Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa Recipe

If you’re in the mood for something fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying, Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa is your new go-to dish. Imagine perfectly crispy, golden-brown salmon paired with a creamy, tangy, and refreshing avocado cucumber salsa that’ll have your taste buds doing a happy dance. It’s got that delightful combination of heat, creaminess, and crunch all in one bite. This dish is the perfect balance of indulgence and freshness, making it perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering. You’ll be hooked after just one bite, trust me!

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa

Flavor Explosion

From the rich, crispy salmon to the cool, creamy avocado cucumber salsa, this dish is packed with bold, fresh flavors. The sweet-spicy bang bang sauce adds the perfect punch, while the salsa gives a refreshing contrast. Each bite is like a little flavor bomb!

Quick and Easy

Don’t worry if you’re short on time—this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The salmon cooks up quickly in a hot pan, and the salsa is super easy to whip up.

Fresh, Vibrant, and Healthy

The fresh cucumber, creamy avocado, and zesty lime make this salsa a refreshing and healthy topping for the crispy salmon. It’s a delicious way to get your dose of healthy fats, vitamins, and protein all in one meal.

Perfectly Balanced

You’ll love the balance of crispy salmon, creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and the irresistible spicy-sweet sauce. It’s like a flavor party in your mouth, and you’ll want to keep going back for more.

Ingredients

Salmon Fillets

The star of the show! Choose fresh salmon fillets that are skin-on to get that crispy, golden exterior when seared. If you prefer skinless, that works too!

Bang Bang Sauce

A sweet and spicy sauce made with mayo, sriracha, honey, and a touch of garlic. This sauce is the secret to giving the salmon that mouthwatering bang bang flavor. It’s creamy, spicy, and perfectly balanced.

Cucumber

Crisp, fresh cucumber adds a satisfying crunch to the salsa and pairs beautifully with the creaminess of the avocado.

Avocado

Rich and creamy, avocado makes the salsa smooth and luscious. It also adds a nice contrast to the spicy salmon.

Red Onion

Red onion gives the salsa a slight bite and a pop of color, balancing out the creamy avocado and cucumber.

Lime

A squeeze of fresh lime juice adds a burst of citrus that cuts through the richness of the salmon and the salsa, giving everything a fresh, zesty finish.

Fresh Cilantro

Cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note to the salsa, and it pairs beautifully with both the salmon and the avocado.

Salt and Pepper

A little salt and pepper go a long way to bring out the flavors of both the salmon and the salsa. Always taste as you go!

Olive Oil

For searing the salmon, olive oil helps achieve that crispy, golden crust while keeping the fish moist inside.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 28g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 6g
Sugar: 6g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, garlic, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking—more honey if you like it sweeter, or more sriracha if you want extra heat. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the Avocado Cucumber Salsa

In another bowl, combine the diced avocado, cucumber, red onion, and fresh cilantro. Squeeze in the juice of one lime and add a pinch of salt and pepper. Gently mix everything together, being careful not to mash the avocado too much. You want it chunky and fresh.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side until crispy and golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

Place the cooked salmon fillets on a plate. Generously drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top of each fillet, ensuring it’s covered in that deliciously creamy, spicy goodness. Spoon a generous amount of avocado cucumber salsa on top of each fillet, making sure to get a little bit of everything in each bite.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately, garnished with extra cilantro and lime wedges on the side. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Salmon with that cool, creamy avocado cucumber salsa!

How to Serve Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa

On a Bed of Rice

Serve the Bang Bang Salmon with steamed jasmine rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice. The rice is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce or salsa and makes the dish even more filling.

With Roasted Vegetables

Pair the salmon with a side of roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus. The savory, charred flavors of the roasted veggies complement the freshness of the salsa and richness of the salmon.

In Tacos

Make it fun by serving the salmon and salsa in soft tortillas for a vibrant and flavorful taco night. Top with some extra spicy mayo if you like a little more heat.

As a Salad

For a lighter option, serve the Bang Bang Salmon over a bed of mixed greens or arugula. The freshness of the salad pairs perfectly with the richness of the fish and the tangy salsa.

Additional Tips

• For Extra Crispiness: After searing the salmon, finish it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes to make the skin extra crispy.
• Make it Spicy: If you like more heat, add a few extra dashes of sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce or sprinkle some chili flakes on the salmon.
• Customize the Salsa: You can add diced tomatoes, corn, or even a small chopped chili for more flavor variation. It’s an easy salsa to tweak based on what you have on hand.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The salsa can be stored separately to keep it fresh.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other fish instead of salmon?

A1: Absolutely! This recipe works with other firm fish like tuna or cod. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the thickness of the fillets.

Q2: How do I make this dish dairy-free?

A2: To make it dairy-free, simply swap the mayonnaise for a dairy-free version or use avocado as the base for the sauce.

Q3: Can I prep this dish ahead of time?

A3: The salsa can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to a day. However, it’s best to cook the salmon fresh just before serving for the perfect crispy texture.

Q4: Can I grill the salmon instead of pan-frying it?

A4: Yes! Grilling the salmon will add an extra smoky flavor. Just be sure to brush the grill with oil to prevent sticking, and cook the salmon over medium heat.

Q5: What if I don’t like spicy food?

A5: You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce, or you can skip it entirely and use a mild, creamy sauce instead.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa is one of those dishes that will elevate any meal with minimal effort. The crispy salmon, rich and creamy sauce, and refreshing salsa are a flavor combination you’ll come back to time and time again. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy the explosion of flavors, and don’t forget to savor every bite!

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