Bang Bang Sauce Recipes: Spicy, Creamy, and Irresistibly Delicious!

Bang Bang Sauce. The name alone conjures up images of explosive flavor and culinary excitement. This creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce has taken the food world by storm, and for good reason. Its versatility and addictive quality make it a must-have condiment and a secret weapon for elevating everyday dishes. Originating (and famously associated) with Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang Shrimp, this sauce has quickly transcended its origins and found its way into countless kitchens and recipes.

This blog post is dedicated to exploring the wonderful world of Bang Bang Sauce. We’ll delve into the classic recipe, discuss its key ingredients, and then unleash a torrent of creative recipes showcasing its incredible versatility. Get ready to experience the “bang” for yourself!

What is Bang Bang Sauce?

At its core, Bang Bang Sauce is a simple combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. However, the magic lies in the precise proportions and the quality of the ingredients. The mayonnaise provides a creamy base, the sweet chili sauce adds sweetness and depth of flavor, and the sriracha delivers the signature kick. Some variations also include ingredients like rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and honey to further enhance the complexity.

The Classic Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

Here’s a basic recipe to get you started. Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your personal preferences for sweetness and spice.

Ingredients:

* 1/2 cup mayonnaise
* 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
* 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
* 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional, for tang)
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
* 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar (if using), garlic powder (if using), onion powder (if using), and honey or maple syrup (if using).
2. Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the ingredients to your liking. Add more sriracha for more heat, more sweet chili sauce for more sweetness, or a splash of rice vinegar for more tang.
3. Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. This step is crucial for achieving the best flavor and texture.
4. Serve: Serve the sauce with your favorite dishes. It’s fantastic with seafood, chicken, vegetables, and even as a dipping sauce for fries.

Key Ingredients and Variations

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients and explore some variations you can try:

* Mayonnaise: Use a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor and texture. Full-fat mayonnaise will provide the richest and creamiest result. You can also experiment with different types of mayonnaise, such as Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie) for a slightly tangier flavor.
* Sweet Chili Sauce: This is a crucial ingredient that provides the signature sweetness and depth of flavor. Look for a sweet chili sauce that has a good balance of sweetness and spice. Different brands will vary in their sweetness and heat levels, so experiment to find your favorite.
* Sriracha: Sriracha is the source of the heat in Bang Bang Sauce. Adjust the amount to your liking. Start with a small amount and add more until you reach your desired level of spiciness. You can also substitute other chili sauces, such as gochujang (Korean chili paste) for a different flavor profile.
* Rice Vinegar: This adds a touch of tanginess that balances the sweetness and spice. You can substitute other vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, but rice vinegar is the most traditional choice.
* Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These add a subtle savory note. Fresh garlic and onion can also be used, but they will need to be finely minced or grated.
* Honey or Maple Syrup: These add extra sweetness and help to balance the flavors. You can also use other sweeteners, such as agave nectar or sugar.
* Other Variations:
* Ginger: Add a small amount of grated ginger for a warm and aromatic flavor.
* Sesame Oil: A teaspoon of sesame oil can add a nutty and savory note.
* Lime Juice: A squeeze of lime juice can add a refreshing and zesty flavor.
* Smoked Paprika: A pinch of smoked paprika can add a smoky depth.

Bang Bang Sauce Recipes: Beyond Shrimp!

While Bang Bang Shrimp is the dish that made this sauce famous, its versatility extends far beyond seafood. Here are some delicious and creative recipes that showcase the incredible range of Bang Bang Sauce:

1. Bang Bang Chicken

This recipe is a delicious twist on the classic Bang Bang Shrimp, using chicken instead. It’s perfect for a quick and easy weeknight meal.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup Bang Bang Sauce (recipe above)
* 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, toss the chicken pieces with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the Sauce: Pour the Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and stir to coat. Cook for another minute or two, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
4. Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken over rice or noodles. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.

2. Bang Bang Cauliflower

This vegetarian option is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy Bang Bang Sauce. The cauliflower florets get crispy in the oven and are then tossed in the creamy, spicy sauce.

Ingredients:

* 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup Bang Bang Sauce (recipe above)
* 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the cauliflower florets in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
3. Add the Sauce: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang Sauce over the cauliflower and toss to coat.
4. Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Cauliflower immediately. Garnish with chopped cilantro.

3. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

These tacos are a flavor explosion in every bite! The crispy shrimp is coated in Bang Bang Sauce and served in warm tortillas with your favorite toppings.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
* 1/2 cup cornstarch
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 cup vegetable oil
* 1/2 cup Bang Bang Sauce (recipe above)
* 12 small corn or flour tortillas
* Toppings of your choice (e.g., shredded cabbage, pico de gallo, avocado, lime wedges)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2. Cook the Shrimp: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook until pink and cooked through, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Add the Sauce: Pour the Bang Bang Sauce over the shrimp and stir to coat. Cook for another minute or two, until the sauce is heated through and slightly thickened.
4. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas according to package directions. Fill each tortilla with Bang Bang Shrimp and your favorite toppings.
5. Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos immediately.

4. Bang Bang Salmon

This recipe elevates salmon to a whole new level of deliciousness. The creamy, spicy sauce complements the rich flavor of the salmon perfectly.

