Bang bang shrimp sauce is one of those magical condiments that transforms ordinary seafood into something extraordinary. Creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet, this sauce has become a staple in my kitchen whenever we’re craving that restaurant-quality shrimp experience at home. The balance of flavors creates that perfect bite that leaves you wanting more.
My grandmother first introduced me to making this sauce when I was trying to recreate our favorite appetizer from a local seafood restaurant. She suggested adding a touch of honey to balance the heat, and that small adjustment made all the difference. Now my daughter helps measure the ingredients and always asks for “the orange sauce” when we have shrimp night.
This recipe takes just minutes to prepare and stores beautifully in the fridge for whenever you need it. The sauce for bang bang shrimp comes together with pantry staples, making it perfect for last-minute dinner plans. My secret tip? Let the sauce rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
This bang bang shrimp sauce relies on a few simple but powerful ingredients. The creamy base comes from mayonnaise, while sriracha and sweet chili sauce provide that distinctive spicy-sweet kick. I always use fresh lime juice rather than bottled for the brightest flavor. Check the recipe card below for exact measurements and the complete ingredients list.
How to Make bang bang shrimp sauce
Creating this bang bang shrimp sauce couldn’t be easier – it’s truly a matter of mixing everything together in the right proportions. I start by combining mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce, then gradually add sriracha to control the heat level. The bang bang sauce for shrimp gets its perfect balance from a touch of honey and lime juice, which cut through the richness. Just whisk everything until smooth, and it’s ready to elevate your favorite seafood!
Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tbsp sriracha sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice fresh
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp garlic powder optional
Instructions
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Add sriracha sauce, starting with 1 tablespoon and adding more to reach your desired level of spiciness.
- Stir in the honey, lime juice, salt, and garlic powder (if using).
- Whisk all ingredients together until the sauce is completely smooth and uniform in color.
- For best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
For More Sauce Recipes
hello fresh cream sauce base recipe
Pro Tips for Making This Recipe
Getting the Perfect Consistency
When I make bang bang shrimp sauce, I always start with room temperature mayonnaise. Cold mayo straight from the fridge can make the sauce too thick and difficult to mix smoothly. If your sauce seems too thick, add a teaspoon of water or lime juice at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Balancing the Flavors
My Secret Trick: I taste as I go, especially when adding the sriracha. Start with less than you think you need – you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away! I usually add about half the sriracha first, then gradually add more until it reaches the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy.
Make-Ahead Magic
This sauce actually improves with a little time. I often make bang bang shrimp sauce the night before I need it, allowing all those flavors to meld together in the refrigerator. The difference in depth of flavor between a freshly made sauce and one that’s had a few hours to rest is remarkable.
Fun Variations
Lightened-Up Version
For a lighter bang bang shrimp sauce recipe, I sometimes substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. This cuts down on calories while still maintaining that creamy texture. My daughter can’t even tell the difference, and it adds a pleasant tanginess that works wonderfully with seafood.
Extra Garlicky Twist
When I’m craving more depth, I add 1-2 cloves of finely minced fresh garlic or 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder to the bang bang shrimp sauce. This variation adds a savory note that complements the sweet and spicy elements beautifully. My grandmother taught me that good sauce should have layers of flavor, and garlic adds that perfect foundation.
Citrus-Forward Option
For a brighter, more summery sauce for bang bang shrimp, I increase the lime juice and add a teaspoon of lime zest. This variation is especially refreshing when serving the sauce with grilled shrimp at outdoor gatherings. The extra citrus cuts through the richness and makes everything taste fresh and vibrant.
Honey-Free Alternative
If you’re avoiding honey, maple syrup makes an excellent substitute in this bang bang shrimp sauce recipe. It adds a slightly different but equally delicious sweetness that balances the heat from the sriracha. I discovered this by accident when I ran out of honey once, and now sometimes I make it this way on purpose!
