Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet comes together effortlessly, you’re in the right place. I absolutely adore this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe because it’s creamy, sweet, slightly spicy, and has that perfect crispy caramelized top that just makes you want to dig in immediately. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or impressing friends at your next casual get-together, this recipe will become your secret weapon.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients here come together to bring a beautiful harmony of textures and tastes. When shopping, look for fresh salmon with firm flesh and ripe avocados for creamy texture. The sweet chili sauce is the secret weapon here, so pick your favorite brand—or make your own if you’re feeling adventurous!

• Salmon filet: Fresh or thawed frozen salmon works great; I prefer wild-caught for richer flavor.
• All-purpose seasoning mix: A good blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika adds that tasty crust.
• Mayo: Use full-fat for that creamy texture; it balances the spice and sweetness perfectly.
• Sweet chili sauce: This adds a lovely mild heat and sweetness – a must-have in your pantry.
• Garlic (grated): Fresh garlic packs a punch and adds depth to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: Just a splash for umami and saltiness to round out the flavors.
• Chili crisp: I sprinkle this on top at the end for crunch and an extra kick.
• Cooked rice: Jasmine or basmati rice are my go-tos – they soak up the sauce beautifully.
• Avocado cucumber salsa: This fresh salsa cools things down and adds a lovely creamy, crunchy contrast.

Variations

I love when a recipe is a canvas for creativity, so feel free to customize this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe to suit your tastes or what’s in season. Trust me, a few tweaks can make this feel brand new every time you make it.

• Mild Version: If you’re wary of spice, just reduce the chili crisp or swap sweet chili sauce for a milder glaze—I’ve done this for my kids, and they gobble it up.
• Protein Swap: No salmon on hand? Try this with shrimp or firm white fish; it still delivers the bang bang flavor punch with ease.
• Seasonal Salsa: During summer, I sometimes swap cucumber for fresh mango in the salsa for a sweet twist.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap mayo for a creamy avocado puree to keep things healthy and allergy-friendly.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Season the Salmon

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees (F). If you’ve got a large salmon filet, cut it into individual portions—that makes serving easier and helps everything cook evenly. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels; this step is super important because dry fish means better browning. Then, generously coat each piece with your all-purpose seasoning mix. I like to pile it on a bit to get that tasty crust that seals in the juices.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce and Coat the Salmon

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, grated garlic, and soy sauce until smooth. Spoon about half of this flavorful sauce over each salmon piece, spreading it gently but evenly. Save the rest for drizzling later—that’s going to be your finishing touch that amps up every bite.

Step 3: Bake and Broil for Perfect Caramelization

Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and pop it in the oven, positioning it on the top rack. Bake for about 10 minutes—this cooks the fish through but keeps it tender and juicy. Then switch your oven to broil and broil the salmon for 2 to 3 minutes—watch closely here! You want that top layer to turn a beautiful golden brown and get just a little caramelized without burning. This step is where this recipe really shines, I can’t lie.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Serve your bang bang salmon over a fluffy bed of cooked rice, spoon on the reserved bang bang sauce for extra creaminess, and pile on your avocado cucumber salsa for freshness and crunch. Finally, sprinkle chili crisp on top if you’re feeling spicy and want that irresistible crunch. You’ll find your family goes crazy for this combination every single time.

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Garnishes

I’ve found that a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro or scallions on top brightens the dish beautifully. A curl of lime zest or a squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a subtle zing that balances the creaminess. And of course, chili crisp or thinly sliced fresh chilies for folks who like that extra heat—love having those options on the table!

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs perfectly with simple steamed jasmine rice or fluffy quinoa to soak up all that bang bang sauce. For veggies, I often serve it alongside roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to keep things vibrant and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I like to plate the salmon on a pool of avocado cucumber salsa, then drizzle the bang bang sauce artistically over the top. Use thinly sliced cucumber ribbons as a bed to add elegance. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts can elevate the texture and visual appeal—simple touches that make guests think you spent hours in the kitchen!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually pop leftover salmon and salsa into airtight containers and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight, but the salsa is best if eaten within a day to keep the avocado fresh. I keep the bang bang sauce separate to prevent sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon isn’t my favorite because the texture can change, but if you want to freeze the uncooked seasoned salmon, wrap it tightly and use within a month. Just thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual. The fresh avocado cucumber salsa doesn’t freeze well, so prepare that fresh when you’re ready to serve.

Reheating

To reheat leftover bang bang salmon, I gently warm it in a low oven (about 275°F) wrapped in foil to keep it moist without drying out. Avoid microwaving if you can, since it tends to make fish rubbery. Add fresh salsa and bang bang sauce right before serving to keep flavors bright.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe has been one of those dishes that made me fall in love with quick, flavorful cooking. It’s a total game changer for weeknights when you want something healthy but crave bold tastes and textures. The way the creamy sauce pairs with the fresh salsa and perfectly cooked salmon always impresses my guests and family alike. I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try—you might just find it becoming your new dinner staple, like it did for me!

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