If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor and delivers a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory, then you’re in for a treat with this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe. Imagine tender, flaky salmon fillets glazed with a zesty sauce that combines honey’s natural sweetness, the kick of sriracha, and the umami depth of soy sauce, all crowned with a creamy, tangy mayo drizzle. This recipe is a total game-changer for weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the secret to making this dish shine. Each element adds a distinct note that harmonizes beautifully in the final dish, from the rich salmon to the punchy sauces and fragrant garnishes.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each): The star of the dish, providing tender, flaky goodness packed with healthy omega-3s.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasoning that enhances the natural flavor of the salmon without overpowering it.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds subtle richness and helps the glaze adhere to the fish.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Brings delightful sweetness that balances the spice and acidity.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Offers a salty, umami backbone that deepens the flavor profile.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste): Adds heat and vibrancy to elevate this salmon to another level.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses a savory aroma bursting with character.
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger: Gives a fresh, zesty zing that awakens the palate.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Lifts the sauce with a subtle acidity to balance all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise: Used later to create a creamy sauce that complements the spicy glaze perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish): Adds freshness and a mild oniony crunch.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Provides a delicate nutty flavor and an attractive finish.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This simple step ensures your salmon cooks evenly and cleanup is a breeze. Parchment paper keeps the fillets from sticking and helps maintain moisture.
Step 2: Season the Salmon Fillets
Rinse the salmon under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry salmon browns better and holds onto seasoning perfectly. Season both sides with salt and pepper to build a foundational flavor that will shine underneath the sauce.
Step 3: Whisk Together the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine olive oil, honey, soy sauce, sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Whisk the ingredients well until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This vibrant sauce will give the salmon a punchy, layered flavor that’s perfectly balanced between sweet, spicy, and tangy.
Step 4: Glaze the Salmon
Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet and generously brush the sauce over each fillet. Keep a bit of sauce reserved for later, as you’ll mix it with mayonnaise for a luscious topping. This step is where the magic starts to happen — the glaze caramelizes a bit in the oven, creating intense flavor.
Step 5: Bake the Salmon
Bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork. The hot oven seals in moisture while the glaze sets beautifully, giving you perfectly tender fish with a flavorful crust on top.
Step 6: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
While the salmon is baking, combine the reserved sauce with mayonnaise until smooth and creamy. This creamy sauce is the perfect cool contrast to the warm, spiced glaze and adds a rich layer of flavor once drizzled over the top.
Step 7: Rest the Salmon
After removing the salmon from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, making every bite succulent and juicy.
Step 8: Serve with Toppings
Drizzle the creamy sauce over the warm fillets and finish with freshly chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These garnishes not only add beautiful color but also a fresh texture and nutty aroma that complete the dish.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Freshness is key when serving this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe. Chopped green onions add a mild, crisp bite, while sesame seeds offer a gentle crunch and subtle nutty flavor. You could also experiment with fresh cilantro or thinly sliced red chili for added color and a little extra kick!
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs wonderfully with simple sides to let the main dish shine. Steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice complements the sauce’s sweetness. Lightly steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or sautéed bok choy add vibrant color and balance. For a heartier option, try a tangy Asian slaw or a crisp cucumber salad.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe on a bed of fluffy rice, garnished with fresh herbs and sesame seeds. For a casual vibe, arrange it on a platter with lime wedges and extra dipping sauce on the side. You can even transform this dish into a bowl with pickled veggies, avocado slices, and crunchy toasted nuts for exciting textures and flavors all in one bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Salmon holds up well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Store the salmon in an airtight container and keep the creamy sauce separate to maintain its texture and flavor. When ready to eat, combine them again for the best experience.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap individual fillets tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Keep in mind that freezing may slightly alter the texture of the salmon, but the bold sauce flavors will remain delicious. Use within 1 month for optimal taste.
Reheating
Reheat gently by warming the salmon in a low oven or microwave on reduced power to avoid drying it out. Add the creamy sauce after reheating for freshness. Alternatively, enjoy cold salmon over a salad or tossed into a rice bowl for a quick lunch.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the fillets completely and pat them dry before seasoning and glazing. This will help the sauce adhere better and ensure even cooking.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?
The spice level depends on how much sriracha you add. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat and adjust to your taste. The creamy sauce also helps mellow out the spiciness, making it approachable for most palates.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce mixture and the creamy mayo topping a few hours in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator and combine just before serving for the freshest flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe reheats well and pairs perfectly with a variety of meal prep-friendly sides like rice and steamed greens. Just keep the sauce separate and add it fresh to maintain its vibrant flavor.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise?
If you prefer to avoid mayonnaise, Greek yogurt is a fantastic substitute for the creamy sauce. It adds a tangy smoothness without overpowering the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is a fantastic way to bring excitement and deep flavor to your dinner table without complicated steps. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again, perfect for sharing with loved ones or savoring on a cozy night in. Give it a try and discover how simple ingredients can create something truly spectacular!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 15m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American with Asian Influences
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful baked salmon recipe featuring a spicy, sweet, and tangy sauce made with sriracha, honey, soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. The salmon is baked to perfection, flaky and tender, and served with a creamy, mayonnaise-based dipping sauce garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. This dish is quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Dipping Sauce & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
- Prepare the Salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and pepper to your preference.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, honey, soy sauce, sriracha sauce, minced garlic, grated ginger, and rice vinegar. Whisk these ingredients together until well blended.
- Apply Sauce to Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Generously brush the sauce mixture over the top of each fillet, reserving some sauce for the dipping sauce.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the flesh flakes easily when tested with a fork. Cooking times may vary based on the thickness of the fillets.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the salmon bakes, mix the reserved sauce with mayonnaise in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy. This sauce will complement the salmon perfectly.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to let the juices redistribute.
- Serve: Drizzle the salmon with the creamy dipping sauce and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Serve hot alongside your preferred sides such as rice or steamed vegetables.
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of sriracha to make the dish milder or spicier according to your taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce instead of regular soy sauce.
- Try serving this salmon with jasmine rice or quinoa and steamed broccoli for a balanced meal.
- If you prefer skinless salmon fillets, baking time remains the same but handle fillets carefully when serving.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
