
If there’s one sauce that has taken the culinary world by storm, it’s the irresistibly creamy, tangy, and spicy Bang Bang Sauce. Originally popularized by the wildly loved Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer at restaurants like Bonefish Grill, this sauce has become a must-have condiment in many American kitchens. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or planning a get-together, this sauce is your ultimate flavor weapon.
My first encounter with Bang Bang Sauce was during a summer road trip along the coast. A little seafood shack served up the crispiest shrimp, doused in this mysterious, pink-orange sauce that danced between sweet and spicy. I begged the chef for the recipe—and while he didn’t spill all his secrets, he gave me the basics. From that moment, I was hooked. Back in my kitchen, I experimented with the base ingredients, finally creating the version I’m sharing with you today.
🥣 What Is Bang Bang Sauce?
Bang Bang Sauce is a fusion-style condiment that combines the smooth creaminess of mayonnaise with the sweet heat of Thai chili sauce, a kick of Sriracha, and a hint of rice vinegar. It’s bold. It’s zesty. And it’s surprisingly simple to make. In fact, with just four ingredients and five minutes, you can create a sauce that transforms any dish into a flavor-packed experience.
This sauce isn’t just for shrimp either. While “bang bang shrimp sauce” might be the phrase that started the craze, its potential is endless—from burgers and tacos to salads and sandwiches.
🔍 Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Sauce
- Quick & Easy: Just 4 ingredients and 5 minutes to whip up.
- Versatile: Works perfectly with seafood, chicken, fries, tacos, or as a dip.
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the Sriracha to suit your spice level.
- Ultra-Versatile – Whether you’re dipping, drizzling, or spreading, this sauce adapts to just about any dish.
- Meal Prep Friendly – Make a batch and keep it in the fridge all week to jazz up quick meals.
- Naturally Gluten-Free – With no added flour or gluten-containing thickeners, it’s a safe choice for many dietary needs.
🧂 Ingredients
For 5 servings, you’ll need:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (use full-fat for richness)
- 2 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
⏲️ Prep Time & Yield
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings

👩🍳 Instructions: How to Make Bang Bang Sauce
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a small mixing bowl, add:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Step 2: Mix Well
Whisk everything together until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and fully combined.
Step 3: Taste & Adjust
Give it a taste and feel free to tweak the spice:
- Add more Sriracha for extra heat.
- Add a pinch of sugar for extra sweetness.
Step 4: Chill (Optional)
For best flavor, cover and chill the sauce in the fridge for at least 15–30 minutes before serving.
🍤 Top Serving Ideas for Bang Bang Sauce
- Bang Bang Shrimp – Toss crispy shrimp in this sauce and serve as a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
- Grilled Chicken Sandwiches – Slather it on a toasted bun with grilled chicken, lettuce, and tomato.
- Taco Topping – Use it on shrimp, fish, or even tofu tacos for a creamy-spicy finish.
- French Fry Dip – Move over ketchup, this is your new favorite fry companion.
- Salad Dressing – Thin it out with a bit of water or lime juice and drizzle over a crunchy slaw or mixed greens.
- Veggie Platter – Serve it as a dip alongside carrots, celery, and bell peppers.
🧠 Bang Bang Sauce Tips & Tricks
- Go Light: Want a lighter version? Sub Greek yogurt for half of the mayo.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use vegan mayo and you’re good to go!
- Make it Smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika for depth.
- Add Zing: A splash of fresh lime juice makes it more refreshing.
- Storage Tip: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for up to one week.
🥶 Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freezer: Not recommended due to the mayo base.
🧪 Creative Uses You Might Not Have Tried
- Bang Bang Pizza Drizzle: Add it as a topping on seafood or veggie pizzas.
- Buddha Bowl Boost: A drizzle over rice, veggies, and grilled proteins adds incredible flavor.
- Egg Roll Dipping Sauce: Makes for a great pairing with Asian-style appetizers.
- Burger Sauce: Swap out your regular burger sauce for this zesty version.
📈 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 120
- Fat: 11g
- Carbs: 4g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: <1g
🔗 Related Recipes
Looking for more bold and flavorful condiments?
🗣️ Let’s Talk!
If you’ve tried this Bang Bang Sauce recipe, let me know how it went! I’d love to see what dishes you paired it with. Tag me on social or leave a comment below. Did you go traditional with bang bang shrimp, or did you invent a whole new flavor combo?
💬 Final Thoughts
There’s a reason Bang Bang Sauce has become a household staple—its balance of heat, sweet, and creaminess is just addictive. Once you make this at home, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought sauces again.
Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear how you used your Bang Bang Sauce—drop a comment below or tag your creations with #SaucyWithSarah!
Print
Bang Bang Sauce
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings 1x
Description
This creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang Sauce is the ultimate versatile condiment. Made with just four ingredients in five minutes, it’s perfect for shrimp, chicken, fries, tacos, and more!
Ingredients
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons sweet Thai chili sauce
-
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
-
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
-
In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, Thai chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar.
-
Whisk all ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and fully combined.
-
Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha if desired.
-
Cover and chill for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld (optional).
-
Serve with your favorite appetizers, seafood, or grilled proteins.
Notes
For a lighter version, replace half of the mayo with Greek yogurt.
Make it vegan by using plant-based mayo.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Use as a dipping sauce, spread, or salad dressing with a splash of lime juice to thin.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Dip
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 240mg
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 8mg
Keywords: Bang Bang Sauce, bang bang shrimp sauce, spicy mayo sauce, Thai chili dip