Name: Savory Bang Bang Fried Rice Ready in 30 Minutes or Less
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 4 cups Cooked Rice (Day-old, refrigerated rice crisps better than freshly cooked rice.); 1 pound Chicken Breast (Diced.); 3 large Eggs (Lightly beaten.); 1 cup Carrots (Diced small.); 1 cup Green Peas (Frozen peas are a convenient option.); 2 cloves Garlic (Minced.); 2 stalks Green Onions (Sliced for garnish.); 2-3 tablespoons Soy Sauce (Use tamari for gluten-free.); 0 cups Bang Bang Sauce (Homemade from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar.); 1 tablespoon Oil (Neutral oil for frying.)

The aroma of sizzling garlic and tender chicken fills the kitchen, instantly whisking me away to my favorite takeout spot. Today, I’m excited to share my Spicy-Sweet Bang Bang Fried Rice, a delightful one-pan meal that captures those crave-worthy flavors we all know and love. This customizable dish is not only a feast for the eyes—with its vibrant mix of peas and carrots—but also perfect for busy weeknights. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a satisfying dinner that’s both gluten-free and dairy-free, accommodating various dietary preferences. Plus, the creamy, spicy bang bang sauce elevates this comfort food classic to new heights. Are you ready to bring a taste of the takeout experience right into your home? Let’s dive into the recipe!

Why Bang Bang Fried Rice Rocks!

Quick and Easy: Dinner in just 30 minutes means more time for you! Perfect for those hectic weeknights.
Customizable: Mix and match proteins like chicken, shrimp, or tofu to suit your taste and dietary needs.
Rich Flavor: The creamy, spicy bang bang sauce adds a delicious twist to classic fried rice, making it irresistible.
Vibrant Colors: A feast for the eyes with bright peas and carrots layered throughout the dish.
Healthy Twist: Choose brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative without sacrificing taste; you won’t even miss the regular rice!
Crowd-Pleaser: Great for family dinners or impressing friends; everyone will be asking for seconds! Check out my other delicious fried rice options like Bang Chicken Fried or Spam Fried Rice for even more meal inspiration!

Bang Bang Fried Rice Ingredients

For the Base
• Cooked Rice – Day-old, refrigerated rice crisps better than freshly cooked rice for that perfect texture.
• Chicken Breast – Diced for quick cooking; chicken can easily be swapped with shrimp or tofu for variety.
• Eggs – Lightly beaten and scrambled, they add softness and enrich the dish.
• Carrots – Diced small for quicker cooking; their natural sweetness brightens the dish.
• Green Peas – A sweet balance that complements the other ingredients; frozen peas are a convenient option.
• Garlic – Minced to enhance savory flavor, integrating beautifully into the dish.
• Green Onions – Used both for garnish and stir-fried for a fresh aroma; they add a vibrant touch.

For the Flavor
• Soy Sauce – Adds that salty umami flavor; use tamari for a gluten-free Bang Bang Fried Rice alternative.
• Bang Bang Sauce – The star of the dish made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar; this creamy, spicy sauce truly elevates the flavors.
• Oil – A neutral oil for frying; it’s essential to prevent sticking and ensure a good sear.

Feel free to dive into this tasty and customizable dish that’s not only satisfying but also a great way to experiment with what you have on hand!

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bang Bang Fried Rice

Step 1: Prepare Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth and well combined. This creamy, spicy sauce serves as the heart of your Bang Bang Fried Rice, so make sure to taste and adjust the spice level to your preference. Set the sauce aside as you move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Cook Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once the oil shimmers, add 1 pound of diced chicken breast seasoned with salt and pepper. Sauté the chicken for about 5–6 minutes, stirring frequently, until it’s golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to keep it tender.

