Looking for a fun twist on classic fried rice? This Bang Bang Fried Rice combines fluffy jasmine rice, tender vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a creamy sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang sauce in one delicious skillet.
The homemade sauce brings together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey for a bold flavor that’s creamy, slightly sweet, and pleasantly spicy. Best of all, this easy fried rice recipe is ready in about 30 minutes and is a delicious way to use leftover rice.
Serve it as a satisfying main dish or customize it with cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu for an easy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Fried Rice
- Bold Bang Bang flavor: The creamy sauce combines sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite.
- Quick and easy: A simple skillet meal that takes about 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Great for leftover rice: Chilled rice gives you the best fried rice texture.
- Easy to customize: Add shrimp, chicken, tofu, or your favorite vegetables.
- Adjustable heat: Use more or less Sriracha to make the sauce as mild or spicy as you like.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise adds extra richness, but regular mayonnaise works perfectly.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild chili flavor.
- 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha: Adjust according to your preferred spice level.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat with a little sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Adds brightness and balances the creamy sauce.
- 1 small garlic clove, minced: Optional, for extra savory flavor.
For the Fried Rice
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice: Chilled overnight for the best texture.
- 2 large eggs: Lightly beaten.
- 1 cup mixed vegetables: Peas, carrots, and corn work well.
- ½ cup diced onion
- 2 green onions: Sliced, with white and green parts separated.
- 2–3 tablespoons vegetable or avocado oil: For stir-frying.
- 2 cloves garlic: Minced.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Use tamari for a gluten-free option.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: For a nutty finish.
- Salt and black pepper: To taste.
Optional Protein and Garnishes
- 1 cup cooked shrimp, chicken, or firm tofu, diced
- Extra sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lime wedges
How to Make Bang Bang Fried Rice
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and minced garlic if using.
Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the heat with additional Sriracha if desired. Set aside. You can prepare the sauce up to one day ahead and keep it covered in the refrigerator.
Step 2: Scramble the Eggs
Heat a large wok or nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add about 1 tablespoon of cooking oil.
Pour in the beaten eggs and gently scramble until just cooked but still soft. Transfer them to a clean plate and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Aromatics and Vegetables
Add another tablespoon of oil to the same wok. Stir in the diced onion and the white parts of the green onions. Cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the mixed vegetables and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, or until heated through and tender-crisp.
Step 4: Fry the Rice
Push the vegetables to one side of the wok. Add a little more oil if needed, then add the cold cooked rice.
Break up any large clumps with a spatula. Spread the rice across the hot surface and let it cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds before tossing. This helps warm and lightly toast the grains.
Add the soy sauce and toss everything together. Stir-fry for another 2–3 minutes until the rice is evenly seasoned and heated through.
Step 5: Add the Eggs and Protein
Return the scrambled eggs to the wok. If using cooked shrimp, chicken, or tofu, add it now.
Toss everything together until evenly distributed. Make sure any previously cooked protein is thoroughly reheated before serving.
Step 6: Add the Bang Bang Sauce
Turn off the heat before adding the sauce. Start by folding in about half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce, tossing gently until the rice and vegetables are lightly coated.
Add more sauce gradually until you reach your preferred creaminess. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling over individual servings.
Finish with the green parts of the sliced green onions and a small drizzle of sesame oil.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Bang Bang Fried Rice to a serving dish. Drizzle with the reserved sauce and sprinkle with sesame seeds and extra green onions.
Serve immediately with lime wedges for a fresh, tangy finish.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Fried Rice
- Use cold, day-old rice: Freshly cooked rice contains more moisture and can become sticky or mushy. Chilled rice separates more easily in the wok.
- Break up rice clumps: Separate large clumps before adding the rice to the skillet so it heats evenly.
- Use a large pan: A spacious wok or skillet gives the ingredients room to fry instead of steam.
- Prepare everything first: Fried rice cooks quickly, so chop the vegetables and measure the sauce ingredients before heating the pan.
- Add the sauce off the heat: Mayonnaise-based sauce can separate when exposed to high heat. Folding it in after turning off the burner helps preserve its creamy texture.
- Adjust the spice: Start with less Sriracha and add more gradually until the sauce tastes right to you.
- Don’t overcrowd the wok: If doubling the recipe, cook it in batches for better texture.
Delicious Variations
Bang Bang Shrimp Fried Rice
Add cooked shrimp for a seafood version. Season and sauté raw shrimp separately until fully cooked, then fold them into the rice before adding the sauce.
Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice
Use diced cooked chicken breast or thighs for a heartier meal. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and heated through before serving.
Bang Bang Tofu Fried Rice
Use firm or extra-firm tofu. Press it to remove excess moisture, cube it, and pan-fry until golden before adding it to the rice.
Extra Vegetable Fried Rice
Add diced bell peppers, broccoli, mushrooms, or shredded cabbage for more color and texture.
Spicy Bang Bang Fried Rice
Increase the Sriracha or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a stronger kick.
Gluten-Free Bang Bang Fried Rice
Use certified gluten-free tamari instead of regular soy sauce, and check the labels on your sweet chili sauce and other packaged ingredients.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Fried Rice
This flavorful fried rice is satisfying on its own, but it also pairs well with:
- Grilled or sautéed shrimp
- Asian-style chicken skewers
- Steamed or roasted broccoli
- Fresh cucumber salad
- Spring rolls or vegetable dumplings
- Stir-fried green beans
How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator
Allow leftovers to cool promptly, then transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours. For best quality, enjoy within 3–4 days.
Reheating
Reheat the rice in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of water, stirring until steaming hot throughout. You can also microwave it in a covered microwave-safe dish, stirring halfway through. Add a little reserved Bang Bang sauce after reheating if needed.
Can You Freeze Bang Bang Fried Rice?
You can freeze the fried rice, although the creamy mayonnaise-based sauce may change texture after thawing. For better results, freeze the rice mixture before adding the Bang Bang sauce. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before adding freshly prepared sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
Bang Bang sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. This version also includes honey and rice vinegar for extra sweetness and balance.
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but chilled leftover rice usually gives better results. If using freshly cooked rice, spread it in a thin layer on a tray and cool it promptly in the refrigerator until cold before stir-frying. Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature for extended periods.
Is Bang Bang Fried Rice spicy?
It has a mild-to-medium kick when made with 1 tablespoon of Sriracha. Use less for a milder flavor or add more for extra heat.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the sauce up to one day ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir it before using.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Absolutely. Simply leave out the eggs or replace them with extra vegetables or tofu. The rice will still have plenty of flavor from the Bang Bang sauce.
Why is my fried rice mushy?
Mushy fried rice usually happens when the rice contains too much moisture, the pan is overcrowded, or the heat is too low. Use cold rice, a large hot skillet, and cook in batches when necessary.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Fried Rice is an exciting way to turn simple leftover rice into a creamy, sweet, spicy, and satisfying meal. With colorful vegetables, fluffy eggs, and a homemade Bang Bang sauce, every bite is packed with flavor.
Make it with shrimp, chicken, tofu, or just vegetables, and adjust the sauce to suit your taste. It’s an easy weeknight dinner that might become a regular favorite in your kitchen!
