Bang Bang Salmon Bowls are the ultimate 20-minute dinner solution that delivers an incredible 47 grams of protein per serving. I discovered this recipe when I needed something quick but satisfying after my daughter’s soccer practice, and it’s become our go-to weeknight meal.
There’s something magical about a meal that comes together this quickly yet tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of perfectly seasoned air-fried salmon, fresh crisp vegetables, and that creamy homemade bang bang sauce creates a restaurant-quality experience right at your dinner table. Similar to how our Greek Yogurt Chicken uses yogurt as a healthy base, this bang bang sauce proves that nutritious ingredients can create incredibly flavorful results. What makes this recipe truly special is how the Greek yogurt-based sauce adds both incredible flavor and extra protein, turning a simple salmon bowl into a powerhouse meal. My family loves how customizable these bowls are—everyone can add their favorite toppings and adjust the spice level to their liking. You’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Salmon Bowls Recipe
These Bang Bang Salmon Bowls have become a weekly staple in my kitchen because they solve that eternal weeknight dinner dilemma perfectly. I’ve been making variations of salmon bowls for years, but this version with the high-protein bang bang sauce was inspired by my quest to create meals that satisfy both my teenagers’ appetites and my own health goals.
- Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish
- Packs an impressive 47 grams of protein per serving
- Perfect for meal prep—components store beautifully for days, just like our Roasted Veggie Chickpea Bowls that also make fantastic make-ahead meals
- No oven required—the air fryer does all the work
- Completely customizable with your favorite vegetables
- Kid-friendly flavors that adults absolutely love too
This recipe proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming—it’s comfort food that happens to be incredibly good for you.
Ingredient Note List
Salmon fillets: Fresh salmon works best for this recipe because it holds its shape beautifully when cut into cubes and air-fried, creating tender, flaky pieces with crispy edges.
Cajun seasoning: This spice blend adds the perfect amount of heat and flavor complexity to the salmon, though you can easily substitute with blackened seasoning or Japanese BBQ seasoning if that’s what you have on hand.
Plain non-fat Greek yogurt: The star of our bang bang sauce, Greek yogurt provides incredible creaminess while adding protein and keeping the sauce lighter than traditional mayo-based versions—it’s the same healthy approach I use in my Hidden Valley Ranch Dip to create creamy textures without sacrificing nutrition.
Honey: Natural sweetness that balances the heat from the sriracha and creates that signature bang bang flavor profile we all crave.
Sriracha: This adds the perfect kick of heat and that distinctive tangy flavor that makes bang bang sauce so addictive—adjust the amount based on your family’s spice tolerance.
White rice: I always recommend cooking your rice ahead of time or using leftover rice because it saves precious minutes on busy weeknights and the slightly firmer texture works perfectly in these bowls.
Fresh vegetables: The combination of shredded carrots, edamame, and diced cucumbers provides wonderful crunch and color contrast that makes these Bang Bang Salmon Bowls as beautiful as they are delicious.
Rice vinegar: This adds a subtle tang that brightens the entire sauce and helps balance the richness of the yogurt and sweetness of the honey.
How to Cook Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
Step 1. I usually start by lining my air fryer with foil if needed—this step makes cleanup so much easier and prevents the salmon from sticking to the basket.
Step 2. Dice your salmon fillets into uniform 1.5-inch cubes because even-sized pieces ensure everything cooks at the same rate and prevents some pieces from being overcooked while others are underdone.
Step 3. In my kitchen, I always toss the salmon cubes with olive oil first, then add the Cajun seasoning in a large bowl—this method ensures every piece gets evenly coated with flavor.
Step 4. My family has learned that working in batches is key for the air fryer, so don’t overcrowd the basket; cook the salmon for 7 minutes at 400°F until it’s flaky and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 5. While the salmon cooks, I whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, sriracha, and rice vinegar for the bang bang sauce—this timing makes everything come together perfectly.
Step 6. For the final assembly, I’ve found that putting the rice down first, then arranging the vegetables and salmon on top makes for the most beautiful presentation that everyone loves to photograph before diving in.
How to Store & Reheat
I usually store any leftover Bang Bang Salmon Bowls components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where they stay fresh for up to 3 days. The salmon, rice, and vegetables all keep their texture better when stored apart, and you can mix and match portions as needed.
For the salmon specifically, I’ve found that reheating it gently in a skillet over low heat for just 2-3 minutes gives the best results. The microwave works in a pinch, but it can make the salmon a bit rubbery, so if you do use it, heat in 30-second intervals with a damp paper towel over the top.
The homemade bang bang sauce actually improves in flavor after a day in the fridge, and it keeps perfectly for up to 5 days. I often make a double batch because it’s fantastic on grilled chicken, roasted vegetables, or even as a dip—similar to how our Salad Supreme Seasoning is versatile enough to enhance many different dishes.
Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Line your air fryer with foil if needed. Dice salmon into 1.5-inch cubes.
- Toss salmon cubes with olive oil and Cajun seasoning in a large bowl.
- Air fry salmon at 400°F for 7 minutes, working in batches as needed. Cook until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Mix Greek yogurt, honey, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a small bowl to make the bang bang sauce.
- Assemble bowls with rice, carrots, edamame, cucumbers, and salmon. Drizzle with bang bang sauce and serve.
Notes
What to Serve With Bang Bang Salmon Bowls
Din Tai Fung Cucumber Salad: This refreshing cucumber salad provides the perfect cool, crisp contrast to the warm, spicy salmon and adds that authentic Asian flavor that complements the bang bang sauce beautifully.
Crispy Roasted Brussels Sprouts: The slight char and crisp texture of roasted Brussels sprouts provides a wonderful contrast to the creamy salmon bowls while adding nutritional balance to the meal.
Chicken Salad Chick Grape Salad: The sweet grapes and creamy dressing in this popular salad create a delightful contrast to the spicy bang bang flavors, making it an unexpected but delicious pairing.
Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli brings additional nutrition and a mild flavor that won’t compete with the bold bang bang flavors, making it perfect for kids who prefer milder vegetables.
Hidden Valley Ranch Dip with Fresh Vegetables: This creamy ranch dip served with fresh vegetable sticks provides a cooling element that balances the heat from the sriracha while adding extra nutrition to your meal.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado provides healthy fats and a cooling element that balances the spice level, plus it adds that Instagram-worthy pop of green color that makes these bowls even more appealing.
FAQs
How many calories are in Bang Bang Salmon Bowls? While the exact calorie count varies based on portion sizes, these bowls typically contain around 500-600 calories per serving, with the majority coming from the high-quality protein in the salmon and the complex carbohydrates from the rice.
Are Bang Bang Salmon Bowls healthy for you? Absolutely! I recommend these bowls because they provide 47 grams of high-quality protein, healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, and plenty of fresh vegetables, making them a nutritionally balanced meal that supports muscle health and overall wellness.
Can I make Bang Bang Salmon Bowls ahead of time for meal prep? To avoid soggy vegetables, I suggest preparing the salmon, rice, and sauce ahead of time, then storing the fresh vegetables separately and assembling the bowls just before eating for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for the air fryer when making this recipe? Many home cooks find that baking the seasoned salmon cubes at 425°F for 10-12 minutes works perfectly, or you can pan-sear them in a skillet over medium-high heat for about 3-4 minutes per side until they’re golden and cooked through—the same technique I use for our Teriyaki Shrimp Stir Fry when getting that perfect golden sear.
