I stumbled onto this bang bang sauce recipe completely by accident while trying to recreate a spicy mayo sauce from my favorite restaurant. After playing around with ratios and ingredients for a few weeks, I landed on this perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy that’s become a staple in my kitchen.
Now I make a batch every single week because my family literally puts it on everything from chicken tenders to tacos to grilled vegetables. It takes less than five minutes to whisk together, and you probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.
| Quick Recipe Summary | |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 5 minutes |
| Servings | 8 servings (1 cup) |
| Difficulty Level | Easy |
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
This sauce is ridiculously versatile and takes almost zero effort to make. I’ve served it at parties, used it as a quick weeknight dinner solution, and even gifted jars of it to friends who’ve become obsessed.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can adjust the heat level to your preference. My kids prefer a milder version with less sriracha, while my husband and I like it with an extra kick.
- Takes only 5 minutes from start to finish with no cooking required
- Uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your fridge and pantry
- Lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator so you can make it ahead
- Customizable heat level from mild to seriously spicy
- Works with countless dishes including chicken, shrimp, fish, vegetables, sandwiches, and even as a salad dressing
- Budget-friendly compared to buying specialty sauces at the store
- No artificial ingredients or preservatives unlike store-bought versions
This pairs beautifully with my air fryer popcorn chicken for a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Ingredients
Here’s everything you need to make this incredible bang bang sauce. I’ve included both imperial and metric measurements so everyone can follow along easily.
- 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise – Use full-fat mayo for the best texture and flavor
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) sweet chili sauce – This adds sweetness and a mild heat
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) sriracha sauce – Adjust to taste for your preferred spice level
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) honey – Balances the heat with natural sweetness
- 1 teaspoon (5ml) rice vinegar – Adds tanginess and cuts through the richness
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – For savory depth
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika – Adds color and a subtle smoky note
- Pinch of salt – Enhances all the flavors
Kitchen Equipment Needed
You won’t need any fancy equipment for this recipe, which is part of what makes it so accessible. Here’s what I use every single time.
- Medium mixing bowl – Glass or stainless steel works best
- Whisk – For smooth, lump-free sauce
- Measuring cups and spoons – For accurate proportions
- Airtight container – For storing leftover sauce in the fridge
- Rubber spatula – Helps scrape every bit of sauce from the bowl
Recommended Products for This Recipe
After making this sauce dozens of times, I’ve found a few products that really make a difference in the final result.
1. Kewpie Mayonnaise
Japanese Kewpie mayo has a richer, slightly sweeter flavor than American mayo because it’s made with only egg yolks. I started using it in my bang bang sauce after a friend recommended it, and I’ll never go back. The texture is smoother and creamier, which makes the sauce feel more luxurious.
2. Mae Ploy Sweet Chili Sauce
This is hands-down the best sweet chili sauce I’ve found. It has the perfect balance of sweetness and heat without being too syrupy. Many grocery store brands are either too sweet or have an artificial flavor, but Mae Ploy tastes fresh and authentic.
3. Huy Fong Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce
The original sriracha in the iconic rooster bottle is what I use for this recipe. It has a consistent heat level and flavor profile that works perfectly. I’ve tried other brands, but they’re either too vinegary or not spicy enough.
4. OXO Good Grips Balloon Whisk
A good whisk makes all the difference when you’re trying to achieve a smooth, creamy consistency. This OXO whisk has comfortable handles and the perfect shape for getting into the corners of your bowl. I use mine for everything from sauces to salad dressings.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Bang Bang Sauce
I’ve broken down every single step so even complete beginners can nail this recipe on their first try.
