Bang Bang Fried Rice — Bold, Easy Weeknight Dinner

introduction

Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and it was alongside my mother that I discovered the magic of flavors and homemade dishes. One of the meals that captured our hearts was Bang Bang Fried Rice. It mixes creamy, spicy bang bang sauce with crisp vegetables, tender chicken, and warm rice. People search for Bang Bang Fried Rice because they want bold flavor with little fuss. They want a dinner that feels special but cooks fast.

In this recipe, I will show you how to make Bang Bang Fried Rice at home. You will learn timing, textures, and simple swaps. You will also learn how to store leftovers and serve the dish for weeknights or parties. If you like quick rice dinners, try this twist alongside other comforting recipes like a cheesy ground beef and rice casserole for a full meal plan.

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Bang Bang Fried Rice


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  • Author: issam-blogger
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Description

Bang Bang Fried Rice delivers spicy-sweet fried rice with chicken and veggies for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup diced chicken breast
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and bell peppers)
  • 4 tablespoons bang bang sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Green onions for garnish


Instructions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
  3. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet.
  4. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and scramble until fully cooked.
  5. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked rice, stirring to combine everything.
  6. Pour in the bang bang sauce and soy sauce, mixing well.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Notes

For best results, have all ingredients prepped before you heat the pan. Work fast once the pan is hot. Stir constantly to avoid sticking. If your pan feels crowded, cook in two batches.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

why make this recipe

Bang Bang Fried Rice tastes exciting. It balances sweet, spicy, and creamy notes. You get crunchy vegetables and soft rice in each bite. The dish also cooks fast. It fits busy weeknights. You only need a wok or large skillet and a few pantry staples.

This recipe uses simple, accessible ingredients. You can use leftover rice or make rice ahead. You can swap chicken for shrimp or tofu. That makes it versatile. If you like building bowls, pair it with grilled proteins like the grilled chicken avocado rice bowl for variety.

Common pain points include soggy rice and overcooked chicken. This recipe shows how to keep rice separate and chicken juicy. It also limits prep time and cleanup. You will finish a tasty meal without stress.

how to make Bang Bang Fried Rice

Start with cold, cooked rice. Freshly cooked rice often clumps. Cold rice fries better. Heat matters. Use medium-high heat so ingredients brown, not steam. Add oil and let it shimmer before you add the chicken.

Cook diced chicken in the hot skillet until it gets color. Browning builds flavor. Push the chicken to one side to create space for eggs. Pour beaten eggs into that space and scramble quickly. Combine the eggs with chicken once they set.

Add mixed vegetables next. Stir-fry them until tender-crisp. Then add the cooked rice. Break any clumps with the spatula. Pour in the bang bang sauce and soy sauce. Toss quickly so the rice gets evenly coated.

Finish with green onions for freshness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve immediately to keep the rice fluffy and the vegetables crisp. If you want extra heat, add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a squirt of sriracha. For inspiration on switching up rice dishes, see this easy honey BBQ chicken and rice which follows the same simple stir-fry logic.

Key technique: keep everything hot and move fast. Work in one pan and keep ingredients separate until final tossing. Do not overload the pan. Overcrowding lowers the temperature and creates soggy results.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked rice
  • 1 cup diced chicken breast
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup mixed vegetables (like peas, carrots, and bell peppers)
  • 4 tablespoons bang bang sauce
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Green onions for garnish

Each ingredient plays a role. Cold cooked rice gives structure and soaks up sauce. Chicken adds protein and a meaty bite. Eggs add richness and help separate rice grains. Mixed vegetables bring color and crunch. Bang bang sauce gives the dish its signature creamy, spicy-sweet flavor. Soy sauce adds salt and umami. Oil creates the hot surface for browning.

Swaps: use shrimp or tofu instead of chicken. Use brown rice or jasmine rice. For lower sodium, use low-sodium soy sauce. For a gluten-free meal, use tamari. For extra crunch, toss in toasted cashews at the end.

Choose good-quality bang bang sauce or make a quick version from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of sriracha. Fresh vegetables cook faster and taste brighter. Leftover rice from the fridge usually fries best.

