๐ Mediterranean Bang Bang Salmon
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
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4 salmon fillets (about 150โ180 g / 6 oz each)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp paprika
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ยฝ tsp garlic powder
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ยฝ tsp dried oregano
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ยฝ tsp cumin (optional, for a warm Mediterranean note)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Juice of ยฝ lemon
For the Mediterranean โBang Bangโ Sauce:
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ยฝ cup Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp olive oil
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1ยฝ tbsp honey (or date syrup for a deeper flavor)
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1โ2 tsp harissa paste (or chili flakes/paprika for mild heat)
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1 garlic clove, minced
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Salt to taste
Optional Garnishes:
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Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
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Lemon wedges
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Toasted sesame seeds or crushed pistachios
Instructions
๐ฅ 1. Prepare the Salmon
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Pat the salmon dry with paper towels.
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Rub with olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Let it marinate for 10โ15 minutes while you make the sauce.
๐ฅฃ 2. Make the Mediterranean Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together:
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Greek yogurt
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Olive oil
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Honey
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Lemon juice
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Harissa (or chili flakes/paprika)
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Garlic
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Salt
Taste and adjust โ add more lemon for brightness or more honey for sweetness.
Set aside in the fridge to chill slightly.
๐ณ 3. Cook the Salmon
Option 1 โ Pan-Seared:
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
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Place the salmon skin-side down. Cook for 4โ5 minutes until crisp, then flip and cook 3โ4 more minutes (depending on thickness).
Option 2 โ Baked:
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Preheat oven to 200ยฐC / 400ยฐF.
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Bake salmon on a parchment-lined tray for 12โ15 minutes until flaky.
๐ง 4. Assemble
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Plate the salmon and drizzle generously with the Bang Bang sauce.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley, sesame seeds, or crushed nuts.
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Add lemon wedges on the side.
๐ฝ๏ธ Serving Suggestions
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Serve with Mediterranean couscous, roasted vegetables, or a fresh tomato-cucumber salad.
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Itโs 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 โ it keeps the heat balanced with Mediterranean tang.

