Bang Bang Salmon With Avocado Salsa (Printable)
Spicy baked salmon with creamy bang bang sauce and cool avocado cucumber salsa, ready in 30 minutes.
# Ingredient List:
→ For the Salmon
01 - 4 skinless salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
04 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
→ For the Bang Bang Sauce
06 - 1/4 cup mayonnaise
07 - 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
08 - 1 tablespoon Sriracha, adjust to taste
09 - 1 tablespoon honey
10 - 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
→ For the Avocado Cucumber Salsa
11 - 1 large avocado, diced
12 - 1 cup cucumber, diced
13 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
14 - 1 small jalapeño pepper, seeded and minced
15 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - Juice of 1 lime
17 - Salt and pepper to taste
→ For Serving
18 - Steamed rice, quinoa, or lettuce wraps, optional
19 - Lime wedges
# Directions:
01 - Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush each fillet on both sides with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Arrange on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
04 - While the salmon bakes, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. Set aside.
05 - In a medium bowl, gently toss the diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
06 - Remove the salmon from the oven and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce.
07 - Spoon the avocado cucumber salsa over or alongside each salmon fillet. Serve immediately with steamed rice, quinoa, or lettuce wraps and garnish with lime wedges.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The sauce walks that perfect line between sweet heat and creamy richness, making even plain rice feel like a celebration.
- Everything comes together in thirty minutes with ingredients you probably already have kicking around your pantry and fridge.
02 -
- Overbaking salmon by even two minutes turns silky into chalky, so pull it when the center still has the faintest blush of translucence.
- Assemble the salsa right before serving because avocado browns and cucumber weeps, turning your beautiful topping into a watery mess.
03 -
- Dry your salmon thoroughly before seasoning, because moisture is the enemy of a good crust and even cooking.
- Make double the bang bang sauce and keep it in the fridge for sandwiches, roasted vegetables, or dipping leftover everything into the next day.