There’s something about a sweet-and-spicy glaze that turns an ordinary piece of salmon into a mouthwatering, restaurant-worthy meal. Enter: Bang Bang Salmon—a quick, flavor-packed dish that’s as bold and satisfying as it sounds. This easy weeknight recipe brings together the heat of sriracha, the sweetness of honey, and the creamy tang of a mayo-based glaze for a fish dinner that absolutely slaps.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to love Bang Bang Salmon for the same reasons it’s become a viral favorite: it’s insanely flavorful, ridiculously easy, and endlessly versatile. Here’s what makes it a go-to meal:
- Fast & Easy: Ready in 20–25 minutes from start to finish. Minimal prep, no complicated techniques.
- Big Flavor, Few Ingredients: You only need a handful of pantry staples to make that signature bang bang sauce.
- Healthy-ish Comfort Food: Baked salmon means you get all the comfort of a rich dish without deep frying or heavy calories.
- Customizable Heat Level: Like it spicy? Crank up the sriracha. Prefer it mild? Just ease up and let the honey shine.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Make it for a weeknight dinner, date night, or meal prep—it fits any vibe.
The best part? You’re going to impress yourself with how easy and tasty this recipe is. Seriously, it’s the kind of meal that might just go into weekly rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long shopping list to make magic. Here’s everything required to make this bang bang salmon—and chances are, most of it is already in your fridge or pantry.
Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) – Skin-on or skinless, your choice
- ¼ cup mayonnaise – The creamy base of the bang bang sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha – For that classic chili heat
- 1 tablespoon honey – Balances the heat with just a touch of sweetness
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Adds brightness and tang
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce – Brings in umami and depth
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil – Optional but adds a toasty, nutty aroma
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced – For garnish and a pop of freshness
You can also garnish with sesame seeds or a squeeze of lime if you’re feeling extra.
Let’s Get Started
Time to bring it all together. Don’t worry—this is one of the easiest salmon recipes you’ll ever make, but it tastes like you worked way harder than you did.
Preheat the oven: Set it to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Make the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Adjust to taste—add more honey for sweetness or more sriracha for heat.
Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Glaze the fillets: Spoon or brush the bang bang sauce generously over each fillet, covering the tops evenly. You can reserve a little extra sauce for serving if you like.
Bake: Pop the salmon in the oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temp of 145°F.
Broil (Optional): For a caramelized top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2–3 minutes—but watch it closely!
Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions, and serve hot.
That’s it—dinner is served.
Servings and Pairing
This recipe serves 4 people, with each person getting one 6 oz fillet of flavorful, juicy salmon. It’s the kind of protein-packed main dish that holds its own, but pairs beautifully with a range of sides.
Try serving with:
- Jasmine or basmati rice – Soaks up that extra bang bang sauce
- Roasted broccoli or green beans – Adds crunch and color
- Coconut rice or cauliflower rice – For a low-carb or tropical twist
- Asian slaw or cucumber salad – Keeps things light and refreshing
- Noodles – Toss with sesame oil and soy sauce for an easy side
This salmon pairs with nearly anything—dress it up or down depending on your mood.
Variations
Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some easy tweaks and substitutions:
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or an extra squeeze of sriracha.
- Go dairy-free: Use vegan mayo to keep it dairy-free without losing creaminess.
- Air Fry It: Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes in the air fryer for a crispy exterior.
- Add crunch: Top with toasted panko or chopped peanuts after baking.
- Use another protein: Try the same sauce on shrimp, chicken tenders, or even tofu.
This recipe is incredibly flexible. Don’t be afraid to get creative.
Storage Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you—Bang Bang Salmon holds up well and can be enjoyed warm or cold.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked and cooled salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F or microwave in short bursts to avoid overcooking.
Pro tip: Flake the leftovers into rice bowls or salads for a quick next-day lunch.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the sauce and prep the salmon ahead of time, then bake when ready. It’s a great make-ahead meal for busy nights.
What’s a good substitute for sriracha?
You can use chili garlic sauce, sambal oelek, or even a dash of hot sauce if you don’t have sriracha on hand.
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Absolutely. Brush with sauce and grill over medium heat for about 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Just use a gluten-free soy sauce or tamari in the sauce.
Do I need to remove the salmon skin?
Nope. Bake it skin-side down—the skin helps keep the salmon moist. You can eat it crispy or peel it off easily after cooking.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Salmon is the kind of recipe that looks and tastes like a treat but is secretly quick, easy, and good for you. It’s perfect for impressing dinner guests or making an average Tuesday night feel special. With a bold sauce that balances spice, sweetness, and creaminess, this dish hits every flavor note.
Print
Bang Bang Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Quick and flavorful, this Bang Bang Salmon recipe features tender oven-baked salmon topped with a creamy, spicy-sweet glaze made from sriracha, honey, and mayo. A perfect weeknight dinner with big flavor and minimal effort.
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
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- In a small bowl, mix mayo, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
- Pat salmon dry and place on the baking sheet, skin-side down.
- Spread sauce over each fillet. Reserve a little for drizzling, if desired.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for 2–3 minutes at the end for caramelization (optional).
- Garnish with green onions and serve.
Notes
- Adjust spice level by using more or less sriracha.
- Serve with rice, noodles, or roasted vegetables.
- Leftovers make great salad or rice bowl toppings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes