This bang bang sauce combines plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in one creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy condiment. It takes about five minutes to mix and works as a dip, drizzle, or finishing sauce for chicken and rice bowls.
For a complete meal using this sauce, start with this Bang Bang Chicken Rice Bowl.
Quick Answer: What Is Bang Bang Sauce?
Bang bang sauce is an American-style creamy sauce commonly made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This version replaces half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor while keeping enough mayonnaise for a smooth, rich texture.
The sauce is often associated with Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill. The restaurant describes its sauce as creamy and spicy but does not publish the exact formula. This homemade version is not presented as the restaurant’s official recipe. It is also different from Sichuan bang bang chicken, which is a separate dish with a different sauce and preparation.
Bang Bang Sauce at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Preparation | No-cook |
| Prep time | 5 minutes |
| Total time | 5 minutes |
| Yield | About 3/4 cup |
| Servings | 6 |
| Serving size | About 2 tablespoons |
| Flavor | Creamy, sweet, tangy, and moderately spicy |
| Storage | Refrigerate and use within 4 days |
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup plain 2% Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor.
- 1/4 cup regular mayonnaise: Gives the sauce a smoother, richer consistency.
- 3 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce: Provides sweetness, mild chili flavor, and body.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha: Adds heat and garlic-chili flavor.
- 1 teaspoon unseasoned rice vinegar: Balances the sweetness and richness.
The finished flavor will vary slightly by brand, especially with sweet chili sauce and sriracha. Taste the sauce before adding extra seasoning because the prepared sauces already contain salt.
Plain Greek Yogurt
Use unsweetened, unflavored Greek yogurt. A 2% yogurt provides a creamy texture without making the sauce as rich as an all-mayonnaise version. Nonfat or whole-milk Greek yogurt can also work, but the texture, tanginess, and estimated nutrition will change.
Mayonnaise
Regular mayonnaise supplies body and helps soften the tang of the yogurt. Traditional mayonnaise commonly contains egg, so check the label if you are serving someone with an egg allergy.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
Sweet chili sauce contributes most of the sweetness and helps give bang bang sauce its familiar pink-orange color. Product formulas vary, so the final sweetness and thickness may change between brands.
Sriracha
Two teaspoons produce a noticeable but manageable level of heat. If your sriracha is particularly hot, begin with one teaspoon and add the second after tasting.
Rice Vinegar
Use unseasoned rice vinegar so you have more control over the sweetness and sodium. Fresh lime juice can replace it, although the sauce will have a more citrus-forward flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Sauce
- Add the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise to a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk until the base is completely smooth with no visible streaks.
- Add the Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar.
- Whisk again until the sauce has an even color and consistency.
- Taste and adjust only if needed. Add a small amount of extra sriracha for more heat or Greek yogurt for a milder sauce.
- Use immediately or transfer the sauce to a clean, covered container and refrigerate.
How to Adjust the Flavor and Texture
| Goal | Adjustment | What Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Milder sauce | Add Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon at a time | Reduces heat and increases tang |
| Spicier sauce | Add sriracha 1/4 teaspoon at a time | Increases heat and may add sodium |
| More tang | Add a few drops of rice vinegar or lime juice | Brightens the flavor and may thin the sauce |
| Thinner drizzle | Add water 1 teaspoon at a time | Makes the sauce easier to drizzle |
| Thicker dip | Add Greek yogurt or mayonnaise 1 teaspoon at a time | Adds body and softens the heat |
| Less sweet | Add a few drops of rice vinegar | Balances sweetness without adding more heat |
Adjustments added after mixing are not included in the estimated nutrition. If accurate nutrition is important to you, measure and include every addition in your calculation.
Greek Yogurt, Mayonnaise, or Both?
| Base | Texture | Flavor | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greek yogurt only | Thick but less glossy | More tangy | Cold drizzle or dip |
| Mayonnaise only | Rich and smooth | Milder and less tangy | Classic creamy dip |
| Greek yogurt and mayonnaise | Creamy with good body | Balanced tang and richness | Bowls, dipping, and meal prep |
Using equal amounts of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise keeps the sauce creamy while preventing either ingredient from dominating the flavor.
Ways to Use Bang Bang Sauce
- Drizzle it over chicken, rice, cabbage, cucumber, and carrots.
- Use it as a dip for baked chicken bites or raw vegetables.
- Add a small sauce cup to a meal prep container.
- Serve it with a grilled chicken rice bowl.
