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