If you’re craving a dish that excites your taste buds with a perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and fresh flavors, then the Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant meal brings together tender, flavorful salmon baked to perfection and topped with a luscious Bang Bang sauce that has just the right kick. Paired with a crisp, refreshing avocado cucumber salsa, every bite bursts with texture and color, making this recipe as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you’re cooking for friends or treating yourself, this dish is sure to leave you feeling proud and fully satisfied.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe just right is all about using fresh, simple ingredients that work in harmony. Each item plays a key role, whether adding spice, creaminess, or brightness to the final plate.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each): Look for fresh, wild-caught if possible for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps keep the salmon moist while adding a subtle richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds smoky depth that complements the heat in the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For an underlying savory punch without overpowering the other spices.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complexity.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayo like Kewpie): Creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce with a slight tang.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Delivers just enough sweetness and heat to make the sauce unforgettable.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce: Adjust this to control the spice level to your liking.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat with a natural sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds acidity to brighten the sauce’s flavor.
- 1 ripe avocado, diced: Creamy texture that cools down the spicy elements in the dish.
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced: Brings fresh crunch and a cool bite.
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped: Adds a sharp, aromatic contrast in the salsa.
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped: Essential herbaceous note that ties the salsa together.
- 1 tablespoon lime juice: A zesty finish that lifts all the flavors in the salsa.
- Salt and pepper, to taste (for salsa): Just enough to season and make the flavors pop.
How to Make Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. This sauce is your flavor superstar, combining creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. Adjust the sriracha depending on how much heat you want to bring to the table. Set this vibrant sauce aside and get ready to elevate your salmon.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of cooking spray. Pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasoning stick and ensures a nice crust. Rub the fillets with olive oil and then season generously with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. These simple spices add a fantastic depth of flavor without overpowering the natural richness of the salmon.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
Place your seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still moist and flaky. The ideal internal temperature is around 145°F (63°C). Once done, allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes—this step locks in the juices and makes every bite tender.
Step 4: Make the Avocado Cucumber Salsa
While the salmon is baking, mix together the diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, and chopped cilantro in a medium bowl. Drizzle with fresh lime juice and season with salt and pepper. This salsa offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy salmon with its cooling crispness and zesty brightness. Gently toss everything together to combine without mashing the avocado.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
When your salmon is ready, generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over each fillet. You can also add an extra swipe of sauce directly onto the plate to make every bite saucy and irresistible. Serve the salmon with a spoonful of that flavorful avocado cucumber salsa on top or alongside to enjoy all the wonderful textures and tastes in one bite.
How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes can turn this already stunning dish into a showstopper. Sprinkle additional chopped fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions over the top for an extra burst of color and freshness. A wedge of lime on the side invites diners to add a little extra citrus punch if they prefer a bit more zing.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides. Think jasmine or basmati rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice for a low-carb option. A simple mixed green salad or steamed asparagus with a squeeze of lemon can round out the meal perfectly without competing with the bold flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the salmon over a bed of crunchy lettuce leaves or on a vibrant taco shell for a Bang Bang salmon taco experience. You could also plate the salsa as a crisp bed underneath the salmon fillet, creating an elegant, restaurant-worthy presentation that wows every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (and that’s rare because this dish is so good!), store your salmon and salsa separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the salsa from getting soggy and keeps the textures just right for enjoying later.
Freezing
Freezing cooked salmon with Bang Bang sauce and fresh salsa is not recommended, as the creamy sauce and fresh vegetables do not freeze well and will lose their texture. Instead, freeze raw salmon fillets if you want to prep ahead, then make the sauce and salsa fresh when ready to serve.
Reheating
To reheat leftover salmon, gently warm it in a low oven or microwave just until heated through. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender. Add the Bang Bang sauce and salsa fresh upon serving to maintain their wonderful fresh flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of fish for this recipe?
Absolutely! While salmon is perfect for this recipe’s rich flavor, you can substitute with other firm fish like cod, halibut, or even mahi-mahi. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The spice level depends largely on how much sriracha you add. Start with a tablespoon and adjust to taste—more if you like a serious kick, less if you prefer mild heat.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! The mayonnaise is dairy-free, especially if you use Japanese mayo like Kewpie. Just check your specific brands to ensure there are no hidden dairy ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely. The components can be prepared ahead of time and assembled quickly when you’re ready to eat. Just keep the salsa separate until serving for the freshest taste and texture.
What wine pairs well with Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe?
A crisp, aromatic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the spices and fresh salsa beautifully, balancing the creaminess and heat.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this fantastic Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe in your culinary arsenal, I encourage you to give it a try and experience the explosion of flavors and textures. It’s a dish that feels fancy but comes together so easily, making dinner both effortless and exciting. Once you taste it, it’s bound to become one of your new favorite go-to meals, just like it is in my kitchen.
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Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
A vibrant and flavorful Bang Bang Salmon dish served with a fresh avocado cucumber salsa. The salmon is seasoned with fragrant spices, baked to perfection, and topped with a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce. The cool, zesty salsa adds a refreshing contrast, making this recipe a delicious and healthy weeknight dinner option.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayo like Kewpie)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust based on desired spice level)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Avocado Cucumber Salsa
- 1 ripe avocado, diced
- 1 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and diced
- 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred heat level. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Season the Salmon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then rub them with olive oil. Season evenly with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes.
- Make the Avocado Cucumber Salsa: In a medium bowl, combine diced avocado, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and chopped cilantro. Drizzle with lime juice and season with salt and pepper. Gently toss to mix all ingredients evenly without mashing the avocado.
- Assemble the Dish: Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce generously over the baked salmon fillets. Serve each fillet topped or accompanied by a scoop of the fresh avocado cucumber salsa. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor combination.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce by varying the amount of sriracha.
- Use Japanese mayonnaise like Kewpie for a creamier, richer texture and more authentic flavor.
- Ensure the salmon is cooked through but still moist by not overbaking; use a meat thermometer for accuracy.
- The avocado cucumber salsa can be made ahead but add lime juice just before serving to prevent browning.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed rice or a light green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
