Description
Get ready to meet your new secret weapon in the kitchen — Bang Bang Sauce! Creamy, sweet, tangy, with just the right kick of heat, this sauce is the magic touch you didn’t know you needed. If you’ve ever drooled over the famous bang bang shrimp restaurant appetizers or wondered how to recreate that addictive flavor at home, trust me, you’re in for a treat. Whether you’re drizzling it over crispy shrimp, tossing it with chicken, or dunking big C french fries into it, this bang bang sauce is a game-changer. And the best part? You can whip it up in minutes — no trip to Safeway bank or specialty stores required!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 5 minutes, no fancy gadgets needed.
- Restaurant-quality at home: Recreate that famous bang bang shrimp restaurant flavor without leaving your kitchen.
- Versatile: Perfect as a dipping sauce, drizzle, or spread for everything from bonefish grill burgers to at home hibachi Dallas nights.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat and sweetness to your liking — make it mild, or bring on the fire!
- Better than store-bought: Skip pricey bottled versions, and make a fresh, delicious sauce with pantry staples.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base that gives this sauce its rich texture.
- Sweet chili sauce – Adds that signature sweetness and gentle kick (think honey banger vibes!).
- Sriracha or hot sauce – For that essential spicy edge — adjust to taste!
- Rice vinegar or lime juice – Brightens and balances the richness.
- Garlic powder – A subtle savory note that brings everything together.
- Salt and pepper – Just enough to round out the flavors.
Note: Full ingredients with exact measurements are listed in the recipe card right below this article!
How to Make the Recipe
- Mix it up: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, vinegar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Taste and adjust: Give it a taste — want it spicier? Add a little more sriracha. Prefer it sweeter? Go ahead and drizzle in a bit more chili sauce.
- Chill (optional): Let the sauce sit for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors mingle — if you can wait that long!
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use good quality mayo: Japanese mayo (like Trader Joe’s Japanese whiskey style umami-rich mayo) gives an extra creamy texture and rich flavor.
- Adjust to your taste: Make it your signature! Add a touch of honey (hello, honey banger) for extra sweetness or a splash of soy sauce for umami.
- Chill for deeper flavor: While you can use it right away, letting it rest for a bit lets the flavors blend beautifully.
- Double the batch: This sauce keeps well and is addictive, so go ahead and make extra — you’ll want it on everything!
How to Serve
The beauty of bang bang sauce is that it goes with almost anything. Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Classic shrimp: Toss crispy shrimp for a true bang bang shrimp restaurant experience.
- Burgers and sandwiches: Slather it on Tony’s burger marinade creations for next-level flavor.
- Fries and snacks: Perfect for dipping big C fries or dang bars for a spicy-sweet twist.
- Grilled meats: A dreamy drizzle for chicken, beef, or pork — yes, even on bonefish grill burgers!
- Hibachi nights: Add some pizzazz to your at home hibachi Dallas dinners.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week — but good luck making it last that long!
Freezing
Not recommended — the mayo base doesn’t freeze well and can separate when thawed.
Reheating
No need! Just pull it from the fridge and give it a quick stir if it’s been sitting a while.
FAQs
Can I make bang bang sauce less spicy?
Absolutely! To make it milder, just reduce the sriracha or hot sauce. You can also add a little more mayo or sweet chili sauce to balance the heat.
What can I use bang bang sauce for besides shrimp?
Oh, so many things! It’s fantastic as a burger spread (try it on Tony’s burger marinade patties), a dip for big C fries, or even drizzled over grilled chicken, tacos, or veggies.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version?
Yes! Greek yogurt makes a great substitute if you’re looking for a healthier option. It will be a bit tangier and less creamy but still delicious.
Is bang bang sauce like the sauce at Bonefish Grill or similar restaurants?
Yes! This recipe was inspired by the famous bang bang shrimp restaurant sauces and gives you that creamy, spicy, sweet flavor at home. Bonus: you can adjust it to be even better than the restaurant version!