Easy Bang Bang Sauce

This bang bang sauce is one of those small discoveries that became a kitchen staple almost overnight. I first mixed this quick sauce together on a busy weeknight when I had leftover cooked shrimp and nothing more than mayo and a jar of Thai sweet chili sauce in the pantry. The result was a creamy, slightly sweet, and gently spicy sauce that turned ordinary bites into something memorable. It is smooth on the tongue, offers a honeyed sweetness that balances the chili heat, and has a glossy texture that clings beautifully to fried or grilled bites.

I love how forgiving this sauce is. I often make a batch to keep in the refrigerator because it brightens sandwiches, salads, and rice bowls. It is especially reliable when I need to add a crowd pleasing finishing touch for a casual get together. Guests always ask for the recipe because it tastes like something that took a long time to prepare even though it takes under 10 minutes from start to finish. On Royalmorsel I share it as a versatile condiment you can adapt easily based on heat preference and available pantry items.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Use 1/2 cup of a good quality mayonnaise. I prefer a full fat mayonnaise for the best texture and mouthfeel. Brands like Duke's or Hellmann's work reliably because they are tangy and stable. If you are using an oil based light spread you will notice a thinner texture.
• Thai sweet chili sauce: Use 1/4 cup. This ingredient supplies the sweet heat and body. Look for well known brands in the Asian aisle that list sugar and chili as primary ingredients. It should be syrupy rather than watery.
• Sriracha: Use 1 teaspoon or more to taste. This adds chili depth and vinegar tang. If you like more heat add 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons. For a milder result use 1/2 teaspoon.
• Honey: Use 1 teaspoon to round the edge of the flavors. You can swap for agave nectar for a similar level of sweetness but honey adds a warm floral note.

Instructions

Measure the ingredients Start by measuring 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 teaspoon sriracha and 1 teaspoon honey. Use level measuring spoons and cups so ratios remain consistent and the texture ends up creamy rather than runny. Combine and whisk Place all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth and glossy. Use a small whisk or a fork and stir briskly for 30 seconds to fully emulsify the honey into the mayonnaise. The sauce should have a silky sheen and no streaks of unmixed mayo. Taste and adjust Taste the mixture and adjust heat and sweetness. Add more sriracha if you want more bite. Add up to 1 teaspoon more honey if you want it sweeter. If the sauce is too thick, thin with a few drops of water or a teaspoon of rice vinegar for a brighter finish. Optional rest For best flavor let the sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the components marry. You can use it immediately if you are in a rush. Resting time helps the chili and sriracha flavors to mellow into the mayonnaise. Store Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Stored properly the sauce keeps for about one week. Bring to room temperature for 10 minutes before serving if it firms up too much in cold conditions.

Storage Tips

Store the sauce in a clean airtight jar or container. Glass jars with tight lids work best because they do not retain odors. Leave at least a half inch of headspace for easy scooping. Refrigerate and label with the date. The sauce keeps up to seven days. If it separates during storage, stir vigorously to recombine. If the texture becomes grainy or it develops an off odor discard immediately. Avoid leaving it at room temperature for prolonged periods after it has been out for serving.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you do not have Thai sweet chili sauce use a mixture of apricot jam and a splash of rice vinegar with a pinch of chili flakes for a similar sweet and tangy profile. Swap mayonnaise for vegan mayonnaise and replace honey with agave to make a plant based version though it will no longer be vegetarian to those who avoid processed egg substitutes. For lower sugar results use a sugar free sweet chili substitute or reduce the amount of sweet chili sauce and add a little extra sriracha.

Serving Suggestions

This sauce makes a great dip for breaded shrimp, fried chicken tenders, tempura vegetables, sweet potato fries, and as a spread on wraps and sandwiches. Spoon a little over grilled salmon or serve as a finishing drizzle on tacos. Garnish with chopped chives or sesame seeds for presentation. For a party place the sauce in a shallow bowl and surround with skewers of grilled shrimp and vegetables for easy dipping.

Meal Prep Tips

Portion the sauce into small 2 ounce containers for packed lunches or party platters. Prepare larger batches and split into single use containers so you always have a fresh portion. If you plan to use it across several days store in the coldest part of the fridge, not the door. When packing with meal boxes keep chilled until consumption. For travel place the container in a small insulated bag with an ice pack.

Cultural Background

Bang bang style sauces draw inspiration from Asian sweet chili flavors and American creamy condiments. The name became popular in modern casual dining and street food where a creamy, slightly spicy sauce is paired with fried proteins. The combination of mayonnaise and sweet chili is a contemporary fusion that highlights contrasting textures and flavors. Over time different regions have adapted the balance of heat and sweetness to their taste which is why home cooks create variations with ingredients like gochujang or sriracha.

Seasonal Adaptations

In summer use fresh citrus by adding a teaspoon of lime juice for brightness. In winter consider warming spices like a pinch of ground ginger to add depth. For spring serve with light grilled vegetables and herbs like cilantro. For holiday gatherings serve alongside roasted meats to provide a bright counterpoint to heavier flavors.

This simple sauce has earned its place on my table because it is adaptable, fast, and universally liked. Try it once and you will find new uses for it every week. Share it with friends and keep a jar on hand to turn ordinary meals into something special.