Description
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe delivers a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own kitchen in just 15 minutes! Flaky, perfectly seared salmon is drizzled with a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s quick, easy, and guaranteed to become a weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste to control heat)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Juice of 1 lime
- 2 green onions, finely chopped
Preparation
Step 1: Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a good sear. In a small bowl, combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Season the salmon fillets evenly on all sides with the spice mixture.
Step 2: Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet (preferably cast iron or stainless steel) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat until it shimmers. The pan should be hot enough so that the salmon sizzles immediately upon contact.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Press gently to ensure even contact with the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown and the sides of the salmon are opaque about halfway up.
Step 4: Flip and Finish: Gently flip the salmon fillets using a fish spatula. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through to your desired level of doneness. The internal temperature should reach approximately 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the salmon is cooking, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Stir in most of the chopped green onions, reserving some for garnish.
Step 6: Plate and Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to plates. Drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with the remaining chopped green onions. Serve immediately.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of savory salmon and spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce is irresistible.
- Versatile: Pairs well with a variety of sides, from rice and quinoa to vegetables and salads.
- Impressive: Looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality dish.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious sauce.
- Pair with steamed or roasted vegetables such as broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a complete meal.
- Create delicious salmon tacos by tucking the Bang Bang Salmon into warm tortillas with a crunchy slaw.
- Serve alongside creamy mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Tips
- Patting the salmon fillets dry before seasoning is essential for achieving a crispy sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the salmon in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking.
- Use a fish spatula to flip the salmon fillets gently to avoid tearing the delicate flesh.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
- For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise in the sauce.
- If you don’t have sweet chili sauce on hand, you can use a combination of honey and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook Time
- Cook time: 10 minutes
Total Time
- Total time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 450-550 (depending on portion size and ingredients)
- Protein: 35-40g
- Sodium: 500-700mg (depending on ingredients used)
Conclusion
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a surefire winner for anyone looking for a quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful meal. With its perfectly seared salmon and creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, it’s a dish that is sure to impress. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your skillet, and get ready to experience a culinary masterpiece in just 15 minutes!
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
Q2: Can I bake the salmon instead of searing it?
A: Yes, you can bake the salmon. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the seasoned salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 9-12 minutes, or until cooked through. Then, drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce.
Q3: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! The Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free. However, be sure to check the labels of your sweet chili sauce and sriracha to ensure they are gluten-free.
Q5: Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
A: While salmon is the star of this recipe, you can certainly experiment with other types of fish, such as cod, tuna, or mahi-mahi. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
