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Quick and Delicious Bang Bang Salmon for Busy Nights Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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