1. Combine the Base Ingredients
- Add the mayonnaise to your mixing bowl first as it forms the creamy foundation of the sauce
- Pour in the sweet chili sauce, which will add both sweetness and a mild spicy kick
- The mayo and sweet chili sauce should be roughly combined at this stage but don’t worry about it being perfectly smooth yet
2. Add the Spicy and Sweet Components
- Measure out the sriracha sauce and drizzle it over the mayo mixture, being careful not to add too much if you’re sensitive to heat
- Add the honey, which will help balance the spiciness and add a subtle sweetness that rounds out all the flavors
- At this point you’ll start to see the beautiful orange-pink color developing
3. Incorporate the Flavor Enhancers
- Sprinkle in the garlic powder evenly across the surface of the mixture so it distributes well when you whisk
- Add the paprika for a hint of smokiness and to deepen the color
- Pour in the rice vinegar, which will add tanginess and help thin the sauce to a perfect drizzling consistency
- Add just a small pinch of salt to enhance all the other flavors
4. Whisk Until Smooth and Creamy
- Using your whisk, begin stirring the mixture in a circular motion, starting slowly to avoid splattering
- Gradually increase your whisking speed as the ingredients start to combine
- Continue whisking for about 30 to 45 seconds until the sauce is completely smooth with no streaks of mayonnaise or pools of liquid
- The finished sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable
- If the sauce seems too thick, you can add a tiny splash of water or more rice vinegar to thin it slightly
Read Also: Burger Sauce Recipe
5. Taste and Adjust the Seasonings
- Dip a clean spoon into the sauce and taste it to check the balance of flavors
- If you want more heat, add an extra 1/2 teaspoon of sriracha at a time
- If it’s too spicy, add a bit more mayonnaise or honey to mellow it out
- If the sauce lacks tanginess, add another 1/2 teaspoon of rice vinegar
- If it needs more sweetness, drizzle in a little extra honey
- Whisk again after any additions to fully incorporate the new ingredients
6. Store or Serve Immediately
- Transfer the bang bang sauce to an airtight container if you’re not using it right away
- If serving immediately, pour it into a small bowl or squeeze bottle for easy drizzling
- The sauce will thicken slightly as it sits in the refrigerator due to the cold temperature, which is completely normal
- Give it a good stir before using if it’s been refrigerated for more than a few hours
Tips for The Best Bang Bang Sauce
These are the tricks I’ve learned from making this sauce over and over again. They’ll help you avoid the mistakes I made when I first started experimenting.
- Use room temperature ingredients for the smoothest consistency, as cold mayo can be harder to whisk and may result in a lumpy sauce
- Start with less sriracha than you think you need, especially if you’re making this for a crowd, because you can always add more but you can’t take it out
- Whisk thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated and there are no pockets of unmixed mayo or spices
- Let the flavors meld by making the sauce at least 30 minutes before serving, which allows all the ingredients to marry together beautifully
- Adjust the consistency by adding a splash of water, rice vinegar, or even lime juice if the sauce is too thick for your intended use
- Taste as you go because different brands of mayo and sriracha can vary in flavor intensity
- Make a double batch if you’re serving a crowd or want to have extra on hand, as this sauce disappears quickly
- Use quality mayonnaise because it’s the main ingredient and cheap mayo can taste overly tangy or artificial
- Store in a glass container rather than plastic, which can absorb odors and affect the flavor of the sauce
- Label your container with the date you made it so you know when it’s time to make a fresh batch
Another favorite of mine is this yum yum sauce that has a similar creamy base but different flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
I’ve used this sauce on more dishes than I can count. Here are my favorite ways to serve it.
The versatility of bang bang sauce is honestly one of my favorite things about it. I keep a jar in my fridge at all times because it instantly elevates even the simplest meals.
- Drizzle it over crispy onion rings for an addictive appetizer
- Use it as a dipping sauce for air fryer chicken drumsticks
- Spread it on sandwiches and wraps instead of plain mayo
- Toss it with shrimp tacos with mango salsa for extra creaminess
- Use it as a salad dressing by thinning it with a bit more vinegar
- Serve alongside air fryer classic zucchini fries
- Drizzle over rice bowls with grilled chicken and vegetables
- Use as a spread for baja fish tacos
- Mix into tuna or chicken salad for extra flavor
- Serve with air fryer salmon for a restaurant-quality finish
Variations of Bang Bang Sauce
Once you master the basic recipe, try these variations to keep things interesting. I rotate through these depending on what I’m serving.
- Extra spicy version: Double the sriracha and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for serious heat lovers
- Mild version: Reduce sriracha to 1 teaspoon and increase honey to 2 tablespoons for a sweeter, family-friendly sauce
- Garlic lover’s version: Add 1 to 2 cloves of minced fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more pungent, robust flavor
- Lime bang bang sauce: Replace rice vinegar with fresh lime juice and add lime zest for a bright, citrusy twist
- Smoky version: Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika for a barbecue-inspired flavor
- Asian-inspired version: Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds
- Coconut bang bang sauce: Replace 2 tablespoons of mayo with coconut cream for a tropical twist
- Ginger kick: Add 1 teaspoon of fresh grated ginger for an extra layer of spice and warmth
- Greek yogurt version: Substitute half the mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce with added protein
- Wasabi bang bang sauce: Add 1/2 teaspoon of wasabi paste for a sharp, nasal-clearing heat
You might also enjoy: Buffalo Sauce Recipe
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage is key to keeping this sauce fresh and safe to eat. Here’s what you need to know.
