There’s something magical about a sauce that makes everyone at the table pause, smile, and dip back in for seconds. This bang bang sauce recipe became that sauce in my home—and it all started with a Friday night shrimp dinner gone sideways.
We’d ordered takeout, hoping for crispy shrimp with a little flair, but the sauce was a letdown: too bland, too thin, and definitely not what I remembered from our favorite coastal diner. So, I grabbed my apron and decided to figure it out myself. A few taste tests, a couple of “oops, too spicy” batches, and voilà—we had a creamy, tangy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce recipe that my husband now insists I jar weekly.
What makes this sauce so addictive? It’s the perfect balance. Creamy mayonnaise smooths out the heat, while sweet chili sauce adds that sticky kick we all love. A splash of sriracha keeps things exciting. It’s quick, bold, and wildly versatile.
I’ve drizzled this sauce over grilled chicken, swirled it into rice bowls, and dunked everything from hot honey popcorn chicken bites to air-fried veggies into it. It’s the kind of recipe that turns plain food into something crave-worthy.
If you’re someone who loves bold sauces, you might also enjoy my smoky salsa roja that packs a deep, roasted heat.
Table of Contents
Making the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
This bang bang sauce recipe uses pantry staples but delivers restaurant-style flavor in minutes. Here’s what you need:
| Ingredient | Notes |
|---|---|
| 1/2 cup mayonnaise | Use full-fat for creaminess or Greek yogurt for a lighter version |
| 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce | Adds sweetness and mild heat |
| 1 tablespoon sriracha | Use more or less to adjust heat |
| 1 tsp rice vinegar or lemon juice | Optional – for a bit of tang |
Quick Steps for a Smooth Sauce Every Time
- Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Taste and adjust spice or sweetness.
- Chill for 10–15 minutes before serving.
If you love simple no-cook condiments like this, you’ll also want to try it as a dipping sauce for vegetable egg rolls or as a drizzle over wraps or bowls like street corn chicken rice bowls.
Print
Bang Bang Sauce Recipe: A Zesty Favorite from My Kitchen
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This bang bang sauce recipe is creamy, spicy, and ready in minutes. Perfect as a dip, drizzle, or sandwich spread!
Ingredients
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, add mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
2. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.
3. Add vinegar or lemon juice if using, and whisk again.
4. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness if needed.
5. Chill for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days in the fridge.
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.
Great as a dipping sauce or spread for wraps and burgers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American-Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
What to Eat with Bang Bang Sauce
Best Dishes to Pair With Bang Bang Sauce
This bang bang sauce recipe is made for dipping and drizzling. Try it with:
| Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Shrimp Tacos | A spicy drizzle brings them to life |
| Sweet Potato Nacho Boats | Spoon sauce over for a bold contrast |
| Crispy Chicken | Great dipping alternative to ketchup or BBQ |
| Grain Bowls | Add on top of chicken, rice, and veggies |
Want even more dipping ideas? Try it with pretzel chicken with mustard cheddar sauce or swap it for salsa in your next smash burger taco.
Fun Variations You’ll Want to Try
- Add lime juice or zest for a citrusy lift
- Stir in a pinch of garlic powder
- Sub Greek yogurt for a lighter version
- Add a drizzle of honey for sweet-heat balance
Tips for Storing and Serving Bang Bang Sauce
How Long Does Bang Bang Sauce Last in the Fridge?
Keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 7 days. It may thicken slightly as it chills—just give it a quick stir before serving.
Best Ways to Serve This Sauce at Parties or Meal Prep
Add it to snack platters with grilled skewers or veggie fries. Or pack it into sauce containers for bento lunches and bowl-style meals.
Meal prepping for the week? Add a side of this sauce with dishes like sweet potato nacho boats or rice bowls for effortless flavor.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Bang Bang Sauce
Using the Wrong Type of Mayonnaise
The backbone of any great bang bang sauce recipe is good-quality mayonnaise. While it might be tempting to use low-fat or light mayo, it can sometimes make the sauce taste overly tangy or watery. Full-fat mayo gives the richest texture and balances the heat and sweetness from the sriracha and chili sauce. If you’re avoiding eggs or dairy, opt for a neutral vegan mayo, but test in smaller batches first to maintain flavor.
Another thing to watch: avoid mayo brands with added sugar or heavy seasoning—they can throw off the balance. Keep it simple, and you’ll be set up for sauce success.
Overmixing or Overspicing the Sauce
It’s easy to think more sriracha equals more flavor, but balance is key in this bang bang sauce recipe. Add heat gradually and always taste before adding more. Overmixing can also lead to a broken or greasy texture, especially if using a thin mayo or yogurt base.
If your sauce separates after chilling, give it a gentle stir and let it sit at room temp for a few minutes before serving. When done right, the texture should be smooth, creamy, and coat a spoon easily.
Looking for a recipe where balance matters just as much? My pretzel chicken with mustard cheddar sauce is another flavor-packed favorite that depends on the right sauce texture.
FAQs
What is bang bang sauce made of?
At its core, bang bang sauce is made from just a few simple ingredients: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Some versions include a splash of rice vinegar or lemon juice for added tang. This mix creates a creamy, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce that’s super versatile.
Is yum yum sauce and bang bang sauce the same thing?
They’re similar, but not quite the same. Yum yum sauce is typically milder and more tomato-based, often found in hibachi-style restaurants. It’s usually made with mayo, ketchup, sugar, and rice vinegar. Bang bang sauce, on the other hand, has more kick thanks to the sriracha and chili sauce combo, making it spicier and bolder.
What to make with bang bang sauce?
You can drizzle it over shrimp tacos, use it as a dip for fries or dumplings, mix it into rice bowls, or spread it on burgers and wraps. I’ve even used it as a quick salad dressing or a marinade. This bang bang sauce recipe pairs well with almost anything crispy, savory, or in need of flavor.
What are the ingredients in Bang Bang seasoning?
Bang Bang seasoning (used as a dry rub or sprinkle) often includes a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, sugar, chili powder, and salt. It’s designed to echo the sweet and spicy balance of the sauce, perfect for seasoning shrimp, chicken, or fries before cooking.
conclusion
There’s a reason this bang bang sauce recipe is always in my fridge. It’s fast, flavorful, and turns even the plainest meals into something memorable. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, hungry teens, or just yourself after a long day, it’s the kind of sauce that makes dinner feel exciting again.
I hope it becomes a favorite in your home too. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice level, play with variations, or mix it into your own creations. Cooking should be fun, forgiving, and full of flavor—and this sauce hits all three.
Let me know in the comments what you tried it with, and if you’re looking for more sauces like this, browse my sauces collection or try my homemade ranch recipe next.
Happy cooking, friends!
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