Description
Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa is a flavorful and easy weeknight meal featuring tender salmon coated in a spicy, sweet, and creamy bang bang sauce. The salmon is oven-baked and broiled to achieve a caramelized top, served over steamed rice with a fresh avocado cucumber salsa to add a crisp, refreshing contrast. This dish delivers a perfect balance of creamy, savory, and punchy flavors in just about 22 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon filet
- 1-2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning mix (see notes for homemade option)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayo
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 clove garlic, grated
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
Toppings and Sides
- Chili crisp for topping
- Cooked rice, for serving
- Avocado cucumber salsa (see notes)
Instructions
- Prepare Oven and Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). If desired, cut the salmon filet into individual portions. Pat the salmon dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the seasoning sticks well.
- Season Salmon: Evenly coat the salmon pieces with the all-purpose seasoning mix, making sure every piece is well seasoned. Arrange the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced slightly apart.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayo, sweet chili sauce, grated garlic, and soy sauce. Stir well until smooth. Set half of this mixture aside to serve later with the cooked salmon.
- Apply Sauce and Bake: Spread a small spoonful of the bang bang sauce over each seasoned salmon portion. Place the baking sheet towards the top rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes to cook through.
- Broil for Caramelization: After baking, switch your oven to broil. Broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes to get a golden brown, caramelized top—watch closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Serve the bang bang salmon over a bed of cooked rice, topped with the reserved bang bang sauce and a drizzle of chili crisp. Add a fresh avocado cucumber salsa on the side for a vibrant vegetable complement.
Notes
- For the all-purpose seasoning mix, you can use a mix of garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and onion powder if you want homemade.
- The avocado cucumber salsa adds a cool, fresh contrast and balances the spicy kick of the bang bang sauce perfectly.
- This recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner that feels indulgent yet wholesome.
- Ensure not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender inside.
- Adjust the amount of chili crisp according to your spice tolerance for the perfect heat level.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 476
- Sugar: 6.8 g
- Sodium: 693.2 mg
- Fat: 23.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: estimated 19.8 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 26.6 g
- Fiber: 2.9 g
- Protein: 40.7 g
- Cholesterol: 92.7 mg
