🐟 Mediterranean Bang Bang Salmon
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
-
4 salmon fillets (about 150–180 g / 6 oz each)
-
1 tbsp olive oil
-
1 tsp paprika
-
½ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp dried oregano
-
½ tsp cumin (optional, for a warm Mediterranean note)
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
-
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Mediterranean “Bang Bang” Sauce:
-
½ cup Greek yogurt
-
2 tbsp olive oil
-
1½ tbsp honey (or date syrup for a deeper flavor)
-
1 tbsp lemon juice
-
1–2 tsp harissa paste (or chili flakes/paprika for mild heat)
-
1 garlic clove, minced
-
Salt to taste
Optional Garnishes:
-
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
-
Lemon wedges
-
Toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios
Instructions
🔥 1. Prepare the Salmon
-
Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
-
Rub with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
-
Let it marinate for 10–15 minutes while you make the sauce.
🥣 2. Make the Mediterranean Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
-
Greek yogurt
-
Olive oil
-
Honey
-
Lemon juice
-
Harissa (or chili flakes/paprika)
-
Garlic
-
Salt
Taste and adjust — add more lemon for brightness or more honey for sweetness.
Set aside in the fridge to chill slightly.
🍳 3. Cook the Salmon
Option 1 – Pan-Seared:
-
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
-
Place the salmon skin-side down. Cook for 4–5 minutes until crisp, then flip and cook 3–4 more minutes (depending on thickness).
Option 2 – Baked:
-
Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F.
-
Bake salmon on a parchment-lined tray for 12–15 minutes until flaky.
🧄 4. Assemble
-
Plate the salmon and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce.
-
Sprinkle with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or crushed nuts.
-
Add lemon wedges on the side.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
-
Serve with Mediterranean couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh tomato-cucumber salad.
-
It’s also perfect on a bed of arugula or quinoa for a light, healthy bowl.
Tip:
For a more traditional Bang Bang kick, mix a touch of sriracha into the yogurt sauce — it keeps the heat balanced with Mediterranean tang.
