Bang Bang Salmon is a quick, flavorful, and easy dinner made with tender salmon fillets brushed in a creamy sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce. The salmon is seasoned with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, then baked until flaky and finished with even more sauce on top.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together in about 20 minutes. Serve it with rice, roasted vegetables, noodles, or a fresh salad for a simple meal that tastes bold, creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon
- Ready in about 20 minutes
- Sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
- Easy oven or air fryer option
- Great with rice or vegetables
- Made with simple ingredients
- Family-friendly with adjustable spice
- Flaky salmon with a flavorful sauce
What Is Bang Bang Salmon?
Bang Bang Salmon is inspired by the popular bang bang sauce often used on shrimp or chicken. The sauce is creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy, made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
For this recipe, the sauce is brushed over seasoned salmon before baking. After cooking, more sauce is drizzled on top for extra flavor. The result is juicy, flaky salmon with a glossy, bold, restaurant-style finish.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, about 1½ pounds total, skin on
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha, or more to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Chopped chives, for garnish
Ingredient Notes
Salmon
Use fresh salmon fillets that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Skin-on salmon works best because the skin protects the delicate fish while baking.
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise makes the bang bang sauce creamy and smooth. You can use regular, light, or homemade mayonnaise.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
This adds sweetness, tang, and mild heat. It is the main flavor in the bang bang sauce.
Sriracha
Sriracha brings heat. Use 1 teaspoon for mild spice or add more if you like it hotter.
Honey
Honey balances the spice and gives the sauce a glossy finish.
Paprika and Garlic Powder
These simple seasonings add color and savory flavor to the salmon.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F.
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down.
Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and gently rub it on all sides.
In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In another small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey.
Mix until smooth.
Divide the sauce in half.
Use one half for brushing the salmon before baking, and reserve the other half for drizzling after baking.
Step 4: Brush the Salmon
Brush ½ cup of bang bang sauce evenly over the salmon fillets.
Make sure each piece is well coated.
Step 5: Bake
Bake the salmon for 8 to 10 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Start checking around 6 minutes, especially if your fillets are thin.
For a crispier top, broil for 1 to 2 minutes at the end.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Transfer the salmon to a plate.
Drizzle with the remaining bang bang sauce.
Garnish with chopped chives.
Serve warm with rice or your favorite side dish.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
You can also make this recipe in the air fryer.
Prepare and season the salmon as directed.
Brush with bang bang sauce.
Place the salmon in the air fryer basket, skin-side down.
Air fry at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
Drizzle with the reserved sauce before serving.
How to Know When Salmon Is Done
Salmon is fully cooked when the thickest part reaches 145°F.
For medium salmon, you can remove it from the oven around 130°F because it will continue to cook slightly after resting.
If you do not have a thermometer, check with a fork. The salmon should flake easily and look opaque pink on the outside.
Be careful not to overcook it, or the salmon may become dry.
Should You Cook Salmon with the Skin On?
Yes, skin-on salmon is best for baking or air frying.
The skin acts as a barrier between the fish and the hot pan, helping prevent the salmon from drying out or overcooking.
Cook salmon skin-side down. You can eat the skin or remove it after cooking.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Salmon
Don’t Overcook the Salmon
Salmon cooks quickly. Start checking early to keep it tender and flaky.
Use Similar-Sized Fillets
Evenly sized fillets cook at the same rate.
Reserve Half the Sauce
Do not use all the sauce before baking. Save half for drizzling after the salmon is cooked.
Add More Sriracha for Heat
If you like spicy salmon, increase the Sriracha to taste.
Broil for a Crispy Finish
A quick 1 to 2 minutes under the broiler gives the top a lightly caramelized finish.
Variations
Spicy Bang Bang Salmon
Add extra Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Bang Bang Salmon Bites
Cut salmon into cubes, coat with seasoning and sauce, then bake or air fry until cooked.
Honey Garlic Bang Bang Salmon
Add a small amount of minced garlic or garlic paste to the sauce.
Lightened-Up Version
Use light mayonnaise or a mix of mayonnaise and Greek yogurt.
Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
Serve the salmon over rice with cucumber, avocado, carrots, and extra sauce.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Salmon
Bang Bang Salmon pairs well with:
- White rice
- Jasmine rice
- Coconut rice
- Fried rice
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Cucumber salad
- Garlic green beans
- Noodles
- Mixed greens
- Avocado slices
- Roasted sweet potatoes
Storage Instructions
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Store extra bang bang sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
Because the sauce contains mayonnaise, do not leave it sitting at room temperature for too long.
Reheating
For best results, reheat salmon in the oven at a low temperature until warmed through.
You can also enjoy leftover salmon cold over a salad or rice bowl.
Avoid overheating in the microwave, as it can dry out the fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Bang Bang Salmon in the Air Fryer?
Yes. Air fry at 400°F for 5 to 6 minutes, or until cooked through.
Is Bang Bang Salmon Spicy?
It has mild heat from Sriracha. You can make it spicier by adding more Sriracha.
Can I Use Skinless Salmon?
Yes, but skin-on salmon helps protect the fish and keeps it moist.
Can I Make the Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes. Store the bang bang sauce in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
What Temperature Should Salmon Be Cooked To?
Fully cooked salmon should reach 145°F in the thickest part.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Salmon is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying dinner that brings together tender salmon and a creamy sweet-spicy sauce. It is simple enough for weeknights but tasty enough to serve when you want something special.
Whether you bake it in the oven or cook it in the air fryer, this recipe delivers flaky salmon with bold flavor in every bite.