Bang Bang Fried Rice: The Ultimate Weeknight Recipe

Get ready to ditch takeout menus for good! This Bang Bang Fried Rice recipe is about to become your new weeknight obsession. It combines the crispy, savory goodness of classic fried rice with a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s simply irresistible. Forget bland, boring fried rice; this dish delivers a powerful punch of flavor in every single bite. We’re not just making a meal; we’re creating an experience that’s easy, fast, and packed with restaurant-quality taste.

The magic is all in the homemade Bang Bang sauce. It’s a simple yet sensational blend of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a kick of sriracha that perfectly coats every grain of rice and piece of tender-crisp vegetable. Whether you’re a seasoned pro at making fried rice or a complete beginner, this recipe is designed to be foolproof and delicious.

What Makes This Bang Bang Fried Rice So Good?


This isn’t just another fried rice recipe. Our version focuses on building layers of flavor from the ground up. The secret starts with day-old rice, which ensures that perfect, slightly chewy texture without getting mushy. We also build a savory foundation with garlic, ginger, and soy sauce before the star of the show—the Bang Bang sauce—even enters the picture. This method guarantees a more complex and satisfying flavor profile than you’ll find in most recipes.

A skillet filled with freshly made Bang Bang Fried Rice, with a wooden spoon tossing the ingredients together. Shows the cooking process.
This one-pan meal comes together in minutes!

The Key to Perfect Fried Rice: The Sauce

So, what exactly is Bang Bang sauce? Traditionally served with shrimp or chicken, this iconic sauce is known for its creamy texture and addictive sweet-and-spicy flavor. Our homemade Bang Bang sauce recipe is perfectly balanced, creating a coating that clings to the rice without making it soggy. It’s the secret weapon that elevates this dish from a simple stir-fry to a truly memorable meal.

Ingredients You’ll Need

We’re using simple, fresh ingredients to create this masterpiece. The focus is on quality and flavor, ensuring every component shines.

For the Fried Rice:

  • Day-Old Cooked Rice: This is non-negotiable for achieving the best texture. Jasmine or basmati rice works wonderfully.
  • Vegetables: We use a classic mix of diced carrots, peas, and chopped onions for a sweet and savory base.
  • Aromatics: Freshly minced garlic and ginger are essential for that authentic, deep flavor.
  • Eggs: Lightly scrambled eggs add protein and a wonderful, soft texture.
  • Soy Sauce: Use a low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
  • Sesame Oil: A drizzle at the end adds a nutty, aromatic finish.

For the Homemade Bang Bang Sauce:

  • Mayonnaise: This creates the creamy, rich base of the sauce.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a touch of sweetness with a mild, tangy spice.
  • Sriracha: Brings the heat! Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
  • Rice Vinegar: A splash of acidity to cut through the richness and brighten the flavors.

How to Make Bang Bang Fried Rice: Step-by-Step

Follow these simple steps to create a dish that’s better than any takeout you’ve had. The key is to have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go before you start cooking, as the process moves quickly!

A beautiful bowl of homemade spicy fried rice, showcasing the creamy texture of the Bang Bang sauce mixed with vegetables and rice.
The perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory in every bite.

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Set it aside while you prepare the fried rice. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Step 2: Scramble the Eggs

Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Add two lightly beaten eggs and scramble them until just cooked through. Remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Add a bit more oil to the same skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and ginger and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced carrots and peas, cooking until tender-crisp.

Step 4: Fry the Rice

Increase the heat to high, add the day-old rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, allowing the rice to toast slightly. Pour the soy sauce and sesame oil over the rice and toss everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Pour about half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the rice and stir to coat everything evenly. You can add more sauce depending on how creamy you like it. Serve your Bang Bang Fried Rice immediately, garnished with sliced green onions or sesame seeds.

Tips for Restaurant-Quality Results

  • Use Cold, Day-Old Rice: Freshly cooked rice is too moist and will result in mushy fried rice. Chilling the rice helps the grains stay separate and firm up.
  • High Heat is Your Friend: A hot wok or skillet is crucial for getting that slightly crispy texture and “wok hei” flavor.
  • Don’t Crowd the Pan: If you’re doubling the recipe, cook in two batches. Overcrowding the pan will steam the rice instead of frying it. For another great one-pan meal, check out this incredible Chow Mein Recipe.

Variations and Add-Ins

This recipe is a fantastic base for customization. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

  • Bang Bang Shrimp Fried Rice: Sauté raw shrimp until pink and cooked through before you scramble the eggs. Set aside and add them back in at the end. If you love shrimp, you’ll also enjoy this Creamy Garlic Shrimp.
  • Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice: Use finely diced chicken breast or thighs. Sauté the chicken until fully cooked, then remove it from the skillet and add it back at the end.
  • Add More Veggies: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli florets, or corn.

Looking for another delicious bowl recipe? Try this easy grilled shrimp bowl for a healthy and flavorful option!

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A beautiful bowl of homemade spicy fried rice, showcasing the creamy texture of the Bang Bang sauce mixed with vegetables and rice.
FL Recipes

Bang Bang Fried Rice: The Ultimate Weeknight Recipe

This Bang Bang Fried Rice is the ultimate weeknight meal, combining crispy fried rice with a creamy, spicy-sweet homemade sauce. A quick, easy, and flavor-packed recipe that's way better than takeout and ready in under 30 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Asian Fusion
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

For the Bang Bang Sauce
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise Use good quality mayonnaise for the best flavor.
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha Adjust to your spice preference.
  • 1 tsp rice vinegar
For the Fried Rice
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil Or any neutral oil.
  • 2 large eggs Lightly beaten.
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tsp fresh ginger grated
  • 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
  • 4 cups cooked and chilled rice Preferably day-old Jasmine rice.
  • 2 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
  • Sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Skillet or Wok
  • 2 Mixing Bowls

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Scramble Eggs: Heat 1/2 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beaten eggs and cook, stirring gently, until scrambled. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the frozen peas and carrots and cook for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
  4. Fry the Rice: Increase the heat to high. Add the chilled, day-old rice to the skillet. Use a spatula to break up any large clumps. Spread the rice in an even layer and let it cook for 1-2 minutes without stirring to get it slightly crispy. Then, stir-fry for another 2 minutes.
  5. Combine and Sauce: Drizzle the soy sauce and toasted sesame oil over the rice, tossing to combine. Return the scrambled eggs to the skillet. Pour about half of the Bang Bang sauce over the rice and toss everything together until evenly coated. Add more sauce as desired.
  6. Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with sliced green onions.

Nutrition

Calories: 550kcalProtein: 15gFat: 25gFiber: 5g

Notes

For the best results, use day-old rice that has had time to dry out in the refrigerator. This prevents the fried rice from becoming mushy.
Feel free to add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for extra protein. Add it back into the wok with the scrambled eggs.
Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to match your preferred level of spiciness.
Keyword bang bang fried rice,easy weeknight dinner,spicy fried rice

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Enjoy Your Homemade Creation!

There you have it—a simple, delicious, and completely addictive Bang Bang Fried Rice recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the perfect way to use up leftover rice and transform it into a spectacular meal. We know you’ll love it!

If you tried this recipe, we’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below or share a picture of your creation on Pinterest. Your feedback helps our community of home cooks!

A close-up overhead shot of a bowl of Bang Bang Fried Rice, drizzled with creamy orange sauce and garnished with fresh green onions.
This homemade Bang Bang Fried Rice is better than takeout and ready in just 25 minutes!

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