Bang Bang Salmon: 10 Delicious Tricks You’ll Love

If your weeknights feel anything like mine—somewhere between juggling a to-do list the length of a CVS receipt and negotiating with family members about what counts as a “real dinner”—then you’re going to love this Bang Bang Salmon recipe. It’s bold, creamy, a little spicy, and ready in just 15 minutes. Yes, you read that right. Fifteen. As in: you can have dinner on the table before the “What’s for dinner?” chorus turns into a full Broadway performance.

This Bang Bang Salmon is everything I adore in a weeknight meal—fast, flavorful, and just fancy enough to make you feel like you’ve got your life together… even if you’re actually reheating the same cup of coffee for the third time today.

Let’s jump in and let dinner cook with you, not against you.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon

When you hear the words Bang Bang Salmon, your taste buds might perk up a little—and they should! This dish brings together tender, perfectly seasoned salmon with a creamy, sweet-heat sauce that feels like something you’d order at a trendy restaurant but can whip up faster than your group chat can argue about where to go for brunch.

Here’s why this recipe just works:

• It’s ready in 15 minutes—no marathon cooking required.
• Minimal ingredients that you probably already have.
• Bold, bright flavors thanks to the Bang Bang sauce.
• Pan-seared salmon perfection, crispy edges included.
• Flexible for dietary preferences, from Greek yogurt swaps to plant-based mayo.

And as someone who believes cooking should bring joy—not stress—trust me when I say this one delivers.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Bang Bang Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 green onions, finely chopped

Ingredient Notes:
If you can’t find sweet chili sauce, mix 2 tablespoons honey + 1 tablespoon rice vinegar + ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. For dairy-free versions, plant-based mayo works beautifully.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Prep That Salmon

First things first—give your salmon a good pat-down with paper towels. I know, it sounds silly… but trust me, this is the secret to getting that gorgeous sear instead of accidentally steaming your salmon.

Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Gently press the spices in so the flavor clings to every little nook of the fillet.

Step 2: Heat the Pan Like a Pro

Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Don’t walk away—watch for that perfect shimmer! If the oil starts smoking, it’s too hot. If nothing happens, it’s too cold. You want that just right glisten (Goldilocks would be proud).

Step 3: Sear to Perfection

Place your salmon in the pan, skin-side down if you’re using skin-on. Let it cook for 4–5 minutes without touching it. Not even a poke. This patience pays off with a crust that tastes like restaurant magic.

Flip the fillets and cook another 2–3 minutes, depending on how done you like it.

• 125°F: medium
• 145°F: well-done

Your nose will tell you when it’s time—salmon gets fragrant in the best way.

Step 4: Whisk Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon works its magic, grab a small bowl and whisk together your mayo (or Greek yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice.

Your sauce should look like a creamy sunset—orange-pink, glossy, and thick enough to stick to your spoon.

Step 5: Finish Strong

Let your salmon rest for a minute. This helps the juices settle back in instead of running away.

Then drizzle—don’t skimp—the Bang Bang sauce all over the warm fillets. Let it ooze over the sides like a delicious little waterfall.

Top with your chopped green onions for a fresh pop of color and brightness.

My Little Story Behind This Recipe

This Bang Bang Salmon first swooped in and saved my sanity during one of those weeks when life felt like a game of whack-a-mole. Between errands, emails, and wondering why laundry multiplies overnight, dinner just wasn’t happening.

But I had salmon in the fridge and pantry staples ready to go. A few test swirls of mayo, chili sauce, honey, and sriracha later—and boom. Dinner was ready in less time than it took me to find the missing sock from the dryer.

It quickly became one of my go-tos for nights when I need a small win.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Salmon

• Don’t skip drying the salmon. I know it feels extra, but it truly makes or breaks the sear.
• Like it spicier? Add another squeeze of sriracha.
• Sauce seems too thick? A teaspoon of water or extra lime juice loosens it right up.
• Want a crispier crust? Press the salmon gently into the pan right after placing it down.
• Making it healthier? Greek yogurt is a fantastic sub, giving the sauce a tangy twist.

And if your sauce looks a little too thick—don’t stress. It’s just extra comfort waiting to happen.

FAQs About Bang Bang Salmon

Bring Bang Bang Salmon to Your Table Tonight

There’s just something magical about a dish that tastes bold and exciting but comes together in minutes. This Bang Bang Salmon is exactly that—a warm, comforting, flavor-loaded meal that fits effortlessly into a busy weeknight.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, feeding picky eaters, or trying to impress someone without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe has your back. It celebrates everything I love about simple cooking: big flavors, little effort, and the kind of cozy aroma that makes your home feel like a hug.

Make it tonight—and let dinner be the easiest part of your day.

More Delicious Recipes You’ll Love

If this Bang Bang Salmon won your heart (and saved your evening), you’re going to adore a few of my other reader-favorite dishes. These recipes pair perfectly with the bold, cozy, and easygoing vibe of tonight’s dinner—so feel free to keep the flavor train rolling:

• Craving another quick, flavor-loaded meal? Try my Korean Ground Beef Bowl — it’s fast, satisfying, and packs the same sweet-heat punch you love.
• If you’re in the mood for something fun and skillet-friendly, my Potsticker Stir Fry brings crispy bites, bright veggies, and big takeout-style energy straight to your kitchen.
• Want more dishes with that addictive sweet chili flavor? My Sweet Chili Meatballs Crockpot is cozy, crowd-pleasing, and ridiculously easy.
• And for nights when you’d rather let the slow cooker handle dinner, my Slow Cooker Garlic Butter Chicken and Veggies is a buttery, comforting classic your whole family will request again and again.

Feel free to explore these next—you might just find your new weeknight lifesaver!

Bang Bang Salmon

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• Author: Mounia
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Bang Bang Salmon is a quick, flavor-packed weeknight dinner made with seared salmon fillets and a creamy, sweet-heat sauce. It comes together in just 15 minutes and delivers bold, comforting flavors that feel restaurant-worthy with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 lime, juiced

• 2 green onions, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry to help them sear properly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer before adding the salmon.

3. Place salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 4–5 minutes without moving. Flip and cook an additional 2–3 minutes, until it reaches your preferred doneness.

4. While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.

5. Remove salmon from heat and let it rest for 1 minute. Drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce and top with green onions. Serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

For a dairy-free version, plant-based mayo works great.

If the sauce feels too thick, thin it with a splash of lime juice or water.

Don’t skip drying the salmon—this guarantees a great sear.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet + sauce
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 7 G
• Sodium: 820 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 10 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg