Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

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If you’ve been looking for the ultimate bang bang sauce recipe, your search is officially over. This creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce takes less than five minutes to make with just a handful of pantry staples, and once you try it, you’ll want to put it on absolutely everything. It’s the kind of condiment that turns ordinary meals into something genuinely memorable.

Bang bang sauce rose to fame as the signature dipping and coating sauce for Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill, but home cooks quickly figured out it’s way too good to save for just one dish. The magic is in the balance: rich, creamy mayo meets the floral sweetness of Thai sweet chili sauce, a kiss of heat from sriracha, and a touch of honey to round it all out.

What makes this version especially reliable is the ratio. Too much sriracha and it loses its signature sweetness; too little and it just tastes like spicy mayo. The proportions here hit that sweet spot every time, and you can easily adjust the heat level up or down to suit your taste.

Whether you’re making bang bang shrimp for a weekend dinner or need a quick dipping sauce for chicken tenders, this recipe delivers. It stores beautifully in the fridge, and the flavor actually deepens after a few hours, making it a great make-ahead condiment.

You might also enjoy this Comeback Sauce Recipe if you love bold, creamy Southern-style sauces.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Sauce Recipe

Bang bang sauce is one of those recipes that rewards you far beyond the effort required.

It comes together in literally five minutes with no cooking, no blending equipment, and no special skills required. Even a total beginner in the kitchen can nail this one on the first try.

The flavor profile is genuinely addictive. You get creamy richness from the mayo, floral sweetness from the Thai sweet chili sauce, spice and tang from the sriracha, and a gentle depth from the honey.

It’s endlessly versatile. Use it as a dipping sauce, a spread, a drizzle, a marinade, or a coating for fried foods.

The recipe scales beautifully. Double or triple it for a party with zero extra effort.

Ready in under 5 minutes with no cooking required
Made with just 4 to 5 simple ingredients
Easily customizable heat level
Works as a dip, spread, drizzle, or coating
Stores well in the fridge for up to a week
Pairs with shrimp, chicken, fish, tacos, burgers, fries, and more

Read Also: Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

Ingredients

The beauty of this bang bang sauce recipe lies in how few ingredients it requires. Every single one pulls its weight, so don’t skip or swap without reading the notes below.

1/2 cup (120 g) mayonnaise – Full-fat mayo gives the richest, creamiest base. Hellmann’s, Duke’s, and Kewpie are all excellent choices.
3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce – This is the signature flavoring agent. Mae Ploy is a widely trusted brand available in most grocery stores and Asian markets.
1 to 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce – Start with 1 teaspoon for mild heat; add more for a spicier kick. Huy Fong is the classic brand here.
1 teaspoon honey – This softens the heat and adds a subtle depth that ties everything together.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional but recommended) – Adds a gentle tang and brightness that makes the sauce feel more complex and less one-dimensional.
Salt and black pepper – A small pinch of each brings everything into focus.

This pairs beautifully with homemade tartar sauce if you’re planning a full seafood spread.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

This recipe requires almost no equipment, which is part of what makes it so appealing for weeknight cooking or last-minute entertaining.

Small or medium mixing bowl – Large enough to comfortably whisk the sauce without splashing
Whisk or fork – A small whisk works best for getting the sauce smooth and fully emulsified
Airtight glass jar or container – For storing leftovers in the fridge; a small mason jar or squeeze bottle works perfectly
Measuring spoons – For accuracy, especially when scaling the recipe
Rubber spatula – Helpful for scraping every last bit of sauce out of the bowl

Read Also: Hoisin Sauce Recipe

Recommended Products for This Recipe

These are products that can genuinely elevate your bang bang sauce experience, based on quality, performance, and the difference they make in the final flavor.

1. Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce

Mae Ploy is the gold standard for Thai sweet chili sauce and is widely regarded as the closest match to what Bonefish Grill uses in their original Bang Bang Shrimp. It has a perfect balance of sweetness, garlic, and mild heat that cheaper brands simply can’t match. Using a high-quality sweet chili sauce is arguably the single biggest factor in whether your bang bang sauce tastes truly restaurant-level.

Get it on Amazon

2. Kewpie Japanese Mayonnaise

Kewpie mayo is made with egg yolks only (rather than whole eggs), giving it a richer, creamier texture and a slightly umami-forward flavor that takes bang bang sauce to a whole new level. It’s thicker than standard American mayo, which means your sauce will cling beautifully to shrimp and chicken rather than dripping off. If you’ve never tried it in a sauce before, prepare to be surprised.