Ingredients:

* 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup Bang Bang Sauce (recipe above)
* 2 tablespoons chopped green onions, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and sear for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy.
3. Bake the Salmon: Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
4. Add the Sauce: Remove the salmon from the oven and top each fillet with Bang Bang Sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions.
5. Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Salmon immediately with your favorite side dishes.

5. Bang Bang Noodles

A simple yet satisfying dish where noodles are tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang Sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

Ingredients:

* 8 ounces cooked noodles (such as spaghetti, linguine, or udon)
* 1/2 cup Bang Bang Sauce (recipe above)
* 2 tablespoons chopped peanuts, for garnish
* 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. Add the Sauce: In a large bowl, toss the cooked noodles with Bang Bang Sauce until well coated.
3. Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Noodles immediately. Garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro.

6. Bang Bang Chicken Lettuce Wraps

These lettuce wraps are light, refreshing, and packed with flavor. The combination of crispy chicken, creamy sauce, and crunchy lettuce is irresistible.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound ground chicken
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1/4 cup chopped onion
* 1 clove garlic, minced
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup Bang Bang Sauce (recipe above)
* 1 head of lettuce, separated into leaves
* Toppings of your choice (e.g., shredded carrots, sliced cucumbers, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground chicken, onion, and garlic and cook until the chicken is cooked through and the onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add the Sauce: Drain any excess grease from the skillet. Pour the Bang Bang Sauce over the chicken and stir to coat.
3. Assemble the Lettuce Wraps: Spoon the Bang Bang Chicken into lettuce leaves. Top with your favorite toppings.
4. Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Chicken Lettuce Wraps immediately.

7. Bang Bang Brussels Sprouts

Similar to the cauliflower recipe, this uses Brussels sprouts for a delightful, crispy, and spicy side dish.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 cup Bang Bang Sauce (recipe above)
* 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare Brussels Sprouts: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss Brussels sprouts with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Roast Brussels Sprouts: Spread Brussels sprouts in a single layer on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and slightly browned.
3. Add Sauce: Remove Brussels sprouts from oven and transfer to a bowl. Pour Bang Bang Sauce over and toss to coat.
4. Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and serve immediately.

8. Bang Bang Burger

Elevate your burger game with a generous slathering of Bang Bang Sauce! This will be your new favorite burger condiment.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound ground beef
* 1/4 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 4 burger buns
* 1/2 cup Bang Bang Sauce (recipe above)
* Toppings of your choice (e.g., lettuce, tomato, onion, cheese)

Instructions:

1. Prepare Burgers: Mix ground beef with salt and pepper and form into four patties.
2. Cook Burgers: Grill or pan-fry burgers to desired doneness.
3. Assemble Burgers: Spread Bang Bang Sauce on the top and bottom bun. Place cooked burger patty on the bottom bun, add desired toppings, and cover with the top bun.
4. Serve: Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

9. Bang Bang Chicken Skewers

Marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection and finished with a generous brush of Bang Bang Sauce. Perfect for barbecues or summer gatherings.

Ingredients:

* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
* 1/4 cup Bang Bang Sauce (recipe above), divided
* 1 tablespoon soy sauce
* 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
* 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
* Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes

Instructions:

1. Marinate Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken cubes with 2 tablespoons of Bang Bang Sauce, soy sauce, ginger, and garlic. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Assemble Skewers: Thread chicken onto skewers.
3. Grill Skewers: Preheat grill to medium heat. Grill skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through. Brush with remaining Bang Bang Sauce during the last few minutes of grilling.
4. Serve: Serve immediately.

10. Bang Bang Quesadillas

Add a spicy kick to your quesadillas with Bang Bang Sauce! A quick and easy meal for any time of day.

Ingredients:

* 4 large flour tortillas
* 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend)
* 1/2 cup cooked chicken or black beans (optional)
* 1/4 cup Bang Bang Sauce (recipe above)

Instructions:

1. Assemble Quesadillas: Spread a thin layer of Bang Bang Sauce on one half of each tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and cooked chicken or black beans (if using).
2. Cook Quesadillas: Fold the other half of the tortilla over the filling. Cook in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cheese is melted.
3. Serve: Cut into wedges and serve immediately.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Bang Bang Sauce

* Use High-Quality Ingredients: The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the flavor of your Bang Bang Sauce. Choose a good quality mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
* Adjust to Your Spice Preference: Start with a small amount of sriracha and add more until you reach your desired level of spiciness. Remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
* Let the Flavors Meld: Refrigerating the sauce for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together and creates a more harmonious taste.
* Make it Ahead: Bang Bang Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
* Experiment with Variations: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations to find your perfect Bang Bang Sauce. Try adding ginger, sesame oil, lime juice, or smoked paprika.
* Thin it Out: If you find your Bang Bang Sauce too thick, you can thin it out with a little water or rice vinegar.
* Make it Vegan: To make a vegan version, simply use vegan mayonnaise.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Sauce is a versatile and addictive condiment that can elevate a wide variety of dishes. From the classic Bang Bang Shrimp to creative variations like Bang Bang Cauliflower and Bang Bang Salmon, the possibilities are endless. With its creamy texture, spicy kick, and sweet undertones, Bang Bang Sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, get ready to experience the “bang” for yourself and start experimenting with these delicious recipes!