This Bang Bang Salmon is the perfect combination of tender, juicy salmon coated in an ultra-creamy, sweet, spicy Bang Bang sauce that caramelizes beautifully under heat. With its golden color, charred edges, and silky glaze dripping over each piece, this dish looks restaurant-worthy but takes only 15 minutes to make.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prep, or a weekend treat, this recipe delivers bold flavor with minimum effort.

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🧾 Ingredients

For the Salmon

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

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tbsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp paprika

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste for spice level)

• 1 tbsp honey

• 1 tsp lemon juice

For Garnish

• Chopped green onions

• Fresh parsley or cilantro (optional)

• Extra chili flakes (optional)

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👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon

Pat salmon fillets dry using a paper towel.
Drizzle with olive oil, then season with:

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Garlic powder

• Paprika

Rub the seasoning well on all sides for a flavorful crust.

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2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together:

• Mayonnaise

• Sweet chili sauce

• Sriracha

• Honey

• Lemon juice

Taste and adjust spice or sweetness as needed.

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3. Cook the Salmon

You can use air fryer, pan, or oven:

Option A: Air Fryer (Best & Quickest)

• Preheat to 400°F (200°C)

• Air fry salmon for 8–10 minutes until the edges are slightly crisp

• Brush Bang Bang sauce generously on top

• Air fry 1 more minute to caramelize

Option B: Pan-Seared

• Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat

• Cook salmon 4–5 minutes per side

• In the last minute, spoon Bang Bang sauce over the top and let it bubble

Option C: Oven-Baked

• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 12 minutes

• Brush with Bang Bang sauce

• Broil for 2 minutes for golden caramelization

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4. Finish & Serve

Transfer salmon to a serving dish. Drizzle more Bang Bang sauce on top.
Garnish with:

• Green onions

• Parsley

• Extra chili flakes

Serve hot and enjoy the magic!

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🍽️ What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon

Perfect with:

• Garlic butter rice

• Mashed potatoes

• Steamed broccoli

• Air-fried veggies

• Quinoa bowl

• Fresh salad with lemon dressing

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✨ Chef Tips for the Best Bang Bang Salmon

✔ Pat dry the salmon for maximum browning.
✔ Add the sauce at the end so it doesn’t burn.
✔ If you want extra crispy edges, broil for 1–2 minutes.
✔ Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
✔ Use chili garlic sauce instead of sriracha for stronger heat.

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🔄 Variations

🔥 Extra Spicy Bang Bang Salmon

Add:

• 1 tsp crushed chili flakes

• Extra sriracha

🍯 Honey Garlic Bang Bang

Add:

• 1 extra tbsp honey

• 1 minced garlic clove

Sweet + sticky + garlicky.

🥭 Mango Bang Bang (Tropical Version)

Add:

• 2 tbsp mango puree to the sauce
  Perfect for summer meals.

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❓ Related Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.

2. Can I make the sauce ahead?

Absolutely. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days.

3. What type of salmon works best?

Atlantic salmon, Norwegian, or wild-caught sockeye—all great.

4. How do I know my salmon is cooked?

It flakes easily with a fork, and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

5. Can I cook this without mayo?

Yes—use Greek yogurt or coconut cream.