How to Make Bang Bang Salmon: A Restaurant Secret Finally Revealed

Did you know that salmon is loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids that help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation? This bang bang salmon recipe transforms this nutritious fish into a restaurant-worthy dish in under 30 minutes!

We’ve been obsessed with this recipe for months, and for good reason. The bang bang sauce recipe combines creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and soy sauce to create that perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. Additionally, you can prepare this versatile dish using different cooking methods – whether you prefer bang bang salmon in the oven or want to try bang bang salmon air fryer style for that extra crispy texture. Not only is the bang bang salmon sauce incredibly simple to make with just a few ingredients, but it’s also versatile enough to use on other proteins like chicken and shrimp. Best of all, you can create a complete meal by assembling a bang bang salmon bowl recipe with jasmine rice, cucumbers, and carrots.

In this article, I’ll walk you through each step of making this restaurant secret at home – from sauce preparation to cooking techniques. Let’s dive in!

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

The secret to amazing bang bang salmon lies in the sauce. This creamy, sweet-spicy condiment brings the perfect balance of flavors that transforms ordinary salmon into a restaurant-quality dish.

Key ingredients and substitutions

The classic bang bang sauce recipe requires just a few staple ingredients. Mayonnaise forms the creamy base—you can use any type, including vegan or low-fat options. Thai sweet chili sauce provides essential sweetness with a mild kick (Mae Ploy brand is particularly recommended for authentic flavor). Sriracha adds that signature heat, although any hot sauce will work in a pinch.

Moreover, some recipes include additional flavor enhancers. A splash of rice vinegar brightens the sauce, while a drizzle of honey can balance the heat. For depth, consider adding garlic (fresh or powdered) or a dash of soy sauce.

Don’t have all the ingredients? Here are some quick substitutions:

Replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version
Substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar
Use lime juice instead of vinegar for a different tang
Try another hot sauce if sriracha isn’t available

How to adjust spice and sweetness

Creating the perfect bang bang salmon sauce is all about personal preference. Initially, start with a 1:4 ratio of sriracha to mayonnaise if you prefer mild heat. For spicier versions, gradually increase the sriracha or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Similarly, the sweetness level can be customized. If your sauce tastes too spicy, add more sweet chili sauce or a teaspoon of honey. Alternatively, if it’s too sweet, balance it with additional hot sauce or a splash of vinegar.

The consistency should be pourable but not watery. Depending on your mayonnaise, you might need to thin the sauce slightly. If necessary, add water one teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired texture.

Tips for making it ahead

One advantage of bang bang sauce is that it actually improves with time. Making it 15-30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Furthermore, you can prepare it up to three days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

When storing the sauce, a glass jar works particularly well. Before using refrigerated sauce, give it a good stir as some separation may occur. The sauce will stay fresh for anywhere from one week to a month, depending on the ingredients used.

Consequently, I recommend making just enough for your immediate needs rather than large batches, since fresh bang bang sauce always tastes best. The sauce pairs wonderfully with bang bang salmon whether you’re using the oven method or an air fryer.

Prepare the Salmon for Cooking

Selecting the perfect salmon is the foundation of a successful bang bang salmon recipe. The right preparation techniques can make the difference between restaurant-quality results and merely adequate fish.

Choosing the right cut and size

For bang bang salmon, center-cut filets deliver the best results. These thicker, evenly-shaped portions cook more consistently, especially when cut into cubes. I recommend looking for:

King (Chinook) Salmon: Larger filets with more intramuscular fat make them forgiving when cooking at high heat
Steelhead Trout: A good substitute that tastes remarkably similar to salmon
Atlantic Salmon: Widely available with good fat content, though milder in flavor than wild varieties

Wild-caught salmon generally offers superior flavor, whereas farm-raised tends to be fattier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. Therefore, choose based on your cooking confidence and flavor preferences.

Seasoning and marinating tips

Start by patting the salmon completely dry with paper towels—this crucial step ensures seasonings adhere properly and promotes better browning. Thereafter, cut your salmon into 1-1.5 inch cubes for bang bang bites, or leave as 6-ounce filets for traditional presentations.

Basic seasoning combinations often include:

Salt and pepper (essential base)
Garlic powder and smoked paprika (adds depth)
Honey or coconut aminos (provides subtle sweetness)

For marinating, keep it brief—10 minutes maximum at room temperature. Otherwise, the acid in marinades begins “cooking” the fish prematurely.

Should you keep the skin on?

Despite what you might think, cooking salmon with the skin on typically yields better results. The skin creates a protective barrier between the delicate flesh and the hot cooking surface, preventing overcooking and preserving moisture.

During dry cooking methods (baking, pan-frying, air frying), the skin becomes wonderfully crispy, adding textural contrast. Nevertheless, for bang bang salmon bites specifically, most recipes call for removing the skin before cutting into cubes.

The exception? Remove skin only when poaching, as this wet cooking method results in rubbery, unpleasant skin texture. Otherwise, keep that skin intact—it contains healthy fatty acids that help maintain the salmon’s moisture throughout cooking.

Cooking Methods: Oven vs Air Fryer

With your salmon prepped and sauce ready, let’s explore the two best cooking methods for your bang bang salmon recipe.

Bang bang salmon oven instructions

The oven method offers consistent results ideal for cooking multiple servings at once. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Place salmon filets skin-side down on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece. Brush approximately 1 tablespoon of bang bang sauce over each filet. Bake for 10-15 minutes depending on thickness. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.

