Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick, customizable, full of bold bang bang flavor, inexpensive to make, and perfect for using up leftovers. The creamy, spicy sauce transforms classic fried rice into something exciting and unforgettable.
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Bang Bang Fried Rice: A Creamy, Spicy–Sweet Twist on Classic Fried Rice
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A bold, creamy, spicy-sweet take on fried rice—loaded with veggies, your choice of protein, and tossed in a signature bang bang sauce for maximum flavor.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and cooled rice
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 lb shrimp or chicken (optional), diced
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Whisk together the bang bang sauce ingredients until smooth. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
- Add shrimp or chicken if using, and cook until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic and mixed vegetables to the skillet. Cook 2–3 minutes.
- Push veggies to the side and scramble the beaten eggs in the skillet.
- Add cooked rice, green onions, and protein back to the pan. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes.
- Pour bang bang sauce over the rice and toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve hot.
Notes
- Use day-old rice for best texture.
- Make it vegetarian by omitting the protein or adding tofu.
- Add more sriracha for extra heat.
- Top with sesame seeds or extra green onions for garnish.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cooked rice (preferably day-old)
Provides the ideal texture for fried rice—firm and separated—allowing the sauce to coat each grain perfectly.
Protein of choice (shrimp, chicken, or tofu)
Adds heartiness and soaks up the bang bang sauce beautifully.
Vegetable oil
Used to sauté the rice and protein, giving everything a slight crispness.
Garlic
Builds flavor and enhances the savory notes of the sauce.
Green onions
Add freshness, bite, and color throughout the dish.
Eggs
Scrambled directly into the skillet for richness and additional protein.
Peas and carrots
Offer sweetness, texture, and classic fried rice balance.
Soy sauce
Adds umami and saltiness to keep the creamy sauce from overpowering the dish.
Sriracha
Brings heat and helps create the signature bang bang flavor.
Mayonnaise
The base of bang bang sauce, giving the fried rice its creamy, silky coating.
Sweet chili sauce
Adds sweetness, acidity, and sticky texture that enhances the fried rice.
Salt and black pepper
Used to fine-tune the seasoning.
Directions
Begin by prepping all ingredients so the cooking process flows smoothly. Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add your protein and cook until lightly browned and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the garlic until fragrant. Add the peas and carrots and cook until softened.
Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and scramble the eggs on the open side. Once cooked, fold them into the vegetables. Add the cooked rice, breaking up any clumps with your spatula. Let the rice fry for a few minutes to develop slight crispness. Add soy sauce and toss everything together.
In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to form the bang bang sauce. Add about two-thirds of it to the rice, tossing to coat every grain. Return the cooked protein to the skillet and stir well. Add the remaining sauce if you prefer extra creaminess. Finish with chopped green onions. Serve warm.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
Serves 4
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. The creamy sauce reheats well without losing texture. Freezing is not recommended due to the mayo-based sauce.
Variations and Customizations
Bang Bang Shrimp Fried Rice
Use sautéed shrimp for a restaurant-style twist with bright, briny flavor.
Chicken Bang Bang Rice
Swap in grilled or rotisserie chicken for convenience and extra savoriness.
Tofu or Veggie Version
Use crispy tofu or roasted vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Extra-Spicy Kick
Add more sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Peanut–Bang Bang Fusion
Whisk a spoonful of peanut butter into the sauce for nutty depth.
Pineapple Sweet Heat
Fold in fresh pineapple chunks for a tropical sweet-and-spicy contrast.
Cauliflower Fried Rice
Use cauliflower rice for a lighter, low-carb variation.
Crispy Shallot Topper
Sprinkle fried shallots on top for crunch and aromatic richness.
Bacon Bang Bang Rice
Add crispy bacon pieces to introduce smoky, salty flavor.
Creamier Version
Stir in extra mayonnaise or sweet chili sauce for a thicker coating.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice?
Yes, but cool it first to prevent mushiness.
Is the dish very spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on how much sriracha you use.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan mayo.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely—zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, and corn all work well.
What protein works best?
Shrimp and chicken are classic, but tofu or beef also fit perfectly.
Does the sauce make the rice soggy?
No, as long as you use day-old rice and fry it well before adding sauce.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but use a wide skillet for proper frying.
Is sweet chili sauce necessary?
It gives signature flavor, but honey with chili sauce can substitute.
Can I meal-prep this?
Yes, it reheats beautifully.
How do I prevent rice from sticking?
Use enough oil and keep the skillet hot while stirring continuously.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Fried Rice delivers bold, creamy, spicy-sweet flavor in a fun and satisfying twist on classic fried rice. With tender protein, crisp vegetables, and a silky bang bang sauce coating every grain, this dish brings excitement and comfort to any dinner table. Whether you keep it simple or try one of the many variations, this fried rice is an easy, flavorful meal you’ll want to make again and again.
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