When it comes to a quick, satisfying dinner, Bang Bang Fried Rice is one recipe that has quickly become a go-to in my kitchen. Just last week, after a long day, I needed something fast but packed with flavor. This dish came through like a charm, offering that perfect combination of spicy, tangy, and a little crunch. Bang Bang Fried Rice fits right into my everyday cooking because it uses familiar ingredients, requires minimal prep, and always delivers a meal that feels a bit special without extra fuss.
Versatility and Flavor
One of the things I appreciate about this Bang Bang Fried Rice is how versatile it is. You can adjust the heat with your favorite chili sauce fried rice variation or boost the crunch by opting for crispy rice if that’s what you have on hand. It’s not just your average Asian fried rice recipe; it brings a bold bang bang sauce flavor that’s just right for a weeknight when you want something more exciting than the usual stir-fry.
If you’re like me and appreciate recipes that don’t need a long list of rare ingredients, this fried rice with bang bang sauce will quickly become part of your regular rotation. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknight dinners shine. I invite you to stick with me through this recipe because by the end, you’ll have a reliable, tasty dish that’s sure to become your new favorite Bang Bang Fried Rice.
What You’ll Need:
Here’s the straightforward ingredient list you’ll need for this Bang Bang Fried Rice:
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old for best texture)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded or diced (leftovers work wonderfully)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (think peas, carrots, corn – frozen is fine)
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons bang bang sauce (you can find this bottled or make your own—see note below)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
No worries if you don’t have chicken on hand. I often use shrimp or tofu in my Bang Bang Fried Rice, switching things up depending on what’s in the fridge. The bang bang sauce is the star here. If you want to skip store-bought, a simple mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a dash of lime juice gives you that classic bang bang flavor with just a handful of pantry staples.
You’ll find most of these ingredients right in the regular grocery aisle, especially if you buy frozen pre-chopped veggies—it saves tons of prep time. This Bang Bang Fried Rice keeps costs reasonable because you’re mostly using staples and can rely on leftover rice and proteins, so nothing goes to waste.
Pro tip: When prepping, cook your rice the day before or use leftovers. This makes the frying process smoother and helps create that slightly crispy texture we love about fried rice. Store any extras in an airtight container for up to 3 days; it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
Personally, I like adding a little extra bang bang sauce on top when serving because it amps up the spicy fried rice vibe. You can also toss in some crushed peanuts or fresh cilantro for a fun twist.
Let’s Make It Together:
Making this Bang Bang Fried Rice is easier than it looks. Ready for a satisfying dinner? Let’s do it step by step.
- Heat the oil: Start by warming your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. This step ensures your fried rice gets that hint of crispiness without burning.
- Cook the garlic and green onions: Toss in the minced garlic and sliced green onions and cook until fragrant – about 30 seconds. Your kitchen will begin to smell amazing here.
- Scramble the eggs: Push the garlic and onions to one side of the pan, pour in beaten eggs on the other side, and scramble until just set. Mixing eggs adds richness and texture to the dish.
- Add the protein: Next, stir in your cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu. I love using leftover chicken in my Bang Bang Fried Rice for convenience and flavor.
- Stir in vegetables: Add the mixed vegetables and toss them around for a minute or two until warmed through. Frozen veggies work great here—they thaw quickly and keep the dish colorful.
- Add the rice: Now, bring in the day-old rice. Break up any clumps with your spatula as you stir it in. This step is key for crispy rice texture and evenly distributing flavors.
- Mix in sauces: Pour the bang bang sauce, soy sauce, and sesame oil over everything. Stir so the rice and ingredients are thoroughly coated. Don’t worry if your Bang Bang Fried Rice looks a little saucy at first; it will soak in nicely.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper if needed, depending on your sauce’s saltiness. Give it one last good toss.
- Serve: Transfer to plates, maybe sprinkle more green onions or crushed peanuts on top, and enjoy.
From start to finish, this Bang Bang Fried Rice takes about 30 minutes, making it great for a busy weeknight. While your rice cooks or heats up, you can prep your sauce and chop vegetables, making the cooking flow smoother. I used to rush the step of adding the rice, but taking your time here really pays off in that perfect crispy rice texture.
If you love this, your family might also enjoy Bang Bang Chicken Skewers, which use a similar sauce and bring a nice protein-packed side to your meal. You can check that recipe for a fun twist.
