Bang Bang Salmon: 5 Quick & Delicious Dinner Tips

Name: Bang Bang Salmon – The Quick Salmon Dinner You’ll Actually Crave
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: PT-487702H36M48S
Total time: PT-487702H36M48S
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: Salmon fillets – fresh if possible, skin on or off; Olive oil; Garlic powder; Paprika; Salt & pepper; Mayonnaise; Sweet chili sauce; Sriracha; Green onions – chopped; Sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

I still remember the first time I tried bang bang salmon fillets. A buddy of mine mixed up a quick batch of mayo, chili sauce, and sriracha, drizzled it over baked salmon, and served it like it was no big deal. One bite in, and I knew I’d never look at weeknight salmon the same way again. It was creamy, spicy, a little sweet, and—best of all—it took less than 20 minutes. That’s the kind of easy salmon recipe (15 minutes) every home cook needs up their sleeve.

This dish is all about big flavor without the hassle. We’re talking restaurant vibes at your kitchen table. And once you nail this technique, you’ll make it again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Creamy Salmon Recipe

Quick salmon dinner – on the table in about 15 minutes.
Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein (yep, this is a high protein salmon recipe).
The sauce? Creamy, spicy, tangy—basically everything you want in one bite.
Flexible enough for meal prep or a fancy-looking date night.
Naturally fits into a low carb salmon meal, but it’s also killer with rice or noodles.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Salmon

The Fish

Salmon fillets – fresh if you can, skin on or off. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids that keep this both healthy and indulgent.

Seasoning the Base: Garlic Paprika Salmon

Olive oil – keeps it moist and helps browning.
Garlic powder – flavor depth without the burn of raw garlic.
Paprika – a smoky kick that plays nicely with the sauce.
Salt & pepper – don’t skimp; this is what makes fish taste like fish and not cardboard.

The Sauce: Creamy Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

Mayonnaise – the creamy foundation for our mayonnaise based salmon sauce.
Sweet chili sauce – for that glossy, sweet heat (hello, sweet chili salmon).
Sriracha – brings the fire for our sriracha salmon recipe.

The Garnish

Green onions – fresh bite that cuts through richness.
Sesame seeds – nutty crunch for that salmon with sesame seeds garnish finish.

Substitutions

Swap mayo for Greek yogurt if you want lighter.
Use shredded cabbage or salad greens instead of rice for serving.

Step-by-Step Instructions: Oven Baked Salmon 400°F

Step 1: Preheat Like a Pro

Get that oven to 400°F. Hot ovens mean better sear and faster cooking. Line your sheet pan with parchment or foil—makes cleanup painless.

Step 2: Make the Tangy Salmon Sauce

In a small bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Taste it. Too sweet? Add a splash more sriracha. Too spicy? A spoonful more mayo. That’s your creamy bang bang sauce, and it’s flexible.

Step 3: Prep the Salmon

Pat your fillets bone dry with paper towels (moisture is the enemy of browning). Rub them with olive oil, then season with garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. That’s your base for a perfect garlic paprika salmon.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Lay the salmon skin side down. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness. You’re aiming for 145°F internal temp—juicy, flaky, never dry. This is how you nail baked salmon with sauce.

Step 5: Rest, Sauce, Garnish

Take it out, let it rest 2–3 minutes (those juices are gold). Then drizzle with your tangy salmon sauce, and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. That’s your final flourish.

Tips for Success with Chili Sauce Salmon

Always preheat your oven. Cold oven = sad salmon.
Dry the fish well before seasoning—crispy edges don’t happen with wet fillets.
Taste your sauce and adjust spice levels. Spicy bang bang salmon is fun, but don’t blow out your taste buds.
Rest the salmon before saucing. Rushing here loses you flavor.

Variations of Asian Inspired Salmon Sauce

Extra spicy: double the sriracha for true spicy creamy salmon recipe heat.
Herb twist: add chopped parsley or dill to the seasoning mix.
Gluten-free: use gluten-free chili sauce and sriracha.
Vegetarian option: swap salmon for tofu or roasted eggplant, use same sauce.
Asian-inspired salmon sauce: add soy sauce, ginger, and lime juice.

Check out my smoked salmon recipe on the Traeger grill
Try these homemade salmon burgers with slaw
Indulge in creamy lemon butter salmon
Bake up Texas Roadhouse style baked salmon
Crisp it up with crispy air fryer salmon
Spice things up with Cajun honey butter salmon

Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Salmon

Over jasmine rice with roasted broccoli.
On top of a salad for a low carb salmon meal.
With quinoa for a high protein salmon recipe boost.
Pair with chilled white wine, iced tea, or sparkling water.

FAQs About Bang Bang Salmon

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, just thaw them fully and pat dry before seasoning.

What sides go best with this dish?

Roasted veggies, rice, or a crisp salad.

How do I store leftovers?

Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely—it keeps in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Is this good for meal prep?

Definitely. This is a quick salmon dinner that reheats well for lunches.

Final Thoughts on Bang Bang Salmon

Here’s the beauty of this dish: in under 20 minutes, you turn simple salmon fillets into something bold, creamy, and downright addictive. The balance of the sweet chili, sriracha, and mayo makes a sauce that transforms baked fish into a star.

This isn’t just another weeknight recipe—it’s one of those meals you’ll keep in rotation because it’s easy, reliable, and flat-out delicious. Fire up that oven tonight, whip up your bang bang sauce recipe, and enjoy a restaurant-worthy plate at home.

Want more inspiration? Check out my Pinterest page for more recipes and kitchen tips.

This is the salmon I want to eat. Now go make it yours.

Bang Bang Salmon – The Quick Salmon Dinner You’ll Actually Crave

Why You’ll Love This Spicy Creamy Salmon Recipe

Table of Contents