Bang Bang Sauce

Bang Bang Sauce

Bang Bang Sauce is one of those back-pocket condiments that just hits every note—sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy all at once. If you’ve ever had it drizzled over crispy shrimp or tucked into a rice bowl, you already know why it’s so addictive.

This version dials in a little more complexity than your standard three-ingredient copycat. It’s worth making from scratch because it delivers restaurant-level flavor with pantry ingredients and practically no prep time.

Though it feels like it’s been around forever, Bang Bang Sauce as we know it gained traction thanks to American chain restaurants blending Asian-inspired flavors into approachable fusion fare. It’s loosely rooted in the style of creamy, chili-based dipping sauces seen in Southeast Asian cuisine, but this version is pure modern comfort food.

Today, Bang Bang Sauce is a staple in our kitchen for good reason. It’s quick, flexible, and works on everything from weeknight grain bowls to cocktail hour appetizers like Easy Bang Bang Shrimp. What makes this recipe stand out is the thoughtful layering of heat and acidity. We use Tabasco sauce in addition to sriracha. Not only to increase the heat level, but to add a bright vinegar backbone that cuts through the richness of the mayo and sweet chili sauce. That little extra bite gives the sauce its signature tang and keeps it from feeling too heavy.

This sauce isn’t just for shrimp. Use it as a drizzle over fried chicken, a dip for FFG’s Duck spring rolls, or spoon it into lettuce wraps. It brings out the best in roasted vegetables and makes a killer burger spread. Whether you’re meal prepping or planning a party, Bang Bang Sauce adds a flavorful kick with minimal effort.

Looking for an easy spicy mayo or sweet chili dipping sauce with a vinegar-forward punch? This Bang Bang Sauce recipe delivers bold, creamy heat thanks to the dynamic combo of sriracha and Tabasco.

Main Ingredients

mayonnaise – The base of the sauce, mayo adds creamy richness and helps everything emulsify into a smooth, pourable dressing. Use full-fat mayonnaise for best results. 

sweet thai chili sauce – This ingredient brings the signature sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce, balancing the spice with sugar and vinegar. Look for brands like Mae Ploy for a more authentic taste, or make your own if you want more control over the sweetness.

sriracha – Sriracha adds heat and a garlicky depth that anchors the sauce. It’s the most recognizable flavor in traditional Bang Bang Sauce. You can swap in sambal oelek for more texture and a bit more punch.

tabasco – A few drops of Tabasco go a long way. It adds sharp heat and a distinct vinegar tang that wakes up the entire sauce. Its thinner consistency means it blends in effortlessly. This ingredient is especially useful when you want a clean, acidic bite without reaching for citrus.

sesame oil – Just a tiny splash gives the sauce nutty warmth and helps blend the Asian-inspired flavors. Toasted sesame oil is key here—it’s intense, so use it sparingly, but it really rounds out the overall profile.

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Bang Bang Sauce

5.0 from 3 votes

Course: Sauces + Dressings

yields

1.5

cups

Prep time

5

minutes

Total time

5

minutes

Bang Bang Sauce is one of those back-pocket condiments that just hits every note—sweet, spicy, creamy, and tangy all at once.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup sweet thai chili sauce

• 1/2 tsp tabasco

• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/4 tsp sweet paprika

• 1 tbsp sriracha

• 1/4 tsp sesame oil

Method

• Prep Work: There’s no cooking involved, but it’s worth measuring everything out before combining to ensure balance. Use a whisk for best texture, especially if the mayonnaise is thick.
• Mixing the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai chili sauce, sriracha, Tabasco, both paprikas, and sesame oil. Whisk until completely smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust spice level if needed—more sriracha or Tabasco will turn up the heat, while a splash of lime juice can add brightness.

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Field Notes

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bang Bang Sauce will keep for up to one week. Stir before each use. Freezing is not recommended due to the mayo base.
• At Flavor Field Guide, we’ve used Bang Bang Sauce everywhere, from seared scallops to crispy garlic rice to bang bang smash burgers. It’s fantastic with our Easy Bang Bang Shrimp, grilled chicken skewers, or even as a bold salad dressing in the summer. Try pairing it with crunchy slaws, pickled vegetables, or with our Roasted Salmon Rice Bowls with Bang Bang Sauce.