Bang Bang Sauce is sweet, spicy and creamy — a versatile drizzle or dip for shrimp, other seafood, grilled meats, and roasted vegetables. Inspired by the popular Bonefish Grill appetizer “Bang Bang Shrimp,” this homemade version is quick to make and full of flavor.
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Why this recipe works
- This sauce comes together in under five minutes and requires only a few pantry ingredients. It adds creamy, sweet heat to sushi rolls, bowls, fried snacks, and grilled proteins.
- It’s extremely versatile — excellent on shrimp, chicken, vegetables, fries, and even tater tots or mozzarella sticks.
- You can easily make a copycat version of the Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer at home to impress guests.
What is bang bang sauce made of?
At its core, bang bang sauce blends three simple ingredients: mayonnaise for creaminess, sweet chili sauce for sweetness and a touch of texture, and Sriracha for heat. The balance of these three components gives the sauce its characteristic sweet-spicy-creamy profile.
Sriracha provides the spicy kick. If you’re sensitive to heat, start by mixing the mayonnaise with the sweet chili sauce, then add Sriracha a little at a time until you reach your preferred spice level. A pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper can be added if desired.
This recipe follows the familiar spice level typically associated with the Bonefish Grill-style version. If you prefer milder heat, reduce the Sriracha. To lighten the sauce, substitute low-fat mayonnaise or mix part mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Variations sometimes add garlic powder, a dash of hot sauce, or a squeeze of lemon. For a keto-friendly option, use an unsweetened garlic-chili sauce and a keto-compatible sweetener in place of Thai sweet chili sauce.
The sauce’s adaptability makes it great for many dishes: shrimp, chicken, vegetables, sushi, rice bowls, and more. It also works beautifully in recipes like spicy tuna or crispy rice bowls as a finishing drizzle.
What is bang bang shrimp?
Bang bang shrimp is a popular appetizer consisting of tender shrimp lightly battered and fried until crispy, then tossed or drizzled with creamy, sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce. The contrast of crunchy coating and smooth sauce is what makes this appetizer so addictive.
What is the best sweet chili sauce?
Sweet chili sauce is a key ingredient for authentic flavor. Brands like Mae Ploy and Thai Kitchen are commonly recommended and are widely available in Asian markets and many grocery stores. Choose a brand you enjoy — the sauce you pick will affect sweetness and texture, so taste and adjust if needed.
How to make this recipe
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise (full fat, light, or fat-free)
- 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha, or more to taste
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha in a small bowl.
- Whisk or stir until smooth and well blended. Taste and adjust heat or sweetness as desired.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container. Stored properly, the sauce keeps well for several days.
Related recipes
This sauce pairs wonderfully with grain bowls, sushi-style dishes, and fried appetizers. Try it on a Buddha bowl, alongside vegetable sushi, or as a finishing sauce for seared tuna or sashimi preparations.
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Bang Bang Sauce
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Equipment
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Small bowl
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup mayonnaise Note: Full fat, light or fat free
- 3 tablespoon Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha Note: Can add more for extra spice if desired
Instructions
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Combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha in a small bowl.
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Mix well and enjoy.
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Great as a dip for fried chicken, shrimp, fries, and a flavorful sauce for bowls and sushi rolls.
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Store in an airtight container or cover tightly with plastic wrap in the refrigerator.