In the world of easy weeknight dinners, Bang Bang Salmon stands out with its delightful blend of crispy skin and a spicy, creamy sauce. If you’re looking to impress your family or elevate a casual dinner with friends, this dish is a crowd-pleaser. It combines simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking technique, making it a perfect option for anyone, even busy home cooks.
Why you’ll love this dish
Bang Bang Salmon isn’t just a delicious meal; it’s a celebration of flavors and textures. You can whip it up in 30 minutes—ideal for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings. The crunchy skin adds an irresistible bite, while the sweet and spicy sauce brings everything together in a mouthwatering way. Perfect for family meals or a quick healthy lunch, this dish is versatile enough to suit various occasions.
“This Bang Bang Salmon was a hit at our dinner party! The flavors were incredible, and everyone wanted the recipe.” – Emma T.
Step-by-step overview
This recipe shines not just for its flavor but also for its simplicity. The key steps include seasoning the salmon, preparing the sauce, and searing the fish to crispy perfection. In no time, you’ll have a delightful dish ready to savor.
What you’ll need
Before you start cooking, gather these items:
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (high smoke-point recommended)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika adds a special touch)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh preferred)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
By having everything in place, you’re set for smooth cooking.
How to prepare it
Here’s a streamlined approach to cooking Bang Bang Salmon:
- Prep the salmon: Pat the fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside for a moment while you heat the pan.
- Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Adjust the heat and sweetness to your liking, then fold in the green onions and refrigerate to let the flavors marry.
- Sear the salmon: Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and wait for it to shimmer, signaling it’s ready. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-6 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the flesh is about two-thirds cooked through.
- Finish cooking: Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes, checking for your desired doneness (125-130°F for medium or 145°F for well-done).
- Plate it up: Remove the salmon from the pan, let it rest for 1-2 minutes, then spoon or brush the sauce over each piece. Garnish with extra green onions for that finishing touch.
Best ways to enjoy it
Now that you have your Bang Bang Salmon beautifully plated, consider serving it alongside fluffy rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or stir-fried greens to create a colorful, balanced meal. For a fun twist, serve the salmon in taco form with corn tortillas and your favorite toppings!
Storage and reheating tips
To store leftover Bang Bang Salmon, keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best enjoyed fresh but can last for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out. If you prefer, the salmon can also be frozen; just ensure that it’s well-wrapped for up to 2 months.
Pro chef tips
- Crispy skin: For the crispiest skin, start with dry fillets and ensure your pan is hot before adding the salmon.
- Taste the sauce: Don’t hesitate to tweak the sauce to match your personal taste; add more sriracha for heat or more honey for sweetness.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfect doneness every time, invest in a meat thermometer. It takes the guesswork out of cooking fish.
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Swap the protein: Try the same sauce with chicken or firm tofu for a fun alternative.
- Add herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into the sauce for an aromatic lift.
- Sneak in veggies: Serve the salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach or a colorful slaw for added nutrition and crunch.
Common questions
What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
You can combine equal parts honey and hot sauce or use a homemade version using sugar, vinegar, and your choice of heat.Can I use skinless salmon for this recipe?
While skin-on salmon crisps beautifully, you can use skinless fillets, just note they may not achieve the same level of texture.How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is ideally done when it flakes easily with a fork and has a pale pink center. A food thermometer is the best way to check, aiming for 125-130°F for medium doneness.
With an easy to follow recipe, flavorful ingredients, and the ability to customize, Bang Bang Salmon quickly becomes a go-to option for meals that need to impress. Happy cooking!
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Bang Bang Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Bang Bang Salmon stands out with its delightful blend of crispy skin and a spicy, creamy sauce. A quick and impressive dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (or 1 clove fresh garlic, minced)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
- 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh preferred)
- 2 tablespoons green onions, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Pat the fillets dry and season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Adjust seasoning and fold in green onions; refrigerate.
- Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once shimmering, place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-6 minutes until skin is crispy.
- Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 1-3 minutes to desired doneness (125-130°F for medium).
- Remove salmon from pan, let rest for 1-2 minutes, then serve with sauce and garnish with green onions.
Notes
For crispy skin, start with dry fillets and ensure the pan is hot before cooking. Adjust sauce ingredients to match personal taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Asian