Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that is bursting with flavor yet comes together in no time, you’re in for a treat with this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe. I absolutely love how this meal balances sweet, savory, creamy, and spicy notes all in one bite—it’s one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I want something impressive but fuss-free. Trust me, once you taste that caramelized, bang-bang sauced salmon paired with a refreshing avocado cucumber salsa, you’ll understand why this one is a kitchen favorite.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might look simple, but they work together beautifully to bring that bold bang bang flavor paired with creamy avocado and crisp cucumber. When you’re shopping, I recommend choosing fresh, high-quality salmon and ripe avocados for the best results.

• Salmon filet: Look for fresh, skin-on or skinless salmon for flaky, tender results.
• All-purpose seasoning mix: I use a pre-made blend, but you can make your own—great for customizing flavors.
• Mayo: This adds creaminess to the bang bang sauce; you can use regular or light mayo.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
• Garlic: Freshly grated is best to keep the flavor vibrant.
• Soy sauce: For that umami punch and slight saltiness.
• Chili crisp: This crunchy topping is optional, but I highly recommend it for an extra spicy crunch.
• Cooked rice: Perfect neutral base to soak up all the rich flavors.
• Avocado cucumber salsa: Fresh, bright, and creamy salsa complements this dish wonderfully (recipe notes below).

Variations

I love how this Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe can flex depending on your mood or dietary needs. Feel free to make it your own—here are some of my favorite tweaks.

• Make it Spicier: I sometimes add extra chili crisp or a splash of sriracha to the sauce if I want more heat.
• Low-Carb Twist: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a bed of leafy greens to lighten it up.
• Herby Fresh: Mix fresh cilantro or basil into the avocado cucumber salsa for an herbal pop.
• Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check your chili crisp ingredients.

How to Make Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Salmon and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (about 200°C). While it warms up, cut your salmon into individual portions if it’s one big piece; this makes serving a breeze. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels—this helps the seasoning stick and gives you a better crust. Coat each filet evenly with your all-purpose seasoning mix, and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to keep things clean and prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, grated garlic, and soy sauce. I like to set half of this sauce aside—this reserved portion will be drizzled over the salmon after baking, so you get that creamy sauce fresh and bright. Use the other half to spread a small spoonful onto each seasoned salmon piece before baking; this starts that flavor meld right in the oven.

Step 3: Bake and Broil for Perfect Caramelization

Place the salmon on the top rack of the oven and bake for about 10 minutes. Don’t be tempted to overbake—salmon is done when it flakes easily but is still juicy inside. After those 10 minutes, switch your oven to broil and keep a close eye for 2-3 minutes. You want that bang bang sauce to bubble and turn a beautiful golden brown, a little caramelized on top. It smells incredible—I always find myself sneaking a peek!

Step 4: Prepare the Avocado Cucumber Salsa

While your salmon cooks, mix diced avocado, cucumber, a little lime juice, salt, and a touch of fresh cilantro if you like. This salsa adds a cooling, creamy contrast to the spicy-sweet salmon, and it’s so refreshing with the warm rice base. I often whip this up last-minute while the salmon bakes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your cooked salmon over a bed of fluffy rice, spoon over generous dollops of the reserved bang bang sauce, top with chili crisp if you want that crunch, and add a scoop of avocado cucumber salsa on the side. I promise, this dish looks and tastes like you spent way more time than you did!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top the finished dish with a sprinkle of chili crisp for some spicy crunch and a little squeeze of fresh lime juice to brighten everything up. Fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions work wonderfully too if you want a touch of herbal freshness.

Side Dishes

I love serving this meal with steamed jasmine or basmati rice to soak up the sauce, plus roasted or sautéed veggies on the side—think asparagus, bok choy, or snap peas for a crisp contrast. And of course, the avocado cucumber salsa is a star sidekick!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to layer this dish in a bowl with rice first, salmon on top, a generous scoop of salsa, and a drizzle of bang bang sauce artistically swiped around the plate. Plus, a few edible flowers or microgreens add a pretty, restaurant-style touch without extra effort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the avocado cucumber salsa fresh, I store it separately in a small container with a tight lid and a little extra lime juice squeezed on top to help preserve color and freshness.

Freezing

Because of the avocado salsa, I don’t recommend freezing the entire assembled dish. However, you can freeze the seasoned salmon filets before cooking if you want to prep ahead. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before cooking.

Reheating

When reheating leftover salmon, I gently warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through, but be careful not to overcook or dry it out. Add fresh sauce and avocado cucumber salsa after reheating for that just-made freshness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want something satisfying, fresh, and just a little bit fun to make. I love how the flavors come together seamlessly without demanding too much time or tricky steps. Honestly, every time I serve it, friends and family ask for the recipe, and I always smile knowing it was simple to pull off. So give it a try—you might just find your new favorite quick dinner too!

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