Bang Bang Salmon is a delectable twist on the popular Bang Bang Shrimp, featuring tender salmon fillets drizzled with a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce. Whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared, this dish offers a flavorful and healthy meal option that's quick and easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests, Bang Bang Salmon is both versatile and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)

• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions

• Sesame seeds

• Fresh lime wedges

Directions

1. Prepare the Salmon:

   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a skillet over medium-high heat if pan-searing. For grilling, preheat your grill to medium heat.

   • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet with olive oil, then season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. Cook the Salmon:

   • To Bake: Place the salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).

   • To Grill: Place the salmon skin-side down on a well-oiled grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping carefully to avoid sticking.

   • To Pan-Sear: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

   • In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (if using), and rice vinegar or lime juice.

   • Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha for heat or more sweet chili sauce for sweetness.

4. Assemble the Dish:

   • Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to a serving plate. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over each fillet.

   • Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or lime wedges, if desired.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes, such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 380

• Carbohydrates: 4g

• Protein: 32g

• Fat: 26g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 3g