Bang Bang Salmon Bowls

Imagine sinking your fork into a bowl of perfectly flaky, slightly crispy Bang Bang Salmon Bowls with a sweet and spicy sauce that makes your taste buds dance. This restaurant-worthy dish brings together tender salmon filets, crisp vegetables, and fluffy rice, all tied together with a creamy, flavor-packed bang bang sauce that’s simply irresistible. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or impressing dinner guests, these Bang Bang Salmon Bowls deliver on both presentation and flavor. You’ll learn how to perfectly cook the salmon, create the signature sauce from scratch, and assemble a balanced bowl that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Bang Bang Salmon Bowls are about to become your new favorite meal for so many reasons. First, the contrast between the tender, flaky salmon and the crisp, fresh vegetables creates a textural symphony in every bite. The signature bang bang sauce strikes the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy notes that complement the natural richness of the salmon without overpowering it.

What makes these salmon bowls truly special is their versatility. You can customize the vegetables based on what’s in season or your personal preferences. The entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that feels special without the fuss.

Health-conscious eaters will appreciate that these bowls deliver a complete nutritional package – lean protein from the salmon, complex carbohydrates from the rice, and a rainbow of vegetables for vitamins and minerals. Plus, the salmon provides those essential omega-3 fatty acids that support heart and brain health. It’s comfort food you can feel good about eating regularly.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 1½ pounds (680g) fresh salmon fillets, skin removed and cut into 4 portions
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup (120ml) mayonnaise (use Kewpie mayo for extra richness)
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) sriracha (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lime juice
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil

For the Bowls:

• 2 cups (370g) cooked jasmine rice or brown rice
• 2 cups (134g) shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 1 cup (149g) cucumber, diced
• ¼ cup (24g) green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• Lime wedges, for serving

Pro Tips

Perfect Salmon Every Time: The key to irresistible Bang Bang Salmon Bowls is properly cooked fish. For that ideal texture—crispy exterior with a tender, flaky center—pat your salmon completely dry before seasoning. This ensures a beautiful sear rather than steaming. Cook salmon to an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium doneness, as it will continue cooking slightly after removal from heat. Remember that salmon cooks quickly; 3-4 minutes per side is usually perfect for medium-thickness fillets.

Sauce Secrets: The bang bang sauce is the heart of this dish, so don’t rush its preparation. Allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together. For extra depth, add a small clove of minced garlic or a teaspoon of grated ginger. The sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance, making your meal prep even faster.

Rice Perfection: For restaurant-quality bowls, don’t overlook your rice preparation. Rinse your rice thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. After cooking, let it rest covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. For an aromatic twist, cook your rice in light coconut milk or chicken broth instead of water. Properly cooked rice forms the foundation of your Bang Bang Salmon Bowls and absorbs all those delicious sauce flavors.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth and well incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning—add more sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness. The sauce should have a vibrant orange-pink color and a consistency that’s thick enough to cling to the salmon. Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the rest of the bowl components.

Step 2: Prepare the Rice
Rinse your rice under cold water until the water runs clear. Cook according to package instructions, whether using a rice cooker or stovetop method. Once done, let it sit covered for 10 minutes, then fluff with a fork. Season with a pinch of salt if desired. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon
Remove the salmon from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Pat the fillets completely dry with paper towels. Drizzle with olive oil and season evenly with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Place the salmon in the skillet (if skin is still on, place skin-side down first) and cook for 3-4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes.

Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
While the salmon cooks, prepare your fresh vegetables. Slice the avocado just before serving to prevent browning. If using raw cabbage, massage it gently with a pinch of salt to soften it slightly. Arrange the cucumber in a separate area of your serving bowls.

Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the warm rice among four serving bowls, arranging it on one side. Place the cabbage or slaw next to the rice, then add cucumber and avocado slices. Place the salmon on top or alongside the rice. Drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce—be generous, as this sauce is what makes the Bang Bang Salmon Bowls special! Sprinkle with green onions and toasted sesame seeds for texture and visual appeal. Serve with lime wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze just before eating.

