If you’re craving a dinner that’s bold, fresh, and ready in just 20 minutes, these Bang Bang Salmon Bowls will become your new favorite go-to. I stumbled upon this recipe on a rushed weeknight when a craving for spicy-sweet flavor met a fridge full of fresh produce. In that moment, Bang Bang Salmon Bowls turned into my kitchen life-saver—fiery, satisfying, and effortless. Every bite blends crispy salmon with creamy bang bang sauce, crunchy veggies, and a burst of lime. Whether you’re short on time or feeding a crowd, this dish hits all the right notes.
Table of Contents
Why I Love Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
Instant Flavor Boost in 20 Minutes
I love how these bowls pack intense flavor without hours of simmering. Crisping salmon cubes in the pan creates a caramelized edge, while creamy bang bang sauce—made with mayo, sriracha, honey, and lime—brings sweet‑heat complexity. It’s everything you want in dinner: dynamic flavor, speedy prep, and just one pan to clean.
Light, Balanced, and Crowd‑Pleasing
This isn’t just for spice lovers—it’s for anyone who enjoys fresh, balanced meals. The richness of salmon and sauce is cut by crisp cucumber, tender avocado, crunchy radish, and fresh cilantro. It feels indulgent but stays light and healthy. If you like quick, bold bowls, try pairing it with our Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowls for another 20-minute hit.
Ingredients & Prep
Salmon & Sauce Essentials
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt & pepper
- Olive oil
- Bang bang sauce: ⅓ cup mayo, 2–3 tbsp sriracha, 2 tsp honey, 1 tsp lime juice
Whisk sauce ingredients in a bowl and set aside. Meanwhile, pat salmon dry and season generously. Prepping sauce before cooking keeps things moving smoothly.
Fresh Vegetable Prep
Chop crisp, fresh toppings for texture and color:
- ½ cucumber, diced
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Radishes, thinly sliced
- Sliced green onions and chopped cilantro
These fresh elements balance the creamy, spicy salmon. For another veggie-packed meal, try Creamy Parmesan Chicken Breast—just as flavorful and fresh.
Print
Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Bang Bang Salmon Bowls are packed with spicy-sweet salmon, crunchy veggies, and creamy sauce—ready in 20 minutes and perfect for busy nights.
Ingredients
1 lb salmon fillet, cut into 1-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cucumber, diced
1 avocado, sliced
2–3 radishes, thinly sliced
2 tbsp chopped cilantro
2 green onions, sliced
1 cup cooked rice or greens (for base)
Bang Bang Sauce:
⅓ cup mayonnaise
2–3 tbsp sriracha
2 tsp honey
1 tsp lime juice
Instructions
1. In a small bowl, whisk together all bang bang sauce ingredients. Set aside.
2. Pat salmon cubes dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and sear for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
4. Turn off heat and toss salmon with half of the bang bang sauce.
5. Prepare bowls by layering rice or greens as base.
6. Top with salmon, cucumber, avocado, radish, cilantro, and green onion.
7. Drizzle remaining bang bang sauce over each bowl.
8. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy immediately.
Notes
Adjust sriracha to taste—use less for mild, more for heat.
Rice can be swapped for quinoa or cauliflower rice.
For meal prep, store ingredients separately and assemble just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: bang bang salmon bowls, spicy salmon recipe, salmon rice bowl
Cooking & Serving Tips
Perfect Salmon Seared in Minutes
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. When hot, add salmon cubes spaced apart so they crisp instead of steam. Sear for 3–4 minutes on each side until golden brown and slightly caramelized. Don’t overcrowd—work in batches if needed. This technique gives you that essential crispy texture.
Coating with Bang Bang Sauce
Once salmon is cooked, turn off heat and toss immediately with half the bang bang sauce—warmth helps it stick. Let it rest in the pan for a minute so flavors meld. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling before serving.
Assembling the Bowls
Start with a base—rice, quinoa, or salad greens. Then layer:
- Bang bang salmon cubes
- Prepared veggies (cucumber, avocado, radish, green onion)
- Drizzle of remaining bang bang sauce
- Finish with cilantro and lime wedges
Pro tip: serve immediately so salmon stays crisp. If you prep in advance, reheat the salmon in the skillet before assembling bowls. For more bowl ideas, check out our Creamy Coconut Shrimp with Garlic Noodles—rich, comforting, and ready in 30 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw fully and pat dry before cooking. Dryness helps crisp the salmon rather than steaming it.
How spicy is the sauce?
It’s medium heat by default. Adjust sriracha—2 tbsp for mild, 3 for bolder. You can even swap for honey sriracha sauce to tone it down.
Can I make bowls ahead?
Prep components early—but add bang bang sauce just before serving to preserve crisp textures. Salmon can be reheated in the skillet for 1–2 minutes.
Is this gluten-free?
Ensure mayo and sriracha are gluten-free, and use tamari if you sub soy sauce in recipe adaptations.
Can I make it vegan or use other proteins?
Yes! Swap in tofu cubes or shrimp. Cook on the same sear, toss in sauce, and top with fresh bowls. Try pairing it with our Juicy Garlic Butter Chicken Breast for a double-protein fiesta.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Salmon Bowls are everything dinner should be—fast, bold, and bursting with flavor. In just 20 minutes, you’ve got crisp-tender salmon, creamy sweet-heat sauce, and fresh toppings in vibrant bowls. They’re perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or impressing guests. Try this flavor explosion once, and you’ll see why they belong in your regular rotation!