The Best Homemade Bang Bang Sauce Recipe: Easy & Restaurant-Style Perfection
Craving that irresistible sweet, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang Sauce you love from your favorite restaurant? Our incredibly simple, quick, and undeniably delicious recipe lets you recreate this iconic condiment right in your own kitchen! Perfect for shrimp, chicken, and so much more, this homemade version is about to become your new go-to.
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About This Bang Bang Sauce
Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! If you’ve ever found yourself longing for that magical, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang Sauce from your favorite restaurant, you’re in good company. This phenomenal condiment has transcended its original dish, becoming a true culinary sensation.
My journey with Bang Bang Sauce began in the early 2000s, where it was the star of a certain popular shrimp appetizer. What started as a happy hour favorite quickly blossomed into a widespread culinary trend. Today, this iconic sauce isn’t just for shrimp; you’ll find it elevating dishes like Bang Bang Chicken, vibrant poke bowls, and countless other creations. Its unique flavor profile — a perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, and spicy — has made it a beloved staple in kitchens and restaurants alike.
The exciting news? You no longer need to dine out to enjoy this incredible flavor. I’ve perfected a straightforward, homemade Bang Bang Sauce recipe that brings all that restaurant-quality deliciousness right to your table. With just a few common ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a batch that will impress your guests, transform your everyday meals, or simply satisfy your craving.
Our recipe is designed for ultimate simplicity. You likely already have most of the necessary ingredients in your pantry, making this a convenient option for any occasion. The velvety, creamy texture combined with its dynamic flavor makes it an incredibly versatile and satisfying condiment. Once you try this homemade version, you’ll understand why it’s become a permanent fixture in our recipe rotation.
While it’s undeniably spectacular on succulent shrimp, its versatility knows no bounds. Think beyond the classic: use it as a dipping sauce for crispy fries, a flavorful spread for sandwiches and wraps, a vibrant dressing for a zesty slaw, or a decadent toss for grilled chicken, fish, or even roasted vegetables. Essentially, if you can dip it, drizzle it, or spread it, this homemade Bang Bang Sauce is ready to become your culinary best friend.
Key Ingredients for Your Homemade Bang Bang Sauce
The beauty of this Bang Bang Sauce lies in its simplicity and the perfect balance of its core ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this flavor masterpiece:
- Mayonnaise: This forms the creamy, rich base of our sauce. We often opt for light mayonnaise to make it a bit lighter, but feel free to use full-fat mayonnaise for an extra indulgent texture and flavor. For those seeking a healthier alternative, plain Greek yogurt can be an excellent substitute, adding a tangy twist while maintaining creaminess. You could also experiment with avocado oil mayonnaise for a different flavor profile.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient is essential for providing the distinctive sweet and subtly spicy notes that define Bang Bang Sauce. It’s widely available in most grocery stores in the Asian foods aisle, or at dedicated Asian markets. Brands like Trader Joe’s, Mae Ploy, or your local supermarket’s house brand will work perfectly. Ensure you get a good quality sweet chili sauce for the best flavor.
- Sriracha: The fiery kick of this sauce comes primarily from Sriracha. It adds a vibrant, garlicky heat that is absolutely crucial. You can adjust the amount to your preference – less for a milder sauce, more for a bold, extra-spicy experience. Don’t hesitate to try different flavored Srirachas if you want to experiment with unique undertones, though classic Sriracha is what gives it that authentic taste.
- Honey: A touch of honey perfectly balances the heat and tang of the other ingredients, adding a natural sweetness and a subtle depth of flavor. If you prefer, maple syrup or agave nectar make excellent vegan-friendly substitutes that deliver a similar sweetness. The honey also contributes to the sauce’s glossy finish.
- Scallions (Green Onions): Finely chopped scallions introduce a fresh, aromatic, and slightly pungent element that brightens the entire sauce. While optional, they add a wonderful depth and a hint of oniony freshness. If you’re not a fan of their texture in the sauce, you can omit them or save them for garnishing your final dish, providing a beautiful pop of color and flavor.
