I remember the moment I discovered Bang Bang Fried Rice like it was yesterday. I was scrolling through some late-night foodie posts and stumbled upon this vibrant dish that looked so much more exciting than my usual fried rice routine. That spark of “I need to make this!” hit me instantly. There was something about the flavors—spicy, creamy, a little tangy—that felt like a fresh twist on a crispy rice dish I could get really behind.
Bang Bang Fried Rice quickly carved out a sweet spot in my kitchen life because it combines bold flavors with a quick fried rice recipe vibe I love. It’s not just a meal; it’s a playful stir-fry experience that brings a punch of heat and a comforting warmth that’s perfect for any day of the week. I adore how it’s got that perfect balance—kick of bang bang sauce paired with tender veggies and rice that has just enough crisp from stir-frying. Honestly, it feels like a little celebration in every bite.
This dish is such a joy to cook because it’s approachable for anyone, and it always delivers amazing results that get everyone at the table excited. I always find myself sharing it at casual dinners or even quick lunches when I want something with big flavor but no fuss. Plus, this bang bang sauce fried rice just brings people together—the spicy fried rice aspect invites a little adventurous spirit that everyone appreciates.
If you’re like me and appreciate a good Asian stir-fry recipe that’s fast but never boring, this Bang Bang Fried Rice is going to become your go-to, too. I’m buzzing just thinking about it and seriously can’t wait for you to try making it yourself. Let’s dive in and get that crispy rice dish magic happening in your kitchen!
What You’ll Need:
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice (preferably day-old for that crispy texture you want)
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, diced (you can swap with shrimp or tofu if you like)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (any neutral oil works perfectly)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup mixed veggies (I usually grab frozen peas, carrots, and corn for convenience)
- 2 green onions, sliced thin
- 2 eggs, lightly beaten
- 3 tablespoons bang bang sauce (store-bought or homemade—more on that later)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (adds that toasty note—don’t skip!)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional garnish: sesame seeds or chopped cilantro
Out of chicken? No sweat! Shrimp is fantastic here too, and if you want a vegetarian version, firm tofu cubes soak up sauce beautifully.
Almost everything you need for this bang bang sauce fried rice is easy to snag at any regular grocery store, so it’s budget-friendly and quick to gather.
Quick prep tip: Use leftover cooked rice chilled overnight—this helps keep those grains separate and gives you that signature crispy fried rice feel. Also, prepping your veggies and bang bang sauce before starting makes the whole cooking flow smoother.
Leftovers keep nicely for 2-3 days in an airtight container—just pop it in a hot pan to revive that crispy charm!
Here’s my personal kitchen nugget: I always add a little extra bang bang sauce at the end to make the flavors pop even more, especially when sharing with friends who like it spicy. It’s an easy way to amp up the fun.
Let’s Cook This Together:
Ready to make some Bang Bang Fried Rice magic? Let’s do this step-by-step like we’re cooking side-by-side.
- Heat your pan over medium-high and add a tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once it’s hot, toss in the diced chicken (or shrimp/tofu). Cook until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining oil. Throw in the chopped onions and garlic. Stir-fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Time to add veggies! Toss in your mixed veggies and stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until heated through but still vibrant.
- Push veggie mix to one side of the pan. Pour your lightly beaten eggs into the other side and scramble gently until just cooked. This adds a nice fluffy texture to your Bang Bang Fried Rice.
- Add rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir everything together and let the rice sit for a minute or so to get that crispy touch on the bottom. This crispy rice dish moment is where flavor meets fun!
- Return the cooked chicken to the pan and drizzle with soy sauce and sesame oil. Give everything a good toss to combine.
- Pour in your bang bang sauce, stirring well to coat every grain and bite evenly. Your kitchen is about to smell incredible.
- Finish with sliced green onions and a pinch of salt and pepper as needed.
Nine times out of ten, this quick fried rice recipe comes together in about 25-30 minutes start to finish. While that’s cooking, a little kitchen music or pouring yourself your favorite drink makes it even better — just my little cooking ritual.
Here’s a little kitchen nugget I learned from making this Bang Bang Fried Rice again and again: patience on the rice’s crispy moment makes a huge difference. Don’t rush the sizzling stage because that slight crunch is what brings joy to every forkful.
If your rice clumps together or looks soggy, don’t panic! Just spread it out and give it time to crisp up, or add a tiny splash more oil next round.
Pro tip: For a shortcut, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and stir in the sauce part to speed things up. I’ve also found that using leftover bang bang chicken skewers from my favorite recipe Bang Bang Chicken Skewers is a fun way to mix flavors.
How to Serve & Savor It:
This Bang Bang Fried Rice truly shines when you serve it up fresh and hot, paired with simple side dishes that complement its spicy fried rice personality.
I love serving it alongside steamed dumplings or a light cucumber salad to balance the heat with cool freshness. Sometimes, we toss in some pickled veggies for that extra zing.
