This gorgeous dish is **Bang Bang Salmon** (also known as Firecracker or Creamy Sweet-Spicy Salmon). It features perfectly seared, flaky salmon fillets or bites drizzled in a rich, creamy, slightly sweet and spicy sauce, topped with fresh scallions.
Here are two fantastic ways to recreate this restaurant-quality meal at home—both naturally **low-carb and keto-friendly**.
## Recipe 1: Creamy Bang Bang Salmon (Low-Carb)
This is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The sauce is creamy, tangy, and has just the right amount of kick.
### Ingredients
* **Salmon:** 4 salmon fillets (or cut into 1-inch cubes for "bites"), skin removed
* **Seasoning:** 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, ½ tsp paprika, salt, and black pepper to taste
* **Cooking Oil:** 1 tbsp olive oil or avocado oil
* **Garnish:** 2 scallions (green onions), finely chopped
**The Bang Bang Sauce:**
* ½ cup mayonnaise
* 2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
* 1 tbsp sugar-free sweet chili sauce (or 1 tbsp unsweetened rice vinegar mixed with a pinch of keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol)
* 1 tsp garlic, minced
### Instructions
1. **Prep the Salmon:** Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Season all sides generously with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. **Make the Sauce:** In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, sugar-free sweet chili sauce, and minced garlic until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat as desired.
3. **Sear the Salmon:**
* Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add the salmon. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes on the first side until a golden-brown crust forms.
* Flip and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until cooked through to your preference. (If cooking cubed salmon bites, sear for 2 minutes per side).
4. **Assemble:** Transfer the salmon to a serving platter. Drizzle the creamy Bang Bang sauce generously over the top and garnish with the chopped green onions.
## Recipe 2: Creamy Spicy Garlic Butter Salmon
If you want something rich, buttery, and slightly less mayo-forward, this warm, garlic-infused cream sauce is incredible.
### Ingredients
* **Salmon:** 4 salmon fillets
* **Seasoning:** ½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp onion powder, salt, and black pepper
* **Pan-Searing:** 1 tbsp butter + 1 tbsp olive oil
**The Spicy Garlic Cream Sauce:**
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tbsp butter
* ½ cup heavy whipping cream
* 1 tbsp Sriracha or your favorite hot sauce
* ¼ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
* **Garnish:** Chopped green onions or fresh parsley
### Instructions
1. **Sear the Salmon:** Season the salmon with paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Melt 1 tbsp butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a plate.
2. **Build the Sauce:** Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tbsp of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. **Simmer:** Pour in the heavy cream and Sriracha. Bring to a gentle simmer for 2 minutes, allowing it to slightly reduce. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
4. **Combine:** Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the rich sauce over the fillets. Let everything warm through for 1 minute.
5. **Serve:** Plate the salmon, pour the remaining pan sauce over the top, and finish with a sprinkle of green onions.
### 💡 Pro-Tips for Success:
* **Get that Sear:** Make sure your skillet is nice and hot before adding the salmon to get those beautiful, caramelized edges shown in the photo.
* **Air Fryer Option:** You can also cook the salmon in an air fryer at **200°C** for 7 to 9 minutes, then toss or drizzle with the sauce!