Step-by-Step: How to Make This Bang Bang Sauce
Making this incredible sauce is almost as simple as enjoying it. In just a few easy steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality condiment ready to elevate any meal.
Measure and Prep Your Ingredients
Start by accurately measuring all your ingredients. Precision is key to achieving that perfect balance of flavors. If you’re including green onion, make sure to finely chop them. Small, uniform pieces will distribute evenly throughout the sauce, ensuring a burst of freshness in every bite.
Simply Combine and Whisk
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the light mayonnaise (or your chosen substitute), Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Whisk thoroughly until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated and the sauce has a uniform, creamy consistency. If you’re using green onion, gently fold them into the mixture after whisking the other ingredients. This preserves their fresh texture. Once combined, your Bang Bang Sauce is ready to use immediately or store for later enjoyment!
Expert Tips and Tricks for the Best Bang Bang Sauce
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, these expert tips will help you perfect your homemade Bang Bang Sauce and tailor it to your exact preferences:
- Taste and Season to Perfection: This is arguably the most important step! Everyone’s palate is unique, so don’t be afraid to taste the sauce after mixing and adjust the seasoning. You might find you want a touch more Sriracha for heat, a bit more honey for sweetness, or even a pinch of salt to enhance all the flavors. A squeeze of fresh lime juice can also add a delightful brightness.
- Customizing the Spice Level: The heat in this sauce primarily comes from Sriracha. If you prefer a milder sauce, start with less Sriracha and add gradually. For an extra kick, increase the Sriracha or even add a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. See the dedicated section below for more on this!
- Consider Omitting or Substituting Scallions: If fresh scallions aren’t available, or if you simply prefer a smoother sauce without them, feel free to omit them. The sauce will still retain its signature flavor. Alternatively, a tiny bit of garlic powder can add a subtle savory depth, or a sprinkle of dried chives for a milder oniony note.
- Batch Cooking for Convenience: This Bang Bang Sauce stores wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining. You can easily double, triple, or even quadruple the recipe to make a large batch. This ensures you always have some on hand for last-minute meals or unexpected guests.
- Adjusting Consistency for Different Uses: If you desire a thinner sauce for drizzling over salads or creating a lighter dressing, simply whisk in a dash of buttermilk, milk, or even a tiny amount of water until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker sauce, you might consider using full-fat mayonnaise or reducing other liquid ingredients slightly.
- Experiment with Different Mayonnaise Types: While light mayonnaise is a great option, don’t shy away from trying other varieties. Avocado oil mayonnaise offers a slightly different richness, and for a truly luxurious sauce, a high-quality, full-fat mayonnaise can make a noticeable difference.
More tasty sauces to try out: Bourbon Peach BBQ Sauce | Garlic Aioli | Chipotle Aioli | Bacon Aioli
Can I Make This Bang Bang Sauce Recipe Vegan?
Absolutely! Adapting this Bang Bang Sauce recipe to be vegan is incredibly easy, requiring just two simple substitutions. Firstly, swap out traditional mayonnaise for your favorite brand of vegan mayonnaise. There are many excellent plant-based options available today that provide the same creamy texture. Secondly, replace honey with a plant-based liquid sweetener. Maple syrup or agave nectar are both fantastic choices that will provide the necessary sweetness without compromising the flavor profile. These minor adjustments ensure your vegan Bang Bang Sauce is just as delicious and versatile as the original.
How Do I Make My Bang Bang Sauce Spicier?
If you love a serious kick, increasing the heat in your Bang Bang Sauce is simple. The easiest way is to add more Sriracha, which is the primary source of spice in this recipe. I recommend adding it in small increments, perhaps 1/2 teaspoon at a time. After each addition, stir it well to incorporate thoroughly, then taste. This allows you to gradually build the heat to your desired level without overdoing it. For an even more intense spice, you could also consider a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. Just be cautious, as these can quickly increase the heat significantly!
How Long Does Homemade Bang Bang Sauce Last?
