Bang Bang Salmon Bowls: The Ultimate Recipe & Guide

Bang bang salmon bowls are about to become your new weeknight obsession! Imagine flaky, perfectly cooked salmon, coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that will tantalize your taste buds. Served over a bed of fluffy rice and vibrant veggies, this dish is a symphony of flavors and textures that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to make.

While the exact origins of “bang bang” sauce are debated, it’s widely believed to have been popularized by Bonefish Grill, drawing inspiration from Asian flavors. The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity and versatility. It’s a harmonious blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce), creating a flavor profile that’s both comforting and exciting.

What makes bang bang salmon bowls so irresistible? For starters, they’re incredibly quick to prepare, making them perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of the rich salmon, the creamy-spicy sauce, and the fresh vegetables creates a balanced and satisfying meal. Plus, they’re easily customizable – feel free to swap out the rice for quinoa, add your favorite veggies, or adjust the spice level to your liking. Get ready to experience a flavor explosion in every bite!

Ingredients:

• For the Salmon:
• 1.5 lbs Salmon fillets, skin on or off, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons Cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
• For the Bang Bang Sauce:
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (I prefer Japanese mayo like Kewpie for extra tang)
• 1/4 cup Sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon Honey
• 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
• For the Rice:
• 2 cups Cooked rice (Jasmine or sushi rice work best)
• For the Bowl Assembly:
• 1 Avocado, sliced
• 1 Cucumber, thinly sliced
• 2 Green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup Edamame (shelled)
• 1/4 cup Shredded carrots
• Sesame seeds, for garnish
• Optional: Nori seaweed sheets, chopped
• Optional: Spicy mayo for drizzling (mix mayo with sriracha to taste)

Preparing the Salmon

1. Prepare the Salmon Cubes: First, if your salmon fillets are large, cut them into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep them as uniform in size as possible so they cook evenly. Pat the salmon cubes dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a nice sear on them later. Excess moisture will steam the salmon instead of searing it.
2. Coat the Salmon: In a medium bowl, toss the salmon cubes with cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated. The cornstarch helps create a crispy exterior when the salmon is cooked. Don’t be shy with the seasoning!
3. Heat the Pan: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. You want the pan to be hot before adding the salmon. A hot pan ensures a good sear and prevents the salmon from sticking.
4. Cook the Salmon: Add the salmon cubes to the hot pan in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and steam the salmon. If necessary, cook the salmon in batches. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and slightly crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
5. Remove from Pan: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.
2. Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add more honey. For a spicier sauce, add more sriracha. If you want a tangier sauce, add a bit more rice vinegar.
3. Mix with Salmon: Add the cooked salmon to the bowl with the bang bang sauce and gently toss to coat evenly. Make sure every piece of salmon is covered in that delicious sauce!

Assembling the Bang Bang Salmon Bowls

1. Prepare the Rice: If you haven’t already, cook your rice according to package directions. I find that Jasmine or sushi rice works best for these bowls, but any rice you enjoy will do.
2. Layer the Bowl: In a bowl, add a generous serving of cooked rice as the base.
3. Add the Salmon: Top the rice with the bang bang salmon. Be generous with the salmon – it’s the star of the show!
4. Arrange the Toppings: Arrange the avocado slices, cucumber slices, green onions, edamame, and shredded carrots around the salmon. Get creative with the arrangement – make it look appealing!
5. Garnish: Sprinkle sesame seeds over the bowl for added flavor and visual appeal. If you’re using nori seaweed, sprinkle that on as well.
6. Optional Drizzle: If you like, drizzle some spicy mayo over the bowl for an extra kick.
7. Serve Immediately: Serve the bang bang salmon bowls immediately and enjoy!

Tips and Variations

Spice Level

The spice level of the bang bang sauce can be easily adjusted to your preference. Start with a smaller amount of sriracha and add more to taste. You can also use a milder chili sauce if you prefer.

Protein Options

While this recipe is for salmon, you can easily substitute other proteins. Shrimp, chicken, or even tofu would work well with the bang bang sauce. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Vegetable Variations

Feel free to customize the vegetables in your bowl to your liking. Other great options include bell peppers, bean sprouts, shredded cabbage, or pickled ginger.