Variations

Spicy Mango Bang Bang Salmon Bowls: Add a tropical twist to your Bang Bang Salmon Bowls by incorporating diced fresh mango into your vegetable mix. The sweet juiciness of mango perfectly complements the spicy bang bang sauce, creating an exciting flavor profile. Add half a diced jalapeño to the sauce for extra heat that’s balanced by the fruit’s sweetness. This variation works beautifully in summer when mangoes are at their peak.

Asian-Inspired Cauliflower Rice Bowl: For a low-carb option, substitute the jasmine rice with cauliflower rice sautéed with a little sesame oil and garlic. This lighter base lets the flavors of the salmon and sauce shine while reducing the overall carbohydrate content. Add edamame beans for additional protein and shredded carrots for color and crunch. This variation makes these Bang Bang Salmon Bowls perfect for those following keto or low-carb eating plans.

Teriyaki Bang Bang Fusion: Create a fusion version by brushing the salmon with teriyaki sauce during the last minute of cooking. The caramelized teriyaki glaze adds another dimension of umami flavor that works harmoniously with the creamy bang bang sauce. Include sliced shiitake mushrooms and baby bok choy sautéed in garlic as your vegetables for an elevated Asian-inspired bowl that feels like restaurant quality.

Storage and Serving

These Bang Bang Salmon Bowls are best enjoyed fresh, but components can be stored separately for excellent meal prep. Cooked salmon will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the bang bang sauce separately in a small container where it will stay fresh for up to a week. Prepped vegetables (except avocado) can be stored for 2-3 days, while rice stays good for 4-5 days when refrigerated properly.

For reheating, warm the salmon gently in a 275°F oven for about 10 minutes to prevent it from drying out. Alternatively, enjoy the salmon cold for a refreshing meal. Microwave the rice with a sprinkle of water to revive its texture.

When serving, consider these companions to elevate your meal: a simple miso soup makes an excellent starter, while cucumber-infused water or a light jasmine tea complements the flavors perfectly. For a more substantial spread, pair with vegetable gyoza or a small seaweed salad. These Bang Bang Salmon Bowls also make impressive lunch guests—pack components separately and assemble just before eating for a meal that will make coworkers envious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Bang Bang Salmon Bowls?
Yes! Thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it thoroughly dry before seasoning to ensure a good sear. While fresh salmon provides the best texture, high-quality frozen salmon is a convenient alternative that works well in this recipe.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?
Reduce the sriracha in the bang bang sauce to 1 teaspoon or omit it completely, relying on the sweet chili sauce for a milder heat. You can also increase the mayonnaise proportion slightly and add an extra teaspoon of honey to balance the flavor profile.

Can I make these bowls ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! Prepare all components separately and store in airtight containers. Keep the avocado whole until ready to serve, and store the sauce separately. Assemble fresh each day for up to 3 days of delicious lunches.

What’s the best substitute for mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce?
Greek yogurt makes an excellent healthier substitute, though it will create a tangier sauce. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based mayonnaise or coconut cream mixed with a touch of rice vinegar to achieve that creamy consistency.

Can I grill the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes! Grilled salmon adds a wonderful smoky flavor to these bowls. Preheat your grill to medium-high, oil the grates well, and grill skin-side down first for 4-5 minutes, then flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon reaches 125°F internally.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Salmon Bowls are comfort food at its finest — a perfect balance of nutritious ingredients and indulgent flavors that satisfy both body and soul. The combination of flaky salmon, creamy spiced sauce, and fresh vegetables creates a meal that feels special yet comes together quickly enough for weeknight cooking. It’s the kind of dish that transforms ordinary dinners into memorable experiences, whether you’re enjoying a quiet meal at home or entertaining friends. With endless customization possibilities and make-ahead options, these bowls offer both convenience and culinary delight in equal measure.

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