One of the great benefits of making your own Bang Bang Sauce is its excellent shelf life. When stored properly in the refrigerator, this sauce will stay fresh and delicious for up to 10 days. To ensure maximum freshness and flavor, always transfer the sauce to an airtight container immediately after preparing it. This prevents air exposure, which can diminish its quality. A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid or a sealed plastic container works perfectly. Just give it a good stir before each use, as some separation might occur naturally over time.
How Much Bang Bang Sauce Does This Recipe Make?
This recipe yields approximately 3/4 cup of delicious Bang Bang Sauce, which is perfect for several servings of shrimp, chicken, or as a condiment for various dishes. If you’re planning for a larger gathering, meal prepping for the week, or simply want to have more on hand, it’s very easy to scale the recipe. Simply double, triple, or quadruple the ingredient quantities as needed, and follow the same preparation steps. The proportions will remain balanced, ensuring the same fantastic flavor in larger batches.
Need some inspiration for snacks? Check out my appetizer recipes page!
Endless Ways to Use Your Homemade Bang Bang Sauce
The true magic of homemade Bang Bang Sauce lies in its incredible versatility. While it’s famously paired with shrimp, this sweet, spicy, and creamy condiment can elevate a vast array of dishes. Here are just some of the ways you can incorporate this delightful sauce into your culinary creations:
- Classic Bang Bang Shrimp: Of course, this is where it all began! Toss crispy fried shrimp, baked shrimp, or even grilled shrimp directly in the sauce for a mouth-watering appetizer or main course that rivals any restaurant version.
- Chicken Perfection: Transform plain chicken into something extraordinary. Drizzle it over grilled or baked chicken breasts, toss it with crispy chicken nuggets or tenders, or use it as a dipping sauce for homemade chicken wings. It’s also fantastic on chicken sliders or in chicken wraps.
- Fries and Appetizers: Forget ketchup! Bang Bang Sauce is an elevated dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, regular French fries, onion rings, spring rolls, and even mozzarella sticks.
- Vibrant Bowls: Take your grain bowls, rice bowls, or poke bowls to the next level. Drizzle generously over rice, your favorite protein (like tuna or salmon), and fresh vegetables for a burst of flavor.
- Tacos and Wraps: Add a creamy, spicy kick to shrimp tacos, fish tacos, or chicken wraps. It’s a fantastic alternative to traditional sour cream or salsa, offering a unique flavor twist.
- Roasted Vegetables: Give roasted broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, or even asparagus a flavorful upgrade. Toss them with Bang Bang Sauce after roasting for a delicious side dish.
- Salad Dressing with a Twist: Thin the sauce slightly with a tablespoon of milk or water, and use it as a creamy, zesty dressing for a fresh green salad or a crunchy coleslaw.
- Sandwich and Burger Spread: Replace your usual mayonnaise with Bang Bang Sauce for an explosion of flavor in your sandwiches, burgers, or even a turkey wrap.
- Fish Fillets: It pairs beautifully with flaky white fish like cod or tilapia, whether baked, grilled, or pan-seared.
- Spring Rolls & Dumplings: A fantastic dipping sauce for both fresh and fried spring rolls, or even potstickers and dumplings.
The sauce is so quick to prepare, it can be whipped up in minutes while your shrimp cooks or your chicken crisps up. However you choose to use this phenomenal sauce, you are guaranteed to love its irresistible flavor!
Storing Your Bang Bang Sauce for Freshness
Store. To maintain its optimal flavor and freshness, your homemade Bang Bang Sauce should always be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When properly sealed and kept cold, it will remain delicious for up to 10 days. Ensure the container is clean and dry before adding the sauce. Before each use, give the sauce a good stir, as the ingredients may naturally separate slightly over time.
Finally, if you make this bang bang sauce recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.
Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!
Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!
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Bang Bang Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
- 2 tsp Sriracha
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 2 Tbsp scallions finely chopped, optional
Instructions
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Add mayonnaise, chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to a bowl. Whisk well to combine until smooth and creamy.
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Stir in finely chopped scallions, if using, for added freshness and flavor.
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Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
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