Bang Bang Sauce is a creamy, sweet, and spicy condiment that comes together in just under 5 minutes with only four simple ingredients. All you need is a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a few pantry staples, and you’re ready to whip up this irresistible sauce that packs bold flavor in every bite.
This versatile sauce is not only quick and easy to prepare but also elevates any dish it touches. Whether you use it as a dip for crispy vegetables, a drizzle over appetizers, or even as a dressing for wraps and grain bowls, bang bang sauce adds a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness. If you include seafood or meat in your diet, it’s fantastic with shrimp, grilled chicken, or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist.
One of my favorite ways to use this sauce is in my Air Fryer Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe. The sauce coats the crunchy cauliflower bites beautifully, creating a flavor-packed, crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer that’s perfect for game nights, parties, or even as a weeknight indulgence. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a jar of bang bang sauce in your fridge at all times!
❤️ About This Bang Bang Sauce Recipe
The iconic Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill is known for its crispy, golden coating and irresistible flavor, thanks to the bold, creamy Bang Bang sauce. But this finger-licking sauce isn’t just for seafood lovers!
This versatile bang bang sauce can elevate just about anything. Drizzle it over roasted or air-fried vegetables for a spicy-sweet kick, or use it as a spread inside sandwiches and burgers to amp up the flavor. It also makes an addictive dip for potato wedges, fries, or even crispy tofu bites. After one taste, you’ll be tempted to drizzle it on just about everything!
- Quick & Effortless: Making this bang bang sauce is incredibly simple—no cooking, no fancy equipment. Just grab a mixing bowl, add all the ingredients, and whisk everything together until smooth and well combined. The whole process takes only a couple of minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for last-minute meals or spontaneous snacking.
- Just 4 Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You only need four basic ingredients, and chances are you already have them in your kitchen. The base is creamy mayonnaise, which provides a rich and smooth texture. To bring in that signature sweet heat, add Thai sweet chili sauce. A small amount of sriracha adds depth and spiciness, while a touch of honey balances everything with a mild sweetness.
- Flavor & Texture Profile: This sauce is a harmony of contrasting flavors—creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy. It has a silky-smooth consistency with a shiny, luscious appearance that clings perfectly to anything you drizzle or dip. Whether you’re using it for fried snacks, grilled vegetables, or as a spread, it elevates every bite.
- Customize the Heat: Not a fan of too much spice? You can easily tone it down. Start by mixing just the mayonnaise and Thai sweet chili sauce. Give it a taste—you might find the spice level perfect as is. If you’re craving more kick, gradually stir in a bit of sriracha until it suits your preference. This flexibility makes it great for families or guests with different spice tolerances.
🧾 Ingredient Notes
- Mayonnaise: Since this site focuses exclusively on egg-free recipes, I’ve opted for vegan mayonnaise to keep the sauce entirely plant-based. Vegan mayo has a creamy, rich texture and mild flavor that works perfectly in this recipe without compromising taste. If you’re not following a vegan or egg-free diet, feel free to use regular mayonnaise — either classic or light — based on your preference. The final outcome will still be irresistibly creamy and velvety in texture.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: To achieve that signature sweet and tangy flavor with just the right touch of heat, Thai sweet chili sauce is a must-have ingredient. I suggest trying the Mae Ploy brand — it delivers a rich, vibrant taste that comes remarkably close to the one paired with the iconic bang bang shrimp at Bonefish Grill. Its bold flavor and perfect balance of sweetness and spice make it a standout choice for homemade sauces and dips.
- You can easily find this sauce in most major grocery stores such as Walmart or Target, and it’s also available online through Amazon and other retailers.
