If you’re in the mood for something bold, flavorful, and downright crave-worthy, Bang Bang Salmon is exactly what your dinner routine needs. This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with a creamy, spicy-sweet glaze that’s totally addictive—and the best part? It comes together in under 30 minutes with just a handful of pantry staples.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let’s be real—salmon can be hit or miss, especially if you’re short on time or tired of the usual lemon-and-dill routine. But Bang Bang Salmon? That’s a whole new level. Here’s why you’re going to want to bookmark this one:
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish, with minimal prep.
- Flavor Explosion: Creamy mayo meets spicy sriracha, sweet honey, and tangy rice vinegar to create the ultimate glaze.
- Healthy(ish): While it feels indulgent, it’s baked—not fried—and full of omega-3s.
- Perfect for Weeknights or Meal Prep: Easy enough for a Monday night, but impressive enough for guests.
- Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice. Add more sriracha for a kick, or mellow it out with extra honey or mayo.
It’s the kind of recipe that proves you don’t need a long ingredient list or complicated techniques to get big flavor on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to bring your Bang Bang Salmon to life:
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) – Fresh or thawed from frozen, skin-on or skinless both work.
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – The creamy base for your bang bang sauce.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha – Adds a spicy kick and signature flavor.
- 1 tablespoon honey – Balances out the heat with a touch of sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Provides a tangy brightness.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Adds saltiness and umami.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Brings a rich, nutty undertone (optional but recommended).
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced – For a fresh, crisp garnish.
Optional add-ons: sesame seeds, lime wedges, or a sprinkle of chili flakes for extra heat.
Let’s Get Started
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s put it all together. This recipe is designed to be stress-free and foolproof—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want something impressive without the effort.
Step-by-step instructions:
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Preheat your oven: Set to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
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Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your preference.
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Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the bang bang sauce evenly over each fillet, coating the tops generously.
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Bake: Transfer the sheet to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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Broil for caramelization (optional): For a golden, slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but keep a close eye to prevent burning.
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Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with sliced green onions. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
That’s it! Dinner is served—and it’s banging.
Servings and Pairing
This recipe yields 4 servings, making it ideal for a family meal, a double date night, or for meal prep lunches throughout the week.
What to serve with Bang Bang Salmon:
- Rice: Jasmine, basmati, or coconut rice to soak up that sauce.
- Noodles: Try soba or ramen tossed in a light soy dressing.
- Roasted or stir-fried veggies: Think broccoli, snap peas, bok choy, or carrots.
- Crispy slaw: A cabbage or carrot slaw with a citrus vinaigrette adds a refreshing crunch.
- Salad: Go light with arugula and cucumber or bold with a Thai-inspired chopped salad.
This salmon is versatile enough to work with both simple and elevated sides. Don’t be afraid to mix it up based on what you have.
Variations
Want to tweak the flavor or make this your own? Totally doable. Here are a few easy variations:
- Make it dairy-free: Use a vegan mayo alternative.
- Add a crunch: Top with chopped peanuts or toasted panko breadcrumbs.
- Turn it into a bowl: Serve over rice or quinoa with avocado, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
- Try it with shrimp or chicken: The bang bang sauce works perfectly with both.
- Air fry it: Cook salmon in the air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes for a crispy finish.
The base recipe is so forgiving—you can have fun with it and still come out with something delicious.
Storage Tips
Bang Bang Salmon is just as tasty the next day, making it great for meal prep or leftovers.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F or microwave in short bursts. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist.
Pro Tip: Flake leftover salmon and toss into salads, grain bowls, or wraps for a new spin on lunch.
FAQs
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the bang bang sauce up to 5 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking?
Absolutely. Grill over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, brushing with the sauce as it cooks.
Is it really spicy?
It has a kick, but the honey and mayo mellow it out. You can easily adjust the heat level to your liking.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking to ensure even cooking.
What can I use instead of sriracha?
Chili garlic sauce or sambal oelek are great alternatives. Even a dash of hot sauce works in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Salmon is one of those recipes that delivers every time—quick, bold, and incredibly satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something exciting without a lot of work, and it’s guaranteed to win over even picky eaters.
Print
Bang Bang Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Bang Bang Salmon is an Oven-baked salmon fillets coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce made from mayo, sriracha, and honey. A bold, quick dinner that’s perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
- In a bowl, mix mayo, sriracha, honey, vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down. Spread sauce generously on top.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for a caramelized finish (optional).
- Garnish with green onions and serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust heat by adding more or less sriracha.
- Great with rice, noodles, or roasted veggies.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes

