If you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly into the fridge, wondering what on earth to cook that night, I get it. That exact moment led me straight to this delicious Bang Bang Salmon. It was one of those “I need something quick, tasty, and full of flavor” kitchen wins, and wow—this recipe delivered. Since then, Bang Bang Salmon has slipped right into my regular dinner rotation like it’s always been there, bringing that perfect punch of spicy and creamy warmth every time.
Bang Bang Salmon fits right into my everyday foodie life because it hits all the marks: simple ingredients, quick to make, and that satisfying feeling when the crispiness of the salmon meets the rich, spicy Bang Bang sauce. It’s like Asian-inspired magic on a plate, but without the fuss or hours of prep. Seriously, the first time I made this crispy salmon dish, I felt like I’d stumbled upon a culinary gem—something special yet completely accessible for weeknights or casual weekend cooking.
This spicy salmon recipe brings so much joy because it’s a laid-back showstopper—easy to whip up, and always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, the Bang Bang sauce itself is such a standout; it’s creamy, a little tangy, and just spicy enough to make every bite exciting. If you’re wondering how that sauce and fried salmon with spicy mayo combo could ever come together so effortlessly, trust me—it’s a kitchen win that feels like a celebration in every forkful.
Friends, I’m seriously excited for you to try this Bang Bang Salmon. Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned pro, this recipe keeps things fun, flavorful, and super doable. You’ll find yourself craving it again and again—same as I did. And if you like this flavor profile, I highly recommend checking out my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers—they’re a perfect partner in crime for your taste buds. Just wait until your kitchen fills with those amazing aromas! Ready to dig in? Let’s get started.
What You’ll Need:
This Bang Bang Salmon keeps the ingredient list totally approachable—because good food shouldn’t be complicated.
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) – fresh or thawed, skin on or off works
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (for that crispy coating)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – adds lovely depth
- ½ teaspoon salt – or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil with a high smoke point)
- Optional: pinch of smoked paprika if you want a little smoky warmth
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise – good old regular or light works great
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – grab this at any regular grocery store in the Asian foods aisle
- 1 tablespoon sriracha – adjust for your heat preference
- 1 teaspoon honey – balances the spice and tang
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar – brightens the sauce with a subtle zing
Garnishes & Extras:
- Chopped scallions for freshness
- Sesame seeds for texture and nutty crunch
- Lime wedges to squeeze over the finished dish
Out of sweet chili sauce? No problem, you can swap in a mix of honey and a little extra sriracha for your Bang Bang Salmon sauce. Same with mayo—if you want to lighten it up, Greek yogurt does nicely too. This Bang Bang Salmon is kind to your wallet because salmon fillets can be found fresh or frozen at reasonable prices year-round.
For preparation, I like to pat the salmon dry and season it simply before flouring—the key is a nice even coat, so it crisps just right. Leftovers? Bang Bang Salmon keeps well in the fridge for about 2 days. Come lunchtime, chop it into salads or wraps with extra sauce for an easy, delicious remix.
Here’s my secret little upgrade: I always add a little extra sriracha to the sauce for that cheeky kick. Trust me, it’s worth it.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to dive into this Bang Bang Salmon? I’m right here with you.
- Prep your salmon by patting the fillets dry on paper towels—dry skin crisps better! Season each side lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This simple seasoning is the first flavor layer in your crispy salmon dish.
- Coat with flour: Place the flour on a large plate and gently press each salmon piece into it, covering all sides evenly. Shake off any extra flour. This step is what gives you that crispy texture you want in a Bang Bang Salmon.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. A good hot skillet makes a huge difference in getting your fried salmon with spicy mayo just right.
- Cook the salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if your fillets have skin) and cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them. You’ll know it’s ready to flip when the edges start to turn golden and crisp. Flip carefully and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible when this Bang Bang Salmon is ready.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce: While the salmon cooks, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a small bowl. Adjust heat—add a touch more sriracha if you want a spicier Bang Bang Salmon.
- Plate up: When salmon is done, transfer to serving plates. Spoon the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet. Garnish with scallions, sesame seeds, and a lime wedge for that bright pop.
Start to finish, this Bang Bang Salmon comes together in about 20 minutes. While that’s going, chop scallions and get the sauce ready—it’s a handy multitasking move that frees up your time.
If your Bang Bang Salmon looks a little less “crispy golden” and more “just cooked,” don’t worry—it’ll still taste amazing. I’ve learned that slight variations in heat or pan type can shift the crust—but the sauce always saves the day!
I love using this shortcut: If you want less cleanup, bake the salmon at 425°F for 12-15 minutes and then top with the sauce instead of frying. This version still gives you that bang for your buck in flavor. Check out the Baked Bang-Bang Salmon Bites for inspiration.
