Bang Bang Sauce

Bang Bang Sauce is one of those sauces people taste once and immediately want to recreate at home. It’s creamy from mayonnaise, gently sweet, tangy, and finished with a slow-building heat that works with just about everything—fried shrimp, crispy chicken, roasted vegetables, even burgers and wraps.

Creamy orange Bang Bang Sauce being lifted with a spoon over a gray bowl, with a checkered cloth in the background.

What does Bang Bang Sauce taste like?

It’s creamy, sweet, mildly tangy, and spicy. The heat is noticeable but not aggressive, especially when balanced with enough mayo and sweet chili sauce.

Is Bang Bang Sauce very spicy?

Not inherently. It’s usually mild to medium, depending on how much sriracha is used. That’s why it’s popular in households—it’s easy to adjust for kids or spice-sensitive eaters.

Can I make Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time?

Yes. In fact, it tastes better after resting. Make it up to 3 days ahead, store covered in the refrigerator, and stir before using.

What foods go best with Bang Bang Sauce?

Most commonly used with:

  • fried or air-fried shrimp

  • crispy chicken (tenders, wings, sandwiches)

  • French fries or potato wedges

  • tacos and wraps

  • roasted cauliflower or Brussels sprouts

It works anywhere a creamy, spicy sauce makes sense.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Yes. Use a dairy-free mayonnaise. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.

Bang Bang Sauce

Print Recipe
Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Course: Side Dish
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

(Makes about ¾ cup sauce)
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 –2 tablespoons sriracha adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice

Method
 

Step 1 — Mix
  1. Add all ingredients to a bowl and whisk until completely smooth and glossy.
Step 2 — Taste and adjust
  1. Taste the sauce.
  2. If it’s too spicy, add a little more mayo.
  3. If it’s too sweet, add a few drops of vinegar or lime juice.
  4. If it lacks heat, add sriracha a little at a time.
Step 3 — Rest (optional but recommended)
  1. Let the sauce sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and balance out.

Notes

(Details that actually affect the final sauce)
Add heat gradually. Bang bang sauce is easy to overpower with sriracha. Mixing in small amounts avoids needing to “fix” the sauce later.
Sweet chili sauce brands vary. Some are sweeter, others more garlicky. This affects how much honey you’ll need—taste before adding the full amount.
Mayo matters. Full-fat mayo gives the creamiest texture and best flavor. Low-fat versions tend to make the sauce thinner and sharper.
Sauce thickens slightly as it rests. If making ahead, stir again before serving and loosen with a teaspoon of water if needed.
Best used within 5–7 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

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