Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad
Highlighted under: Balanced Meal Recipes
Enjoy a delightful fusion of flavors with this Bang Bang Salmon paired with a refreshing cucumber salad. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish will surely impress your guests.
This Bang Bang Salmon recipe is a delightful combination of crispy baked salmon topped with a spicy, creamy sauce. Paired with a refreshing cucumber salad, it's a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy salmon that packs a punch of flavor
- Creamy, spicy sauce that elevates the dish
- Light and refreshing cucumber salad complements the richness of the salmon
A Flavorful Twist on Salmon
Bang Bang Salmon is not just a meal; it's an experience bursting with vibrant flavors. The combination of the crispy panko coating and the zesty bang bang sauce creates a delightful contrast that your taste buds will adore. Each bite of succulent salmon is complemented by a creamy, spicy sauce that adds a kick, making it an exciting dish for seafood lovers.
This recipe is perfect for those who love bold flavors but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. It’s quick to prepare yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy family meal, this dish will leave a lasting impression.
Refreshing Cucumber Salad
Pairing the Bang Bang Salmon with a cucumber salad elevates the dining experience. The salad not only provides a refreshing crunch but also balances the richness of the salmon. The crispness of the cucumbers and the sharpness of the red onion offer a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce, ensuring that each bite is well-rounded.
This salad is incredibly easy to prepare and can be made in advance, allowing you to focus on perfecting the salmon. The dressing, with its light rice vinegar and nutty sesame oil, adds a layer of flavor that enhances the overall dish without overwhelming it.
Versatile and Customizable
One of the best aspects of this Bang Bang Salmon recipe is its versatility. While the base ingredients provide a fantastic flavor profile, you can easily customize the dish to suit your preferences. Consider adding a sprinkle of sesame seeds on top for an extra crunch or incorporating your favorite herbs into the cucumber salad for added freshness.
If you're looking to accommodate dietary restrictions, the salmon can be substituted with chicken or tofu, and the sauce can be adjusted to your spice tolerance. This adaptability makes it a go-to recipe for any occasion, ensuring that everyone at the table can enjoy it.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cucumber Salad
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl for the best results.
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha together. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then coat them with the sauce mixture.
Bake the Salmon
Place the coated salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Make the Cucumber Salad
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, red onion, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.
Serve
Plate the crispy salmon and serve it alongside the cucumber salad. Drizzle any remaining bang bang sauce over the salmon for added flavor.
Enjoy your meal!
Pro Tips
- For an extra kick, add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce according to your taste.
Tips for Perfect Salmon
To achieve perfectly cooked salmon, it's essential to monitor the cooking time closely. Salmon fillets can vary in thickness, so adjust the baking time accordingly. A general rule is to cook the salmon for about 4-6 minutes per half-inch of thickness. The fish should flake easily and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when done.
For added flavor, consider marinating the salmon in the bang bang sauce for 30 minutes before coating it in panko. This will infuse the fish with even more depth and spice, enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
Serving Suggestions
While this Bang Bang Salmon is delicious on its own, serving it with a side of steamed rice or quinoa can make for a more filling meal. The grains will soak up any extra sauce, allowing you to enjoy every last bite. You could also serve it with a side of grilled vegetables for a colorful and nutritious addition to your plate.
For a fun twist, consider making salmon tacos using the crispy fish and cucumber salad as toppings. Just warm up some tortillas, and you've got a new way to enjoy this flavor-packed dish!
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store the salmon and cucumber salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The salmon can be enjoyed cold or reheated in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its crispiness. Aim to eat the leftovers within 2-3 days for the best flavor and freshness.
The cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh; however, if you have any remaining, you can keep it for a day or two. Just be aware that the cucumbers may release water, making it a bit soggy. A quick toss before serving can help revive its crunch!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it is fully thawed before cooking.
→ What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
You can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko gives a better crunch.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
→ How can I make the sauce less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or omit it entirely.
Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad
Enjoy a delightful fusion of flavors with this Bang Bang Salmon paired with a refreshing cucumber salad. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish will surely impress your guests.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: Balanced Meal Recipes
Skill Level: Beginner
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Bang Bang Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Cucumber Salad
- 1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How-To Steps
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha together. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper, then coat them with the sauce mixture. Dredge each fillet in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Place the coated salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 10 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
In a separate bowl, combine the sliced cucumber, red onion, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss well to combine.
Plate the crispy salmon and serve it alongside the cucumber salad. Drizzle any remaining bang bang sauce over the salmon for added flavor.
Extra Tips
- For an extra kick, add more sriracha to the bang bang sauce according to your taste.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 350mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 20g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 28g