Sweet and Savory Salmon Sensation with Zesty Avocado Salsa
Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinners? This recipe combines the rich flavors of salmon with a creamy, sweet, and savory bang bang sauce, all topped off with a refreshing avocado cucumber salsa. It’s a culinary adventure that’s surprisingly easy to pull off!
The Magic of Bang Bang Sauce
This sauce is a real game-changer. It's a simple mix of:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet chili sauce
- A clove of grated garlic
- A splash of soy sauce
This creamy, sweet, and savory sauce doesn't just complement salmon; it can also be a star with chicken, shrimp, or even roasted vegetables. In fact, it's so good that you will want to try it on everything. Don't be afraid to experiment!
Why This Recipe Rocks
- Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Easy: Simple steps that anyone can follow.
- Delicious: A perfect balance of creamy, sweet, savory, and fresh flavors.
- Versatile: Adaptable to different proteins and vegetables.
The Perfect Salmon Bowl
While the sauce is the star, the supporting cast is equally important. For the base, I love fluffy rice paired with either:
- Steamed broccoli
- Or my personal favorite the vibrant avocado cucumber salsa
The coolness of the salsa perfectly balances the richness of the salmon and the sauce.
How to Make This Dish
- Whip up the Bang Bang Sauce: Mix the mayo, sweet chili sauce, grated garlic, and soy sauce in a small bowl. Divide this into two, for use before and after baking
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat your salmon dry and coat it with your favorite all-purpose seasoning.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread a spoonful of sauce over each piece and bake at 400 degrees for about 10 minutes, finishing with a quick broil for a delicious caramelized top.
- Make the Avocado Cucumber Salsa: Combine diced avocado, cucumber, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt, and a touch of honey in a bowl.
- Assemble and Enjoy: Place rice in a bowl, top with the baked salmon, drizzle with the reserved sauce, a sprinkle of chili crisp, and finish with the avocado cucumber salsa.
Variations and Tips
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.
- No Sweet Chili Sauce? Combine Sriracha and honey for a similar flavor profile.
- Mayo Substitute: If you don't like mayo, sour cream or full fat greek yogurt would work well.
- Air Fryer Option: Try cooking the salmon in an air fryer at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes.
Get Cooking!
This Bang Bang Salmon with Avocado Cucumber Salsa is a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. It's quick, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking! Your taste buds will thank you.