Protein Bang Bang Salmon

High-Protein, Flavorful & Easy Bang Bang Salmon

This Protein Bang Bang Salmon is crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and coated in a creamy, sweet, spicy bang bang sauce. Made with protein-rich salmon and a delicious Greek yogurt-based sauce, it’s perfect for a healthy lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Recipe Information
– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
– Total Time: 30 minutes
– Servings: 4
– Course: Lunch / Dinner
– Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
– Diet: High-Protein, Gluten-Free option
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
– 1½ pounds skinless salmon fillets, cut into bite-sized cubes
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– ½ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon black pepper
– ½ teaspoon chili powder
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
– ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
– 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
– 1 teaspoon honey
– 1 teaspoon fresh lime juice
– ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For Garnishing:
– 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
– 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
– Fresh lime wedges
– Fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon cubes dry using paper towels. Place them in a large bowl and add olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and chili powder. Toss until all pieces are evenly coated.

Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the salmon cubes in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between pieces.

Cook for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the salmon is cooked through and lightly crispy on the edges.

Alternatively, bake in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for approximately 12–15 minutes.

Step 4: Coat with Sauce

Transfer the cooked salmon to a large bowl. Drizzle with the bang bang sauce and gently toss until every piece is coated.

For extra crispiness, serve the sauce on the side instead of coating the salmon.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving.

Enjoy immediately while warm!
Serving Suggestions
Serve this delicious salmon with:
– Steamed jasmine or brown rice.
– Cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
– Fresh cucumber and avocado salad.
– Roasted broccoli or asparagus.
– Quinoa or Mediterranean-style vegetables.
– Lettuce wraps for a lighter meal.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving, based on 4 servings. Values vary by ingredients and brands.
Nutrient Amount
Calories 390 kcal
Protein 42 g
Total Fat 21 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Carbohydrates 9 g
Fiber 0.5 g
Total Sugar 6 g
Sodium 650 mg
Cholesterol 110 mg

Nut Information & Allergen Details
Does this recipe contain nuts?
– Peanuts: No
– Almonds: No
– Walnuts: No
– Cashews: No
– Pecans: No
– Pistachios: No
– Hazelnuts: No
– Brazil nuts: No
Potential Allergens:
– Fish: Contains salmon.
– Dairy: Contains Greek yogurt.
– Egg: May contain egg in mayonnaise.
– Soy: Some sweet chili sauces and mayonnaise brands may contain soy.
– Sesame: Optional sesame seed garnish.
Gluten Information: Naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free sweet chili sauce, sriracha, mayonnaise, and seasonings.

Always check ingredient labels for cross-contamination and hidden allergens.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Is Bang Bang Salmon high in protein?

Yes! Salmon and Greek yogurt provide plenty of protein. Each serving contains approximately 42 grams of protein.

Q2: Can I make Bang Bang Salmon in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Cook salmon cubes at 400°F (200°C) for approximately 8–10 minutes, depending on their size.

Q3: Can I make this recipe without mayonnaise?

Yes. Replace mayonnaise with additional Greek yogurt for a lighter, protein-rich sauce.

Q4: Is this recipe good for weight loss?

It can fit into a weight-loss meal plan because it provides protein and healthy fats. Keep portions and sauce quantities in mind.

Q5: Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes! Add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to increase the heat.

Q6: Can I prepare the salmon ahead of time?

Yes. Season the salmon and prepare the sauce separately. Store both covered in the refrigerator until ready to cook.

Q7: How do I store leftovers?

Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the sauce separate when possible.

Q8: Can I freeze Bang Bang Salmon?

Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality. The yogurt-based sauce is best prepared fresh because freezing may change its texture.

Q9: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. Use an unsweetened dairy-free yogurt alternative and dairy-free mayonnaise.

Q10: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! Divide the cooked salmon into meal-prep containers with rice or vegetables. Keep the sauce separately and add it before serving.
Helpful Tips for the Best Bang Bang Salmon
1. Pat salmon dry before seasoning to help it brown.
2. Cut salmon into evenly sized cubes for consistent cooking.
3. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
4. Adjust sriracha according to your spice preference.
5. Use fresh lime juice for the best flavor.
6. For food safety, cook salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).