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Irresistible Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

5 from 127 reviews

This Irresistible Bang Bang Salmon recipe features perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets coated with a flavorful seasoning blend and topped with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. With simple ingredients and quick stovetop cooking, it’s a delicious and easy meal that balances heat, tang, and a touch of sweetness, garnished with fresh green onions and crunchy sesame seeds.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon

  • 2 fillets Salmon (can substitute with halibut or trout)
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or avocado oil for high-heat)
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic for extra flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (regular paprika works as a substitute)
  • Salt & Black Pepper, to taste (adjust to suit your taste)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce (balances sweetness and heat)
  • 12 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust based on heat tolerance)
  • 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (optional for added sweetness)
  • 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice (or lemon juice as a substitute)
  • 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions (or cilantro if desired)
  • 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional for crunch)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Gather all ingredients and ensure salmon fillets are thawed and ready to use.
  2. Pat Dry: Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear.
  3. Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets to flavor the fish and aid browning.
  4. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot enough to sizzle when oil is added. This ensures a nicely crisped exterior on the salmon.
  5. Cook the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook undisturbed until the skin is crisp and the salmon is mostly cooked through, about 4-5 minutes depending on thickness. Then gently flip the fillets and cook on the other side until salmon is flaky and fully cooked, another 3-4 minutes.
  6. Prepare the Sauce: While the salmon cooks, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice in a bowl until smooth and well combined.
  7. Serve: Plate the cooked salmon fillets and generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over them. Garnish with chopped green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds for crunch and extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute salmon with halibut or trout as alternatives.
  • Adjust sriracha amount according to your preferred level of spiciness.
  • Honey or maple syrup is optional but adds a subtle sweetness that balances heat.
  • For a lighter version of the sauce, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
  • Make sure to pat salmon dry before seasoning to achieve better searing.
  • Cook salmon skin-side down first for a crispy texture and to prevent sticking.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, spicy salmon recipe, pan-seared salmon, quick salmon dinner, sweet chili salmon sauce