If you’ve ever enjoyed crispy fried shrimp or chicken with a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce, you’ve probably tasted the magic of bang bang sauce. This popular sauce adds a bold flavor punch to many dishes and is surprisingly easy to make at home. In this article, I’ll walk you through how to make bang bang sauce from scratch, share tips on ingredients, and suggest creative ways to enjoy it.
What Is Bang Bang Sauce?
Bang bang sauce is a creamy, slightly spicy, and sweet sauce often paired with fried shrimp, chicken, or fish. It’s known for its perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a favorite dipping sauce or drizzle for appetizers and meals. The sauce typically combines mayonnaise, chili sauce, sriracha, and a few other simple ingredients to create a rich and flavorful condiment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a basic list of ingredients to make about one cup of bang bang sauce:
– Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy base of the sauce. You can use regular, vegan, or low-fat mayo depending on your preference.
– Sweet Thai chili sauce (1/4 cup): Adds the signature sweet heat.
– Sriracha sauce (1/2 teaspoon): Gives the sauce a spicy kick. Adjust to your heat preference.
– Rice vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds a bright, tangy zing.
– Honey (1 teaspoon): Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness. You can substitute with maple syrup or agave for a vegan option.
– Chopped scallions (1 tablespoon): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor (optional).
– Fresh lime juice (optional, about 1 tablespoon): Adds extra brightness and tang.
How to Make Bang Bang Sauce
Making bang bang sauce is quick and simple. Follow these easy steps:
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey.
- Whisk Until Smooth: Stir everything well until the sauce is creamy and evenly mixed.
- Add Fresh Elements: Stir in chopped scallions or a squeeze of lime juice if you like.
- Adjust Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a small amount of water (a teaspoon at a time) to thin it out.
- Taste and Tweak: Adjust the heat or sweetness by adding more sriracha or honey as desired.
- Chill: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
That’s it! Your homemade bang bang sauce is ready to enjoy.
Tips for Making the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
– Control the Heat: The amount of sriracha you add controls the spice level. Start with less and add more if you want extra heat.
– Sweetness Balance: The sweet chili sauce and honey create the sweet side of the sauce. Adjust these to suit your taste.
– Use Quality Mayo: Since mayo is the base, use a good quality mayonnaise for the best creamy texture.
– Make It Vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise and swap honey for maple syrup or agave nectar.
– Storage: Store your sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week or even longer if kept chilled properly.
Creative Ways to Use Bang Bang Sauce
Bang bang sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:
– Dip for Fried Foods: Perfect with fried shrimp, chicken tenders, onion rings, or french fries.
– Drizzle Over Grilled Veggies: Adds a spicy-sweet kick to roasted or grilled vegetables.
– Spread on Sandwiches and Burgers: Use as a flavorful spread on burgers, wraps, or veggie sandwiches.
– Toss with Rice Bowls or Noodles: Mix into rice bowls or drizzle over cold noodle salads for extra flavor.
– Salad Dressing: Thin with a little water or lime juice and use as a creamy, spicy salad dressing.
– Seafood Companion: Great with shrimp, salmon bites, or fish tacos for a tasty zing.
Healthier Variations
If you want a lighter or healthier version of bang bang sauce:
– Substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lower-fat, protein-rich option.
– Use low-sugar sweet chili sauce or reduce the honey to cut down on sugar.
– Try coconut aminos or tamari instead of ketchup or soy-based sauces for paleo or Whole30 compliance.
Final Thoughts
Making bang bang sauce at home is easy, quick, and rewarding. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up a sauce that adds a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or spreading, this sauce is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
Enjoy your homemade bang bang sauce and get creative with how you serve it!