Quick and Delicious Bang Bang Salmon for Busy Nights Recipe

Introduction

This Quick and Delicious Bang Bang Salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful and fast. Crispy-skinned salmon meets a creamy, spicy sauce that brightens each bite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal that feels special without the fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on for crispy exterior)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (high smoke point oil)
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder (substitute fresh garlic if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked for a twist)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey (or maple syrup as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice (fresh preferred)
• 2 tablespoons green onions (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let the fillets rest for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough.
3. Step 3: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook without moving them for 4 to 5 minutes, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
4. Step 4: Carefully flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and cooked through.
5. Step 5: While the salmon cooks, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level as desired.
6. Step 6: Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and let it rest for 1 minute. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce and sprinkle with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt in the sauce without compromising creaminess.
• Use smoked paprika to add a subtle depth of flavor that complements the spicy sauce beautifully.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat level to suit your taste.
• Serve the salmon over steamed rice or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat salmon gently in a low oven or covered skillet to maintain moisture without overcooking. The Bang Bang sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning to ensure crisp skin and even cooking.

What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, mix together honey with a mild chili sauce or a bit of ketchup and chili flakes for a similar sweet and spicy flavor.

Quick and Delicious Bang Bang Salmon for Busy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 52 reviews

This Quick and Delicious Bang Bang Salmon recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want a flavorful, restaurant-quality meal on the table fast. Crispy-skinned salmon fillets are pan-seared to perfection and topped with a creamy, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang sauce for an irresistible dish that combines smoky, sweet, and zesty flavors.

• Author: Lena
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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For the Salmon

• 4 fillets Salmon (skin-on for crispy exterior)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (high smoke point oil)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (substitute fresh garlic if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked for a twist)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon Honey (or maple syrup as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (fresh preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Green Onions (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Season the Salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Let the seasoned fillets rest for a few minutes to enhance the flavors.
2. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet on medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for searing.
3. Cook Skin-Side Down: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin turns crispy and golden brown.
4. Flip and Finish Cooking: Gently flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the flesh is opaque and cooked through but still moist inside.
5. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice until smooth and well combined. Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.
6. Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and let it rest for 1 minute. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce and garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

• For a lighter twist, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the sauce.
• Use skin-on salmon to achieve crispy skin; skinless fillets won’t have the same texture.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your heat preference.
• Serve with steamed rice or a simple salad for a complete meal.
• If fresh lime juice is unavailable, bottled lime juice can be used, though fresh enhances the flavor.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, Quick Salmon Recipe, Crispy Skin Salmon, Spicy Salmon, Easy Dinner, Pan-Seared Salmon