If you are craving a dish that bursts with flavor, color, and texture, you absolutely have to try the Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe. This dish beautifully combines tender, perfectly baked salmon coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce with a fresh, cooling salsa that contrasts and complements each bite. The magic of this recipe is how effortlessly it brings together robust seasoning, a luscious sauce, and a bright, zesty salsa to create an unforgettable meal that feels as good as it tastes.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The simplicity of the ingredients in this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe is what makes it so accessible, yet so special. Each item plays a crucial role, whether it’s the spice mix adding depth, the mayo and chili sauce crafting that signature bang bang creaminess, or the fresh avocado and cucumber lending coolness and crunch.
- Salmon filet (1 1/2 pounds): Fresh and flaky, it’s the star of the dish providing rich, buttery flavor.
- All-purpose seasoning mix (1-2 tablespoons): Infuses the salmon with a balanced blend of herbs and spices to enhance natural flavors.
- Mayo (1/4 cup): Creates the creamy base of the bang bang sauce, balancing the heat perfectly.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a touch of sweetness and mild heat that’s absolutely addictive.
- Garlic clove (1, grated): Brings a subtle pungency that brightens the sauce.
- Soy sauce (1 teaspoon): Gives a savory umami kick to the sauce for depth.
- Chili crisp (for topping): Adds a crunchy texture and an extra layer of spiciness on top.
- Cooked rice: A comforting, neutral base that helps soak up every bit of sauce.
- Avocado cucumber salsa: This refreshing salsa provides vibrancy and cooling contrast, balancing the warm, rich salmon.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Salmon
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees. If your salmon isn’t already portioned, now’s the time to cut it into individual servings. Make sure to pat the salmon dry with a paper towel; this helps the seasoning stick better and promotes a great crust. Evenly coat each piece with your chosen all-purpose seasoning mix, which enhances flavor and adds a savory backbone to the dish. Lay the salmon on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, stir together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, grated garlic, and soy sauce until you get a smooth, shiny sauce that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, creamy, and savory notes. Reserve half of this sauce to add after the salmon is baked – it’s essential for layering those signature bang bang flavors.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
Using a small spoon, spread a thin layer of the bang bang sauce over your seasoned salmon portions. Bake them toward the top of your preheated oven for about 10 minutes to cook through. For the finishing touch, switch on the broiler and let the salmon caramelize for 2-3 minutes until the tops turn golden brown and develop a slightly crispy, mouthwatering crust. Keep a close eye to avoid burning.
Step 4: Assemble and Serve
Place your baked salmon over a bed of freshly cooked rice and spoon the reserved bang bang sauce on top. Scatter crispy chili crisp over everything for added texture and heat, then top with a generous helping of avocado cucumber salsa. This salsa adds an irresistible freshness that cuts through the richness of the fish and sauce.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing, think fresh and crunchy. Cilantro leaves or thinly sliced green onions add a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. A small drizzle of extra chili crisp or a wedge of lime can elevate the flavors even further, making every bite exciting. These simple accents make serving this dish feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with light sides that complement but don’t overshadow it. Steamed jasmine rice or quinoa works wonderfully as a base, while roasted vegetables or a crisp green salad add complementary textures. You can also serve it alongside some pickled ginger or simple edamame for an Asian-inspired feast that balances rich and fresh elements.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to make this dinner feel restaurant-worthy? Serve your Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe in individual shallow bowls with a mound of rice in the center, then arrange the salmon portions on top. Spoon the salsa artistically around the edges, and finish with drizzles of sauce and colorful garnishes. For a fun twist, serve in crunchy lettuce cups or on toasted buns as a sandwich or slider idea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to keep the salsa separate to maintain its fresh texture. Store the bang bang sauce separately as well to keep it at its best.
Freezing
While freezing cooked salmon is possible, it’s not ideal for this recipe’s texture and freshness. If needed, freeze the salmon portions without sauce, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and adding fresh salsa and sauce.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in the oven at 300 degrees until just heated through to avoid drying it out, about 8-10 minutes. Avoid reheating the salsa or bang bang sauce in the oven; instead, mix fresh sauce or add leftover sauce cold. This ensures the bright, creamy flavors don’t become muted.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for its rich flavor and texture, you can try this recipe with cod, halibut, or even shrimp. Just keep an eye on cooking times, as leaner fish might cook faster.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The sauce has a gentle kick thanks to the sweet chili sauce and chili crisp, but it’s more sweet and creamy than hot. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more chili crisp or a pinch of cayenne if you love heat.
What’s the best way to make homemade all-purpose seasoning?
Mix together equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne for a balanced, flavorful blend. This homemade mix gives you full control over the flavor intensity.
Is the avocado cucumber salsa difficult to prepare?
Not at all! Dice ripe avocado and cucumber, then toss with lime juice, a pinch of salt, and fresh cilantro for a quick salsa that’s creamy, crunchy, and bright. It’s very forgiving and can be customized to your taste.
Can this dish be made gluten-free?
Yes, just make sure to use gluten-free soy sauce and check that your seasoning and chili sauce do not contain gluten. This recipe is quite adaptable for gluten-free diets.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe is one of those dishes that impresses every time without demanding hours in the kitchen. Its bold flavors, satisfying textures, and fresh toppings come together beautifully to create a meal that you’ll want to make again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be sharing this favorite with all your friends too!
Print
Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe features perfectly baked salmon fillets coated in a flavorful all-purpose seasoning and topped with a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, garlic, and soy sauce. Finished with a drizzle of chili crisp for an added kick and served with a refreshing avocado cucumber salsa and rice, it’s a quick, delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 1/2 pounds salmon filet
- 1–2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning mix
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 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
- Prep the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the salmon into individual portions if desired and pat the pieces dry with paper towels. Coat each salmon piece evenly with the all-purpose seasoning mix. Place the seasoned salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare for baking.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, grated garlic, and soy sauce. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Set aside half of this sauce to use as a topping after baking the salmon.
- Bake the Salmon: Spread a small spoonful of the bang bang sauce over each piece of seasoned salmon. Place the baking sheet towards the top of the preheated oven and bake for 10 minutes. Afterward, turn on the broiler and broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely, until the tops are golden brown and slightly caramelized.
- Serve: Serve the baked bang bang salmon over cooked rice with a side of avocado cucumber salsa. Drizzle the reserved bang bang sauce and chili crisp over the salmon pieces to taste for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this easy and flavorful meal!
Notes
- You can make your own all-purpose seasoning mix by combining equal parts salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
- Avocado cucumber salsa adds a fresh and cool contrast; simply dice avocado and cucumber, toss with lime juice, salt, and chopped cilantro if desired.
- Chili crisp is a spicy chili oil with crunchy bits; use it sparingly to add texture and heat.
- Ensure to monitor the salmon under the broiler carefully to avoid burning.
