How to Make Restaurant-Style Bang Bang Salmon in 20 Minutes

Crispy, saucy, and shamelessly addictive – that’s bang bang salmon for you! Not only is salmon packed with protein and essential Omega-3 fatty acids that help lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation, but it also makes for a restaurant-worthy meal you can prepare in just 30 minutes.

I try to incorporate fish in our meal plan at least once a week – the kids love it and I’m always looking for new ways to serve it. This bang bang salmon recipe has become our family favorite, featuring tender salmon pieces coated in a bold and tangy bang bang sauce for salmon that combines Thai sweet chili, sriracha, and lime juice. The sauce is creamy, sweet, savory, and punchy all at once!

Whether you prefer crispy air-fried salmon bites that cook in 8-10 minutes or perfectly cooked filets that reach 145°F in the thickest part, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results every time. Let me show you how to create this impressive bang bang salmon bowl that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Make the Bang Bang Sauce

The secret to incredible bang bang salmon lies in its signature sauce—creamy, slightly sweet, and with just the right kick of heat. Let me show you how to create this irresistible sauce that elevates simple salmon into a restaurant-worthy dish in minutes.

Key ingredients for bang bang salmon sauce

The classic bang bang sauce originated from Chinese cuisine and was popularized by restaurant chains like Bonefish Grill. My version requires just four essential ingredients:

Mayonnaise (½ cup) – Creates the creamy base. Japanese Kewpie mayo works wonderfully, though any good-quality mayonnaise will do. For a healthier option, Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute.
Sweet Thai chili sauce (¼ cup) – Provides the perfect balance of sweetness with mild heat. The Mae Ploy brand delivers authentic flavor. This sauce contains chilies, sugar, and garlic that pair beautifully with the other ingredients.
Sriracha sauce (1 tablespoon) – Adds that signature spicy kick that makes bang bang sauce so addictive.
Honey (1 tablespoon) – Balances the flavors and enhances sweetness.

For an extra dimension of flavor, add 1 tablespoon of fresh lime juice or ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.

Making the sauce couldn’t be simpler—just combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until smooth and well-incorporated. No cooking required!

How to adjust spice and sweetness

The beauty of homemade bang bang sauce lies in its customizability. If you’re preparing this for heat-lovers, increase the sriracha for more kick. Prefer it milder? Simply reduce the amount of sriracha or eliminate it entirely.

For extra sweetness, add more honey. Need more tang? A splash of rice vinegar or fresh lime juice brightens everything up.

The consistency should be perfect for drizzling—not too thick or watery. If your sauce seems too thick, add 1-2 teaspoons of water and adjust as needed.

Can you make it ahead of time?

Absolutely! Bang bang sauce actually improves after sitting in the refrigerator for a while as the flavors meld together. Store it in an airtight container or squeeze bottle for convenience.

The sauce will keep perfectly for up to one week in the refrigerator, though some sources suggest it can last 3-4 weeks when properly stored. If any separation occurs after storage, simply give it a quick stir before using.

I recommend making a double batch—you’ll want extra for drizzling over other dishes throughout the week!

Prep and Season the Salmon

Selecting quality salmon forms the foundation of a memorable bang bang salmon dish. The right cut, proper preparation, and strategic seasoning all contribute to that restaurant-quality taste and texture we’re aiming for.

Choosing the right cut of salmon

For the best bang bang salmon, center-cut filets of Atlantic, king, or other wild-caught salmon deliver optimal results. These thicker, middle sections maintain a moist texture when cooked properly. Notably, thinner end pieces can easily overcook and dry out, so avoid those if possible.

While sockeye salmon from Costco works well for whole filets, it’s generally not ideal for bang bang salmon bites. Steelhead trout makes an excellent substitute since it tastes remarkably similar to salmon. For bang bang salmon bowls, cutting the fish into 1-inch chunks allows all sides to get perfectly crispy when seared.

Skin on or off: what works best

Unless you’re poaching salmon, keeping the skin on is generally recommended. The skin acts as a protective barrier between the delicate flesh and your hot cooking surface. Furthermore, those fatty acids in the skin help maintain moisture throughout the cooking process.

For whole filets, place the salmon skin-side down when cooking. After cooking, the flesh should easily flake away from the skin if you prefer not to eat it. Nevertheless, for bang bang salmon bites, removing the skin before cutting into cubes ensures even cooking and better seasoning absorption.

Quick seasoning tips for flavor boost

Patting the salmon completely dry with paper towels is essential before seasoning – moisture prevents proper sauce adhesion and seasoning. For simple yet flavorful seasoning:

Remove the salmon from refrigeration 30 minutes before cooking to bring it closer to room temperature for better searing
Season with a combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika
For extra flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika, onion powder, or even a splash of soy sauce
Gently coat the salmon with olive oil before applying seasonings to help them adhere better

For bite-sized pieces, toss them in a bowl with seasonings to ensure even coating throughout. Remember, consistent sizing (approximately 1-inch cubes) ensures even cooking, especially important for air frying methods.

Cook the Salmon in 10 Minutes

Now that your salmon is prepped and seasoned, it’s time for the magic to happen. With three versatile cooking methods, you can have restaurant-quality bang bang salmon on your table in just 10 minutes.