It’s perfect for a casual weeknight dinner or whenever you want a quick fried rice recipe that feels a bit special. The crispy rice dish vibe makes it a real crowd-pleaser, no matter the occasion.
Presentation-wise, I keep it straightforward—heap it beautifully in a bowl, top with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, and maybe a lime wedge to squeeze over the top for brightness.
Leftover Bang Bang Fried Rice always deserves a second day remix, like turning it into a stuffing for bell peppers following this tasty inspiration Stuffed Bell Pepper Rice Boats. That way, your meal stretches into more fun with less effort.
I’ve even tried some seasonal twists—like adding roasted sweet potatoes or swapping out veggies for whatever’s fresh at the market. Each time, it kicks up the flavor in a nice way.
Friends and family have given this Bang Bang Fried Rice multiple thumbs-up when served alongside something like Teriyaki Salmon and Avocado Rice Teriyaki Salmon & Avocado Rice because those combos are just irresistible in the world of Asian stir-fry recipes.
Your Questions, Answered:
1. Can I prep parts of this Bang Bang Fried Rice ahead?
Absolutely! Cook the rice and protein earlier in the day or the night before. Chop your veggies and mix the bang bang sauce ahead too. When you’re ready, it’s just stir-fry time. I’ve found prepping saves so much stress.
2. What’s a good swap for the chicken in Bang Bang Fried Rice?
Shrimp or tofu both work beautifully. Shrimp cooks super fast and gives a nice texture. Firm tofu absorbs the sauce fantastically, and I usually press it well before cooking.
3. How can I make this Bang Bang Fried Rice for fewer people?
You can easily halve the ingredients. Just scale down rice and proteins, keeping sauce amounts balanced. Cooking in a smaller pan helps keep control over the heat and stir-frying process.
4. Is the bang bang sauce hard to make?
Not at all! It’s typically a mix of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha or hot sauce. I’ve got a fun homemade bang bang sauce recipe I love, which brings a fresh flavor burst without any fuss. You can check out inspired versions online, like this bang bang shrimp recipe with fried rice idea that rocks.
5. Can I make this Bang Bang Fried Rice gluten-free?
Yes! Use tamari instead of regular soy sauce and be mindful of your bang bang sauce ingredients. Plenty of gluten-free options work great here.
6. What’s the best rice for Bang Bang Fried Rice?
Long-grain jasmine rice is my top pick—it gets beautifully crispy without sticking too much. Leftover, chilled rice is ideal.
7. Any tips for making this dish less spicy?
You can tone down the sriracha or swap the bang bang sauce for a milder version. Also, adding more eggs or veggies helps mellow the heat while keeping flavors balanced.
8. Have you tried lighter or healthier versions?
Yes! One of my favorites is a lighter bang bang chicken and shrimp stir fry that still packs the punch but with less mayo-based sauce Lighter Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp Stir Fry. It’s a great alternative when you want the flavors without the extra richness.
Final Foodie Thoughts:
Bang Bang Fried Rice holds a special spot in my kitchen and heart because it combines so many foodie wins—bold flavor, easy prep, and that fun crispy rice dish texture that keeps me coming back.
- Don’t rush the crispy rice step—that sizzle is the flavor jackpot.
- Use day-old rice for the best texture.
- Always add a little extra bang bang sauce at the end for that wow moment.
I’ve loved trying variations, like swapping in shrimp, making a vegan version with tofu and coconut aminos, or adding roasted veggies for extra depth. The version that gets requested the most at my table? Definitely the classic bang bang sauce fried rice with chicken and a little crunch from freshly chopped peanuts.
I truly hope you make this dish your own, have fun with it, and enjoy every spicy, saucy bite. Cooking should be joyful, and this Bang Bang Fried Rice is a perfect way to bring that happiness to your table.
And hey, if you’re hungry for more Asian stir-fry recipe goodness, check out my take on Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice – Spicy, Crispy & Flavorful for some extra inspo.
Let me know how your Bang Bang Fried Rice turns out—I’m cheering you on from my kitchen to yours!
Bang Bang Fried Rice
Bang Bang Fried Rice is a flavorful and spicy twist on classic fried rice, combining crispy vegetables, tender chicken, and a bold bang bang sauce for an irresistible meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Fried
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked jasmine rice, chilled
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, diced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (red and yellow)
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: sesame seeds and extra green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together sweet chili sauce, sriracha, mayonnaise, and sesame oil 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 bell peppers and shredded carrots, stir-frying for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender.
- Add the cooked chicken breast and cook for another 2 minutes to heat through.
- Stir in the chilled jasmine rice, breaking up any clumps, and toss to combine with vegetables and chicken.
- Pour the soy sauce over the rice mixture, stirring well to evenly coat.
- Add half of the prepared bang bang sauce to the skillet and mix thoroughly until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Remove from heat and stir in chopped green onions.
- Serve the fried rice drizzled with the remaining bang bang sauce and garnish with sesame seeds and additional green onions if desired.
Notes
For extra crunch, add chopped roasted peanuts as a topping before serving or substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood variation.