Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Try Our Bold Bang Bang Salmon Recipe For A Flavorful Dinner

Seafood enthusiasts adore this bang bang salmon recipe that brings explosive flavor to your dinner table.

Creamy, spicy, and utterly irresistible, this dish combines tender salmon with a mouthwatering sauce that dance across your palate.

Crispy edges and a luxurious coating make this meal stand out from ordinary fish preparations.

The zesty bang bang sauce delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness that keeps you coming back for more.

Simple ingredients transform an everyday salmon fillet into a restaurant-worthy experience.

Every bite promises a delightful explosion of tangy and creamy notes that will leave you craving seconds.

Prepare to elevate your home cooking with this crowd-pleasing salmon sensation.

Ingredients Needed For Bang Bang Salmon

Main Ingredients:

Salmon: A flavorful fish that serves as the star protein of this crispy, bite-sized dish.

  • Salmon: Fresh fish cut into bite-sized cubes for easy eating and quick cooking.
Seasoning Blend:
  • Olive Oil: Helps spices adhere to salmon and promotes even browning.
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Cayenne: A robust spice mix that adds depth and complexity to the salmon.
Bang Bang Sauce:
  • Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey, Lime Juice: A creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy sauce that provides a bold flavor profile for dipping and drizzling.
Garnish:
  • Cilantro, Scallions: Fresh herbs that add color, brightness, and a light herbal note to the dish.

Step-By-Step Guide To Bang Bang Salmon

Step 1: Whip Up The Signature Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in a small bowl:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Honey
  • Lime juice

Whisk everything together until smooth.

Taste and adjust the flavors by adding more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness.

Set the sauce aside while preparing the salmon.

Step 2: Season The Salmon Chunks

Cut salmon into bite-sized cubes.

In a large mixing bowl, toss salmon with:
  • Olive oil
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Smoked paprika
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Cayenne pepper

Gently mix the ingredients to ensure each salmon piece is evenly coated without breaking the chunks.

Step 3: Air Fry To Crispy Perfection

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F.

Arrange salmon bites in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding.

Cook for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket midway to ensure even cooking.

The salmon is ready when edges turn golden and the fish is fully cooked.

Step 4: Garnish And Serve

Transfer crispy salmon bites to a serving platter.

Drizzle generously with the prepared Bang Bang sauce.

Place additional sauce in a side dish for dipping.

Optional: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or chopped scallions on top for added color and flavor.

Helpful Tips For Cooking Bang Bang Salmon

  • Taste and adjust the Bang Bang sauce before setting it aside, ensuring your preferred level of heat and sweetness by gradually adding sriracha or honey.
  • Use light, careful movements when coating salmon chunks with spices to prevent breaking the delicate fish pieces and maintain their structural integrity.
  • Arrange salmon bites in a single, uncrowded layer for maximum crispiness, shaking the basket midway to guarantee even golden-brown edges and thorough cooking.
  • Sprinkle chopped cilantro or scallions over the salmon bites to introduce a vibrant color contrast and add a fresh, bright flavor dimension to the dish.
  • Preheat the air fryer to exactly 400°F and avoid overcrowding to achieve perfectly cooked, crispy salmon bites with a delightful exterior crunch.

Storing And Reheating Bang Bang Salmon The Right Way

  • Store leftover salmon bites in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 1-2 days in the refrigerator. Separate sauce and salmon to maintain crispiness.
  • Warm salmon bites at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating. Check internal temperature reaches 145°F for food safety.
  • Spread salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 275°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to prevent drying out the fish.
  • Skip microwave reheating as it makes salmon tough and ruins the crispy texture. Stick to air fryer or oven methods for best results.

