Quick and Delicious Bang Bang Salmon for Busy Nights Recipe

Introduction

This Quick and Delicious Bang Bang Salmon recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful but fast. Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, it’s topped with a spicy, tangy sauce that elevates the dish without any fuss.

Ingredients

• 4 fillets Salmon (skin-on for crispy exterior)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (high smoke point oil)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (substitute fresh garlic if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked for a twist)
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon Honey (or maple syrup as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (fresh preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Green Onions (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel and season both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Let rest for a few minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
3. Step 3: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden. Flip and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until opaque.
4. Step 4: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth. Adjust spice level if desired.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate, let it rest for 1 minute, then drizzle with Bang Bang sauce and garnish with green onions.

Tips & Variations

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter, tangier sauce.
• For extra crispiness, press the salmon skin gently with a spatula while cooking.
• Substitute maple syrup for honey to keep the recipe vegan-friendly if using plant-based mayo.
• Add a squeeze of additional lime juice before serving for extra brightness.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the crispy skin, or enjoy cold over a salad. The Bang Bang sauce can be stored separately for up to 3 days refrigerated.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before cooking to ensure the skin crisps up properly.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce has a balanced spicy kick from the sriracha that you can adjust to your taste by adding more or less. It also has a sweet and tangy flavor from the honey and lime juice.

Quick and Delicious Bang Bang Salmon for Busy Nights Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 106 reviews

Quick and Delicious Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Crispy-skinned salmon fillets are pan-seared to perfection and topped with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce that combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in under 20 minutes.

• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 fillets Salmon (skin-on for crispy exterior)
• 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (high smoke point oil)
• 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (substitute fresh garlic if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Paprika (smoked for a twist)

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust according to spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon Honey (or maple syrup as a substitute)
• 1 tablespoon Lime Juice (fresh preferred)
• 2 tablespoons Green Onions (finely chopped)

Instructions

1. Season the salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets with a paper towel to ensure the skin crisps up well. Season both sides evenly with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Allow the fillets to rest briefly to absorb the flavors.
2. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, indicating it is hot enough for searing.
3. Cook salmon skin-side down: Carefully add the salmon fillets to the skillet skin-side down. Cook them undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
4. Flip and finish cooking: Flip the fillets gently and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the fish is opaque and cooked through but still moist inside.
5. Prepare Bang Bang sauce: While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and fresh lime juice in a bowl until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired.
6. Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving plate and let it rest for 1 minute. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the fillets and garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh finish.

Notes

• For a healthier option, substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt in the Bang Bang sauce.
• If you prefer less spice, reduce or omit the sriracha.
• Ensure the salmon skin is dry before cooking to achieve maximum crispiness.
• Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor; bottled lime juice may alter the taste.
• Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Keywords: Bang Bang Salmon, quick salmon recipe, spicy salmon, crispy salmon skin, easy dinner, weeknight meal