I can still remember the first time I tried Bang Bang Salmon. It was a few years ago when my friend Sarah invited me over for a dinner party. As soon as I walked through the door, the mouthwatering aroma of the Bang Bang Salmon hit me. I knew right away I was in for a treat!
Sarah had discovered this incredible recipe a while back and it quickly became a staple in her household. She always raved about how simple it was to make but how restaurant-quality the results turned out. That evening, as I took my first bite, I instantly understood the hype. The salmon was cooked to tender perfection, with a delightful crunch from the coating and a flavor-packed bang bang sauce that had the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes. I practically licked my plate clean!
From that day on, Bang Bang Salmon has been a go-to dinner in my house too. It’s the dish I turn to when I want to impress guests, but also the one I make on busy weeknights when I’m craving something truly crave-worthy. The best part is, it’s shockingly easy to pull off at home. Let me share the secrets behind this incredible Bang Bang Salmon recipe that will soon become a staple in your kitchen as well.
Why This Bang Bang Salmon Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Bang Bang Salmon
The key to this Bang Bang Salmon recipe is in the coating and the sauce. Most Bang Bang Salmon dishes you’ll find rely on a heavy breading that can make the fish feel greasy and dense. But this version has a light, crispy panko coating that lets the natural flavor of the salmon shine through. And the homemade bang bang sauce is what really takes it to the next level – it’s sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once, creating an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon fillets
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Cornstarch
- Garlic powder
- Cayenne pepper
- Mayonnaise
- Sriracha
- Honey
- Rice vinegar
- Lime juice
Step-by-Step Bang Bang Salmon Instructions
Preparing Your Bang Bang Salmon
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is super quick and easy to make, coming together in just 30 minutes. You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools like a large skillet, a shallow bowl for breading, and a small mixing bowl. Let’s get started!
1- Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and cutting them into bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and make the dish more snackable.
2- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs. In a separate bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, cornstarch, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
3- Dip each piece of salmon into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then dredge it through the seasoned panko, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
4- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to come about 1/4 inch up the sides. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated salmon pieces in a single layer and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
5- While the salmon is cooking, prepare the bang bang sauce by whisking together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and lime juice in a small bowl.
6- Transfer the crispy Bang Bang Salmon to a paper towel-lined plate and serve immediately, drizzling the bang bang sauce generously over the top.
Pro Tips for Success
The key to getting that perfect crispy coating on the Bang Bang Salmon is to make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the fish. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the salmon will absorb too much oil and come out greasy.
Also, be sure not to overcrowd the pan when frying – work in batches if needed to maintain the optimal oil temperature. And don’t be afraid to really pack on the panko coating, as that’s what gives you those addictive crunchy bites.
Serving and Storing Your Bang Bang Salmon
Perfect Pairings for Bang Bang Salmon
This Bang Bang Salmon is absolutely delicious on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. I love serving it with a fresh, crisp salad or some steamed broccoli to balance out the richness. It’s also amazing alongside some fluffy white rice or roasted sweet potato wedges.
And for drinks, the sweet-and-spicy flavors in the bang bang sauce make it a perfect match for an ice-cold beer or a refreshing glass of Sauvignon Blanc.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Bang Bang Salmon will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or air fryer until crispy again. You can also prep the breaded salmon in advance and keep it in the freezer for up to 2 months. Just fry it straight from frozen when you’re ready to enjoy.
And the bang bang sauce can be made ahead of time as well – it will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week, so feel free to double the batch if you know you’ll be craving Bang Bang Salmon regularly.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Bang Bang Salmon
Creative Bang Bang Salmon Variations
While this classic Bang Bang Salmon recipe is hard to beat, you can definitely have fun with some creative twists. Try using a different protein like shrimp or chicken instead of salmon. Or switch up the sauce flavors – a honey-garlic or sweet chili version would also be delicious.
You can also get seasonal by using different produce in the sauce, like mango or pineapple in the summer or cranberries in the fall. And for a heartier meal, serve the Bang Bang Salmon over a bed of rice or noodles.
Making Bang Bang Salmon Diet-Friendly
To make this Bang Bang Salmon recipe a bit more diet-friendly, you can opt for an air fryer instead of frying the salmon in oil. The panko coating will still get super crispy, but you’ll use much less fat.
You can also lighten up the bang bang sauce by using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. And for a gluten-free version, simply swap the panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this Bang Bang Salmon recipe?
A: Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely before patting it dry and cutting it into pieces. Frozen salmon works just as well as fresh.
Q: How long does the Bang Bang Salmon need to cook?
A: The salmon pieces should fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside but still tender and flaky on the inside.
Q: Can I make the Bang Bang Salmon ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the breaded salmon in advance and freeze it for up to 2 months. Then just fry it straight from frozen when you’re ready to serve. The sauce can also be made 1 week ahead.
Q: How much Bang Bang Salmon should I serve per person?
A: This recipe makes about 4 servings, with 3-4 pieces of salmon per serving. If you’re serving it as an appetizer, you can get 6-8 servings out of it.
Q: What should I do if my Bang Bang Salmon isn’t getting crispy?
A: Make sure your oil is hot enough – it should register around 350°F on a deep fry thermometer. Also, be careful not to overcrowd the pan, which can cause the salmon to steam instead of fry. Work in batches if needed.
Mouthwatering Bang Bang Salmon
- Total Time: 30
- Yield: 4
Description
Juicy, tender Bang Bang Salmon with a sweet and spicy glaze is a quick and easy weeknight dinner the whole family will love. This 30-minute meal is packed with flavor and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
– 4 salmon fillets
– 1/4 cup soy sauce
– 2 tablespoons honey
– 2 tablespoons Sriracha
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground ginger
– 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. In a shallow baking dish, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, Sriracha, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Add the salmon fillets and turn to coat them evenly in the sauce.
4. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve the Bang Bang Salmon immediately, spooning the extra sauce over the top.
Notes
For extra crispiness, you can broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes after baking. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is truly a game-changer. With its perfectly crispy coating, flavor-packed bang bang sauce, and tender, flaky salmon, it’s no wonder it’s become a staple in my household. I know you and your family are going to fall in love with it too.
So what are you waiting for? Give this incredible Bang Bang Salmon a try tonight! I promise it will quickly become a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Be sure to let me know how it turns out – I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
