A Restaurant Favorite You Can Make at Home
Creamy, sweet, tangy, and perfectly spicy, Bang Bang Sauce is one of the most popular restaurant-style dipping sauces for crispy shrimp, chicken, fish, and appetizers. Made famous by Bang Bang Shrimp, this irresistible sauce combines rich mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha into a silky coating that delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and heat in every bite.
Despite its restaurant-quality flavor, Bang Bang Sauce requires only a handful of ingredients and takes less than five minutes to prepare. Whether you’re tossing crispy fried shrimp, drizzling it over tacos, or serving it alongside french fries and chicken tenders, this versatile sauce instantly transforms everyday meals into something special. It’s also easy to customize, allowing you to adjust the spice level or sweetness to suit your taste.
One of the secrets to exceptional Bang Bang Sauce is allowing it to rest in the refrigerator before serving. Chilling gives the flavors time to blend together, resulting in a smoother, richer, and more balanced sauce that’s remarkably similar to what you’ll find at your favorite seafood restaurant.
Homemade Bang Bang Sauce captures the signature flavor that has made restaurant-style Bang Bang Shrimp so popular—creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of Sriracha blended into a perfectly balanced sauce that’s sweet, tangy, and just spicy enough. Whether you’re coating crispy shrimp, drizzling it over tacos, or serving it alongside fries and chicken tenders, this versatile sauce is quick to prepare and packed with bold flavor. Once you try it fresh, you’ll want to keep a batch in your refrigerator for everything from weeknight dinners to party appetizers.
Flavor Variations
Extra Spicy… Increase the Sriracha to 2–3 tablespoons or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Citrus Twist… Add 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice for a brighter finish that’s especially good with seafood.
Smoky Bang Bang… Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika for subtle smoky depth.
Garlic Lovers… Increase the garlic powder to 1 teaspoon or add one small grated garlic clove.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Sauce pairs well with:
- Bang Bang Shrimp
- Coconut shrimp
- Fried fish
- Fish tacos
- Crispy chicken sandwiches
- Chicken tenders
- Chicken wings
- French fries
- Sweet potato fries
- Onion rings
- Crab cakes
- Burgers
- Sushi rolls
- Fried calamari
- Tempura vegetables
- Fried pickles
- Grilled salmon
- Shrimp tacos
- Rice bowls
- Lettuce wraps
It also makes an excellent dipping sauce for roasted vegetables and a flavorful spread for wraps and sandwiches.
Storage
Store Bang Bang Sauce in an airtight container or squeeze bottle in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Stir well before serving if any separation occurs. Do not freeze, as mayonnaise-based sauces may separate after thawing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bang Bang Sauce the same as Boom Boom Sauce?
They are similar but not identical. Bang Bang Sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, creating a sweeter, lighter flavor. Boom Boom Sauce often includes additional seasonings such as mustard, paprika, onion powder, or ketchup, giving it a slightly more complex and savory profile.
Is Bang Bang Sauce very spicy?
Not usually. Most of the heat comes from the Sriracha, while the sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise mellow the spice. It generally has a mild to medium heat level that appeals to most people.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes. In fact, Bang Bang Sauce tastes even better after several hours in the refrigerator, making it an excellent make-ahead condiment for parties and meal prep.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise?
You can substitute part of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter version. The sauce will be tangier and slightly less rich but still delicious.
Nutrition
(Approximate per 2 tablespoon serving)
Calories: 120
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Protein: <1g
Sodium: 180mg
Sugar: 3g
What to expect?
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: About 1½ cups