What to Enjoy with bang bang shrimp sauce
This versatile bang bang shrimp sauce pairs beautifully with so many dishes beyond just shrimp. My family loves it drizzled over fish tacos or as a dipping sauce for crispy coconut shrimp. It also makes an incredible spread for seafood sandwiches or wraps – just add some fresh lettuce and avocado.
For a complete meal, I often serve shrimp with this bang bang shrimp sauce recipe alongside jasmine rice and steamed broccoli. The sauce is rich enough that you don’t need much else to make the meal feel special. My daughter even likes to dip her vegetables in it, which is always a win in my book!
If you’re hosting, try setting up a DIY station with fried or grilled shrimp, lettuce cups, and this sauce. Guests can assemble their own lettuce wraps for a light yet satisfying appetizer. The bang bang sauce becomes the star ingredient that ties everything together.
Best Way to Store and Reheat bang bang shrimp sauce
Bang bang shrimp sauce keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. I always use a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid to store it, which helps maintain its freshness and prevents it from absorbing other flavors from the fridge. The sauce may thicken slightly when chilled, which is perfectly normal.
If you find your bang bang shrimp sauce has thickened too much after refrigeration, my simple trick is to let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes, then add a few drops of water or lime juice and stir until it reaches your desired consistency. I never microwave this sauce as the mayonnaise can separate and ruin the texture.
For meal prep, I sometimes make a double batch of bang bang shrimp sauce on weekends, using half for Sunday dinner and saving the rest for quick weeknight meals. Having this ready-made sauce on hand makes it so easy to transform basic grilled shrimp or fish into something special with minimal effort.
Nutritional Benefits bang bang shrimp sauce
Protein Boost from Mayo
While bang bang shrimp sauce is an indulgence, it does offer some nutritional benefits. The mayonnaise base provides protein and healthy fats that help keep you satisfied. I always remind myself that quality fats are an important part of a balanced diet, especially when enjoyed in moderation.
Capsaicin Benefits
The sriracha in bang bang shrimp sauce contains capsaicin, which has been linked to metabolic benefits and may help boost your metabolism temporarily. My grandmother always said a little heat in your food keeps your system running smoothly, and modern science seems to agree with her traditional wisdom.
Balancing with Fresh Ingredients
To make your meal with bang bang shrimp sauce more nutritionally balanced, I recommend serving it with plenty of fresh vegetables. The richness of the sauce pairs wonderfully with crisp lettuce wraps or a side of cucumber salad, adding fiber and nutrients to complement the indulgent sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is bang bang shrimp sauce?
Bang bang shrimp sauce is a creamy, spicy-sweet condiment made primarily with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It originated in Thai and Chinese cuisines and became popular in American restaurants as a coating for fried shrimp. The sauce is known for its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess.
How spicy is bang bang sauce?
Bang bang sauce has a moderate heat level that’s balanced by sweetness and creaminess. You can easily adjust the spiciness by controlling how much sriracha you add. In my experience, the traditional version has enough kick to notice but won’t overwhelm those with milder palates.
What is a substitute for mayonnaise in bang bang sauce?
Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute for mayonnaise in sauce for bang bang shrimp. It provides similar creaminess with less fat and more protein. For a vegan option, try silken tofu blended until smooth or a plant-based mayonnaise. Each alternative will slightly alter the flavor but still produce delicious results.
Is bang bang sauce and Yum Yum Sauce the same?
No, bang bang shrimp sauce and Yum Yum sauce are different. Bang bang sauce is spicier with sriracha and sweet chili sauce, while Yum Yum sauce (often served at Japanese steakhouses) is sweeter with a tomato base and more subtle seasonings. Bang bang has a distinct orange-red color and more heat.
Conclusion
Bang bang shrimp sauce has become one of those recipes that my family requests again and again. What starts as a simple combination of ingredients transforms into something truly special that elevates even the most basic seafood dinner. The balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy elements creates a flavor profile that’s hard to resist.
I hope your family enjoys this bang bang shrimp sauce as much as mine does! Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner upgrade, this sauce has a way of making meals feel more exciting. If you try any of the variations, I’d love to hear which one became your favorite in the comments below!