Make Ahead

You can prepare the rice and bang bang sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the bowls, cook the salmon and then combine everything.

Serving Suggestions

These bang bang salmon bowls are a complete meal on their own, but you can also serve them with a side of miso soup or a simple salad.

Rice Alternatives

If you’re looking for a lower-carb option, you can substitute the rice with cauliflower rice or quinoa.

Salmon Cooking Methods

While this recipe uses a skillet to cook the salmon, you can also bake it in the oven or grill it. Baking the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or grilling it over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side, are both great alternatives.

Adding Crunch

For added crunch, consider adding some crispy fried onions or wonton strips to the bowl.

Sweetness Adjustment

If you find the sauce too spicy, add a bit more honey to balance the flavors. Conversely, if you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of honey.

Acidic Balance

The rice vinegar adds a nice tang to the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or lemon juice.

Garlic Infusion

For a more intense garlic flavor, you can use fresh minced garlic instead of garlic powder in the sauce. Just be sure to mince it finely and sauté it lightly before adding it to the other ingredients.

Ginger Addition

A small amount of grated fresh ginger can add a warm and aromatic note to the bang bang sauce. Start with about 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to taste.

Nutty Flavor

A sprinkle of chopped peanuts or cashews can add a delightful nutty flavor and texture to the bowls.

Citrus Zest

A little bit of lime or orange zest can brighten up the flavors of the dish. Add a pinch to the sauce or sprinkle it over the finished bowls.

Herbs

Fresh cilantro or basil can add a fresh and herbaceous touch to the bowls. Chop them finely and sprinkle them over the top before serving.

Marinating the Salmon

For even more flavor, you can marinate the salmon in a portion of the bang bang sauce for about 30 minutes before cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the salmon more deeply.

Using Leftover Salmon

If you have leftover cooked salmon, you can easily use it to make these bowls. Just toss it with the bang bang sauce and assemble the bowls as directed.

Meal Prep Friendly

These bowls are great for meal prepping. Prepare all the components ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowls.

Presentation Tips

When assembling the bowls, try to create a visually appealing arrangement. Use different colors and textures to make the bowls look as good as they taste.

Dietary Considerations

This recipe can be easily adapted to accommodate various dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. For a vegan version, substitute the mayonnaise with vegan mayonnaise and use tofu instead of salmon.

Bang Bang Sauce Storage

The bang bang sauce can be stored in

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! This Bang Bang Salmon Bowl recipe is truly a game-changer, and I genuinely believe it’s a must-try for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. From the perfectly cooked, flaky salmon to the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce and the vibrant, fresh veggies, every element works together in perfect harmony. It’s a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more.

But why is this recipe a must-try, you ask? Well, beyond the sheer deliciousness, it’s incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you’re short on time but don’t want to compromise on flavor. It’s also impressive enough to serve to guests at a casual gathering. And let’s not forget how easily customizable it is to suit your dietary needs and preferences.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Looking for some serving suggestions? I love serving these bowls over a bed of fluffy quinoa or brown rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. You could also use cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option. For an extra layer of flavor, try adding some toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish.

And speaking of variations, the possibilities are endless! If you’re not a fan of salmon, you could easily substitute it with shrimp, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables as well. Bell peppers, cucumbers, and shredded carrots would all be delicious additions.

Want to kick up the heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bang bang sauce. Prefer a sweeter flavor? A drizzle of honey or maple syrup will do the trick. The beauty of this recipe is that it’s a blank canvas for your culinary creativity.

For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce. You can also reduce the amount of sauce overall to lower the calorie count. Another great option is to serve the salmon and veggies over a bed of mixed greens for a refreshing salad.

If you’re meal prepping, this recipe is your new best friend. Simply cook the salmon, rice, and veggies ahead of time and store them separately in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, just assemble the bowls and drizzle with the bang bang sauce. It’s a convenient and healthy way to enjoy a delicious meal on the go.

Time to Get Cooking!

I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these bang bang salmon bowls for yourself. I truly believe you’ll love it as much as I do. Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own spin on it. After all, cooking should be fun and enjoyable!

Once you’ve made it, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any modifications? What did you think of the flavor? Share your photos and comments with me – I can’t wait to see what you create! Happy cooking!

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