Name: Bang Bang Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup (250 g) whole-egg mayonnaise; ¼ cup (60 g) sweet chilli sauce; 1 tbsp sriracha or hot chilli sauce (optional); 1 tbsp honey; 1 tbsp lime juice; 4 salmon fillets, cut into 3 cm (1¼ inch) cubes; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1 tbsp soy sauce or tamari; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 2 Lebanese (short) cucumbers, sliced; 1 avocado, diced; 1 spring onion (scallion), finely chopped, plus extra to serve; ½ bunch coriander (cilantro), finely chopped; 1 cup (140 g) edamame beans, thawed and drained; 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil or avocado oil; 1 tbsp all-purpose soy sauce or tamari; 1 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp sesame oil (optional); 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional); Steamed jasmine rice; Lime wedges (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 1 review

If you’re craving a vibrant, full-flavored dish that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to eat, you’re going to love this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe. It’s all about tender chunks of salmon coated in a creamy, spicy, tangy bang bang sauce paired with a refreshing cucumber and avocado salad. The colors pop, the flavors dance, and best of all, it comes together in just 30 minutes. This recipe quickly became one of my absolute favorites for a quick yet impressive dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A small clear glass bowl filled with creamy light orange sauce with tiny red specks, placed on a white marbled surface; a gold spoon lifting a thick portion of the sauce from the bowl, showing its smooth and slightly glossy texture as it drips back slowly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe is thoughtfully chosen to bring out the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color, making the dish feel both special and wholesome. With simple pantry staples and fresh produce, the ingredients combine effortlessly to create something truly memorable.

Whole-egg mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce, adding luscious richness that balances spice.
Sweet chili sauce: Brings a mild, sweet heat that gives the sauce its distinctive punch.
Sriracha or hot chili sauce: Optional heat booster that packs a fiery kick for those who love spice.
Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness to round out the flavor profile.
Lime juice: Brightens the sauce with zesty acidity to lift the whole dish.
Salmon fillets: The star protein, cut into bite-sized cubes for quick, even cooking.
Sweet paprika: Infuses a subtle smoky depth and a gorgeous red hue.
Onion powder: Enhances savory notes without overpowering the salmon.
Freshly cracked black pepper: Adds just a hint of sharp spice.
Soy sauce or tamari: Provides an umami boost that deepens the marinade.
Extra-virgin olive oil: For marinating and cooking, adding smooth richness and helping the salmon crisp beautifully.
Lebanese cucumbers: Bring a cool, crisp texture to the salad.
Avocado: Creamy and mild, it pairs perfectly with crisp cucumbers and fresh herbs.
Spring onion: Adds a subtle bite and freshness to the salad and garnish.
Coriander (cilantro): Introduces bright, herbal notes for a fresh finish.
Edamame beans: Bring in additional protein, texture, and a pop of green color.
Rice vinegar: Balanced acidity to lightly dress the salad.
Sesame oil: Optional, for a toasty, nutty aroma in the salad dressing.
Freshly grated ginger: Optional spice and warmth in the salad dressing.
Steamed jasmine rice: The perfect neutral base to soak up all the delicious sauces.
Lime wedges: For an extra burst of fresh citrus at serving time.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by combining the whole-egg mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (if using), honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart and soul of the dish, bursting with sweet heat and tangy brightness that will coat your salmon perfectly.

Step 2: Marinate the Salmon Cubes

In a large bowl, toss the salmon chunks with paprika, onion powder, black pepper, soy sauce, and olive oil. This simple marinade ensures every piece is packed with flavor before the sauce even arrives. Then, fold in ¼ cup of the bang bang sauce, just enough to lightly coat the salmon and give it a deliciously glistening finish. Save the remaining sauce for serving or dipping.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Choose your preferred cooking method for the salmon:

Air fryer (recommended): Preheat to 200°C (400°F) and arrange salmon in a single layer. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, turning halfway through until golden and cooked through.
Pan-fry: Heat a non-stick pan on medium-high, add salmon cubes, and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning to brown each side evenly.
Oven-bake: Bake at 220°C (425°F) on a parchment-lined tray for 12–15 minutes, turning once. For extra crispy edges, finish under the grill for 2–3 minutes.

