Bang Bang Fried Rice

When I first made Bang Bang Fried Rice at home, I didn’t expect it to become such a hit. The way the sweet, spicy, and savory flavors wrap around the crispy rice, tender chicken, and scrambled eggs made it feel like takeout—but better. What makes it special is that bang bang sauce twist—it coats everything in a creamy, spicy glaze that’s so addictive, I find myself licking the spoon.

This recipe isn’t just fast and filling—it’s incredibly satisfying to cook. You get all those vibrant pops of color from the peas and carrots, the golden scrambled eggs folded in, and bites of perfectly seared chicken. It comes together in one pan and under 30 minutes, making it my go-to for weeknights when I want comfort and bold flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Fried Rice

Bang Bang Fried Rice takes everything you love about classic fried rice—fluffy rice, sautéed veggies, and savory protein—and elevates it with a spicy-sweet bang bang sauce that clings to every bite. It’s a full meal in one pan, packed with protein and veggies, and it’s way better than delivery. It’s also completely customizable, so you can adjust the spice level, swap the protein, or toss in any veggies you have on hand.

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What Kind of Rice Works Best for Bang Bang Fried Rice?

Day-old, chilled rice is ideal for this recipe because it’s drier than freshly cooked rice, which helps it crisp up in the pan instead of getting soggy. Jasmine or long-grain white rice works great, but brown rice or even cauliflower rice can be used if you’re looking for alternatives.

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Options for Substitutions

No chicken? Shrimp or tofu make excellent substitutes in Bang Bang Fried Rice. You can use frozen mixed vegetables instead of fresh peas and carrots if that’s what you have. Not a fan of heat? Reduce the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce or skip it entirely. For a dairy-free version, use a vegan mayo alternative in the sauce. You can also swap out soy sauce for tamari to make it gluten-free.

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Ingredients for this Bang Bang Fried Rice

Cooked Rice – Preferably day-old and refrigerated. Cold rice separates better in the pan and crisps up nicely without clumping.

Chicken Breast – Diced into bite-sized pieces. Boneless, skinless chicken breast cooks quickly and stays tender when seared properly.

Eggs – Lightly beaten and scrambled in the pan to add soft texture and protein.

Carrots – Diced small for quick cooking and color. They add a sweet crunch.

Green Peas – For sweetness and balance. Frozen peas work perfectly.

Garlic – Minced to boost the savory flavor. It blends beautifully with the sauce.

Green Onions – Used as a garnish and stir-fried for extra aroma.

Soy Sauce – Adds the salty umami base.

Bang Bang Sauce – Made from mayonnaise, Sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar. This creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is what sets this fried rice apart.

Oil – A neutral oil like canola or vegetable for frying each component.

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Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste), and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar. Set it aside—this is your signature bang bang sauce.

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Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, season with salt and pepper, and sauté until they’re browned and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.

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Step 3: Scramble the Eggs

Add a little more oil to the pan, pour in the beaten eggs, and scramble gently. Cook until just set, then remove and keep aside with the chicken.

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Step 4: Sauté the Vegetables

Add another drizzle of oil if needed, then toss in the diced carrots and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the carrots soften slightly. Stir in the green peas and cook another minute.

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Step 5: Add the Rice

Increase the heat to high, then add the cold rice. Break it up with your spatula and stir-fry for 3–4 minutes until it starts to crisp up slightly and absorbs the oil and vegetable flavors.

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Step 6: Combine Everything

Return the chicken and eggs to the skillet. Stir to combine evenly. Pour in 2–3 tablespoons of soy sauce and mix well.

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Step 7: Finish with Bang Bang Sauce

Drizzle the prepared bang bang sauce over the rice mixture. Stir everything until coated evenly and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.

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Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly sliced green onions for a burst of freshness. Serve hot straight from the pan.

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How Long to Prepare the Bang Bang Fried Rice

The total time to prepare Bang Bang Fried Rice is just under 30 minutes, making it a great choice for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.

Prep Time: Give yourself about 10–15 minutes to dice the chicken, carrots, and green onions, mix the sauce, and crack the eggs. Using pre-cut vegetables or leftover rice will speed this up even more.

Cook Time: The actual cooking process takes around 12–15 minutes. Each component cooks fast: chicken takes about 5–6 minutes, eggs a couple of minutes, and vegetables plus stir-frying the rice takes roughly 7–8 minutes. It all comes together quickly in one pan.

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Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Fried Rice

• Use cold rice: Freshly cooked rice can be too soft and sticky. Refrigerated rice gives that classic fried texture.
• Cook in stages: Sear chicken, eggs, and vegetables separately for best texture and flavor. Then combine at the end.
• High heat is your friend: This gives the rice its slightly crisp edges and locks in flavor.
• Adjust sauce to taste: Want more heat? Add more Sriracha. Sweeter? Increase the chili sauce. The bang bang sauce is flexible.
• Don’t over-sauce: Add gradually. Too much sauce can make the dish soggy.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Using hot rice: This is the biggest cause of mushy fried rice.
• Overcrowding the pan: It prevents searing. Use a wide skillet or wok.
• Skipping the sauce step: The bang bang sauce adds the signature flavor. Don’t skip or skimp.
• Undercooking chicken: Make sure it’s cooked through before removing from the pan.
• Not tasting and adjusting: Sauces vary—taste the finished dish and adjust salt, spice, or sweetness.

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What to Serve With Bang Bang Fried Rice?

1. Spicy Cucumber Salad

A cool, crunchy cucumber salad with sesame oil and chili flakes adds a refreshing contrast.

2. Egg Drop Soup

A light and savory soup balances the richness of the rice dish.

3. Steamed Dumplings

They pair well and turn this into a full Asian-inspired dinner spread.

4. Asian Slaw

Shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing bring more crunch and freshness.

5. Kimchi

For a fermented, spicy sidekick that complements the fried rice’s flavors.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually intensify overnight. Reheat in a skillet for best texture, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen it up.

Freezer: You can freeze Bang Bang Fried Rice for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer bags or containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet or microwave.

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Estimated Nutrition

Estimated per serving (based on 4 servings):

• Calories: 460–500 kcal
• Protein: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Replace chicken with tofu or extra veggies like mushrooms and bell peppers.

What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

You can mix honey with a bit of vinegar and red pepper flakes as a quick substitute.

Is Bang Bang Fried Rice spicy?

It can be! The Sriracha adds heat, but you can control it or skip it entirely for a milder version.

Can I use brown rice?

Definitely. It adds a nuttier flavor and more fiber, though the texture will be slightly different.

How do I make it more protein-rich?

Add more chicken, toss in shrimp, or even stir in edamame or chickpeas.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Fried Rice is a bold, flavor-packed dish that takes a classic comfort food and kicks it up with a spicy-sweet twist. It’s fast, filling, and flexible—perfect for weeknights or lazy weekends. Whether you’re using leftover rice or planning it fresh, this recipe delivers a crowd-pleasing meal that’s sure to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

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