For the Bang Bang Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 lime, juiced
• 2 green onions, finely chopped

Ingredient Notes: Can’t find sweet chili sauce? Mix 2 tablespoons honey with 1 tablespoon rice vinegar and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes. For a dairy-free option, use plant-based mayonnaise.

• Preparation time: 5 minutes
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes (33% faster than traditional baked salmon recipes, which typically take 22-25 minutes)

Per serving (1 salmon fillet with 2 tablespoons sauce):

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels – this crucial step ensures a perfect sear rather than a steam. Season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides. For even flavor distribution, gently press the seasonings into the flesh of the salmon with your fingertips.

Step 2: Heat Your Pan

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. When the oil begins to shimmer (but before it smokes), you’ve reached the ideal temperature. Too cool, and your salmon will stick; too hot, and you’ll burn the outside before cooking the inside.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side down if using skin-on (the skin creates a protective barrier against overcooking). Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them – patience here is crucial for that perfect crust! Flip once and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium or 145°F for well-done.

Step 4: Prepare Bang Bang Sauce

While the salmon cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl until smooth. The sauce should have a vibrant orange-pink hue and a consistency that’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable.

Remove the salmon from heat and let it rest for 1 minute. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the warm salmon, allowing some to drip down the sides. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh color contrast and flavor boost.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (1 salmon fillet with 2 tablespoons sauce):

• Calories: 425
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fat: 26g (healthy omega-3s: 4.5g)
• Fiber: 0.5g
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 650mg