- Refrigerate immediately in an airtight container within 2 hours of making the sauce
- Use within 10 to 14 days for the best quality and food safety, as the sauce contains mayonnaise which is perishable
- Store in glass containers with tight-fitting lids to prevent odors from other foods affecting the sauce
- Keep toward the back of the fridge where the temperature is most consistent rather than in the door
- Don’t freeze because mayonnaise-based sauces separate and become grainy when frozen and thawed
- Bring to room temperature by removing from the fridge 10 to 15 minutes before serving if you prefer it less cold
- Stir before using as ingredients may settle or separate slightly during storage
- Use a clean spoon every time you scoop out sauce to prevent introducing bacteria
- Check for spoilage by looking for any off smells, mold, or separation that doesn’t resolve with stirring
- Make smaller batches if you find you can’t use up a full cup within two weeks
Nutritional Facts
Here’s the approximate nutritional information per 2-tablespoon serving of bang bang sauce.
- Calories: 110
- Total Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 4g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 0g
Note that these values are approximate and will vary based on the specific brands of ingredients you use. If you’re using light mayo or reducing the amount of sauce per serving, the calorie and fat content will be lower.
Health Benefits of Key Ingredients
While bang bang sauce is definitely an indulgent condiment, some of its ingredients do offer nutritional benefits.
Garlic powder contains compounds that may support immune health and has been used medicinally for centuries. Even in small amounts, it provides antioxidants that can benefit overall wellness.
- Honey is a natural sweetener that contains trace amounts of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Rice vinegar may help with blood sugar control and adds tanginess without many calories
- Paprika contains vitamin A and antioxidants like carotenoids
- Sriracha contains capsaicin, which may boost metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties
- Moderation is key since the sauce is mayo-based and relatively high in calories and fat
For a lighter option, try: Healthy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
FAQs About Bang Bang Sauce
1. Can I make bang bang sauce without sweet chili sauce?
Yes, you can substitute the sweet chili sauce with a combination of honey and red pepper flakes. Mix 2 tablespoons of honey with 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes to mimic the sweet and spicy profile.
The texture will be slightly different, but the flavor will still be delicious. You could also use Thai chili paste thinned with a bit of honey if you have that on hand.
2. How spicy is bang bang sauce?
The spice level is moderate and customizable based on how much sriracha you add. With 1 tablespoon of sriracha, it has a noticeable kick but isn’t overwhelming for most people.
If you’re sensitive to spice, start with just 1 teaspoon and gradually add more to taste. The sweet chili sauce and honey help balance the heat nicely.
3. What’s the difference between bang bang sauce and yum yum sauce?
Bang bang sauce is spicier and has more of a kick from the sriracha and sweet chili sauce. Yum yum sauce is milder, creamier, and has a more buttery flavor with less heat.
Both are mayo-based and delicious, but bang bang sauce is the better choice if you like a bit of spice with your creamy condiments.
4. Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute up to half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier version. I don’t recommend replacing all the mayo because the sauce won’t have the same rich, creamy texture.
Greek yogurt adds protein and reduces calories, but it also makes the sauce thinner and more acidic. If you do this, you might need to reduce the rice vinegar slightly.
5. Why is my bang bang sauce too runny?
Your sauce might be too runny if you added too much liquid (vinegar or honey) or if your mayonnaise was a low-fat variety. To thicken it, whisk in an extra tablespoon or two of mayonnaise.
Refrigerating the sauce for 30 minutes will also help it thicken up slightly. Next time, add the vinegar gradually and taste as you go.
Final Thoughts
This bang bang sauce recipe has become one of my most-used condiments because it’s so quick to make and works with practically everything.
I hope you give it a try and discover your own favorite ways to use it. Let me know in the comments what you end up pairing it with, and don’t forget to share this recipe with anyone who loves a good spicy, creamy sauce!
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