Air fryer method for crispy bites

For bite-sized salmon that’s irresistibly crispy outside yet tender inside, the air fryer is your best friend. Preheat your air fryer to 390-400°F. Place seasoned salmon cubes in a single layer (never overcrowd!). Cook for 8-10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. Smaller bites will cook faster – check after 7 minutes. For best results, give the basket a light coating of cooking spray first.

Oven-baked method for filets

Prefer whole filets? Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place salmon skin-side down and brush with some bang bang sauce before baking. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon reaches your desired doneness. For extra caramelization, position the rack in the upper third of your oven or finish with a quick 1-2 minute broil.

Pan-seared method for caramelized finish

For maximum flavor development, pan-searing creates an irresistible caramelized finish. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat, then add your seasoned salmon. Cook for 6-8 minutes total, turning every couple of minutes to brown each side. This method creates that signature restaurant-quality outer crust.

How to know when salmon is done

The FDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F for safety. However, many chefs prefer 130-135°F for medium doneness that remains moist. No thermometer? Look for these visual cues: salmon should flake easily with a fork yet remain slightly translucent in the center. The flesh should appear opaque pink, not translucent (undercooked) or white throughout (overcooked).

Assemble and Serve Like a Restaurant

The presentation transforms your bang bang salmon from homemade to restaurant-worthy. With perfect plating techniques and complementary sides, you’ll create a meal that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

How to build a bang bang salmon bowl

Creating a balanced bang bang salmon bowl requires thoughtful layering:

Start with a base of fluffy rice or grain (jasmine, basmati, or cauliflower rice for low-carb)
Add vibrant vegetables (shredded cabbage, carrots, cucumber, edamame)
Place the salmon as your protein centerpiece
Drizzle with reserved bang bang sauce
Finish with garnishes

For added freshness, incorporate avocado cucumber salsa by mixing diced avocado, cucumber, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and a touch of honey.

Best sides to pair with bang bang salmon

The creamy, sweet-spicy profile of bang bang salmon pairs beautifully with:

Vegetable options: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, brussels sprouts, or green beans provide contrast to the rich salmon. Quick-pickled cucumbers offer refreshing tanginess.

Starchy sides: Coconut rice, garlic mashed potatoes, or roasted baby potatoes complement the protein. For a lighter alternative, try quinoa or farro.

Fresh options: A simple side salad with spinach, arugula, or mixed greens balances the meal perfectly.

Garnishes and final sauce drizzle

The finishing touches make your dish truly restaurant-quality:

Drizzle additional bang bang sauce over everything immediately before serving. Garnish with chopped chives, cilantro, green onions, and sesame seeds for color and texture. Add lime wedges on the side for brightness.

Keep extra sauce in a small dish for dipping—this simple step elevates the entire experience.

Conclusion

Bang bang salmon truly stands as one of the most versatile and impressive seafood dishes you can master at home. This recipe transforms ordinary salmon into an extraordinary meal through a perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweet-spicy sauce, crispy exterior, and tender interior create a combination that’s simply irresistible.

What makes this dish particularly special is how quickly it comes together. Whether you choose air frying for ultimate crispiness, oven-baking for convenience, or pan-searing for that beautiful caramelization, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dinner ready in under 20 minutes. Additionally, the customizable spice level ensures everyone at your table will love it.

Remember that quality ingredients make all the difference. Fresh salmon, preferably center-cut, paired with the right balance of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey creates magic on your plate. The sauce itself becomes a versatile condiment you’ll want to keep in your refrigerator for other dishes.

My family now requests bang bang salmon weekly, and I’m happy to oblige since it’s both nutritious and delicious. The omega-3 fatty acids provide excellent health benefits while the bold flavors satisfy our cravings for restaurant-style food.

Try this recipe once, and it will undoubtedly become part of your regular meal rotation. The combination of simple preparation, quick cooking time, and impressive presentation makes bang bang salmon perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Your family and friends will certainly ask for seconds – just make sure you prepare enough!

FAQs

Q1. Is bang bang sauce a good pairing for salmon? Bang bang sauce is an excellent pairing for salmon. The creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors of the sauce complement the rich taste of salmon perfectly, creating a delicious and balanced dish.

Q2. What exactly is Bang Bang Salmon? Bang Bang Salmon is a flavorful dish featuring salmon seasoned and cooked to perfection, then coated with a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy bang bang sauce. It can be prepared as whole filets or bite-sized pieces, offering a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Q3. What’s the quickest way to cook Bang Bang Salmon? The air fryer method is the quickest way to cook Bang Bang Salmon, taking only 8-10 minutes for crispy, perfectly cooked salmon bites. However, pan-searing and oven-baking are also efficient methods, each taking about 10-12 minutes.

Q4. What are the key ingredients in bang bang sauce? The key ingredients in bang bang sauce are mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. These components combine to create a creamy, sweet, savory, and slightly spicy sauce that’s perfect for salmon and other dishes.

Q5. How can I tell when my salmon is perfectly cooked? Perfectly cooked salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F for safety, though some prefer 130-135°F for medium doneness. Visually, the salmon should flake easily with a fork while remaining slightly translucent in the center. The flesh should appear opaque pink, not translucent or white throughout.