Bang Bang Salmon! Rich, sweet, savory, and spicy. Accompanied by steaming rice and a zesty avocado cucumber salsa. Ideal for a weeknight dinner!
In This Post
Watch How To Make This
This Bang Bang Sauce Is Constantly On My Mind.
It’s scrumptious and unforgettable.
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic
- Soy sauce
That’s the essence of Bang Bang Sauce, which gained popularity from Bonefish Grill. It combines creaminess, sweetness, savory notes, and a punch from garlic and soy sauce, making you crave to drizzle it over everything.
Currently, I’m mostly using this sauce with salmon because I’m always on the hunt for ways to enjoy salmon. But bang bang sauce can elevate any dish: with chicken, shrimp, tofu, roasted potatoes, roasted mushrooms, or roasted cauliflower.
I will mention that in a particularly hectic moment this week, I brushed the bang bang sauce onto a frozen breaded chicken breast after it was baked, allowing the sauce to melt in somewhat. I added it to a salad, and it was incredibly quick yet remarkably delicious.
When it comes to veggies to pair with this salmon, I usually opt for one of these:
- steamed broccoli
- a dash of avocado cucumber salsa, the recipe for which is provided in the notes!
The sauce isn’t spicy at all—just skip the chili crisp for those who may be sensitive. My toddler may or may not eat the salmon depending on her mood, but the rest of us always finish our plates!
It’s right up there with my other salmon favorites: air fryer salmon and BBQ salmon with mango salsa!
Honestly, I should have shared this recipe a long time ago. It’s so simple and something I eagerly anticipate eating.
How To Make This Recipe
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce.
Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and soy sauce.
Top the Salmon with Sauce.
Season the salmon with spices, then smother it with a spoonful of sauce.
Bake the Salmon.
At 400 degrees for 10 minutes, finishing with a quick broil to achieve a nicely caramelized exterior.
Prepare a Bit of Avocado Salsa, If Desired.
And I absolutely want to.
Yum! You’re Finished!
Drizzle more sauce on top, add some chili crisp for spice, and dig in!
Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa
Total Time:
22 minutesYield:
4 servings 1x
Description
Bang Bang Salmon! Rich, sweet, savory, and spicy. Accompanied by steaming rice and a zesty avocado cucumber salsa. Ideal for a weeknight dinner!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Bang Bang Salmon
For Serving:
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut the salmon into individual portions if you want. Pat the salmon dry. Season the salmon with the spice blend. Place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: Combine mayo, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Set aside half for after baking.
- Bake the Salmon: Spread a dollop of sauce over the seasoned salmon pieces. Bake for 10 minutes higher in the oven. Afterward, switch on the broiler for another 2-3 minutes, until the salmon is golden brown and slightly caramelized on top.
- Serve: Serve the salmon over rice with a vegetable of choice and the reserved bang bang sauce plus chili crisp drizzled on top! It’s that easy and absolutely delicious.
Notes
Seasoning Mix: If you lack a good seasoning mix or are uncertain about the one you have, lightly sprinkle your salmon with about a teaspoon of coarse kosher salt, along with some onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Just ensure it’s well-seasoned to look like it does in the video. This enhances the flavor of the salmon and enables the sauce to adhere well.
Avocado Cucumber Salsa: I adore pairing this salmon with a touch of sweet and crunchy avocado salsa! Combine 1 diced avocado, half of a diced cucumber, a handful of chopped cilantro, a splash of lime juice, a dash of salt, and a tablespoon of honey in a small bowl. Done! A perfect, pretty green addition to the plate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: bang bang, bang bang sauce, bang bang salmon, salmon recipe, salmon and rice, rice bowl
Three Top-Rated Salmon Recipes
**Pan-Seared Salmon with Fresh Avocado and Cucumber Salsa: A Delicious and Nutritious Meal**
When it comes to crafting a dish that is both savory and loaded with health advantages, few meals can match pan-seared salmon paired with a fresh avocado and cucumber salsa. This duo of tender, crispy salmon and a refreshing, tangy salsa not only delights the palate but also offers a wealth of nutrients. Whether you’re aiming to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to a wholesome dish, this meal is an ideal option.
### The Highlight of the Dish: Pan-Seared Salmon
Salmon is a culinary favorite for a reason. Its rich, buttery flavor and flaky texture make it a versatile ingredient that goes well with a variety of sides and sauces. Beyond its amazing taste, salmon is a nutritional powerhouse. It’s an excellent source of high-quality protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential vitamins like B12, D, and E. These nutrients promote heart health, cognitive function, and overall wellness.
#### How to Perfectly Pan-Sear Salmon
Pan-searing is one of the best techniques for cooking salmon as it locks in moisture while creating a golden, crispy crust. Here’s a step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly pan-seared salmon:
1. **Select the Right Cut**: Choose fresh, skin-on salmon fillets. The skin helps protect the fish during cooking and adds a delightful crunch.
2. **Season Simply**: Lightly sprinkle the fillets with salt, pepper, and a hint of garlic powder or paprika for extra flavor. Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes to absorb the seasonings.
3. **Preheat the Pan**: Use a heavy-bottomed skillet, such as cast iron, and heat it over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter and let it heat until shimmering.
4. **Cook Skin-Side Down**: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press down gently with a spatula to ensure even contact with the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving the fillets.
5. **Flip and Finish**: Carefully flip the salmon and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The salmon should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork.
### The Perfect Pairing: Fresh Avocado and Cucumber Salsa
To complement the richness of the salmon, a fresh avocado and cucumber salsa adds a burst of brightness and texture. This salsa is not just refreshing but also packed with nutrients. Avocado provides healthy monounsaturated fats, potassium, and fiber, while cucumber adds hydration and a satisfying crunch.
#### Ingredients for the Salsa:
– 1 ripe avocado, diced
– 1 cup cucumber, diced (preferably English cucumber for fewer seeds)
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
– 1 small jalapeño, finely diced (optional, for a bit of heat)
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
#### Preparation:
1. In a medium bowl, combine the diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, cilantro, and jalapeño (if using).
2. Squeeze fresh lime juice over the mixture and gently toss to combine.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the salsa sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
### Bringing It All Together
To serve, arrange the pan-seared salmon fillets on a plate and top each with a generous spoonful of the avocado and cucumber salsa. For an extra burst of color and flavor, garnish with lime wedges and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Pair the dish with a side of quinoa, wild rice, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
### Why This Dish is a Hit
1. **Nutritious Balance**: This meal perfectly balances protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables, creating a well-rounded dish.
2. **Quick and Easy**: With minimal prep and cooking time, you can have this restaurant-quality meal ready in under 30 minutes.
3. **Customizable**: The salsa can be tailored to suit your taste preferences. Add diced mango for sweetness or swap cilantro for parsley if you prefer.
4. **Stunning Presentation**: The vibrant colors and elegant plating make this meal a standout for any occasion.
### Final Thoughts
Pan-seared salmon with fresh avocado and cucumber salsa is a dish that fulfills all requirements: it’s delicious, nutritious, and easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this recipe is destined to become a beloved addition to your cooking repertoire. So, grab your skillet, chop some fresh ingredients, and treat yourself to a meal that’s as gratifying as it is healthful. Bon appétit!