Get it on Amazon

3. Huy Fong Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce

The iconic green-capped bottle is a staple for a reason. Huy Fong sriracha delivers a consistent, garlicky, vinegary heat that’s much more nuanced than plain cayenne or hot sauce, adding real flavor complexity rather than just burning heat. For bang bang sauce specifically, this is the sriracha to use.

Get it on Amazon

4. OXO Good Grips Small Mixing Bowl Set

A good set of small mixing bowls with measurement markings makes putting this sauce together even faster and cleaner. OXO’s non-slip base keeps the bowl steady while you whisk, and the pour spout makes transferring the finished sauce into a jar or squeeze bottle effortless.

Get it on Amazon

5. Reusable Squeeze Bottles for Sauces

A squeeze bottle is the best way to store and serve bang bang sauce. You can drizzle it precisely over tacos, rice bowls, and shrimp without making a mess, and it looks great on the table too. BPA-free, easy to fill, and dishwasher-safe options are widely available.

Get it on Amazon

Another favorite: Alabama White Sauce Recipe

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather and Measure All Your Ingredients

Pull out your mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar before you start. Having everything measured and ready makes this sauce truly a one-minute process.
Measure 1/2 cup (120 g) of full-fat mayonnaise and add it to your mixing bowl. Make sure your bowl is large enough to whisk comfortably without the sauce splashing over the sides.
Measure 3 tablespoons of Thai sweet chili sauce. If your bottle has been refrigerated, let it sit at room temperature for a minute or two so it pours and mixes more easily.
Measure 1 teaspoon of sriracha for a mild sauce. If you like more heat, measure out an extra teaspoon and keep it on the side to adjust at the end.
Measure 1 teaspoon of honey. If your honey is thick or crystallized, microwave it for 5 to 10 seconds to loosen it up so it incorporates evenly.
Measure 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar if using.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

Add the Thai sweet chili sauce directly into the bowl with the mayonnaise. This goes in first because it’s the largest-volume flavoring ingredient and sets the baseline flavor.
Add the sriracha. Pour it in starting with the smaller amount so you can taste and adjust later.
Add the honey. Pour it slowly over the other ingredients rather than dropping it in a clump so it disperses more evenly when you whisk.
Add the rice vinegar if you’re using it. This is optional but highly recommended because it lifts the sauce and prevents it from tasting flat or overly rich.
Add a small pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper.

Step 3: Whisk Until Smooth and Fully Combined

Use a small whisk or a fork to stir all the ingredients together. Start with slow, circular motions at the center of the bowl, gradually incorporating the ingredients from the edges inward.
Whisk vigorously for about 30 to 60 seconds until the sauce is completely smooth, uniform in color, and slightly glossy. A properly whisked bang bang sauce should have no streaks of white mayo or bright red sriracha visible.
The finished sauce should be a light coral-pink color. If it’s very pale, you may want to add a little more sweet chili sauce. If it’s very deep orange-red, you’ve added too much sriracha and can balance with a bit more mayo.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust the Seasoning

Dip a clean spoon or a piece of bread into the sauce and taste it carefully. This is the most important step for getting the flavor exactly right.
If it tastes too spicy, add a few more drops of honey or a tiny splash of extra rice vinegar. The acidity of the vinegar actually tricks your palate into perceiving less heat.
If it needs more heat, add sriracha in small increments (1/4 teaspoon at a time) and whisk again between each addition.
If it tastes flat or one-dimensional, add another pinch of salt or a small splash of rice vinegar to brighten it up.
If it feels too thick, a few drops of warm water or extra rice vinegar can thin it out slightly to a more drizzle-friendly consistency.

Step 5: Serve Immediately or Refrigerate

If serving right away, transfer the sauce to a small serving bowl or squeeze bottle and use it immediately. It’s ready the moment you finish whisking.
If making ahead, transfer to an airtight glass jar or container with a tight-fitting lid. Smooth a piece of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the sauce before sealing to prevent any skin from forming on top.
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving if you have the time. The flavors meld and deepen noticeably after chilling, making the sauce taste even better.
Give the sauce a quick stir before using if it has been refrigerated, as the ingredients can settle slightly.

This technique works wonderfully with sunshine sauce for anyone building a full sauce board for a party.

Tips for Success

Getting bang bang sauce right is easy, but these tips will help you get the absolute best results every time you make it.

