If you like your salmon with a little heat and a little sweetness, then this bang bang salmon is definitely for you. It combines succulent, flaky salmon with a rich sauce of mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, plus a little sriracha. Sweet, spicy, and creamy! Every bite is the best combination of those flavors.

You can prepare this delicious recipe in about 25 minutes. It is great for a busy weeknight, hearty lunch, or a simple dinner that you can impress with. On steamed rice, with roast vegetables, or tossed into a green salad. Or you can make the sauce sweeter, or hotter, to suit your palate. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe makes approximately four servings.

For the Salmon

• 1½ pounds salmon fillets, skin removed if preferred
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 teaspoons sriracha, depending on your preferred heat level
• 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
• ½ teaspoon honey, optional

Why these ingredients work: Mayonnaise gives the sauce its smooth texture, while sweet chili sauce adds a sweet, mildly spicy flavor. Sriracha brings extra heat to the mix. Lime juice brightens the mixture, while honey provides extra sweetness if your chili sauce tastes particularly tangy.

For a lighter, creamier sauce, swap some of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt. The result will taste tangier and slightly less rich.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Removing excess surface moisture helps the fish brown instead of steam.

Cut the fillets into evenly sized portions or bite-sized cubes. Place them in a bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Toss gently until the seasoning coats the fish.

Let the salmon sit for about five minutes while you prepare the sauce. You don’t need a long marinade because salmon absorbs flavor quickly.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

To prepare the sauce, add the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice to a small bowl. Stir until everything is well blended. Whisk until the mixture looks smooth and evenly colored.

Taste the sauce before adding it to the fish. If you prefer more heat, add another small amount of sriracha. For a sweeter flavor, mix in the optional honey.

Set aside some sauce for serving. Keeping a portion separate means you can drizzle fresh sauce over the cooked salmon without reusing anything that touched the raw fish.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

You can prepare this recipe in the oven, air fryer, or skillet. Choose whichever method fits your kitchen and the amount of salmon you’re cooking.

Oven method: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and allow it to heat up before cooking. Arrange the salmon on a lightly greased baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for approximately 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the pieces. A review of research on seafood processing found that cooking methods can affect the fatty acid content of fish, highlighting the importance of how seafood is prepared.

Air fryer method: If your air fryer needs preheating, set the temperature to 400°F (200°C) before adding the salmon. Arrange the salmon in a single layer and cook for approximately 7–10 minutes. Leave enough space between the salmon pieces to allow hot air to flow evenly around them.

Skillet method: Heat a little olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Let the salmon cook for roughly 3–5 minutes on each side, adjusting the time according to the thickness of the pieces. Turn the pieces gently to prevent them from breaking apart.

Cooking times are estimates. Check the thickest part of the fish with a food thermometer and cook it to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), as recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Step 4: Add the Sauce and Serve

Once the salmon has cooked, transfer it to a serving plate or bowl. Drizzle the creamy bang bang sauce over the top, or toss bite-sized salmon pieces gently with enough sauce to coat them.

Add a finishing touch with chopped green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or fresh cilantro. A squeeze of lime adds a fresh, bright finish.

Enjoy the salmon fresh from the heat while it’s still juicy and tender.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Salmon

Don’t Overcook the Fish

Salmon can become dry when it stays on the heat too long. Thicker fillets need more time than small cubes, so check for doneness early and use a thermometer rather than relying on time alone.

Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste

Start with one teaspoon of sriracha if you prefer mild heat. Add more gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred spice level. If the mixture tastes too rich, a little extra lime juice can balance it.

Give the Salmon Enough Space

Whether you use an oven tray, air fryer basket, or skillet, avoid crowding the pieces. Overcrowding traps moisture and makes browning more difficult. Cook in batches if necessary.

Add the Sauce After Cooking

Mayonnaise-based sauces can separate or become oily under excessive heat. Adding the sauce after cooking preserves its creamy texture and gives you better control over the amount.

If you want a glazed finish, brush a small amount of sauce onto the salmon during the final minute of cooking, then serve the rest fresh on the side.

Choose Fresh or Properly Thawed Salmon

Fresh salmon should smell mild rather than strongly fishy. If you’re using frozen fillets, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight or follow safe cold-water thawing instructions before cooking.

