Craving that irresistibly creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that makes Bang Bang Shrimp so addictive? You’ve come to the right place! This homemade bang bang sauce recipe is about to revolutionize your kitchen repertoire with its perfect balance of flavors and incredible versatility.
Table of Contents
As a long-time food blogger who’s tested countless sauce recipes, I can confidently say that mastering homemade bang bang sauce is a game-changer. Whether you’re drizzling it over crispy shrimp, using it as a dip, or spreading it on sandwiches, this sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor with just a few simple ingredients and minutes of your time.
What Exactly Is Bang Bang Sauce?
Bang bang sauce is a creamy, slightly sweet, and spicy condiment that gained popularity through Bonefish Grill’s famous Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer. This delectable sauce combines the richness of mayonnaise with the sweet heat of chili sauce and the kick of sriracha, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that elevates practically anything it touches.
The beauty of bang bang sauce lies in its simplicity. Unlike store-bought versions with preservatives and artificial ingredients, this homemade version uses fresh, simple components that you likely already have in your pantry. Plus, making it yourself means you can customize the heat level and consistency to match your exact preferences.
Ready to create the most irresistible bang bang sauce that will have your family and friends begging for your secret recipe? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients: The Building Blocks of Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup | Full-fat provides the best creamy texture |
| Sweet Chili Sauce | 3 tablespoons | Thai Kitchen brand works well |
| Sriracha | 1-2 teaspoons | Adjust to your spice preference |
| Rice Vinegar | 1 teaspoon | Adds balanced acidity |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon | Maple syrup works for vegan option |
| Garlic Powder | 1/2 teaspoon | More consistent than fresh garlic |
| Salt | Pinch | Enhances all flavors |
Ingredient Breakdown
Mayonnaise: The foundation of any good bang bang sauce. I recommend using full-fat mayonnaise for the richest, creamiest texture. Duke’s or Hellmann’s are excellent choices, but if you’re feeling ambitious, homemade mayo takes this sauce to another level.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient provides the perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat. Thai Kitchen brand offers consistent quality, but any sweet chili sauce will work. Look for it in the international section of your grocery store.
Sriracha: The star that brings the “bang” to bang bang sauce! This fermented chili dip adds complex heat and depth. Start with 1 teaspoon if you prefer milder heat, or go up to 2 teaspoons (or more!) if you like it spicy.
Rice Vinegar: A splash of unseasoned rice vinegar adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise. Don’t skip this ingredient—it’s what makes the sauce truly balanced.
Honey: A touch of honey rounds out the flavors and adds natural sweetness. For a vegan version, You can use maple syrup or agave nectar.
Garlic Powder: While fresh garlic is wonderful in many recipes, garlic powder works better in this sauce because it distributes evenly and provides consistent flavor without the risk of bitter bits of raw garlic.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the other flavors without making the sauce taste salty.
Substitution Options
- Vegan Option: you can use vegan mayonnaise and maple syrup instead of honey
- Low-Fat Option: Substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise
- Gluten-Free Check: Verify your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free (most are, but always check labels)
- No Sriracha?: Substitute hot sauce with a pinch of garlic powder, though the flavor profile will be slightly different
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Begin by measuring all ingredients and having them ready. This ensures smooth sauce preparation and allows you to adjust flavors as needed.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. Whisk together until completely smooth and uniform in color. This forms the creamy base of your bang bang sauce.
Step 3: Add Heat Elements
Add sriracha to the mixture, starting with a smaller amount if you’re sensitive to heat. The beautiful deep red color will begin to develop as you mix it in.
Step 4: Incorporate Remaining Ingredients
Add the rice vinegar, honey, garlic powder, and salt to the bowl. These ingredients balance the sauce’s flavor profile by adding acidity, sweetness, depth, and enhancement respectively.
Step 5: Whisk Until Smooth
Whisk everything together vigorously until you have a perfectly smooth, creamy, and uniform sauce. Make sure there are no streaks or clumps.