Use full-fat mayonnaise. Low-fat or fat-free versions tend to be more watery and can make the sauce taste thinner and less satisfying. Full-fat mayo creates a sauce that clings properly to whatever you’re dipping.
Don’t skip tasting and adjusting. The sweet chili sauce brands vary quite a bit in sweetness and heat. Always taste your sauce before serving and tweak the ratios to suit the brand you’re using.
Make it ahead when possible. The sauce genuinely tastes better after 30 to 60 minutes in the fridge. If you can make it an hour before you need it, do it.
Start with less sriracha. It’s much easier to add more heat than to dial it back. Add your sriracha in small increments and taste as you go.
Use warm honey. Cold or crystallized honey doesn’t incorporate as smoothly. A quick 5-second microwave zap makes it pour and mix in seamlessly.
Store in a squeeze bottle. It makes drizzling over tacos, rice bowls, and salads incredibly easy and looks far more professional on the table.

For another great no-cook sauce to add to your repertoire, try this burger sauce recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Bang bang sauce is one of the most versatile condiments you can have in your fridge. The combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy makes it a natural companion for an enormous range of dishes.

It truly shines as a dipping sauce and drizzle, but it’s equally good as a spread in sandwiches and wraps, or tossed through pasta and grain bowls as a light coating sauce.

Bang Bang Shrimp – Toss crispy fried or air-fried shrimp directly in the sauce just before serving
Chicken tenders and nuggets – Use as a dipping sauce; kids and adults both love this combination
Tacos – Drizzle over fish tacos, shrimp tacos, or even chicken tacos instead of sour cream
Rice and grain bowls – Thin the sauce slightly with a teaspoon of water and drizzle over rice bowls, poke bowls, or Buddha bowls
French fries and potato wedges – An outstanding alternative to ketchup or ranch for dipping
Salmon – Brush over baked or grilled salmon fillets in the last few minutes of cooking
Burgers and sandwiches – Spread in place of regular mayo for a seriously upgraded sandwich
Classic Deviled Eggs – Add a small drizzle on top for a fun twist on the classic appetizer
Roasted vegetables – Drizzle over roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or asparagus as a finishing sauce

This sauce pairs beautifully when served alongside easy nachos at a party or game-day spread.

Variations to Try

Once you have the classic bang bang sauce recipe down, it’s fun to experiment with some creative twists that work for different diets or flavor preferences.

Spicy bang bang sauce – Double the sriracha and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a much hotter version that works especially well with fried chicken
Smoky bang bang sauce – Add 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika for a subtle smokiness that complements grilled meats beautifully
Vegan bang bang sauce – Use vegan mayo (such as Hellmann’s Vegan or Sir Kensington’s) and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave for a fully plant-based version
Lighter bang bang sauce – Replace half the mayo with plain full-fat Greek yogurt to cut calories and fat while adding a pleasant tang
Garlic bang bang sauce – Whisk in 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder or one small grated clove of fresh garlic for a punchier, more savory sauce
Citrus bang bang sauce – Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice in place of the rice vinegar for a bright, tropical twist
Bang bang sauce with ginger – A small pinch (1/8 teaspoon) of ground ginger adds a subtle warmth that works particularly well on salmon and fish tacos

You might also love creole sauce if you enjoy bold, spicy condiments with real depth.

Storage and Reheating

Bang bang sauce is a no-cook condiment that stores extremely well, making it perfect for meal prep and batch cooking.

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight glass jar or squeeze bottle in the fridge for up to 7 days. The flavor actually improves during the first 24 hours as the ingredients meld together. Always stir or shake before using, as some slight separation can occur.
Freezer: Bang bang sauce does not freeze well. The mayonnaise breaks down when frozen and thawed, resulting in a separated, oily, unpleasant texture. Make it fresh in small batches for best results.
Make-ahead tip: You can prep the sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it with a layer of plastic wrap pressed directly against the surface of the sauce to prevent oxidation.
Reheating: This sauce does not require any reheating and should always be served cold or at room temperature. If using it as a warm coating sauce for freshly fried food, the heat from the food will warm it naturally on contact.
Signs it’s gone bad: If the sauce smells sour, looks discolored, or has developed any mold, discard it immediately. Homemade sauces without preservatives have a shorter shelf life than bottled condiments.

Read Also: Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Nutritional Facts

The following nutritional information is for the full recipe (approximately 1/2 cup / 120 ml of bang bang sauce total), divided into 8 servings of approximately 1 tablespoon each. Values are estimates and will vary depending on the specific brands used.

