Bang Bang Sauce

Bang Bang Sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy condiment that enhances any dish with its bold and balanced flavors. Originally inspired by Sichuan cuisine’s Bang Bang Chicken, this sauce has become a modern favorite, often paired with crispy chicken, shrimp, or seafood.

Popularized by restaurants like Bonefish Grill, where it’s famously used on Bang Bang Shrimp, this sauce is now a go-to homemade recipe for those looking to add a rich, tangy, and slightly spicy kick to their meals.

In this guide, you’ll learn:
How to make Bang Bang Sauce at home in under 5 minutes
Variations and ingredient swaps for different dietary needs
Best foods to pair with Bang Bang Sauce
Storage and shelf life tips

Whether you’re using it as a dipping sauce, drizzle, or marinade, Bang Bang Sauce will elevate any dish with its signature sweet-heat balance.

What Is Bang Bang Sauce?

Bang Bang Sauce is a creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with crispy fried foods, grilled meats, and even roasted vegetables. It’s a simple yet flavorful condiment made with a base of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, creating a perfect balance of richness, sweetness, and heat.

Origins of Bang Bang Sauce

• The name “Bang Bang” originally comes from Sichuan Bang Bang Chicken, a dish where poached chicken was pounded (or “banged”) to loosen the meat before serving with a sesame-based sauce.
• The modern Bang Bang Sauce was popularized by Bonefish Grill, where it became famous as the sauce used for Bang Bang Shrimp.
• Today, it’s a versatile and widely loved sauce used for chicken, shrimp, tacos, burgers, and more.

Flavor Profile

Creamy and rich – Thanks to the mayonnaise base.
Sweet and tangy – From the sweet chili sauce.
Mild to medium heat – Controlled by sriracha.
Slight citrus brightness – From lime juice or rice vinegar.

Why You’ll Love This Sauce

Takes only 5 minutes to make.
Pairs with a variety of dishes – from seafood to sandwiches.
Customizable for different spice levels and dietary needs.
Better than store-bought sauces – fresher, tastier, and easy to adjust.

This Sauce is the perfect combination of flavors, making it an essential homemade condiment that you’ll want to use on everything.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

Making Bang Bang Sauce at home requires just a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The key to its delicious balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors is in the right combination of ingredients.

Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Sauce

Category	Ingredients
Base Ingredients	½ cup mayonnaise
	¼ cup sweet chili sauce
	1 tablespoon sriracha
	1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)
	1 teaspoon lime juice or rice vinegar

Tip: The honey enhances the sweetness, but you can adjust it to your taste or leave it out for a more tangy sauce.

Optional Add-Ins for Extra Flavor

Flavor Boost	Ingredient
Garlic Flavor	½ teaspoon garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
Smoky Touch	½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Umami Depth	½ teaspoon soy sauce or fish sauce
Extra Heat	½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce

Tip: If you prefer a deeper umami taste, adding soy sauce or fish sauce enhances the flavor complexity.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Mayonnaise Substitute: Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a lighter, tangier version.
• Sriracha Substitute: Swap with hot sauce, chili paste, or cayenne pepper for different levels of heat.
• Lime Juice Substitute: Use rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice for the tangy element.

Tip: This recipe can be adjusted to your taste preferences, making it perfect for mild or spicy variations.

How to Make Bang Bang Sauce

This recipe is incredibly easy and takes just 5 minutes to prepare. With a simple mix-and-stir method, you’ll have a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s perfect for dipping, drizzling, or marinating.

Mix the Ingredients

1. In a small mixing bowl, add:
   • ½ cup mayonnaise
   • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
   • 1 tablespoon sriracha
   • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
   • 1 teaspoon lime juice or rice vinegar
2. If using any optional add-ins, stir in:
   • ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for extra depth)
   • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (for a smoky touch)
   • ½ teaspoon soy sauce or fish sauce (for umami)
   • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (for extra heat)

Whisk Until Smooth

• Use a whisk or spoon to mix all the ingredients together until fully combined.
• Make sure the sauce has a smooth, creamy texture with no lumps.

Taste and Adjust

• If you want it spicier, add more sriracha or hot sauce.
• If you want it sweeter, add a little more honey or sweet chili sauce.
• If you want it tangier, add extra lime juice or vinegar.

Tip: The beauty of homemade Bang Bang Sauce is that you can adjust it to fit your taste preferences!

Let It Rest (Optional for Best Flavor)

• For the best flavor, let the sauce sit for 10-15 minutes before using.
• This allows the ingredients to blend together, creating a richer taste.

