Bang Bang Fried Rice

Crispy chicken and colorful veggies in Bang Bang Fried Rice, garnished with sesame seeds on a white plate. Save to Pinterest
Crispy chicken and colorful veggies in Bang Bang Fried Rice, garnished with sesame seeds on a white plate. | recipesbytabitha.com

This vibrant fried rice combines tender chicken breast with colorful vegetables in a wok, then gets coated in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The dish comes together in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something with bold Asian-inspired flavors. Chilled jasmine rice works best to achieve that perfect texture, while the sauce adds richness and heat that elevates classic fried rice into something special.

The first time I had Bang Bang sauce at that airport chain restaurant, I kept dipping everything in it and wondering why nobody put this on fried rice yet. The creamy sweet heat just clings to each grain perfectly. So I came home and started experimenting, and now my phone lights up with requests whenever friends hear I'm making rice for dinner.

Last winter my cousin showed up unexpectedly during a snowstorm and I had to raid the fridge for dinner. This fried rice saved the night and now whenever it storms, she texts asking if that pink sauce rice is happening again.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: Diced into bite sized pieces so they cook quickly and stay tender throughout stir frying
  • Eggs: Beaten separately and scrambled right in the wok for those golden ribbons throughout the rice
  • Carrots and bell peppers: Diced small so they soften quickly but still keep a little crunch for texture
  • Frozen peas: Thawed first so they don't make everything watery when they hit the hot pan
  • Jasmine rice: Cooked and chilled overnight is absolutely crucial for that perfect fried rice texture
  • Mayonnaise: The creamy base that carries all the other flavors and clings to every grain
  • Sweet chili sauce: Adds that signature sweetness that balances the heat perfectly
  • Sriracha: Adjust this up or down depending on your spice tolerance that day
  • Honey: Just enough to round out the tang and bring everything together
  • Rice vinegar: Brightens up the creamy sauce so it never feels too heavy
  • Soy sauce: A splash adds umami depth without overpowering the bang bang flavors
  • Garlic and ginger: Minced fresh and added at the end for maximum aromatic impact
  • Vegetable oil: A neutral oil that lets the sauce flavors shine without competing
  • Toasted sesame seeds: Sprinkled on top for that restaurant style finish and nutty crunch

Instructions

Whisk up your sauce first:
Combine all the bang bang sauce ingredients in a small bowl until completely smooth and taste it to adjust the heat level
Sear the chicken:
Heat one tablespoon oil in a large wok over high heat and cook the seasoned chicken until golden on all sides then set it aside
Crisp the vegetables:
Add another tablespoon of oil and stir fry the carrots and peppers for two minutes before tossing in the peas and half the green onions
Scramble the eggs:
Push everything to the sides and pour the beaten eggs into the center letting them set slightly before scrambling them through the vegetables
Build the aromatics:
Toss in the garlic and ginger stirring constantly for thirty seconds until the smell fills your kitchen
Fry the rice:
Add the cold rice breaking up any clumps with your spatula and let it get slightly crispy for about three minutes
Bring it all together:
Return the chicken to the pan pour in half the sauce and toss everything until coated and steaming hot
Finish with flair:
Remove from heat drizzle the remaining sauce over top and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds and extra green onions
A close-up of creamy Bang Bang Fried Rice with fluffy jasmine rice, bright carrots, and a glossy sauce drizzle. Save to Pinterest
A close-up of creamy Bang Bang Fried Rice with fluffy jasmine rice, bright carrots, and a glossy sauce drizzle. | recipesbytabitha.com

This recipe has become my go to for bringing to friends who need a meal because it travels beautifully and tastes even better the next day. Something about that sweet spicy sauce just makes people feel taken care of.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap the chicken for shrimp when I want something lighter and they cook so fast you barely need to adjust the timing. The sauce works with just about any protein you have on hand.

Perfecting Your Rice Game

Spread your cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it uncovered for at least a few hours. This dries out the surface grains so they fry up separate and fluffy instead of clumping together.

Serving It Up Right

This fried rice is substantial enough to stand alone as a meal but a simple cucumber salad dressed with rice vinegar on the side really cuts through the richness. The cool crunch balances everything perfectly.

  • Set out extra sriracha at the table so spice lovers can turn up the heat
  • Squeeze fresh lime over individual bowls right before eating for a bright pop
  • Keep any leftover sauce separate and add it only when reheating so the rice stays crispy

Sizzling Bang Bang Fried Rice served hot, topped with green onions and a side of extra sauce for dipping. Save to Pinterest
Sizzling Bang Bang Fried Rice served hot, topped with green onions and a side of extra sauce for dipping. | recipesbytabitha.com

Hope this brings as much excitement to your dinner table as it has to mine over the years.

Recipe Questions

The signature Bang Bang sauce combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar for a creamy, sweet, and spicy flavor profile that coats the rice perfectly.

Day-old, chilled jasmine rice prevents the dish from becoming mushy. Cold grains separate easily during stir-frying, creating the perfect texture.

Simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or tofu. The Bang Bang sauce provides plenty of flavor and protein from the eggs.

The heat level is easily adjustable by increasing or decreasing the sriracha in the sauce. Start with one tablespoon and add more to taste.

A crisp Riesling balances the spice beautifully, or try a cold lager beer to complement the bold flavors.

Bang Bang Fried Rice

Creamy spicy fried rice with chicken, vegetables, and signature Bang Bang sauce ready in 35 minutes.

Prep 15m
Cook 20m
Total 35m
Servings 4
Difficulty Easy

Ingredients

Proteins

  • 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, diced (approximately 10 ounces)
  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Vegetables

  • 1 cup carrots, diced
  • 1 cup bell pepper, diced (red or yellow)
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 4 green onions, sliced

Rice

  • 3 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled (preferably day-old)

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha, adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon soy sauce

Frying and Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • Additional sliced green onions for topping

Instructions

1
Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and soy sauce in a small bowl until completely smooth and well combined. Set aside for later use.
2
Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season generously with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3
Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the hot skillet. Add carrots and bell pepper, stir-frying for 2 minutes. Add peas and half of the sliced green onions. Continue cooking until vegetables are just tender, about 2 to 3 additional minutes.
4
Scramble the Eggs: Push vegetables to one side of the skillet. Add remaining oil and pour beaten eggs into the cleared space. Let eggs set for 30 seconds, then scramble until just cooked and mix with the vegetables.
5
Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the skillet, stirring constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
6
Incorporate Rice: Add chilled rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps with a spatula. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until rice is thoroughly heated and slightly toasted.
7
Combine with Sauce: Return cooked chicken to the pan. Pour half of the Bang Bang Sauce over the rice mixture, tossing vigorously to coat everything evenly.
8
Finish and Serve: Remove from heat immediately. Drizzle remaining Bang Bang Sauce over the top. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions. Serve hot while the sauce is creamy.
Additional Information

Equipment Needed

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Mixing bowls
  • Spatula or wooden spoon
  • Chef's knife and cutting board
  • Whisk

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Calories 510
Protein 25g
Carbs 55g
Fat 22g

Allergy Information

  • Contains eggs, dairy (mayonnaise), soy (soy sauce), and wheat (soy sauce). Mayonnaise may contain mustard derivatives. Verify labels for gluten-free or allergen-safe substitutions.
Tabitha Greene

Sharing easy, wholesome recipes and handy cooking tips for home cooks who love good food.