If you crave a condiment that’s bold, creamy, and delivers a delightful kick of spice, then this homemade Bang Bang sauce recipe is an absolute kitchen essential! Renowned for its tantalizing flavor, this popular Asian-inspired sauce is surprisingly easy and incredibly economical to prepare right in your own kitchen. Ditch the store-bought versions and restaurant prices; crafting it yourself allows for complete customization of its sweetness and heat, ensuring it perfectly suits your palate. While famously known as a zesty companion for crispy shrimp, this versatile sauce elevates a wide array of dishes, from grilled chicken and juicy burgers to crispy fries and fresh sushi rolls. Get ready to transform your meals with this irresistible, quick-to-make condiment!
This homemade Bang Bang sauce recipe strikes a harmonious balance of creamy richness, vibrant tang, and satisfying spiciness. It’s truly a must-have condiment that promises to enhance countless meals. The distinct sweetness comes from Thai sweet chili sauce, perfectly complemented by a fiery hint of sriracha or your preferred hot sauce. Its luxuriously smooth and creamy texture makes it an ideal dipping sauce, a delectable topping, or a flavorful spread, instantly upgrading any dish it graces. Forget complicated recipes; this fantastic sauce comes together in just a few minutes, bringing restaurant-quality taste directly to your home kitchen.
Often recognized as the iconic Bang Bang shrimp sauce from popular eateries like Bonefish Grill, its culinary applications extend far beyond seafood. Imagine drizzling this creamy, spicy goodness over succulent grilled chicken, a mountain of crispy golden fries, fresh homemade sushi rolls, or even your favorite tacos for an immediate explosion of flavor. Its versatility is truly remarkable, making it a staple for anyone looking to add an exciting Asian-inspired twist to everyday meals. Plus, the ease of preparation means you’re always just moments away from a sensational culinary experience.
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What is Bang Bang Sauce? A Culinary Staple
Bang Bang sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy condiment that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers worldwide. Often referred to as “Bam Bam sauce” in some regions, its distinctive flavor profile makes it instantly recognizable and highly addictive. At its core, it’s a mayonnaise-based sauce, typically infused with the vibrant flavors of Thai sweet chili sauce and the fiery kick of sriracha. This unique combination delivers a complex taste experience – sweet upfront, followed by a delightful tang, and finishing with a gentle warmth that makes you crave another bite.
While commonly associated with Americanized Asian restaurants, particularly for its starring role in Bang Bang Shrimp dishes, its roots are inspired by various Asian cuisines. It’s a sauce that transcends culinary boundaries, proving that a perfectly balanced blend of simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Whether you’re a fan of bold flavors or looking to add an exciting new dimension to your meals, Bang Bang sauce is a culinary staple worth mastering.
Why Make This Homemade Bang Bang Sauce?
There are numerous compelling reasons to whip up this irresistible Bang Bang sauce at home, making it a clear winner over store-bought alternatives or even dining out.
- Unmatched Flavor Customization: One of the biggest advantages of making your own Bang Bang sauce is the ability to perfectly tailor its flavor profile. Do you prefer it extra spicy? Add a little more sriracha. Craving more sweetness? A touch more honey will do the trick. Want a tangier finish? A squeeze of lime or lemon juice works wonders. This recipe is incredibly forgiving and easily adjustable to suit your exact preferences.
- Incredible Versatility: This isn’t just a shrimp sauce! Its balanced sweet, spicy, and creamy notes make it an exceptional companion for almost anything. Use it as a vibrant dipping sauce for appetizers, a rich spread for sandwiches and burgers, or a delicious glaze for grilled meats and roasted vegetables. It even adds a wonderful depth of flavor and moisture to dishes like fried rice or pasta salads.
- Effortless Preparation with Pantry Staples: Forget obscure ingredients or complicated techniques. This recipe calls for just a few common pantry items and comes together in mere minutes. All you really need is a mixing bowl, a whisk, and your chosen ingredients to create a gourmet-level condiment without any fuss or special equipment. It’s truly a “dump and whisk” recipe that delivers impressive results.
- Budget-Friendly and Fresh: Making sauces at home is almost always more economical than buying them pre-made or ordering dishes that feature them at restaurants. Plus, you control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a fresher, more vibrant taste free from unnecessary preservatives. Enjoy restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag.
Ingredients for the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
The beauty of Bang Bang sauce lies in its simplicity. A few key ingredients combine to create a symphony of flavors. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful substitution notes:
- Mayonnaise: The Creamy Foundation
Mayonnaise forms the essential creamy base of Bang Bang sauce, providing its signature velvety texture and rich mouthfeel. For a classic flavor, use regular full-fat mayonnaise. However, if you’re looking for alternatives, mayo made with olive oil or avocado oil works beautifully, though you might notice a subtle difference in taste.
