Name: Quick Bang Bang Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 1 tbsp olive oil; 0.5 tsp salt; 0.25 tsp black pepper; 0.5 cup mayonnaise; 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 tbsp honey; 1 tsp soy sauce; 1 tsp lime juice (fresh)

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If you’re searching for a dinner that checks every box—fast, bold, creamy, spicy, and irresistibly satisfying—Quick Bang Bang Salmon deserves a permanent place in your rotation. This dish takes tender, flaky salmon fillets and coats them in a creamy bang bang sauce that balances sweetness, heat, and tang in every bite. Best of all, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor.

Bang bang sauce has roots in Asian-inspired cuisine and has surged in popularity thanks to its crave-worthy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and heat from sriracha. When paired with salmon—a naturally rich, buttery fish—the result is pure magic. The sauce clings beautifully to the fish, caramelizing slightly as it cooks and creating a glossy, restaurant-style finish right at home.

This bang bang salmon recipe is designed to be approachable for beginners while still exciting for experienced home cooks. Whether you pan-sear, bake, or air-fry the salmon, the technique is forgiving and adaptable. The flavors are bold yet balanced, making it a crowd-pleaser even for those who claim they “don’t love fish.”

Why Quick Bang Bang Salmon Works So Well

Salmon is one of the most versatile proteins you can cook at home. It cooks quickly, absorbs flavor beautifully, and provides a luxurious texture without complicated preparation. When combined with bang bang sauce, salmon transforms into a dish that feels indulgent yet fresh.

This recipe works because:

The sauce hits sweet, spicy, and savory notes all at once
Salmon’s natural oils prevent it from drying out
Cooking time is short, preserving moisture and tenderness
The ingredients are pantry-friendly and easy to find

Whether served over rice, tucked into tacos, or paired with roasted vegetables, quick bang bang salmon adapts effortlessly to your meal style.

Ingredients

Use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.

For the Salmon

Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Paprika (optional, for color)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

Mayonnaise
Sweet chili sauce
Sriracha (adjust to taste)
Honey
Soy sauce
Fresh lime juice
Minced garlic

For Garnish

Green onions, thinly sliced
Sesame seeds
Lime wedges (optional)

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, soy sauce, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as desired. Set aside.
Season the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Drizzle lightly with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Cook the Salmon
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through.
Add the Bang Bang Sauce
Spoon a generous amount of bang bang sauce over each fillet. Let it warm and slightly caramelize for 1–2 minutes without burning.
Finish and Garnish
Remove from heat. Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Salmon

Don’t overcook: Salmon should flake easily but remain moist inside.
Use room-temperature salmon for even cooking.
Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing sriracha.
Line your pan with parchment if baking to avoid sticking.

Cooking Variations

Baked Bang Bang Salmon
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then broil briefly for caramelization.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Salmon
Cook at 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, brushing with sauce halfway.

Grilled Bang Bang Salmon
Grill over medium heat, brushing sauce on during the final minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Over steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice
With roasted broccoli or green beans
Inside lettuce wraps or tacos
Alongside a crisp cucumber salad

Cultural & Flavor Inspiration

Bang bang sauce draws inspiration from bold, creamy Asian-style sauces that balance heat with sweetness. While traditional dishes vary by region, the modern bang bang flavor profile has become a favorite in fusion cooking, especially with seafood.

Why This Is the Ultimate Weeknight Salmon Recipe

This easy salmon dinner proves you don’t need complicated steps or fancy ingredients to achieve big flavor. It’s fast enough for busy evenings, impressive enough for guests, and versatile enough to reinvent again and again.