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Bang Bang Salmon truly shines when you serve it alongside light, fresh sides. Here are some of my favorite pairings:
- Steamed jasmine rice or sticky rice is a classic Asian-inspired salmon combo that soaks up the Bang Bang sauce perfectly.
- Crunchy cucumber salad with a sesame-ginger dressing lightens the whole plate and complements the rich, spicy salmon.
- Roasted broccoli or snap peas add that green crunch and balance the creamy sauce beautifully.
I often serve this Bang Bang Salmon on a weekend when we’re hanging out with friends because it feels like a full-flavor celebration without all the fuss. It’s also fantastic as a quick dinner when you want something feel-good and filling.
For presentation, drizzle leftover Bang Bang sauce on the plate like an artist’s touch. Add extra scallions and sesame seeds for contrast and color. Leftover Bang Bang Salmon makes an awesome lunch when flaked over a salad or in a wrap with fresh greens and avocado.
Bonus: When summer hits, I’ve tossed this Bang Bang Salmon over a cold rice noodle bowl with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime—super refreshing and still packed with big flavor. You can find a great rice noodle inspiration in the @kalejunkie 20-MINUTE BANG BANG SALMON BOWLS aka your ….
If your appetite craves something like this, you’ll want to peek at these Air Fryer Sticky Salmon Bowls. Same vibe, different twist for your Asian-inspired salmon cravings!
Your Questions, Answered:
Can I prep parts of this Bang Bang Salmon ahead?
Absolutely! You can mix the Bang Bang sauce a day ahead; just keep it covered in the fridge. The dry seasoning mix and flour can be set up too. Salmon is always best fresh, but if you have leftovers, they reheat well in a skillet or air fryer.
What’s a good swap for sweet chili sauce in this Bang Bang Salmon?
Try a mix of honey and a pinch of rice vinegar for sweetness and tang. If you want a bit of zest, add a splash of orange juice too. Plenty of readers have swapped in their favorite hot sauce plus a little sugar, and it’s just as great.
How can I make this Bang Bang Salmon for more or fewer people?
Multiply or scale the ingredients based on your crowd size. For one or two servings, just halve the recipe. For a family feast, use a larger skillet or cook in batches.
Does the salmon have to be fried?
Nope! Baking works well to keep things easier. Check out these Baked Bang-Bang Salmon Bites for a twist that’s hassle-free but still hits the bang bang sauce notes.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw thoroughly and pat dry before cooking. Frozen salmon is a great budget-friendly option that doesn’t skimp on flavor.
Is this sauce super spicy?
The sauce is spicy but not overpowering—perfect if you want a little kick. You can always dial down the sriracha or add more mayo to mellow it.
Have you tried this with other fish?
I have! Bang Bang Shrimp and Bang Bang Chicken Skewers are in the rotation too. For more inspiration, check out my Bang Bang Chicken Skewers recipe—it hits that same spicy salmon recipe vibe but with a fun twist.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
Bang Bang Salmon holds a special spot in my kitchen and foodie heart. It’s that friend who always shows up with bold flavor, effortless prep, and a way of making weeknight dinners feel like a treat. What I love most is how flexible this recipe is—whether you’re frying for that crispy salmon dish magic or baking for a shortcut that still packs a punch.
My Top Bang Bang Salmon Tips:
- Pat your salmon dry—it’s the secret for crisp, golden edges every time.
- Make the Bang Bang sauce just ahead so the flavors marry and get even better.
- Don’t be shy with the garnishes—scallions and sesame seeds add that extra pop.
Variations I adore include swapping sriracha for a smoky chipotle in the sauce, turning it into a creamy-cilantro Bang Bang Salmon twist, or switching mayo for Greek yogurt to lighten it up. The version everyone keeps asking me to make again? Classic fried salmon with that spicy Bang Bang sauce drizzle. Always a hit.
Friends, I hope you make this recipe your own. Play with the heat level, add your favorite garnishes, and savor those joyful moments around the table. I can’t wait for you to taste that perfect combo of crispy, creamy, and spicy in this Bang Bang Salmon. It’s one of those dishes that makes cooking fun and eating even better. Go on—give it a whirl and share the love!
And if you want to keep the salmon inspiration going, I think you’ll really enjoy my Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon and Teriyaki Salmon Avocado Rice recipes too—they’re like cousins to this Bang Bang Salmon in flavor and ease.
Happy cooking, fellow foodies!
Bang Bang Salmon
Bang Bang Salmon is a deliciously spicy and creamy dish featuring perfectly cooked salmon topped with a flavorful bang bang sauce, perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle olive oil over each fillet and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through and flaky.
- While salmon is baking, prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth.
- Once salmon is done, remove from oven and spoon the bang bang sauce generously over each fillet.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
- Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
For extra crunch, serve with chopped peanuts or crispy wonton strips on top. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or a fresh green salad.