For a Healthier Twist: To lighten up the sauce without sacrificing creaminess, consider using light mayonnaise or even plain, full-fat Greek yogurt. Greek yogurt adds a pleasant tang and significant protein, making it a popular healthy substitute.
For a Dairy-Free/Vegan Option: Simply swap regular mayonnaise for your favorite vegan mayonnaise. Another excellent plant-based alternative for creaminess is a blend of cashew cream and a touch of olive oil. - Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: The Sweet & Tangy Heart
This indispensable ingredient is what truly defines the unique sweet, savory, and subtly spicy character of Bang Bang sauce. Thai sweet chili sauce is a staple in Asian cuisine, offering a complex blend of sweetness, mild heat, and a garlicky tang. It’s crucial for achieving that authentic Bang Bang flavor.
Substitution Note: If Thai sweet chili sauce is unavailable, or if you desire a less sweet sauce, you can experiment with regular tomato-based chili sauces or chili paste. However, if using chili paste, you’ll need to add a bit more liquid (like water, lime juice, or vinegar) to achieve the right consistency. Keep in mind that chili paste will yield a spicier, more intense dip, while standard chili sauces might impart a “ketchup-y” flavor. Our mango dipping sauce can also be a unique, fruitier substitute. - Sriracha: The Spicy Kick
For that essential burst of spicy heat, sriracha is the go-to choice. Its distinct garlic and chili flavor profile adds depth and warmth without overpowering the other ingredients. The amount of sriracha you add is key to customizing your spice level.
Substitution Note: Feel free to use your favorite hot sauce if sriracha isn’t on hand. However, try to avoid very thin or runny hot sauces, as they can alter the creamy consistency of the Bang Bang sauce. Choose a thicker, more paste-like hot sauce for the best results. - Honey: For Extra Sweetness (Optional)
While Thai sweet chili sauce provides inherent sweetness, a teaspoon or two of honey can be added if you prefer a sweeter profile. It helps balance the heat and enhance the overall richness of the sauce. - Kosher Salt and Black Pepper: Seasoning to Taste
A pinch of salt and pepper helps to round out the flavors and can be adjusted according to your personal preference.
Recipe Variations to Explore
- Extra Spicy: For those who love an intense heat, don’t hesitate to increase the amount of sriracha or hot sauce. You can also stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for an added textural and fiery punch.
- Milder & Kid-Friendly Version: To reduce the spice, simply use less sriracha or omit it entirely. A dash of sweet paprika can be added for a mild, smoky flavor without any heat, making it perfect for younger palates.
- Citrus Twist: A squeeze of fresh lime juice or lemon juice can add a bright, tangy, and zesty note, particularly well-suited for pairing with seafood and grilled chicken. It also helps to cut through the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Garlic Lover’s Dream: For an extra layer of savory depth, mix in a teaspoon of minced fresh garlic or a quarter teaspoon of garlic powder. This enhances the overall umami and complements everything from shrimp to burgers.
- Dairy-Free or Vegan: As mentioned above, easily make this sauce completely plant-based by using a high-quality vegan mayonnaise. Another great option is a homemade cashew cream, blended until smooth and combined with a touch of olive oil for the desired consistency.
🎯 Pro Tip: Adjusting Sweetness & Heat
Bang Bang sauce is celebrated for its beautiful balance of sweet and spicy flavors. If you’re aiming for a less sweet alternative, experiment with regular tomato-based chili sauces or chili paste instead of the Thai chili sauce. Just be mindful that chili paste will likely require a bit more liquid to achieve the ideal, pourable consistency.
Remember, chili paste typically offers a more concentrated and spicier kick, whereas chili sauces often provide a milder, somewhat “ketchup-y” flavor profile. To easily make your sauce sweeter, simply stir in an extra teaspoon or two of your favorite honey!
Easy Steps to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce
Making this creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce is incredibly straightforward and takes just moments. Here’s how to prepare it to perfection:
Gathering Your Simple Tools
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Balloon whisk
- Airtight container (for storage)
The Mixing Process
- Combine All Ingredients: In your medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha (or hot sauce), optional honey, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Using your balloon whisk, vigorously mix all the ingredients together. Continue whisking until the sauce is completely smooth, lump-free, and uniformly combined, achieving that desirable creamy texture.
- Taste and Adjust: This is a crucial step! Taste a small spoonful of the sauce. Does it need more salt or pepper? Would you prefer it spicier, sweeter, or tangier? Adjust any ingredients as needed to reach your perfect flavor balance.
