Bang Bang Fried Rice

Imagine the perfect combination of crispy fried rice, tender chicken, and a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that makes your taste buds dance with excitement. That’s exactly what you’ll experience with Bang Bang Fried Rice—a delicious fusion dish that brings together classic fried rice with the beloved bang bang sauce made famous in Chinese-American cuisine. This vibrant, flavor-packed meal transforms ordinary rice and chicken into something truly extraordinary with just a few simple ingredients. You’ll learn how to create the perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the crispy rice grains to the creamy, spicy sauce that gives this dish its memorable name.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something undeniably satisfying about Bang Bang Fried Rice that makes it an instant favorite for anyone who tries it. The contrast between the crispy rice, tender chicken pieces, and the creamy, spicy-sweet bang bang sauce creates an incredible textural experience in every bite. Unlike traditional fried rice recipes, this version adds a luxurious sauce element that coats every grain with flavor.

What makes this dish particularly special is its versatility and convenience. You can adjust the spice level to suit your preference, making it family-friendly or amped up for heat lovers. It’s also the perfect solution for using up day-old rice—in fact, it works better with cold leftover rice than fresh rice because the grains separate beautifully when stir-fried.

This Bang Bang Fried Rice is also a complete meal in itself, packed with protein from the chicken and eggs, plus vegetables for color and nutrition. Whether you’re cooking a quick weeknight dinner or looking to impress guests with something different, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.

Ingredients List for the Bang Bang Fried Rice

The beauty of Bang Bang Fried Rice lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients that create complex flavors. The star of the dish is undoubtedly the creamy, sweet-spicy bang bang sauce that coats the rice and transforms ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

• 1 1/2 cups cooked rice (preferably day-old)
• 1 chicken breast, diced
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 1/3 cup green peas
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oil (plus more as needed)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Pro Tips

Creating perfect Bang Bang Fried Rice requires attention to a few key techniques that can elevate your dish from good to exceptional. Here are the most critical tips for success:

First, always use cold, day-old rice. Fresh rice contains too much moisture and will become mushy when stir-fried. Refrigerating cooked rice overnight allows the grains to dry out and firm up, creating that desirable separate-grain texture that’s essential for great fried rice. If you’re in a hurry, you can spread freshly cooked rice on a baking sheet and refrigerate it for at least 1-2 hours before using.

Second, don’t overcrowd your pan. The key to developing those crispy edges on your rice is proper heat distribution. Cook in batches if necessary, and use a wide pan or wok that gives ingredients room to cook properly. This ensures you’re stir-frying rather than steaming your ingredients.

Finally, prepare all ingredients before heating your pan. Stir-frying happens quickly, and having everything chopped, mixed, and ready to go (mise en place) will ensure nothing overcooks while you’re scrambling to prepare the next ingredient. This is especially important for the bang bang sauce, which should be mixed in advance so it can be added at just the right moment.

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar to create the bang bang sauce. Set aside.

Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: In the same pan, scramble the beaten eggs until just set. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Add another drizzle of oil, sauté diced carrots and garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in green peas and cook for another minute.

Step 5: Add cold rice to the pan. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes on high heat, breaking up clumps and allowing it to crisp.

Step 6: Return the chicken and eggs to the pan. Stir well. Add soy sauce and mix evenly.

Step 7: Pour the bang bang sauce over the rice mixture and stir until everything is well coated and heated through.

Step 8: Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

Variations

The beauty of Bang Bang Fried Rice is its adaptability. Here are some popular variations to try when you want to switch things up:

For a seafood version, substitute the chicken with shrimp or a combination of seafood like shrimp and scallops. The sweet, delicate flavor of seafood pairs beautifully with the bang bang sauce, creating an elegant twist on the original recipe. Cook the seafood just until it turns opaque to avoid overcooking.

To make a vegetarian Bang Bang Fried Rice, replace the chicken with firm tofu that’s been pressed and diced, or mix in your favorite plant-based protein. Adding extra vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or snap peas not only increases the nutritional value but also adds beautiful color and texture contrast. For a vegan version, use vegan mayonnaise in the bang bang sauce.

For those who enjoy extra heat, create a spicy Bang Bang Fried Rice by doubling the Sriracha in the sauce and adding a teaspoon of chili oil to the stir-fry. Alternatively, mix in some diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes while cooking the vegetables.

Storage and Serving

Bang Bang Fried Rice stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or planned leftovers. Allow the rice to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of water to prevent dryness and microwave until hot, or better yet, quickly stir-fry in a hot pan to restore some of the original crispiness.

For serving, Bang Bang Fried Rice works wonderfully as a stand-alone meal, but you can elevate your presentation with a few simple additions. Serve it in a bowl topped with extra sliced green onions, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a few drops of additional Sriracha for those who enjoy extra heat. For a more substantial meal, pair it with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables like broccoli or bok choy.

For an impressive dinner party presentation, serve your Bang Bang Fried Rice in a hollowed-out pineapple half for a tropical twist, or present it alongside summer rolls or a simple cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast to the rich, spicy flavors of the dish.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang Fried Rice with fresh rice?
While day-old rice is ideal for Bang Bang Fried Rice, you can use fresh rice in a pinch. The key is to reduce the moisture content. Cook the rice with slightly less water than usual, then spread it on a baking sheet to cool and dry out for at least 30 minutes before using. This helps prevent the mushy texture that can happen with fresh rice.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?
To reduce the heat in Bang Bang Fried Rice, simply decrease the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce. You can start with just a teaspoon and adjust to taste. The sweet chili sauce provides flavor without intense heat, so you won’t lose the signature taste.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time?
Yes! The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to three days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. You can also dice the chicken, chop the vegetables, and cook the rice a day ahead, storing everything separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
For a lighter version of Bang Bang Fried Rice, use brown rice instead of white, substitute Greek yogurt for half of the mayonnaise in the sauce, and increase the vegetable content. You could also use chicken breast tenderloins or even ground chicken breast for leaner protein.

What can I do if my rice sticks together too much when stir-frying?
If your rice clumps together during cooking, try breaking it up with your hands before adding it to the pan. During cooking, use a spatula to press and separate the rice grains. Adding a touch more oil can also help create separation between the grains for that perfect fried rice texture.

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