- Try it with a chicken fajita rice bowl when you want a sweet-spicy alternative to the usual topping.
- Explore more combinations in these chicken rice bowl recipes.
For meal prep, keep the sauce away from hot rice and fresh vegetables until serving. This helps prevent soggy rice and keeps crunchy vegetables from softening.
Meal Prep and Storage
Transfer the sauce to a clean airtight container and refrigerate it at 40°F or below. For a cautious make-ahead window, use the sauce within four days. Stir it before serving if a small amount of liquid collects on the surface.
Do not leave the sauce at room temperature for more than two hours. If the surrounding temperature is above 90°F, refrigerate it within one hour. These limits follow the general cold-food guidance from FoodSafety.gov.
When packing the sauce with a prepared meal, use a separate covered sauce cup. Reheat only the cooked components, then add the cold sauce after reheating. For more make-ahead planning, see this guide to cheap high-protein meal prep.
Freezing is not recommended. Greek yogurt and mayonnaise emulsions may separate and become watery or grainy after thawing.
Common Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Too spicy | Too much sriracha | Add equal small amounts of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise |
| Too sweet | Sweet chili sauce is particularly sweet | Add rice vinegar a few drops at a time |
| Too tangy | Yogurt or vinegar is dominating | Add a small amount of mayonnaise |
| Too thin | Too much acid or water | Add Greek yogurt or mayonnaise 1 teaspoon at a time |
| Too thick | Thick yogurt or mayonnaise | Add water 1 teaspoon at a time |
| Separated after storage | Normal moisture separation from yogurt | Stir thoroughly and discard if there are signs of spoilage |
Allergen and Nutrition Notes
This recipe contains milk from the Greek yogurt and egg from regular mayonnaise. Sweet chili sauce and sriracha ingredients can vary by manufacturer. Read every ingredient and allergen statement when preparing the sauce for someone with a food allergy. The FDA recognizes milk and egg among the nine major food allergens.
Estimated nutrition per serving: approximately 86 calories, 1 gram protein, 4 grams carbohydrate, 7 grams fat, 1 gram saturated fat, 3 grams sugar, and 140 milligrams sodium per 2-tablespoon serving.
These values are estimates calculated from plain 2% Greek yogurt, regular mayonnaise, representative Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and unseasoned rice vinegar. Optional additions and substitutions are excluded. Nutrition will vary by brand and exact measurements. Use product labels and USDA FoodData Central when you need values based on the exact products used.
Helpful Tools for This Recipe
- Dry and liquid measuring spoons
- Small mixing bowl
- Small whisk or silicone spatula
- Clean glass jar with a fitted lid
- Squeeze bottle for drizzling
- Small covered sauce cups for meal prep
No specialized appliance is required. A spoon can replace the whisk if that is what you already have.
Bang Bang Sauce with Greek Yogurt
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Add the Greek yogurt and mayonnaise to a small mixing bowl.
- Whisk until completely smooth and no visible streaks remain.
- Add the Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and unseasoned rice vinegar.
- Whisk again until the sauce has a smooth, even color and consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust only if needed. Add a little extra sriracha for more heat, or add Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon at a time for a milder flavor.
- Serve immediately as a dip or drizzle, or transfer to a clean covered container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bang bang sauce made of?
This version contains plain Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and unseasoned rice vinegar. Traditional versions often use mayonnaise as the entire creamy base.
Is bang bang sauce very spicy?
This recipe is moderately spicy. Use one teaspoon of sriracha for a milder sauce or add a little more after mixing if you prefer additional heat.
Can I make bang bang sauce without mayonnaise?
Yes. Replace the mayonnaise with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt. The sauce will be tangier and less glossy, and its nutrition will differ from the estimate provided here.
How long does homemade bang bang sauce last?
Keep it covered in the refrigerator at 40°F or below and use it within four days. Always use a clean utensil and discard the sauce if it develops an unusual odor, visible mold, or other signs of spoilage.
Can I freeze bang bang sauce?
Freezing is not recommended because mayonnaise and Greek yogurt can separate after thawing. The thawed sauce may become watery or grainy even after stirring.
Final Takeaway
This five-minute bang bang sauce balances Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar in a creamy condiment that works for dipping, drizzling, and meal prep. Keep the sauce cold, adjust the heat gradually, and add it to warm bowls only after reheating.
For more ways to turn simple ingredients into dinner, explore these easy protein dinner ideas or subscribe to the BudgetProteinMeals newsletter.