Nutrient	Per Serving (1 tbsp)
Calories	75 kcal
Total Fat	7 g
Saturated Fat	1 g
Cholesterol	5 mg
Sodium	135 mg
Total Carbohydrates	3.5 g
Sugars	3 g
Protein	0.2 g

Note: Using Greek yogurt in place of half the mayo reduces calories to approximately 45 kcal per tablespoon. Using vegan mayo changes the fat profile slightly but keeps the calorie count similar.

Another sauce worth exploring from the pantry perspective: Worcestershire Sauce Recipe

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

While bang bang sauce is undeniably a condiment and should be enjoyed in reasonable amounts, some of its core ingredients do offer real nutritional value.

Sriracha, for example, gets its heat from chili peppers, which contain capsaicin. Research suggests capsaicin may support metabolism, reduce inflammation, and even help with appetite regulation. It also contains a small amount of vitamins A and C.

Thai sweet chili sauce, while sweetened, is made from red chili peppers and garlic. Both of these ingredients have well-documented antioxidant properties that support immune function and cardiovascular health.

Chili peppers (sriracha): Contain capsaicin, which is associated with improved circulation and anti-inflammatory properties; also a source of vitamin C
Garlic (in sriracha and sweet chili sauce): Contains allicin, a compound linked to immune support, reduced blood pressure, and cholesterol management
Honey: A natural sweetener that contains antioxidants, trace minerals, and antimicrobial compounds; a better choice than refined white sugar for sweetening sauces
Rice vinegar: Low in calories and may support digestive health; the mild acidity can also help with blood sugar regulation when consumed alongside a meal
Mayonnaise (egg yolks): Provides fat-soluble vitamins including vitamin E and vitamin K, as well as choline, which supports brain and liver function

This sauce, used in moderation as a flavorful drizzle rather than a heavy coating, can absolutely be part of a balanced diet.

For a more health-forward sauce option with similar versatility, explore this peanut sauce recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does bang bang sauce taste like?

Bang bang sauce tastes creamy, sweet, tangy, and mildly spicy all at once.

The mayo provides rich creaminess, the Thai sweet chili sauce adds a floral sweetness with a gentle heat, and the sriracha brings a more direct, garlicky spice. Together, the result is a sauce that’s bold but balanced, making it easy to enjoy even for people who are normally sensitive to spice.

2. Is bang bang sauce the same as yum yum sauce?

They are similar but not identical. Both are mayo-based pink sauces, but the flavors differ in a few key ways.

Yum yum sauce is typically milder and more savory, with a hint of butter and a less pronounced sweetness. Bang bang sauce leans sweeter and spicier thanks to the Thai sweet chili sauce and sriracha as its primary flavoring agents.

3. How spicy is bang bang sauce?

At the standard ratio of 1 teaspoon of sriracha, bang bang sauce is very mildly spicy. Most people who are moderately heat-sensitive find it comfortable.

If you’re particularly sensitive to spice, start with just 1/2 teaspoon of sriracha. If you like significant heat, increase to 1 tablespoon or add a pinch of cayenne on top of the full sriracha amount.

4. Can I make bang bang sauce without mayonnaise?

You can substitute the mayonnaise with full-fat Greek yogurt, sour cream, or a combination of the two. The texture and tang will be slightly different, and the sauce will be less rich.

Keep in mind that Greek yogurt-based versions may separate a bit more quickly in the fridge, so they’re best used within 3 to 4 days. Vegan mayo is also an excellent swap if you’re avoiding animal products entirely.

5. What can I do with leftover bang bang sauce?

Leftover bang bang sauce is incredibly useful to have on hand throughout the week. Drizzle it over roasted vegetables, use it as a spread in sandwiches and wraps, mix it into pasta salads, toss it with cooked noodles, or serve it alongside grilled chicken.

It also makes a wonderful dipping sauce for spring rolls, wontons, and egg rolls at dinner, or for potato wedges and onion rings as a snack.

Read Also: Cocktail Sauce Recipe

Final Thoughts

This bang bang sauce recipe is proof that some of the best things in the kitchen require almost no effort at all.

Five ingredients, one bowl, and five minutes of your time is all it takes to produce a condiment that will genuinely change how you cook and eat during the week. Once it’s in your fridge, you’ll find yourself reaching for it constantly.

The fact that the flavor deepens overnight makes it a perfect make-ahead staple. Prep a batch on Sunday and you’ll have a versatile, restaurant-quality sauce ready to elevate everything from weeknight dinners to weekend entertaining.

Give this recipe a try and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I’d love to hear what you’re dipping into it, and if you’ve tried any of the variations, share those too!

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