Description
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon filets topped with a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, sriracha, and fresh chives. It’s a quick and flavorful dish that balances rich, crispy salmon with a tangy, spicy sauce, perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or a special meal that impresses with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 ½ pounds salmon (four 6-ounce filets, skin on or off)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil or avocado oil
- Lime wedges (for serving)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, finely chopped (can substitute green onions)
- 2 teaspoons sriracha
- Lime zest from ½ a lime
Instructions
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, finely chopped chives, sriracha, and lime zest. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture which helps achieve a good sear. Remove any pin bones using tweezers. Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Brush the filets lightly with olive oil or avocado oil to prevent sticking during cooking.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the salmon filets skin side up in the pan. Cook in batches if your pan is not large enough to fit all filets without crowding. Sear each side of the salmon for about 1 to 3 minutes depending on the thickness of the filets, until the salmon is cooked to your preference—medium is recommended, where the outer thirds of the salmon are opaque, the center remains slightly translucent, and the outsides develop a crisp, browned crust.
- Serve: Plate the salmon immediately while hot. Top each filet with a generous spoonful of the chilled bang bang sauce, garnish with additional chopped chives if desired, and serve with lime wedges for squeezing over the top to add brightness and acidity.
Notes
- For best texture, do not overcook the salmon; aim for medium doneness as described.
- If you don’t have sweet Thai chili sauce, substitute with a blend of sweet chili sauce and a little honey for sweetness and mild heat.
- Chives can be substituted with finely chopped green onions or scallions.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad for a complete meal.
- For skin-on salmon, you can crisp the skin by starting skin-side down if preferred.
Keywords: salmon, bang bang salmon, spicy salmon, quick salmon recipe, seared salmon, seafood dinner, easy weeknight dinner, Thai chili sauce