How to Serve & Enjoy:
This Bang Bang Fried Rice makes a fantastic stand-alone meal, but it also pairs wonderfully with simple sides. Try something fresh like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed broccoli to balance the dish’s richness.
If I’m serving this for a cozy dinner or when we have guests, I like to add a side of roasted edamame or quick pickled veggies. These brighten the palate and keep the meal feeling light. Bang Bang Fried Rice is perfect for casual get-togethers or even a lunch gathering because it’s easy to make in batches and appeals to many tastes.
Presentation-wise, I keep it simple—a sprinkle of fresh green onions or chopped peanuts adds a nice touch without any extra effort. If you have leftovers, this fried rice with bang bang sauce reheats well in a skillet or microwave and is even tasty cold for a quick lunch.
Seasonally, I’ve swapped in different veggies—zucchini and bell peppers in summer, or stir in some chopped kale during cooler months—to give a fresh twist without changing the core flavors.
For more inspiration, check out this spicy fried rice recipe that features a different twist on chili sauce fried rice.
Your Questions Answered:
Can I make this Bang Bang Fried Rice ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes great fresh but also holds up well in the fridge for 3 days. You can prepare all ingredients and assemble it quickly before reheating.
What’s a good substitute for chicken in this fried rice with bang bang sauce?
Shrimp, tofu, or even diced pork work well. I’ve also tried it vegetarian with just extra vegetables and it’s still fantastic.
How do I adjust this Bang Bang Fried Rice for more or fewer people?
Simply scale the ingredients up or down. This recipe is great for doubling since fried rice keeps well and is easy to toss in larger pans or woks.
Can I use freshly cooked rice for this Bang Bang Fried Rice?
You can, but day-old rice works best to avoid sogginess and to get that slight crisp on the rice. If you must use fresh, spread it out to cool and dry a bit before cooking.
Is bang bang sauce very spicy?
The store-bought versions vary, and homemade can be adjusted easily by changing the amount of sriracha or chili sauce. You control the heat level.
Can I make the bang bang sauce from scratch?
Yes! A simple mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice mimics the flavor perfectly.
How do I get the rice crispy without burning?
Cook on medium-high heat and keep stirring frequently. Using day-old rice helps and making sure there’s enough oil also does the trick.
Bang Bang Fried Rice reminds me of another favorite: Bang Bang Salmon, which uses the same flavorful sauce and is a nice protein swap.
For a crowd-pleaser variation, check out this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice – Spicy, Crispy & Flavorful from Sauced Up Foods.
And in case you want to see it in action or get inspired from fellow cooks, check out this tasty Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice video on Instagram.
If shrimp is your thing, this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe paired with fried rice gets rave reviews from home cooks sharing on Facebook.
Final Thoughts:
This Bang Bang Fried Rice has earned a special spot in my recipe collection because it blends bold flavors with simple, dependable cooking. It’s become a family favorite that I know will please anyone around the table.
My Best Bang Bang Fried Rice Tips
- Use day-old rice for that crispy texture
- Take your time stirring to avoid burnt bits but keep it hot enough
- Adjust your sauce heat to suit your family’s taste, adding more chili sauce or reducing it
I’ve tested variations with shrimp, tofu, and extra veggies, and each brings something wonderful to the table. The chicken version is usually the most requested at my house, but I love how versatile this recipe is.
I encourage you to make this Bang Bang Fried Rice your own. Try different proteins, play with veggies, and find the heat level that keeps your kitchen happy.
I hope you love how quick and tasty this fried rice with bang bang sauce can be. It’s a dependable recipe that delivers every time, whether for a simple weeknight meal or a small gathering.
Happy cooking, friends!
Bang Bang Fried Rice
Bang Bang Fried Rice is a flavorful and spicy stir-fried dish featuring tender rice, crunchy vegetables, and a bold, creamy bang bang sauce that delivers an irresistible kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1/2 cup carrots, diced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 eggs, beaten
- For the bang bang sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, salt, and pepper to create the bang bang sauce. Set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add diced carrots and bell peppers; stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, pour the beaten eggs into the empty side, and scramble until fully cooked.
- Add the cooked chicken and day-old jasmine rice to the skillet. Stir everything together and cook for another 3-5 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and slightly crisp.
- Remove from heat, then drizzle the bang bang sauce over the fried rice and stir well to combine.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Notes
For extra crunch, top the fried rice with roasted peanuts or cashews. You can also substitute chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different variation.