Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful twist on the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, bringing together the deliciously tender and flaky texture of salmon with the creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfectly air-fried or baked, each salmon bite is coated with a blend of aromatic spices that enhance its natural richness and then drizzled with a homemade Bang Bang sauce that elevates the flavors to a whole new level. This dish is ideal as a light entrée or appetizer and can be served alongside a simple salad, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal. For anyone who loves a combination of spicy and savory flavors with a hint of sweetness, this Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a must-try.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1½ lbs salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo for a creamier texture, if available)
- ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (or adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for additional sweetness)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha or honey to achieve your desired balance of sweetness and spice. Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon pieces in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Gently toss until each salmon piece is well-coated with the spices.
- Air Fry the Salmon:
- For Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- For Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the salmon pieces on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, arrange the salmon bites on a serving platter. Drizzle with the prepared Bang Bang sauce and serve the extra sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime, if desired.
Cooking Tips
- Choose the Right Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor. Wild-caught varieties generally have a richer taste and firmer texture, while farm-raised salmon may offer a milder flavor.
- Adjust Spice Levels: The Bang Bang sauce can be easily customized to your preferred heat level. For a spicier version, add more sriracha, or if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of sriracha or use a milder hot sauce.
- Cooking Time: Watch the cooking time closely, especially if using an air fryer, as overcooking can make the salmon dry. Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it and remove it promptly once done.
- Add Texture: For a little extra crunch, you can coat the salmon pieces lightly with panko breadcrumbs before air frying. This adds a crispy layer to each bite and enhances the texture.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The flavors intensify as the sauce sits, making it even more delicious when served.
Nutritional Benefits
Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein, providing essential amino acids for muscle maintenance and growth. Additionally, salmon is packed with vitamins B12 and D, which support energy levels and bone health, as well as selenium and potassium, which contribute to immune and metabolic function. The Bang Bang sauce, made with mayonnaise and chili sauce, adds a delightful creamy flavor, while lime juice introduces vitamin C for an antioxidant boost.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is incredibly easy to make, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a balanced blend of flavors—spicy, tangy, and just a little sweet. The air fryer or oven ensures that the salmon is cooked to perfection with minimal oil, making it a healthy choice. The sauce is simple to prepare, and its flavor profile perfectly complements the natural richness of the salmon, creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Plus, with its eye-catching presentation, this dish is ideal for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Ensure all ingredients, such as the Thai sweet chili sauce, are gluten-free if needed.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is dairy-free, making it suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
- Low-Carb: Salmon is naturally low in carbohydrates, making this dish a great option for low-carb diets, with minimal carbs coming from the sauce ingredients.
- High-Protein: Salmon is a high-protein fish, making this dish a satisfying, protein-packed meal suitable for those looking to increase protein intake.
Why This Recipe Works
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe strikes the perfect balance between flavors and textures. The spice blend enhances the salmon without overpowering its natural taste, while the creamy Bang Bang sauce complements it with a blend of sweetness and heat. Cooking the salmon in the air fryer or oven keeps it tender inside with a slightly crispy outside, ideal for absorbing the sauce without becoming soggy. Additionally, the ease and speed of this recipe make it an appealing option for busy nights, while its vibrant presentation and flavors make it feel special enough for entertaining.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon is a fresh and exciting way to enjoy salmon. This recipe takes a beloved flavor profile—sweet, spicy, and creamy—and pairs it with tender, perfectly cooked salmon for a dish that’s as delicious as it is nutritious. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or just looking to incorporate more omega-3-rich salmon into your diet, this recipe is sure to satisfy. Serve it with a side of rice, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables, and you have a complete meal that’s healthy, easy, and utterly irresistible. Enjoy these Bang Bang Salmon bites with family and friends, and let this recipe become a new favorite in your rotation!
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Spicy Bang Bang Salmon Bites with Creamy Chili Sauce
- Total Time: 18mins
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful twist on the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, bringing together the deliciously tender and flaky texture of salmon with the creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce. Perfectly air-fried or baked, each salmon bite is coated with a blend of aromatic spices that enhance its natural richness and then drizzled with a homemade Bang Bang sauce that elevates the flavors to a whole new level. This dish is ideal as a light entrée or appetizer and can be served alongside a simple salad, rice, or vegetables for a complete meal. For anyone who loves a combination of spicy and savory flavors with a hint of sweetness, this Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 1 1/2 lbs salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo for a creamier texture, if available)
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (or adjust to taste for heat)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for additional sweetness)
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice (or lemon juice)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and lime juice until smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha or honey to achieve your desired balance of sweetness and spice. Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon pieces in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if desired). Gently toss until each salmon piece is well-coated with the spices.
- Air Fry the Salmon:
- For Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for a few minutes. Place the salmon bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- For Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the salmon pieces on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until the salmon is tender and cooked through.
- Serve: Once cooked, arrange the salmon bites on a serving platter. Drizzle with the prepared Bang Bang sauce and serve the extra sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with fresh herbs or a squeeze of lime, if desired.
- Prep Time: 10mins
- Cook Time: 8mins