- Sriracha (or Other Hot Sauce): Sriracha adds that extra punch of heat, balancing the sweetness of the chili sauce with a gentle spiciness. It’s a popular choice because of its garlicky undertones and smooth consistency. You can increase or decrease the quantity depending on your spice tolerance. If you’re not a fan of too much heat, start with a small amount or omit it entirely. Alternatively, you can substitute sriracha with your preferred hot sauce — from smoky chipotle to zesty peri-peri — to customize the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Honey (Optional): A splash of honey brings in a gentle, natural sweetness that perfectly balances and enhances the overall flavor profile. While the sweet chili sauce already brings some sweetness, honey enhances the depth and creates a well-balanced contrast to the heat of the sriracha. If you’re looking for a vegan alternative, feel free to leave it out or swap it with a touch of maple syrup or agave nectar.
- Both options add natural sweetness while keeping the recipe completely plant-based. Though optional, this small addition can make a noticeable difference in the final taste of the sauce.
👩🍳 How To Make Bang Bang Sauce? (Pics)
1) Start by placing each ingredient into a medium mixing bowl, adding them one after the other with care. Let each addition settle before moving to the next for the best blend. Start with the base—usually mayonnaise or vegan mayo—then follow with the sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or any preferred sweetener), and any optional seasonings you may like. Adding them in stages ensures better control over the consistency and flavor.
2) Using a whisk, stir the mixture thoroughly until it transforms into a smooth, creamy, and velvety sauce. Whisk with gentle, consistent strokes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed, to make sure every element is fully incorporated. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce looks glossy and cohesive, without any lumps or separation.
💭 Expert Tips
Consistency of the Sauce
- Perfect Texture: Aim for a smooth, flowing consistency that’s just right for drizzling—not as thick as a dip, yet not runny like a vinaigrette. 1 .It should coat a spoon lightly and pour in a steady ribbon.
- Test Before Serving: Once mixed, scoop up a spoonful and let it stream back into the bowl. It should fall in a smooth ribbon, not plop or splash—this ensures the texture is just right. It should flow smoothly in a ribbon-like stream. If it plops or sits heavy, it’s too thick. If it runs like water, it’s too thin.
- Adjust if Needed: The consistency largely depends on the type of mayonnaise used. Some vegan or light versions tend to be thicker.
- How to Fix It: Start by adding 1–2 teaspoons of water to loosen the sauce. Mix thoroughly, then check the texture again. Add more water, a teaspoon at a time, only if required.
- Personal Tip: In this particular recipe, I haven’t added any extra water because the mayo I used was already the right consistency when mixed with the other ingredients.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 weeks. Since this sauce recipe is super easy and quick, I recommend making the required amount as needed instead of storing it for longer.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration Required: Always store the sauce in a clean, airtight glass or BPA-free plastic container in the refrigerator.
- Shelf Life: It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 to 4 weeks when properly stored in the fridge.
- Stir Before Each Use: The sauce may separate slightly over time. Give it a quick whisk or a gentle shake to bring everything back together before using.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use a clean, dry spoon each time you scoop some out. This helps avoid introducing moisture or food particles that can spoil the sauce early.
- Small Batches Are Best: While the sauce can last for weeks, I recommend preparing small, fresh batches as needed. You can whip it up in just a few minutes, and it delivers the best flavor when enjoyed right after mixing.
- Freezing Not Recommended: The mayo-based sauce doesn’t freeze well—it may split or curdle when thawed.
🍽 Serving Ideas
- If you enjoy meat or seafood, this sauce makes an irresistible companion for crispy fried chicken, wings, fish sticks, shrimp, and nuggets.
- Drizzle it generously over grilled, pan-fried, or air-fried vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, baby potatoes, or even asparagus for a flavor boost.
- It also works wonderfully as a dip for snacks like air-fried zucchini chips, onion rings, or crispy potato wedges.
- Spread it on your sandwiches, wraps, or burgers to elevate the overall taste with a spicy-creamy kick.
- It’s also fantastic with fried tofu or paneer—just dip and enjoy the contrast of textures and flavors.
- Personally, I love using it as a dipping sauce for hot, steamy veg momos—absolutely addictive!