Bang bang salmon air fryer method

Air frying creates exceptional texture with crispy edges yet moist centers. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes. Lightly coat the basket with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.

Place seasoned salmon in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring pieces aren’t overcrowded. Cook for 8-10 minutes for filets or 4-5 minutes per side for cubes. Halfway through cooking, shake the basket or flip the salmon for even browning.

How to know when salmon is done

Most importantly, perfectly cooked salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) according to FDA guidelines. Yet many chefs prefer removing salmon at 125°F-135°F, as it will continue cooking after being removed from heat.

Beyond temperature, look for these visual cues:

Flakiness – fish should flake easily with a fork but not fall apart
Color – properly cooked salmon appears slightly pink or translucent in center
Texture – should feel firm yet give way slightly when pressed

Creating a “test piece” can help prevent overcooking. Simply cut one salmon piece horizontally beforehand, cook it alongside others, then check its center for doneness.

Undoubtedly, between these two methods, air frying typically produces crispier results in less time, still both techniques yield delicious bang bang salmon ready for your favorite sides.

Serving and Storing Bang Bang Salmon

Once plated, your bang bang salmon transforms from a simple dish into a mouthwatering meal that’s versatile enough for any occasion.

Bang bang salmon bowl recipe ideas

For a satisfying bang bang salmon bowl recipe, start with a base of fluffy white rice or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. Indeed, many prefer layering the saucy salmon over a bed of sticky jasmine rice or mixed greens. From there, build your bowl with:

Crisp vegetables: shredded cabbage, cucumbers, carrots, edamame
Creamy additions: avocado slices, goat cheese
Flavorful extras: pickled onions, kimchi, cilantro

Primarily, what makes these bowls special is the drizzle of extra bang bang sauce over everything just before serving. For added dimension, consider a sprinkle of sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime.

Best sides to pair with it

Bang bang salmon pairs beautifully with sides that complement its rich flavor profile. First, consider these vegetable options:

Green vegetables: roasted asparagus, brussels sprouts, green beans, or sautéed spinach
Starchy sides: roasted sweet potatoes, garlic rice, crispy shoestring fries
Fresh salads: cucumber and avocado salad, arugula with blue cheese

Of course, rice-based sides like lemon rice pilaf or pesto orzo salad create a more substantial meal. Above all, sides that can be drizzled with extra bang bang sauce often work best — think fried green beans or crispy potatoes.

How to store and reheat leftovers

Store leftover bang bang salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. For meal prep purposes, it’s best to store the sauce separately and drizzle it over after reheating.

To maintain the salmon’s moisture when reheating, choose one of these methods:

Oven: Warm at 350°F until heated through (about 10 minutes)
Air fryer: 350°F for 5-7 minutes for crispy texture
Skillet: Medium-low heat for 5-10 minutes
Microwave: Use short intervals to prevent overcooking

In time, you’ll discover leftover bang bang salmon also tastes excellent cold in salads, wraps, or sushi rolls. The unused bang bang sauce can be refrigerated separately in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Throughout this article, we’ve unlocked the secrets to making restaurant-quality bang bang salmon in your own kitchen. From creating the perfect balance of sweet and spicy sauce to selecting the ideal salmon cuts, you now have all the knowledge needed to impress family and friends with this delicious dish.

Above all, what makes this recipe special is its versatility. Whether you prefer the consistent results of oven baking or the crispy texture from an air fryer, bang bang salmon adapts to your cooking preferences. Additionally, the customizable sauce allows you to adjust spice levels and sweetness to suit your taste preferences perfectly.

Although many restaurant dishes seem complicated, this bang bang salmon recipe proves otherwise. With just a handful of common ingredients and less than 30 minutes, you can create a nutritious meal that rivals any restaurant version. Furthermore, the ability to prepare components ahead of time makes this dish ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

During my experiments with this recipe, I’ve found that bang bang salmon tastes best when served immediately after cooking, though leftovers certainly make excellent meal-prep options. Therefore, I recommend trying different serving styles – from rice bowls loaded with fresh vegetables to simple pairings with roasted asparagus or sweet potatoes.

Certainly, one of the greatest joys of cooking is making restaurant favorites at home with your personal touch. This bang bang salmon recipe definitely deserves a spot in your regular rotation. After trying it once, you’ll undoubtedly find yourself craving that perfect combination of tender salmon and creamy, sweet-spicy sauce time and again!

FAQs

Q1. What is bang bang salmon? Bang bang salmon is a flavorful dish featuring salmon cooked with a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It’s a popular restaurant-style meal that can be easily prepared at home.

Q2. How do you make bang bang sauce? To make bang bang sauce, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. You can adjust the sweetness and spiciness to taste by adding honey or more hot sauce. For extra flavor, consider adding garlic or a splash of soy sauce.

Q3. What’s the best way to cook bang bang salmon? Bang bang salmon can be cooked in the oven or air fryer. For oven cooking, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes. In an air fryer, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes for filets or 4-5 minutes per side for cubes. Both methods yield delicious results.

Q4. How do you know when the salmon is cooked properly? Properly cooked salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should flake easily with a fork but not fall apart, appear slightly pink or translucent in the center, and feel firm yet give way slightly when pressed.

Q5. What are some good side dishes to serve with bang bang salmon? Bang bang salmon pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with roasted vegetables like asparagus or brussels sprouts, starchy sides like sweet potatoes or garlic rice, or fresh salads. It’s also great in a bowl with rice, mixed greens, and crisp vegetables.