Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad
Highlighted under: Global Flavors
This Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring spicy salmon paired with a refreshing cucumber salad.
This recipe combines the rich flavors of salmon with a spicy Bang Bang sauce, served alongside a crisp cucumber salad for a perfect meal.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Spicy and savory salmon with a creamy sauce
- Crisp and refreshing cucumber salad
- Quick and easy to prepare for weeknight dinners
A Perfect Balance of Flavors
Bang Bang Salmon is a dish that perfectly balances spicy, savory, and creamy elements. The rich flavor of the salmon fillets is elevated by the zesty Bang Bang sauce, which combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This sauce not only adds heat but also a delightful creaminess that coats the salmon beautifully. With each bite, you'll experience a burst of flavors that tantalize your taste buds, making it an unforgettable meal.
Paired with a refreshing cucumber salad, this dish offers a delightful contrast. The crispness of the cucumbers and the sharpness of the red onions create a textural harmony against the tender salmon. The light dressing of rice vinegar and sesame oil enhances the salad's freshness, making it the perfect accompaniment to the rich salmon. Together, they create a meal that feels both indulgent and light.
Quick and Easy Preparation
One of the best things about Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad is how quickly it comes together. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, restaurant-quality meal on the table. This makes it an ideal choice for busy weeknight dinners when time is of the essence but flavor cannot be compromised. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can impress their families or guests.
The preparation is straightforward and requires minimal effort. The sauce can be whipped up in minutes while the salmon cooks in a skillet. Meanwhile, the cucumber salad comes together in a separate bowl, with no cooking required. This simplicity not only saves time but also allows you to focus on enjoying the cooking process and the delightful aromas that fill your kitchen.
Customization Options
While the recipe for Bang Bang Salmon is already a crowd-pleaser, it also offers plenty of room for customization. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can easily adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce or even substitute it with a milder hot sauce. For an extra kick, consider adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the Bang Bang sauce or garnishing the finished dish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions.
The cucumber salad can also be tailored to your taste. Feel free to add other vegetables such as bell peppers or shredded carrots for added color and crunch. You could also incorporate a splash of lime juice for an extra zesty twist. By personalizing the dish, you can make it your own while still enjoying the core flavors that make this recipe so special.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cucumber Salad
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Sauce
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Salmon
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Brush the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon during the last minute of cooking.
Make the Cucumber Salad
In a separate bowl, combine the cucumber, red onion, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
Serve
Plate the salmon and serve with the cucumber salad on the side. Drizzle any remaining Bang Bang sauce over the top of the salmon.
Nutritional Benefits
Bang Bang Salmon not only delights your palate but also provides numerous health benefits. Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. These healthy fats can help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases. Additionally, salmon is packed with high-quality protein, making it a great choice for muscle repair and growth.
The cucumber salad adds a refreshing crunch and is low in calories, making it a perfect side dish for those looking to maintain a healthy diet. Cucumbers are hydrating and provide a good source of vitamins K and C, as well as potassium. Together, the salmon and salad create a nutritious meal that supports overall wellness without sacrificing flavor.
Serving Suggestions
For a complete dining experience, consider serving Bang Bang Salmon with a side of jasmine rice or quinoa. These grains complement the dish beautifully, absorbing the flavorful Bang Bang sauce and enhancing the overall meal. For those looking to add a bit more color and nutrition, steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans make excellent side options as well.
To elevate your dining experience, pair this dish with a chilled white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. The wine's acidity will balance the richness of the salmon and the spiciness of the sauce, making each bite even more enjoyable. Alternatively, a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage like iced green tea can also be a delightful pairing.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
→ What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
You can use Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
→ How can I adjust the spiciness?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it if you prefer less heat.
→ Can this recipe be made in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the cucumber salad ahead of time but it's best to serve the salmon fresh.
Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad
This Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad is a delightful blend of flavors and textures, featuring spicy salmon paired with a refreshing cucumber salad.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Global Flavors
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Bang Bang Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cucumber Salad
- 2 cups cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until cooked through. Brush the Bang Bang sauce over the salmon during the last minute of cooking.
In a separate bowl, combine the cucumber, red onion, rice vinegar, sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to combine.
Plate the salmon and serve with the cucumber salad on the side. Drizzle any remaining Bang Bang sauce over the top of the salmon.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 12g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 34g