Irresistible Bang Bang Salmon in 25 Minutes or Less Recipe
This Irresistible Bang Bang Salmon recipe delivers a flavorful, spicy, and creamy dish ready in 25 minutes or less. Featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets coated with a smoky seasoning and topped with a zesty sweet chili sriracha sauce, it’s a quick and simple meal ideal for busy weeknights or impressive dinners. The dish balances heat, sweetness, and tanginess, all garnished with crunchy sesame seeds and fresh green onions for extra texture and brightness.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
- Total Time: 22-25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
For the Salmon
- 2 fillets Salmon (can substitute with halibut or trout)
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil (or avocado oil for high-heat)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (or fresh garlic for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (regular paprika works as a substitute)
- Salt & Black Pepper, to taste (adjust to suit your taste)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce (balances sweetness and heat)
- 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust based on heat tolerance)
- 1 tablespoon Honey or Maple Syrup (optional for added sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice (or lemon juice as a substitute)
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons Chopped Green Onions (or cilantro if desired)
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Seeds (optional for crunch)
- Preparation: Gather all ingredients and ensure salmon fillets are thawed if previously frozen.
- Pat Dry: Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly. This helps achieve a crisp sear on the outside.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture generously and evenly over both sides of the salmon fillets to infuse flavor.
- Heat the Skillet: Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it is hot but not smoking. This ensures a good sear without burning.
- Cook Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is partially cooked.
- Flip and Finish: Gently flip the fillets and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the salmon is flaky and cooked through internally.
- Prepare the Sauce: While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Serve: Remove salmon from the skillet and plate it. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the top and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and crunch.
Notes
- You can substitute salmon with halibut or trout if preferred.
- Use avocado oil if you want a higher smoke point oil for searing.
- For a lighter sauce, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Adjust sriracha quantity to control the heat level of the sauce.
- Honey or maple syrup is optional but adds a nice balance between sweet and spicy.
- Ensure the salmon fillets are dry before seasoning to maximize crust formation.
- Cook salmon to an internal temperature of 125-130°F for medium doneness.
- Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, Spicy Salmon Recipe, Quick Salmon Dinner, Easy Seafood Recipe, Weeknight Salmon, Spicy Seafood, Asian Inspired Salmon