Easy Ways to Serve Bang Bang Salmon

Bang bang salmon pairs well with simple sides that balance its rich sauce.

• Steamed rice: Jasmine or brown rice absorbs the creamy sauce and makes the meal more filling.
• Roasted vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, carrots, and bell peppers add color and freshness.
• Salad bowls: Combine salmon with leafy greens, cucumber, avocado, and rice for a satisfying bowl.
• Noodles: Serve the salmon with rice noodles or your favorite stir-fried noodles for a different take on dinner.
• Lettuce wraps: Place small pieces of salmon in crisp lettuce leaves with shredded carrots and cucumber for a lighter meal.

For another easy meal idea, try these healthy and easy bento box lunch ideas.

Variations and Substitutions

Make it extra spicy: Add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning. Increase the heat gradually so it doesn’t overpower the salmon.

Use salmon bites: Cut the fish into one-inch cubes before cooking. The smaller pieces work particularly well in rice bowls and cook faster than whole fillets.

Try a lighter sauce: For a lighter version, use equal amounts of mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt. Add a little extra lime juice if needed to keep the sauce bright.

Make it dairy-free: The standard recipe contains no dairy if you use a dairy-free mayonnaise. Check the labels on your sweet chili sauce and other ingredients.

Add more crunch: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or sliced green onions over the finished dish. Finely chopped cucumber or shredded cabbage also adds a refreshing contrast when serving salmon in bowls.

You can also explore these five-ingredient dinner ideas when you need more simple meals for your weekly menu.

Recommended Products

These kitchen tools can make preparing bang bang salmon easier and more consistent.

1. Instant-Read Food Thermometer: Helps you check the salmon’s internal temperature accurately and avoid guesswork.
2. Nonstick Baking Sheet: Provides a convenient surface for oven-baked salmon and makes cleanup easier.
3. Air Fryer: Cooks salmon bites quickly and helps develop a lightly browned exterior.
4. Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls: Give you separate spaces for seasoning the salmon and mixing the sauce.
5. Silicone Basting Brush: Makes it easy to apply a thin layer of oil or sauce without damaging the fish.

Choose products that suit your cooking habits and budget. You don’t need all five tools to make this recipe; a basic skillet, mixing bowl, and reliable thermometer are enough to get started.

Conclusion

Bang bang salmon is an easy way to turn everyday ingredients into a flavorful meal. Tender salmon, creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha create a delicious balance of richness, sweetness, and heat without complicated preparation. Cook the fish in your preferred method, adjust the sauce to suit your taste, and serve it with rice, vegetables, or noodles. With a little preparation and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a versatile dinner that’s easy to make again whenever you’re craving something creamy, spicy, and satisfying.

FAQs

1. What is bang bang salmon sauce made of?

The sauce combines creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a kick of sriracha. The result is a smooth, tangy blend with just the right amount of heat. Lime juice adds brightness, while a little honey can increase the sweetness. You can adjust the proportions to make it creamier, sweeter, or spicier.

2. Is bang bang salmon spicy?

It can be, but you control the heat. Start with one teaspoon of sriracha for a milder sauce and add more if you prefer a stronger kick. Sweet chili sauce adds a touch of sweetness that mellows the spiciness.

3. Is an air fryer suitable for making bang bang salmon?

Yes. Cook seasoned salmon at around 400°F (200°C) for approximately 7–10 minutes, depending on the size and thickness of the pieces. Spread the salmon pieces evenly without overlapping, and use a food thermometer to confirm the center reaches 145°F (63°C).

4. Can bang bang salmon be prepared in advance?

You can mix the sauce up to two days ahead and keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also portion and season the salmon shortly before cooking. For the best texture, cook the fish close to serving time and add the sauce just before eating.

5. What’s the best way to refrigerate and warm up leftover bang bang salmon?

Transfer any leftover salmon to a sealed, food-safe container and place it in the refrigerator no later than two hours after cooking. For the freshest flavor and texture, enjoy your refrigerated leftovers within three to four days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer until the fish reaches 165°F (74°C). Store leftover sauce separately when possible, and discard any sauce that has come into contact with raw fish.