Step 3: Scramble Eggs
In the same skillet with any remaining oil, pour in 3 beaten eggs. Stir gently for 2–3 minutes until the eggs are just set and softly scrambled. This quick cooking will add a delightful richness to your Bang Bang Fried Rice. Once cooked, remove the eggs from the skillet and set them aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Sauté Veggies
Add another drizzle of oil to the skillet and keep the heat at medium-high. Toss in 1 cup of diced carrots and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for about 2-3 minutes until the carrots are tender-crisp. Next, add in 1 cup of frozen green peas and sauté for an additional minute, allowing them to warm through and brighten the dish’s color.

Step 5: Stir-Fry Rice
Increase the heat to high and add 4 cups of cold, cooked rice to the skillet, breaking up any clumps as you go. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes, ensuring the rice gets a nice crispness and doesn’t stick to the pan. The goal is to achieve that delicious texture that makes Bang Bang Fried Rice so enticing.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients
Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the skillet with the rice and veggies. Pour in 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce and use a spatula to mix everything evenly. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully, while everything heats thoroughly.

Step 7: Add Sauce
Drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce over the entire rice mixture, stirring gently to ensure that every grain of rice is coated. Keep the skillet on the heat for an extra minute, allowing the sauce to warm through and integrate into the dish, enhancing the flavors of your Bang Bang Fried Rice.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and transfer the Bang Bang Fried Rice to serving dishes. Top with sliced green onions for a fresh, aromatic finish. Serve hot and relish the delightful flavors and textures of this homemade meal that rivals your favorite takeout.

Bang Bang Fried Rice Variations

Feel free to experiment and make this dish your own with these fun variations!

Dairy-Free: Swap traditional mayonnaise for vegan mayo to create a creamy bang bang sauce without dairy.

There’s nothing like keeping things delicious yet accommodating. This small switch lets everyone enjoy the dish without compromising on flavor.

Heat Level Boost: For an extra kick, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper to your fried rice.

If you enjoy a bit of spice, feel free to sprinkle in some heat for a lively taste experience. This twist creates a perfect balance between the creamy sauce and fiery flavor.

Protein Variations: Replace chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different protein profile.

Shrimp brings a delightful sweetness, while tofu absorbs the flavors beautifully. Trust me; both are equally scrumptious and give you a new take on this classic!

Veggie-Loaded: Add a medley of vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas for a vibrant, healthful boost.

The more colors, the better! Each addition brings freshness and crunch, creating a bright, lively dish that the whole family will love.

Brown or Cauliflower Rice: Switch out white rice for brown rice or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.

These grains provide added fiber, making your meal a bit more wholesome while still keeping all those delightful flavors intact.

Soy-Free Option: Use coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free and soy-free alternative that retains umami goodness.

This swap keeps the flavor profile strong without compromising dietary restrictions, making your Bang Bang Fried Rice accessible to more palates.

Caramelized Onions: Enhance the depth of flavor by adding caramelized onions alongside garlic when sautéing veggies.

This delightful addition creates a rich sweetness that balances the savory notes in your fried rice. It’s a twist you’ll be glad you tried!

Egg-Free Variation: For a completely egg-free version, consider using chickpea flour eggs as a substitute.

This creative alternative adds another layer of protein and a unique texture, keeping the essence of your Bang Bang Fried Rice intact.

Feel inspired? Try these variations, and your homemade Bang Bang Fried Rice might just steal the show at your next dinner! Don’t forget to explore more fantastic fried rice recipes like Cheesy Hamburger Rice or Mexican Chicken Rice for even more creative options.

Make Ahead Options

These Spicy-Sweet Bang Bang Fried Rice components are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the bang bang sauce up to 24 hours in advance; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, you can chop the vegetables (carrots and green onions) and dice the chicken breast up to 3 days prior, keeping them refrigerated until you’re ready to cook. To maintain quality, use cold, day-old rice when making the dish; this helps achieve that crispy texture. When it’s time to serve, simply sauté the prepped ingredients in a skillet, stir-fry with the rice, and drizzle in the sauce for a quick, delicious meal that tastes just as good as if made fresh!