What To Serve With Bang Bang Salmon

Pair Sizzling Seafood with Zesty Companions:
  • Crisp White Wine Companion: Reach for a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to cut through the salmon's richness and complement the spicy Bang Bang sauce.
  • Refreshing Citrus Cocktail: Mix a light mojito or gin-based lemon drink that echoes the lime in the sauce and provides a cooling contrast to the spicy kick.
  • Cool Cucumber Salad Side: Prepare a quick cucumber salad with dill and light vinaigrette to balance the salmon's heat and provide a crisp, clean palate cleanser.
  • Tropical Fruit Salsa Topping: Create a mango or pineapple salsa to add sweet brightness that harmonizes with the spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce and adds textural complexity.

Flavor Swaps For Bang Bang Salmon You Can Try

  • Low-Carb Keto Version: Replace sweet chili sauce with sugar-free alternative and use avocado oil instead of olive oil. Ensure all spices remain the same for maximum flavor intensity.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Verify all sauce ingredients are certified gluten-free. Use tamari instead of traditional soy-based sauces to maintain recipe's authentic taste profile.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap mayonnaise with vegan mayo made from aquafaba or cashew-based alternatives. Maintain original spice blend and cooking method for consistent results.
  • Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute salmon with firm tofu or cauliflower chunks. Press tofu thoroughly, cut into bite-sized pieces, and follow identical seasoning and air frying techniques for crispy texture.

FAQs

  • What makes Bang Bang Salmon different from other salmon recipes?

This recipe combines crispy air-fried salmon with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that creates a unique flavor profile, offering a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess in every bite.

  • Can I make this recipe if I don't have an air fryer?

You can use an oven instead. Bake the salmon bites at 425°F for 10-12 minutes on a lined baking sheet, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking and crispy edges.

  • How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce is moderately spicy with sriracha, but you can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha to suit your personal taste preferences. Start with a small amount and taste as you go.

  • Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes! The salmon bites can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat in the air fryer or oven for 3-4 minutes to maintain their crispy texture, and keep the sauce separate until serving.

What Makes Bang Bang Salmon A Crowd Favorite

  • Dive into a recipe that transforms ordinary salmon into a mouthwatering dish bursting with zesty, spicy, and sweet flavors in mere minutes.
  • Easily adjust the Bang Bang sauce's heat and sweetness, making this recipe perfect for everyone from spice lovers to mild-flavor fans.
  • Air fryer method guarantees crispy exterior and tender salmon bites without complicated cooking skills or extensive kitchen equipment.
  • Versatile dish works wonderfully as an appetizer, game day snack, or casual dinner option that will impress family and friends with minimal effort.
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Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Bang Bang Salmon Recipe


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4.7 from 13 reviews

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Spicy Korean-inspired bang bang salmon delivers a flavor explosion of creamy, tangy goodness. Crispy panko-crusted fish meets zesty sauce, creating an irresistible meal perfect for adventurous palates you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (0.68 kilograms) salmon fillets
  • 0.5 cup mayonnaise
  • 0.25 cup sweet chili sauce

Seasonings:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Sauce Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon Uni-Eagle Sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice

Instructions

  1. Craft a zesty sauce by combining mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a mixing bowl. Adjust the heat and sweetness to your preference by adding more sriracha or honey. Set the sauce aside for later use.
  2. Cut salmon into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring consistent cooking. Gently coat the salmon pieces with olive oil and a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Mix carefully to prevent breaking the delicate fish.
  3. Prepare the air fryer by heating to 400°F for approximately 3 minutes. Arrange salmon bites in a single layer within the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 8-10 minutes, pausing midway to shake the basket and ensure even browning.
  4. Once golden and fully cooked, transfer the salmon bites to a serving platter. Generously drizzle with the prepared Bang Bang sauce, reserving additional sauce for dipping. Enhance the presentation by garnishing with fresh cilantro or finely chopped scallions for a vibrant finish.

Notes

  • Customize heat levels by adjusting sriracha and cayenne for personal spice preferences.
  • Use fresh salmon for best texture and ensure pieces are similar size for even cooking.
  • Pat salmon dry before seasoning to help spices adhere and achieve crispy exterior.
  • Substitute mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan alternatives for dietary modifications.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 580 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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