Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad
Highlighted under: International Dish Inspirations
Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad is a delightful dish that combines crispy salmon with a zesty, refreshing cucumber salad. Perfect for warm days or a quick weeknight dinner.
This Bang Bang Salmon is not just a feast for the eyes, but also a treat for the taste buds. The combination of spicy and creamy sauce on crispy salmon paired with a refreshing cucumber salad makes it a perfect meal for any occasion.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Crispy salmon with a creamy, spicy sauce
- Refreshing cucumber salad adds a perfect crunch
- Quick and easy to prepare for busy weeknights
The Perfect Balance of Flavors
Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad masterfully marries the rich, buttery taste of salmon with the zesty crunch of fresh cucumbers. The creamy Bang Bang sauce adds a delightful kick of spice, balancing the dish beautifully. This harmony of flavors makes it a standout choice for any meal, whether you're hosting guests or simply enjoying a quiet dinner at home.
The use of Sriracha in the sauce introduces a pleasant heat that complements the salmon's natural flavor profile. Meanwhile, the sweetness from the honey rounds out the spice, creating a well-balanced sauce that you’ll want to drizzle over everything. The cucumber salad, with its bright acidity from rice vinegar, offers a refreshing contrast that enhances the overall dining experience.
Quick and Nutritious Meal
In today’s fast-paced world, finding nutritious meals that can be prepared in a hurry is essential. This Bang Bang Salmon recipe fits the bill perfectly. With a cooking time of just 15 minutes, you can serve a delicious and wholesome dinner even on the busiest of nights. The salmon is not only flavorful but also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.
Pairing the salmon with a cucumber salad adds a nutritious crunch, making this dish a well-rounded meal. Cucumbers are low in calories and high in water content, promoting hydration and providing essential vitamins and minerals. Together, this dish offers a satisfying and healthy option that doesn’t compromise on taste or convenience.
Customization and Serving Suggestions
One of the best aspects of Bang Bang Salmon is its versatility. Feel free to adjust the level of spice in the Bang Bang sauce by adding more or less Sriracha according to your taste preferences. You can also experiment with different types of fish, such as tilapia or trout, for a unique twist on the recipe. For those who prefer a lighter meal, you can grill the salmon instead of pan-frying it.
Serving this dish can be fun as well! Consider adding sliced avocados or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts for an extra layer of flavor and texture. This dish pairs beautifully with steamed rice or quinoa, making it an ideal choice for meal prep. Whatever your preference, Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad is sure to impress.
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad:
For the Bang Bang Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Make sure to have all your ingredients ready before you start cooking!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad:
Prepare the Cucumber Salad
In a bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Add the sliced cucumbers and toss well. Let it marinate while you prepare the salmon.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, and honey. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Cook the Salmon
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Serve
Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked salmon and serve alongside the cucumber salad. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad!
Nutritional Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is not just delicious; it's also a nutritional powerhouse. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it supports heart health and can help reduce inflammation in the body. Additionally, salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair. Including this fish in your diet can enhance brain function and contribute to overall well-being.
Moreover, salmon is loaded with essential vitamins and minerals like vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium. These nutrients play vital roles in maintaining a healthy immune system and promoting energy levels. With its impressive health benefits, incorporating salmon into your weekly meal plan is a great way to support a balanced diet.
Tips for Perfectly Crispy Salmon
Achieving that perfectly crispy salmon skin can elevate your dish to a whole new level. Start by ensuring your salmon fillets are dry; pat them with a paper towel before seasoning. This step helps achieve a golden crust when cooking. Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon, as this helps to sear the skin quickly, locking in moisture and flavor.
Another helpful tip is to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cooking in batches allows for even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly cooked salmon. Lastly, resist the urge to flip the salmon too soon; let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a beautiful crust before turning it over.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, storing them properly is key to maintaining freshness. Allow the salmon and cucumber salad to cool completely before transferring them to airtight containers. The salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, while the cucumber salad is best enjoyed fresh but can last for one to two days in the fridge.
When reheating the salmon, consider using an oven or air fryer to retain its crispiness. Microwave reheating can lead to a soggy texture, so it's best to avoid that method. Simply place the salmon on a baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Enjoy your delicious meal again with minimal effort!
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking.
→ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free mayonnaise and check your Sriracha for gluten-free status.
→ How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more Sriracha to the Bang Bang sauce or include some sliced jalapeños in the cucumber salad.
→ Can I prepare the cucumber salad in advance?
Yes, you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time and keep it refrigerated.
Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad
Bang Bang Salmon with Cucumber Salad is a delightful dish that combines crispy salmon with a zesty, refreshing cucumber salad. Perfect for warm days or a quick weeknight dinner.
Created by: Emily
Recipe Type: International Dish Inspirations
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: Serves 4
What You'll Need
For the Bang Bang Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Cucumber Salad
- 2 large cucumbers, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- Salt to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
How-To Steps
In a bowl, mix the rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, and salt. Add the sliced cucumbers and toss well. Let it marinate while you prepare the salmon.
In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, and honey. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the cooked salmon and serve alongside the cucumber salad. Garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 550mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 16g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 8g
- Protein: 30g