Creamy, spicy, sweet, and irresistibly delicious! This Bang Bang Salmon features tender, juicy salmon bites coated in a flavorful seasoning, cooked until beautifully golden, and drizzled with a creamy bang bang sauce. Finished with fresh green onions and herbs, it makes a quick, restaurant-style meal in just 15 minutes.
This easy salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, healthy lunches, meal prep, or a protein-packed dinner served with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
15 min
Total time
2–4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Ingredients
For the salmon
- 1½ pounds (680 g) skinless salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon chili powder, optional
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice, optional
For the creamy Bang Bang sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha, adjusted to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey, optional, for extra sweetness
- 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice or lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon water, if needed to thin the sauce
For garnish
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro or parsley, optional
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, optional
- Lime wedges, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the salmon
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and cut it into evenly sized cubes. Place the salmon in a bowl and add olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and optional chili powder. Toss gently until every piece is evenly coated.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness as desired. Add a little water if you prefer a thinner drizzle. Set aside.
Step 3: Cook the salmon
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Arrange the salmon in a single layer, leaving space between the pieces. Cook for about 3–4 minutes on the first side, then turn and cook for another 3–4 minutes, depending on cube size. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
Step 4: Add the sauce
Reduce the heat to low. Drizzle some Bang Bang sauce over the cooked salmon and gently toss to coat, or keep the sauce separate and drizzle it over the salmon just before serving. Avoid boiling the mayonnaise-based sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped green onions, cilantro, and optional sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra sauce and fresh lime wedges for a bright, flavorful finish.
Food safety tip: Cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), measured at the thickest part. Depending on your pan and the size of the pieces, cooking may take longer than 15 minutes, so use temperature rather than appearance alone.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- For the best sear: Pat the salmon dry before seasoning so it develops golden, slightly crispy edges.
- Adjust the spice: Start with 1 teaspoon of sriracha for mild heat, then add more if desired.
- Keep the sauce creamy: Add the sauce after cooking or drizzle it on just before serving.
- Avoid overcrowding: Cook the salmon in batches if necessary so it browns rather than steams.
- For a lighter version: Replace some or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. The flavor will be tangier and the texture slightly different.
Nut Information and Allergens
Naturally nut-free ingredients
This recipe does not require peanuts, almonds, walnuts, cashews, pecans, pistachios, or other tree nuts.
Important allergen information
- Fish: Salmon is a fish allergen.
- Eggs: Regular mayonnaise usually contains eggs.
- Soy: Some sweet chili sauces, hot sauces, and mayonnaise products may contain soy or soy-derived ingredients.
- Sesame: Optional sesame seeds are not tree nuts, but sesame is a separate major allergen in some countries.
- Gluten: Check the labels of all sauces and seasonings if preparing a gluten-free meal.
Cross-contact warning: If you have a serious nut allergy, check every package label and choose products made without relevant nut cross-contact. Ingredient formulations vary by brand.
Serving Suggestions
Steamed rice
A classic pairing that soaks up the sweet, spicy, creamy sauce.
Roasted vegetables
Serve with broccoli, carrots, zucchini, or asparagus for a balanced dinner.
Fresh cucumber salad
Crisp vegetables and a citrus dressing balance the richness of the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
1. Can I make Bang Bang Salmon in an air fryer?
Yes. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer and cook for approximately 6–9 minutes, turning halfway through. Check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Drizzle with sauce before serving.
2. Can I bake this salmon instead of pan-frying it?
Yes. Bake salmon pieces at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8–12 minutes, depending on their size and thickness. Add the sauce after baking or reserve some for serving.
3. Is Bang Bang Salmon spicy?
It can be mildly spicy or very hot, depending on the amount of sriracha. Reduce or omit the sriracha for a sweeter, milder sauce.
4. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking, then pat it dry. This helps the salmon brown evenly.
5. Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. Mix the sauce and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days, provided the ingredients are fresh and handled safely.
6. How should I store leftovers?
Refrigerate cooked salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking and use within 3–4 days. Keep extra sauce separate when possible. Reheat the salmon gently to 165°F (74°C) for leftovers.
7. Is this recipe keto-friendly or low-carb?
Salmon itself is naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in protein. However, sweet chili sauce and honey contain sugar. For a lower-carb version, use a sugar-free chili sauce and omit the honey, checking labels for carbohydrate content.
8. Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?
Yes. Plain Greek yogurt is a convenient substitute, or you can use a suitable plant-based mayonnaise. The taste and texture will vary.
9. What can I use instead of sesame seeds?
Simply leave them out or garnish with green onions, parsley, or cilantro. Sesame seeds are optional and do not need to be replaced.
10. How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The flesh should be opaque and separate easily with a fork. For the recommended food-safe doneness, verify an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) with a food thermometer.
Kathleen’s Cravings
+1
Nutrition Information
Estimated per serving, assuming 4 servings and using the listed ingredients. Actual values depend on the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and amount of sauce consumed.
| Nutrient | Approximate amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 450–550 kcal |
| Protein | 35–40 g |
| Total carbohydrates | 5–12 g |
| Total fat | 30–40 g |
| Fiber | 0–1 g |
| Sugar | 3–8 g |
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Salmon is an easy, flavor-packed meal with tender salmon, a golden sear, and a creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce. Prepare the sauce while the salmon cooks, finish with fresh green onions, and serve immediately for a delicious dinner in about 15 minutes.