How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Fried Rice

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors develop further overnight, enhancing the dish’s deliciousness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze Bang Bang Fried Rice for up to 2 months. Make sure it cools completely before packing into freezer-safe containers.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water for moisture, until heated through.
Quality Note: To maintain optimal taste, avoid refreezing thawed rice; the texture may become less enjoyable upon reheating.

Expert Tips for Bang Bang Fried Rice

Perfect Rice Texture: Use cold, day-old rice for the best crispiness; fresh rice can turn mushy and soggy during frying.
Cook in Stages: Cook each element separately and remove them from the pan to avoid sogginess; it ensures that everything retains its flavor and texture.
Adjusting Spiciness: Modify the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce based on your spice tolerance; start with less if you’re unsure.
Ingredient Substitutions: Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp or tofu; this Bang Bang Fried Rice can adapt to whatever you have on hand.
Don’t Skip the Sauce: The bang bang sauce is what makes this dish special; ensure it’s well-mixed and distributed evenly for that creamy, zesty flavor.

What to Serve with Spicy-Sweet Bang Bang Fried Rice

A vibrant plate of Bang Bang Fried Rice is perfect for building a complete meal, elevating your dining experience with delightful pairings.

Cool Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and light, this salad provides a crisp contrast to the warm, creamy fried rice, balancing flavors beautifully.
Garlic Edamame: These tender beans seasoned with garlic offer a nutty crunch, making for a flavorful appetizer that complements the rice’s richness.
Miso Soup: Warm and savory, a light miso soup enhances the overall meal, adding umami depth and a touch of comfort.
Crispy Spring Rolls: Filled with fresh vegetables and protein, these offer a satisfying crunch, enhancing your Bang Bang Fried Rice with fun textures.
Soy Sauce or Teriyaki Glazed Vegetables: Stir-fried veggies bring a pop of color and flavor, adding a healthful touch while reinforcing the dish’s Asian-inspired profile.
Sweet Coconut Sticky Rice: For a sweet finish, this sticky rice adds a delightful contrast to the spicy elements of the fried rice, making for a well-rounded meal.
Chilled Jasmine Tea: This refreshing drink rounds out the meal perfectly, cleansing the palate while enhancing your dining experience with subtle floral notes.

Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right rice for Bang Bang Fried Rice?
Absolutely! Day-old, refrigerated rice is ideal for this recipe. It dries out a bit, creating the perfect texture for stir-frying. Freshly cooked rice tends to be too moist, which can lead to sogginess. If you need to use fresh rice, spread it out on a baking sheet to cool and dry for about 30 minutes before using it.

What’s the best way to store leftovers of Bang Bang Fried Rice?
Very simply! Allow your Bang Bang Fried Rice to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you can resist the temptation to eat it all at once, you’ll find that the flavors actually improve after sitting overnight!

Can I freeze Bang Bang Fried Rice?
Absolutely! To freeze, make sure the dish cools down completely. Pack it into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw the rice overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What if my Bang Bang Rice turns out too soggy?
Don’t worry! If your fried rice seems soggy, it’s often due to using fresh rice or not cooking it at a high enough temperature. For the next time, make sure to use cold rice and cook the dish at high heat. If you’re already in the process, you can try spreading the rice out in a single layer on a baking sheet and letting it sit in the oven (at a low temperature) for about 10-15 minutes to help evaporate some moisture.

Is Bang Bang Fried Rice suitable for people with dietary restrictions?
Very much so! You can easily make this dish gluten-free by choosing tamari instead of soy sauce. For a dairy-free option, feel free to substitute regular mayonnaise with a vegan alternative. Just be mindful of any allergies when selecting your sauces and ingredients.

How can I adjust the spice level in my Bang Bang Fried Rice?
Good question! The spiciness can be adjusted through the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce. Start with a smaller amount—perhaps 1 teaspoon—and gradually increase until it hits your preferred heat level. I often suggest mixing in the sauce first, tasting the blend, and adjusting it as needed to suit your palate.