Step 6: Taste and Adjust
The most important step! Taste your bang bang sauce and adjust the flavors to your preference:
- Want it spicier? Add more sriracha.
- Need more sweetness? Add a touch more honey.
- Desire more tang? Add another splash of rice vinegar.
Step 7: Rest and Chill
For the best flavor development, transfer your sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond Bang Bang Shrimp
While this sauce was made famous paired with crispy shrimp, its versatility knows no bounds! Here are some delicious ways to use your homemade bang bang sauce:
- Protein Powerhouse: Drizzle over grilled chicken, salmon, or crispy tofu
- Appetizer Upgrade: Use as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, potstickers, or chicken tenders
- Sandwich Spread: Elevate your sandwich or burger with a generous spread
- Bowl Booster: Mix with rice and vegetables for a quick flavor-packed bowl
- Salad Star: Thin with a bit of olive oil for an incredible salad dressing
- Taco Twist: Use as a finishing sauce on fish tacos for unexpected delight
- Veggie Dip: Make raw vegetables irresistible with this creamy companion
My personal favorite? Use it as both a marinade AND a dipping sauce for grilled chicken skewers. The flavor combination is absolutely incredible!
Exciting Variations To Try
Spice Level Adjustments
- Mild: Reduce sriracha to 1/2 teaspoon, increase honey to 2 teaspoons
- Medium: Follow the recipe as written
- Hot: Double the sriracha and add a pinch of cayenne pepper
- Extra Hot: Add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes and a dash of hot sauce
Flavor Variations
Citrus Bang Bang: Add 1 teaspoon of lime zest and 1 tablespoon of lime juice for a refreshing twist.
Ginger Bang Bang: Incorporate 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for an aromatic variation that pairs beautifully with Asian-inspired dishes.
Herb-Infused Bang Bang: Stir in 1 tablespoon of finely chopped cilantro or green onions for fresh flavor and visual appeal.
Sesame Bang Bang: Add 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty dimension.
Storage Instructions
Your homemade bang bang sauce will maintain peak flavor and quality when stored properly:
- Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
- Give it a good stir before using if separation occurs
- Do not freeze (mayonnaise-based sauces don’t freeze well)
- Let it come to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving for optimal flavor
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Sauce
What is bang bang sauce made of?
Bang bang sauce is primarily made of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, with additional flavor enhancers like rice vinegar, honey, and garlic powder. This combination creates its signature creamy, sweet, and spicy profile.
Is bang bang sauce spicy?
Bang bang sauce has a moderate level of spiciness that can be adjusted to your preference. The sweet chili sauce provides mild heat, while the sriracha adds a more pronounced spiciness. You can easily make it milder or spicier by adjusting the sriracha amount.
How long does homemade bang bang sauce last?
When properly stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade bang bang sauce will last up to 2 weeks. If the sauce develops an off smell or appearance, it’s best to discard it.
Can I freeze bang bang sauce?
I don’t recommend freezing bang bang sauce as mayonnaise-based sauces tend to separate and develop an unpleasant texture when thawed. It’s best to make it fresh or store in the refrigerator.
What can I substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can create a substitute by mixing 2 tablespoons of honey, 1 tablespoon of hot sauce, 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar, and a pinch of red pepper flakes. While not identical, this will provide a similar sweet-spicy profile.
Is bang bang sauce gluten-free?
Most bang bang sauce ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the labels on your specific brands of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to ensure they don’t contain any gluten ingredients or cross-contamination warnings.
Your Turn to Create Bang Bang Magic!
Now that you have the ultimate homemade bang bang sauce recipe in your arsenal, it’s time to start exploring all the delicious possibilities! This versatile sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen, adding incredible flavor to countless dishes.
Have you tried making bang bang sauce before? What’s your favorite way to use it? I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures in the comments below! And if you make this recipe, please leave a rating to let other readers know how it turned out.
I personally tried it following allrecipes guide and loved it to the point i wrote an article about it!
Don’t forget to share your bang bang sauce creations on social media and tag us – we love seeing your kitchen successes!
Happy cooking!
