salmon is a powerhouse of nutrition. Here’s why it’s a healthy addition to your diet:

High in Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3s, which support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation.
Rich in Protein – With about 22-25g of protein per serving, salmon helps with muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer.
Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals – Salmon provides essential nutrients like vitamin D, B12, and selenium, which are crucial for immune function and energy levels.

Lower in Calories – Since this recipe is baked instead of fried, it contains fewer calories while still being satisfying and delicious.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon is a dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavors in a simple, easy to make format. It’s a perfect blend of crispy, tender fish with a creamy, spicy sauce that keeps you coming back for more.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, meal prepping, or impressing guests, this recipe is a must-try. Plus, with so many ways to customize it, you can tweak it to fit your exact preferences.

If you haven’t tried Bang Bang Salmon yet, now is the time to add it to your meal rotation. It’s bold, delicious, and guaranteed to become one of your favorite ways to enjoy salmon.