Name: Bang Bang Fried Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked and chilled white rice 1 tablespoon sesame oil 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 0.5 pound shrimp or chicken breast, diced Salt and pepper to taste 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 cup frozen peas and carrots 2 cloves garlic, minced; 0.25 cup green onions, sliced; 0.25 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce 1 tablespoon sriracha 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Ready to bring the bold, saucy flavor of your favorite appetizer straight into your weeknight dinner routine? This Bang Bang Fried Rice is a fiery, creamy, umami-packed dish that transforms leftovers into a restaurant-worthy meal. With crispy rice, juicy shrimp or chicken, and that irresistible bang bang sauce coating every bite, it hits all the right notes of spicy, sweet, and savory.

What makes this dish so addictive is the contrast of textures and flavors. You get the crunch from perfectly stir-fried rice and veggies, the richness of the creamy sriracha-mayo sauce, and that satisfying kick that wakes up your palate. It’s a one-pan wonder you can whip up in 20 minutes flat, perfect for those busy nights when you still want something special.

What Protein Works Best in Bang Bang Fried Rice?

This dish is flexible, and that’s the beauty of it. While shrimp is a classic choice for Bang Bang flavor, diced chicken, tofu, or even leftover steak works beautifully. The key is to cook your protein until it’s crisped and golden, then toss it in a generous swirl of bang bang sauce before folding it into the rice. You can also skip the meat altogether and load it with veggies for a satisfying vegetarian version.

Ingredients for the Bang Bang Fried Rice

3 cups cooked and chilled white rice (preferably day-old)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1/2 pound shrimp or chicken breast, diced
Salt and pepper to taste
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup green onions, sliced
1/4 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

How To Make the Bang Bang Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Protein

Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp or chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and toss with half the bang bang sauce.

Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until just set and push to one side of the pan.

Step 4: Stir-Fry the Rice

Add sesame oil and remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the garlic, frozen peas and carrots, and chilled rice. Stir-fry everything together for 3-5 minutes until the rice is hot and slightly crispy.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Return the protein to the skillet, add green onions, and drizzle in the remaining bang bang sauce. Mix everything together well, letting the sauce coat each grain of rice.

Serving and Storing Bang Bang Fried Rice

Serve your Bang Bang Fried Rice hot from the skillet, garnished with extra green onions, sesame seeds, or even a drizzle of extra sriracha if you’re feeling bold. It pairs perfectly with a crunchy cucumber salad or even simple miso soup.

To store, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheats beautifully in a skillet with a splash of water or oil to refresh it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is bang bang fried rice?

It’s mildly spicy, thanks to the sriracha in the sauce. You can adjust the heat level up or down easily by changing the amount of sriracha.

Can I use brown rice instead of white?

Absolutely! Brown rice adds a nuttier flavor and works just as well, though it might take a bit longer to crisp up in the pan.

Is it okay to use fresh rice?

Fresh rice tends to be too moist. For best texture, use chilled, day-old rice that’s had time to dry out.

What other veggies can I add?

Bell peppers, corn, shredded cabbage, or even diced zucchini all go great in this dish. Use what you have!

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, just swap the mayo with a dairy-free version. Most mayonnaise is dairy-free, but always check the label to be sure.

Want More Rice-Based Dinner Ideas?

If you’re a fan of punchy, bold flavors in your dinner bowl, don’t miss these reader-favorite recipes:

Cheesy Mexican Rice Casserole: comfort food with a zesty twist.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta: not rice, but just as comforting.
Buffalo Chicken Calzone: for when you want handheld heat.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts: easy skillet magic.
Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken: pairs beautifully with fried rice.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can pull it up for your next spicy craving.

And when you make it, let me know how it turned out! Did you go with shrimp, chicken, or keep it meatless? Any surprise ingredients added? I’m all ears.

Check out more of my daily recipes over on Pinterest at Nina Dishes.

Bang Bang Fried Rice

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This Bang Bang Fried Rice is a bold, spicy, creamy take on traditional fried rice, tossed with shrimp or chicken and a crave-worthy bang bang sauce. Quick to make, full of flavor, and endlessly customizable for an easy weeknight dinner.

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside.

2. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp or chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and toss with half the bang bang sauce.

3. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and pour in the beaten eggs. Scramble until just set and push to one side of the pan.

4. Add sesame oil and remaining tablespoon of vegetable oil. Toss in the garlic, frozen peas and carrots, and chilled rice. Stir-fry everything together for 3–5 minutes until the rice is hot and slightly crispy.

5. Return the protein to the skillet, add green onions, and drizzle in the remaining bang bang sauce. Mix everything together well, letting the sauce coat each grain of rice.