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Bang Bang Salmon Made Perfect in Just 15 Minutes Recipe

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4.5 from 77 reviews

This Bang Bang Salmon recipe brings a flavorful, spicy twist to perfectly seared salmon fillets in just 15 minutes. The salmon is seasoned with a simple blend of spices and cooked to tender perfection on the stovetop, then topped with a creamy, tangy, and mildly spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Garnished with fresh green onions, this dish is both vibrant and easy enough for a quick weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 2 green onions, finely chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to ensure a flavorful crust.
  2. Heat Your Pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers but does not smoke, which helps prevent sticking and ensures a nice sear.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon into the hot skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them to allow the skin or surface to crisp up. Flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  4. Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and combined.
  5. Finish and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked through, transfer it to plates. Drizzle the prepared Bang Bang sauce generously over the top of each fillet and garnish with the finely chopped green onions. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of the warm salmon and cool, spicy sauce.

Notes

  • Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce for a healthier, lighter option.
  • Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the level of spiciness to your preference.
  • If you prefer, bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of pan-searing.
  • Serve this dish with steamed rice or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
  • Salmon with skin-on helps keep the fillet moist and adds extra texture. Use skinless if preferred.