- Serve or Store: Your homemade Bang Bang sauce is now ready! Serve it immediately with your favorite dishes, or transfer it to an airtight container (or a squeeze bottle for convenience) and refrigerate until ready to use.
Pro Tips for Perfect Consistency and Flavor
- Serving with Ease: If you’re preparing a larger batch of Bang Bang sauce for multiple uses, consider transferring it into squeeze bottles. This makes serving, drizzling, and storing incredibly convenient and mess-free. You can even repurpose clean, empty condiment bottles from your pantry.
- Calming the Heat: Sometimes, it’s easy to go a little overboard with the spicy elements in creamy sauces like this. If your sauce turns out too spicy, avoid the temptation to add excessive mayonnaise or honey, which can dilute the flavor or make it overly sweet. Instead, add a small amount of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. The acidity effectively neutralizes and calms the heat, restoring balance without compromising the overall taste. These acidic ingredients are also excellent for counteracting excessive sweetness if you’ve added too much honey.
- Exploring Milder Alternatives: If you or your guests prefer a completely non-spicy, creamy condiment, consider making a classic yum yum sauce recipe. It offers a rich, savory creaminess without any heat, providing a delicious contrast to spicier dishes.
Creative Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Sauce
This Bang Bang Sauce recipe is a true chameleon in the kitchen, making it the perfect dipping sauce, vibrant topping, or flavorful drizzle for an incredible variety of dishes. Its creamy texture and bold sweet-spicy glaze instantly elevate whatever it touches. For crispy or tempura-fried recipes, try tossing them in the sauce right after frying for an irresistible, evenly coated finish.
Seafood Sensations
Beyond the classic Bang Bang shrimp, this sauce is a dream come true for seafood lovers. Drizzle it over fried fish fillets, pan-seared scallops, crispy calamari, or even crab cakes. It complements the delicate flavors of seafood while adding a vibrant, unforgettable kick.
Poultry Perfection
Give your chicken dishes an exciting Asian-inspired twist. Use it as a substitute for the sriracha mixture in our sriracha meatballs, or toss crispy chicken tenders, grilled chicken skewers, or buffalo wings in the sauce. It’s also fantastic drizzled over roasted chicken or even a simple cast iron chicken breast.
Burger & Sandwich Boost
Upgrade your next burger, wrap, or sandwich by using Bang Bang sauce as a dynamic spread. Its creamy texture and bold flavor make it a fantastic alternative to traditional mayonnaise or ketchup, adding an instant gourmet touch.
Fantastic with Fries & Sides
Say goodbye to boring side dishes! This sauce is phenomenal with French fries, sweet potato fries, onion rings, or tater tots. It also works wonders drizzled over roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus, bringing them to life with its sweet and spicy notes. For a delightful surprise, mix it into your Blackstone chicken fried rice for an absolute game-changer.
Unexpected Delights
Don’t be afraid to experiment! This sauce pairs wonderfully with homemade sushi rolls, egg rolls, spring rolls, or even as a unique dipping sauce for pizza crusts. Its versatility truly knows no bounds, encouraging culinary creativity.
Pairing with Other Sauces
If you’re serving a variety of dishes and want to offer a delicious contrast, pair this bold sauce with a cooler, milder condiment. Our yogurt-based shawarma recipe sauce, for example, offers a refreshing balance to the heat and sweetness of Bang Bang sauce. However you choose to use it, this homemade sauce is guaranteed to bring dynamic, creamy, and flavorful excitement to any meal!
Storing and Reheating Your Bang Bang Sauce
Proper storage is key to enjoying your delicious homemade Bang Bang sauce for as long as possible. Given its creamy, mayonnaise-based nature, it’s essential to handle it correctly to maintain freshness and safety.
Refrigeration Guidelines
Your Asian condiment should always be stored in the refrigerator. Transfer it to an airtight container or, even better, a squeeze bottle. This not only keeps it fresh but also makes serving much more convenient. Because homemade Bang Bang sauce contains mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt if you used that substitute), its shelf life is approximately 2 weeks in the refrigerator. This recipe yields enough for about 8 servings, so it’s likely to be quickly devoured, but it’s good to know its longevity.
Freezing for Future Flavor
Yes, you can freeze Bang Bang sauce! It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze, pour the sauce into a freezer-safe airtight container, leaving a little headspace for expansion. When you’re ready to use it again, thaw the sauce overnight in the refrigerator. The texture might slightly change upon thawing, as mayonnaise-based sauces can sometimes separate. To remedy this, simply give the sauce a vigorous shake or whisk it well before serving to recombine all the ingredients and restore its smooth consistency.