Serve or Store

• Use immediately as a dip, drizzle, or marinade.
• Or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Tip: The flavors get even better over time, so making it in advance can enhance the taste!

Best Ways to Use Bang Bang Sauce

It is incredibly versatile, making it a great addition to a wide variety of dishes. Whether you’re using it as a dip, drizzle, marinade, or dressing, this sauce will elevate your meal with its sweet, creamy, and spicy flavor.

1. As a Dipping Sauce

It is a perfect dip for crispy appetizers and snacks. The creamy texture clings to crunchy foods, making every bite flavorful.

Best Foods for Dipping:

• Bang Bang Chicken – Crispy fried or air-fried chicken bites.
• Bang Bang Shrimp – A restaurant favorite with deep-fried shrimp.
• French Fries & Sweet Potato Fries – A delicious alternative to ketchup.
• Chicken Tenders or Nuggets – Ideal for kids and adults.
• Spring Rolls & Dumplings – Adds a spicy-sweet twist to Asian appetizers.

2. As a Drizzle or Topping

Adding Bang Bang Sauce as a drizzle over your meals gives them a creamy, flavorful kick.

Best Foods to Drizzle It On:

• Burgers & Sandwiches – Use it as a replacement for mayo.
• Tacos & Wraps – Works great with shrimp tacos, chicken wraps, or fish tacos.
• Grilled Chicken & Steak – Adds a bold flavor to grilled meats.
• Rice Bowls & Stir-Fries – Perfect for Asian-style rice bowls.

3. As a Marinade or Glaze

Bang Bang Sauce also works well as a marinade or glaze, helping to infuse proteins with sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

How to Use It as a Marinade:

• Chicken: Coat boneless chicken breasts or thighs in Bang Bang Sauce and marinate for 30 minutes before grilling or baking.
• Shrimp: Toss shrimp in the sauce before grilling or pan-searing.
• Salmon: Brush the sauce over salmon fillets before roasting or broiling.
• Tofu: Use it as a glaze for crispy baked tofu or stir-fried tofu.

4. As a Salad Dressing

Turn your Sauce into a delicious salad dressing by thinning it with a little olive oil or extra lime juice.

Best Salads for Bang Bang Dressing:

• Crispy Chicken Salad – Drizzle over a crunchy salad with fried or grilled chicken.
• Shrimp or Seafood Salad – Complements light, fresh greens.
• Asian Slaw – Toss with shredded cabbage and carrots for a creamy, spicy slaw.

5. As a Spread for Sandwiches & Burgers

Use Your Sauce as a flavorful spread instead of regular mayo.

Best Sandwiches for Bang Bang Sauce:

• Chicken Sandwiches – Adds a spicy twist to crispy or grilled chicken sandwiches.
• Shrimp or Fish Burgers – Enhances seafood flavors beautifully.
• Veggie Burgers – Works well with black bean or portobello mushroom burgers.

Variations and Substitutions for Bang Bang Sauce

One of the best things about This Sauce is how customizable it is. Whether you want a healthier version, a spicier kick, or a plant-based alternative, there are plenty of ways to modify the recipe to fit your preferences.

1. Healthier & Lighter Versions

If you love the flavor of Bang Bang Sauce but want a lower-calorie or healthier version, try these swaps:

• Greek Yogurt Instead of Mayonnaise – A tangy, high-protein option that reduces fat.
• Sour Cream Instead of Mayo – A slightly tangy alternative with a lighter texture.
• Low-Fat or Light Mayo – Retains the original taste but cuts down on calories.
• Reduce Sweet Chili Sauce – Less sugar but still great flavor.

2. Spicier Bang Bang Sauce

If you love heat, turn up the spice level with these variations:

• Increase the Sriracha – Add more for a stronger kick.
• Mix in Red Pepper Flakes – Enhances the heat without changing the sauce texture.
• Add a Dash of Hot Sauce – Try Tabasco, cayenne-based sauces, or ghost pepper sauce.
• Blend in Fresh Jalapeños or Thai Chilies – For an extra layer of spice.

3. Vegan & Dairy-Free Bang Bang Sauce

For a plant-based alternative, make these easy swaps:

• Vegan Mayo Instead of Regular Mayo – Brands like Hellmann’s Vegan or Just Mayo work well.
• Cashew Cream Instead of Mayo – Blend soaked cashews with a little water for a creamy, plant-based base.
• Agave Instead of Honey – A vegan-friendly sweetener alternative.