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Directions

  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through.
  3. Push the chicken to one side of the skillet.
  4. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and scramble until fully cooked.
  5. Add the mixed vegetables and cooked rice, stirring to combine everything.
  6. Pour in the bang bang sauce and soy sauce, mix well.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  8. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

For best results, have all ingredients prepped before you heat the pan. Work fast once the pan is hot. Stir constantly to avoid sticking. If your pan feels crowded, cook in two batches. Keep the sauce on hand and add only at the end to avoid making the rice mushy.

how to serve Bang Bang Fried Rice

Serve Bang Bang Fried Rice hot and fresh. The texture should combine creamy sauce with crisp vegetables and soft rice. Offer extra bang bang sauce at the table for people who like more heat. A squeeze of lime brightens the dish.

Pair the fried rice with simple sides. A light cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables cut the richness. Steamed broccoli or bok choy adds greens. For a fuller meal, serve it alongside egg rolls or a clear broth soup.

This fried rice works for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and casual gatherings. It fills plates and satisfies varied tastes. Serve family-style so everyone can control their sauce and spice level.

how to store Bang Bang Fried Rice

Cool the fried rice quickly and store it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheat in a hot skillet with a splash of oil or water. Heat quickly and stir to bring back the fresh texture. Avoid microwaving straight from the freezer. If you must use a microwave, cover and stir halfway through to heat evenly.

Follow safe food practices. Do not leave cooked rice at room temperature longer than two hours. Cool large batches in shallow containers to speed cooling and reduce bacteria risk.

tips to make Bang Bang Fried Rice

Use day-old rice for the best texture. Pat rice dry with a towel if it still feels damp. Cut ingredients into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Keep the pan hot and only add sauce at the end. Taste before you add salt; soy sauce already brings sodium.

If your chicken dries out, slice it thinner next time or marinate briefly in a teaspoon of oil and soy sauce. For extra flavor, add a splash of sesame oil at the end. To keep vegetables crisp, add higher-water veggies later in the cook so they do not overcook.

Make the bang bang sauce ahead and refrigerate. It stays good for several days and speeds assembly. When serving a crowd, cook rice and proteins in batches and combine on a warm baking sheet to keep everything hot.

variation (if any)

  • Shrimp bang bang fried rice: Swap chicken for peeled shrimp. Cook shrimp just until pink. Shrimp cooks fast, so add it near the end.
  • Vegetarian bang bang fried rice: Use firm tofu or extra eggs in place of chicken. Add a mix of mushrooms for a meaty texture. Use tamari for gluten-free.
  • Spicy sesame bang bang rice: Add a teaspoon of chili garlic sauce and a pinch of toasted sesame seeds. Finish with a swirl of sesame oil.
  • Pineapple bang bang fried rice: Add small pineapple chunks with the vegetables for a sweet contrast. This version works well with ham or shrimp.
  • Low-carb version: Swap rice for cauliflower rice. Stir-fry slightly less to keep a firmer texture.

Each variation keeps the core idea: rice, protein, vegetables, and a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Adjust sauce amounts to taste.

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FAQs

Can I use fresh rice for Bang Bang Fried Rice?

You can, but cold day-old rice fries best. Fresh hot rice tends to clump and produce softer texture. Cool it in the fridge for at least an hour for better results.

What is bang bang sauce made of?

Classic bang bang sauce mixes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Some versions use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter finish.

How do I keep the rice from getting soggy?

Use cold, separated grains and high heat. Add sauce at the end and avoid overcooking. Do not overload the pan.

Can I prep any parts ahead?

Yes. Cook rice and chicken ahead. Chop vegetables and mix the sauce. Combine and fry when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Fried Rice makes a bold, simple meal that fits busy lives. It delivers creamy sauce, tender protein, and crisp vegetables in one pan. Try a quick homemade bang bang sauce or use a store-bought version to save time. For more ideas and variations, check out this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice – I Am Homesteader for an alternative take, or compare techniques in this Bang Bang Chicken Fried Rice Recipe from Allrecipes. If you want a spicy and crispy version with extra tips, this guide from Sauced Up Foods offers useful ideas.

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