Bang bang sauce is a popular condiment often served alongside chicken wings and other appetizers. But what exactly goes into this sweet, spicy and tangy sauce? Let’s take a closer look at the origins and ingredients that make up bang bang sauce.
The Origins of Bang Bang Sauce
Bang bang sauce originated in the Szechuan province of China. It gets its name from the Szechuan word “bang bang” meaning “numbing hot.”
The sauce was brought over to the United States by Chinese immigrants and took hold in American restaurants and wing joints. Over time it evolved into the creamy, peanut-based sauce we know today.
While recipes can vary, the hallmarks of bang bang sauce are its spicy, savory and slightly sweet flavor profile. It packs a punch of chili heat that is tempered by creamy peanut butter and sweetened with sugar or honey.
Main Ingredients
At its core, bang bang sauce is made by blending together a few main ingredients:
- Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce is mayonnaise, which gives it a creamy texture and tangy flavor.
- Peanut butter: Peanut butter is another key component, providing nutty richness as well as thickness.
- Chili garlic sauce: This spicy condiment brings the signature “bang” with its chili pepper and garlic flavor.
- Soy sauce: A dash of soy sauce adds an umami, savory note.
- Rice vinegar: Rice vinegar provides brightness to balance out the other robust flavors.
- Sweetener: Sugar or honey is used to temper the heat and acidity.
Spice It Up
In addition to the core ingredients, there are a variety of mix-ins that can spice up a batch of bang bang sauce:
- Sriracha: For extra heat and tang, sriracha can be added to amp up the chili factor.
- Ginger: Grated fresh ginger can provide a spicy, gingery kick.
- Garlic: More garlic builds on the already garlic-forward chili sauce.
- Scallions: Sliced scallions lend fresh onion flavor.
- Sesame oil: A touch of sesame oil adds nuttiness and richness.
- Lime juice: Bright citrus from fresh lime juice helps cut through the creaminess.
Feel free to tweak a bang bang sauce recipe to suit your tastes – whether you prefer it ultra-spicy or milder and more sweet.
Texture
Beyond flavor, the texture of bang bang sauce is key. It has a smooth, creamy and luxurious mouthfeel thanks to:
- Mayonnaise
- Peanut butter
- Blending or whisking together the ingredients
If the texture is too thick, a splash of milk or water can thin it out. Keeping it chilled in the fridge can also help it maintain a creamy consistency for drizzling and dipping.
Uses for Bang Bang Sauce
There are endless ways to put this boldly flavored sauce to work:
- As a dip for chicken wings, tenders or nuggets
- Drizzled over fried rice or lo mein noodles
- As a sauce for grilled or crispy tofu
- As a condiment for tacos or burritos
- Stirred into a peanut noodle or veggie stir fry
- As a unique salad dressing for leafy greens
- As a flavorful marinade for poultry, beef or pork
- Stirred into a spicy peanut curry
- Dolloped onto a burger or sandwich
With its addictive flavor, bang bang sauce pairs well with almost anything you would typically use other condiments like ketchup, ranch or hot sauce on. Sky is the limit for experimenting with this sauce!
How to Make Bang Bang Sauce
Ready to whip up a batch of your own bang bang sauce at home?
Here is a basic recipe to get you started:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1/2 cup |
| Peanut butter | 1/4 cup |
| Chili garlic sauce | 2 tablespoons |
| Rice vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Honey | 1 teaspoon |
Add all ingredients to a blender or food processor and blend until completely smooth. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired, adding more chili sauce for heat or honey for sweetness. For a thinner sauce, blend in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or water.
Other tasty mix-ins could include sriracha, garlic, ginger, scallions or sesame oil. Get creative and make it your own!
Store homemade bang bang sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time.
Pro Tips
Take your bang bang sauce game to the next level with these pro tips:
- Use natural creamy peanut butter for the best flavor
- Whisk in some cold water at the end for a perfectly smooth texture
- Add freshly squeezed lime juice instead of vinegar
- Use ginger garlic paste for convenience and extra flavor
- Try replacing some of the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangy twist
- Sneak in some sesame or peanut oil for added richness
- Garnish with chopped peanuts, sesame seeds or fresh cilantro
- Serve with steamed edamame pods for dipping
Frequently Asked Questions
Is bang bang sauce spicy?
Bang bang sauce definitely has a good kick of spicy heat thanks to the chili garlic sauce. But the mayonnaise, peanut butter and touch of sweetener helps temper the heat. The spice level can also vary depending on how much chili sauce is used in the recipe.
What is bang bang sauce good on?
Bang bang sauce is extremely versatile and can be served with just about anything! The most popular uses are as a sauce for chicken wings, a drizzle for noodles or rice, and a dip for veggies, dumplings or spring rolls. It’s also great in stir fries or as a marinade or sandwich spread.
Is bang bang sauce Thai?
No, bang bang sauce originated in China, not Thailand. It was created in the Szechuan province of China, which is known for its bold, numbingly spicy cuisine. The sauce was eventually brought overseas to the United States.
Can you buy bang bang sauce?
While it’s easy to make at home, you can also purchase bottled bang bang sauce at many grocery stores or online. Some popular brands include Dynasty, Mae Ploy, Panda Express and Trader Joe’s.
How long does homemade bang bang sauce last?
Homemade bang bang sauce will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The flavors may continue to develop and meld during that time. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Conclusion
With its addictively spicy, tangy and creamy flavors, it’s no wonder bang bang sauce has become a popular condiment for chicken wings, vegetables, noodles and more. Next time you enjoy this sauce, take a moment to appreciate the blend of ingredients that give it its distinctive Szechuan flair. And don’t be afraid to add your own spin to this custom-made-for-dipping delight.
So now that you know what goes into everybody’s favorite chili peanut sauce, grab the mayo, peanut butter and sriracha to whip up a creamy, craveable batch of bang bang sauce in your own kitchen.