Pro Tips for Optimal Storage and Serving
- Squeeze Bottle Convenience: As mentioned, squeeze bottles are a game-changer for storing and serving. They minimize exposure to air, keep your fridge clean, and allow for easy drizzling.
- Always Shake/Whisk: Whether your sauce has been in the fridge for a few days or just thawed from the freezer, always give the container a good shake or whisk the sauce in a bowl before serving. This ensures that any separated ingredients are fully re-emulsified, maintaining the creamy texture and consistent flavor.
- Check for Spoilage: Before consuming, always perform a quick check for any signs of spoilage, such as an off smell, discoloration, or mold, especially if it’s been stored for a longer period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bang Bang Sauce
While both are popular creamy, spicy, mayonnaise-based condiments often found in Asian-inspired cuisine, Bang Bang sauce and Boom Boom sauce are distinct. Bang Bang sauce typically emphasizes a balance of sweet and spicy from Thai sweet chili sauce and sriracha. Boom Boom sauce, on the other hand, often includes additional ingredients like garlic, ketchup, and sometimes Worcestershire sauce or mustard, giving it a tangier, more savory, and sometimes slightly smoky flavor profile in addition to the heat.
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade Bang Bang sauce will remain fresh for approximately 2 weeks. This applies whether you use traditional mayonnaise or a Greek yogurt base. Always ensure it’s kept chilled to prevent spoilage.
Yes, you can! For refrigerator storage, it’s good for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Before using frozen sauce, be sure to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Regardless of whether it’s from the fridge or freezer, we highly recommend shaking the bottle or whisking the sauce well before serving. This helps to recombine any ingredients that may have naturally separated during storage, ensuring a perfectly smooth and consistent texture every time.
Absolutely! To make this sauce completely vegan and dairy-free, simply substitute regular mayonnaise with your favorite high-quality vegan mayonnaise. You can also explore using a homemade cashew cream as a creamy base. Ensure all other ingredients, like Thai sweet chili sauce and hot sauce, are also vegan-friendly.
If your sauce is too sweet, a splash of lemon juice or a tiny bit of white vinegar can balance the flavor beautifully. If it’s too spicy, adding a bit more mayonnaise or a touch more honey can help mellow the heat. Another trick is to add a small amount of acid (lemon juice or vinegar) which helps to cut through and temper excessive spiciness.
More Delicious Condiments To Try…
- Easy Corned Beef Seasoning
- Quick Pork Chop Marinade
- Recipe for Vanilla Sauce for Bread Pudding
- Jalapeno Salsa Recipe
We hope you love this homemade Bang Bang sauce recipe as much as we do! If you’ve tried it or any other recipe from our website, please consider leaving a 🌟 star rating and sharing your experience in the đź“ť comments below. Your feedback means a lot! Thanks for stopping by!
Bang Bang Sauce
Renae Gerhardstein
Pin
Equipment
- medium-sized mixing bowl
- balloon whisk
- airtight container
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise or full fat plain Greek yogurt
- â…“ cup Thai chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or other hot sauce of choice
- 2 teaspoons honey optional (for a sweeter flavor)
- ÂĽ teaspoon kosher salt or to your preference
- ÂĽ teaspoon black pepper or to your preference
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a medium-sized mixing bowl. Whisk ingredients well to thoroughly combine.
- Taste for seasoning, then add more salt and/or pepper if needed.
- Serve immediately, or refrigerate in an airtight container until ready to serve. Store Bang Bang sauce in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Notes
Chili paste makes for a spicier dip, whereas chili sauces add a ketchup-y flavor.
To make it sweeter, just add a teaspoon or two of honey!
Recipe Variations:
- Extra spicy: If you love a bold spicy kick, add more sriracha, hot sauce, or red pepper flakes to amp up the heat.
- Milder & kid-friendly version: Reduce the spice by using less sriracha or swapping it for a dash of paprika for a milder but still flavorful sauce.
- Citrus twist: Add a squeeze of lime juice or lemon juice for a tangy, zesty variation that pairs especially well with seafood and grilled meats.
- Garlic Lovers: Stir in minced garlic or garlic powder for an extra depth of flavor that enhances everything from shrimp to burgers.
Storing Instructions:
- Store your Asian condiments in the refrigerator, and keep it in a squeeze bottle or other airtight container. The recipe is enough for 8 servings, so it’s likely to be devoured pretty quickly, but it does keep for up to 2 weeks.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months as well, but should be thawed overnight in the refrigerator before using it again.
- Whether it’s from the fridge or freezer, we advise shaking the bottle well before serving. This will recombine any ingredients that may have separated.