Whichever method you choose, your salmon will come out tender, perfectly cooked, and beautifully coated with that irresistible bang bang flavor.

Step 4: Prepare the Cucumber and Avocado Salad

While the salmon cooks, toss sliced Lebanese cucumbers, diced avocado, chopped spring onion, coriander, and thawed edamame beans in a bowl. Dress everything lightly with extra-virgin olive oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, optional sesame oil, and grated ginger if you like a spicy touch. This salad adds freshness, crunch, and a cool counterpart to the warm, spicy salmon.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Serve the perfectly cooked Bang Bang Salmon over steamed jasmine rice. Drizzle extra bang bang sauce on top or serve it on the side for dipping. Add the crisp cucumber and avocado salad alongside with an extra sprinkle of spring onion and a wedge of lime for squeezing. The combination of textures and flavors in this dish is truly something special.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon Recipe

The dish is served in a black bowl filled with three main layers. The bottom layer is white rice with a fluffy and grainy texture, covering the base. On one side, there is a bright green mix of diced cucumber and edamame beans, chopped finely and packed together. The top layer has golden brown grilled cubed pieces of chicken with some char marks, drizzled with a light beige creamy sauce, and sprinkled with chopped green onions. A lime wedge with a light green color is placed on the edge for garnish. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a pair of wooden chopsticks nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate the whole experience. Finely chopped spring onions sprinkled over the salmon draw attention to its vibrant color and add fresh zest. A few lime wedges on the side provide an optional citrus burst that lets everyone tailor the brightness to their palate. If you want, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty finish and a nice crunch.

Side Dishes

This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe pairs beautifully with jasmine rice, which acts as a fluffy canvas, soaking up the creamy, spicy sauce. You could also try serving it beside cauliflower rice for a low-carb option or alongside steamed greens like bok choy or broccoli to bring more vibrant veggies to the table. For a light summer meal, add a simple seaweed salad for another layer of flavor and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun, modern twist, serve the salmon and salad as a poke bowl. Layer the ingredients in bowls with piles of rice, and let guests drizzle their own bang bang sauce. You can also thread salmon cubes onto skewers for a hand-held appetizer style dish. Another idea is to use crispy lettuce cups to scoop up the salmon and salad, turning it into a fresh and exciting finger food for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the cooked salmon and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This helps keep the textures fresh—salmon remains tender and the salad stays crisp. Consume within 2 days for the best flavor and safety.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon chunks is possible but not ideal for this recipe’s delicate texture. If you do freeze, place salmon pieces in a single layer on a tray first, freeze solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Use within 1 month. Avoid freezing the salad—the fresh veggies and avocado won’t hold up well after thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or microwave, covered loosely with foil or a microwave-safe lid to prevent dryness. Avoid overheating, as salmon can toughen quickly. Serve fresh salad on the side rather than reheating it, maintaining its crisp and refreshing quality.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, just be sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cutting into cubes and marinating. This helps the sauce stick better and ensures even cooking.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The spice level is quite mild by default since sweet chili sauce and mayo balance the heat. Adding sriracha is optional for those who want a bit more kick. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce to your preference easily.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! The sauce actually benefits from a little resting time to meld flavors. You can make it 1–2 days ahead and store it covered in the fridge. Just give it a quick stir before using.

What other proteins work with the bang bang sauce?

This sauce is incredibly versatile. Try it with shrimp, chicken, tofu, or even crispy cauliflower for a vegetarian twist. The same principles of marinating and cooking apply.

How do I keep the salad from getting soggy?

To keep the cucumber and avocado salad fresh, dress it right before serving. If you need to prepare earlier, store the avocado separately and toss everything together at the last minute. Using ripe but firm avocados helps maintain texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about a dish that’s quick, colorful, and bursting with flavor, and this Bang Bang Salmon Recipe fits the bill perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, family, or friends, it’s sure to impress with its tender salmon, creamy spicy sauce, and refreshing salad. Give it a go and watch it become a go-to favorite in your kitchen as it did in mine!