4. Unique Flavor Twists

Want to get creative with your Sauce? Try these global-inspired additions:

• Thai-Style – Stir in a tablespoon of peanut butter for a peanut sauce twist.
• Japanese-Inspired Version – Add wasabi for a bold, tangy spice.
• Smoky Bang Bang Sauce – Mix in ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
• Sweet & Tangy Version – Swap lime juice for pineapple juice or orange zest.

5. Low-Carb & Keto

For a keto-friendly version, adjust the sweeteners and base ingredients:

• Use Sugar-Free Sweet Chili Sauce – Store-bought or homemade versions are available.
• Skip the Honey – Replace with a sugar-free sweetener like monk fruit or erythritol.
• Use Avocado Mayo – A healthier, keto-friendly mayo alternative.

How to Store Bang Bang Sauce

It is quick to make, but if you have leftovers or want to prepare it in advance, proper storage will help maintain its flavor and texture. Follow these tips to keep your sauce fresh and ready to use whenever you need it.

1. Refrigeration – Best for Short-Term Storage

• Store it in an airtight container or glass jar.
• Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Stir well before using, as some separation may occur over time.

2. Freezing – Not Recommended

• Because It contains mayonnaise, freezing is not ideal.
• Mayonnaise tends to separate when frozen, leading to a grainy texture.
• If you must freeze it, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo to maintain consistency.

3. Making Your Sauce in Advance

• You can make It ahead of time and store it in the fridge.
• It actually tastes better after resting for a few hours, as the flavors blend.
• If making for meal prep, store in portioned containers for easy use throughout the week.

4. Signs Your Sauce Has Gone Bad

Since this sauce contains perishable ingredients, always check for freshness:

• Change in Smell – If it has a sour or off smell, discard it.
• Separation – Some mild separation is normal, but extreme separation can indicate spoilage.
• Change in Color – If it darkens or develops an odd color, it’s best to throw it out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What Is Bang Bang Sauce Made Of?

It is a creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce made from simple ingredients that create a perfect balance of richness, tanginess, and heat. The key ingredients include mayonnaise, which provides the creamy base, sweet chili sauce for sweetness and mild spice, and sriracha for a bit of heat. Some variations also include honey to enhance the sweetness and lime juice or vinegar for a tangy contrast.

If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the sriracha, while adding extra chili sauce makes it sweeter. The beauty of this sauce is that it can be customized to your taste preferences.

2. Is Bang Bang Sauce the Same as Sriracha Mayo?

No, Bang Bang Sauce and sriracha mayo are not the same, though they share some similarities. While both use mayonnaise as a base, It contains sweet chili sauce and honey, giving it a sweeter and tangier profile. Sriracha mayo, on the other hand, is simply a blend of mayonnaise and sriracha, making it spicier but without the added sweetness.

If you’re looking for a sauce with a more balanced flavor sweet, spicy, and tangy Bang Bang Sauce is the better choice. However, if you want a straightforward, spicy mayo, then sriracha mayo is the simpler alternative.

3. Is Bang Bang Sauce Spicy?

It has a mild to medium spice level, depending on how much sriracha you add. The sweet chili sauce balances out the heat, making it more approachable for those who don’t enjoy overly spicy foods.

If you prefer a very mild version, you can reduce the sriracha or increase the sweet chili sauce. For a medium spice level, stick to the standard recipe proportions. If you like it spicier, you can add extra sriracha, red pepper flakes, or even a dash of hot sauce.

Those who love bold heat can mix in chili paste, cayenne pepper, or finely chopped jalapeños for an extra fiery kick.

4. Is Bang Bang Sauce the Same as Yum Yum Sauce?

No, Bang Bang Sauce and Yum Yum Sauce are different, though both are creamy and flavorful. Yum Yum Sauce, which is commonly used in Japanese hibachi-style cooking, has a sweeter and richer taste due to the addition of ketchup and butter. It lacks the spice and tanginess that Bang Bang Sauce offers.

It has a bolder flavor with the addition of sriracha and sweet chili sauce, giving it a more complex taste. If you’re looking for a sauce with more heat and a touch of sweetness, it is the way to go. If you prefer a milder, slightly smoky, and buttery sauce, Yum Yum Sauce is a better fit.

Conclusion – The Perfect Sauce for Any Dish

Bang Bang Sauce is a deliciously creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy condiment that enhances a variety of dishes, from crispy chicken and shrimp to tacos, wraps, and salads. Its balanced combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha makes it a go-to sauce for those who love a flavorful kick with a hint of sweetness.