Bang Bang Sauce

This creamy, tangy bang bang sauce is one of those things you’ll want to put on everything. It’s rich, a little spicy, and totally craveable—with all the sweet-savory kick, made from scratch without anything overly sugary.

Made with pantry staples like ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic, and a touch of soy sauce (or coconut aminos), this lighter version still delivers bold flavor and that addictive finish. Dunk it, drizzle it, dress it—just be warned, it disappears fast.

Key Ingredients & Smart Swaps

This healthier version skips the bottled sweet chili sauce, but still delivers big on flavor. It’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and full of depth—seriously addictive and perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading.

• Mayonnaise (or Kewpie mayo): Regular mayo works great, but if you have Kewpie, use it! It’s richer and has a slight sweetness and umami that makes the sauce taste extra creamy—more like what you’d get at a restaurant. You can also use olive oil mayo, but I don’t recommend low-fat versions—they tend to water the sauce down and make it taste flat.
• Coconut aminos or soy sauce: This is my go-to for a gluten-free, slightly sweet soy sauce alternative. If you’re using light soy sauce instead, mix ½ tablespoon soy sauce with ½ teaspoon sugar to keep the flavor balanced.
• Ketchup: Instead of bottled sweet chili sauce, I use ketchup for a subtle tang and touch of sweetness—without the added thickeners or high sugar. It keeps the flavor light but still satisfying.
• Fresh garlic: A clove of grated or crushed garlic adds real depth and helps the sauce feel more homemade—not just like spicy mayo from a bottle.
• Hot sauce (Frank’s original): I usually go with ½ to 1 teaspoon depending on how spicy I want it. Start small and adjust to taste—especially if your hot sauce or sriracha is stronger than average.

How to Make Bang Bang Sauce Taste Just Right

• Not overly sweet, and no bottled stuff
  • A lot of bang bang sauces taste super sweet or kind of artificial—usually because of the bottled sweet chili sauce. I skip that completely. This version uses ketchup, rice vinegar, and a little hot sauce to keep it creamy, tangy, and balanced. It’s still really satisfying, just without the sugar overload.
  • Want it sweeter? Add a tiny drizzle of honey or maple syrup. Totally optional, but it gets you closer to the classic if that’s what you’re after.

• Start small with the hot sauce
  • I usually go with a few dashes of hot sauce or sriracha, depending on the brand. If you’re making this for kids or someone sensitive to spice, just go light and taste first. You can always add more.

• If the texture feels off, check your mayo
  • This sauce should be smooth and creamy—not watery or gloopy. If it feels too thick, a small drop of vinegar or water will loosen it up. If it’s too runny, check your mayo. Full-fat or Kewpie mayo works best. Yogurt will thin it out and make it too sour, which might not be what you want.

• It still tastes good without sweet chili sauce
  • Some people skip the chili sauce and feel like something’s missing. I get it—but this combo actually has layers. You’ve got umami from the coconut aminos, brightness from the vinegar, garlic for depth, and just enough heat. It’s not the classic restaurant version—but honestly, it hits all the right notes without being heavy or cloying.

Ways to use the sauce

​​This healthy bang bang sauce is super versatile—it’s creamy, tangy, a little spicy, and goes with way more than just shrimp.

Try it as a dip with Bang Bang Salmon Bites or Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp, drizzle it over Shrimp Temaki Hand Rolls, or use it as a dressing for Bang Bang Shrimp Salad.

It also works great as a marinade or finishing sauce for Bang Bang Chicken Skewers. And if you’re craving something simple, dunk it into crispy Air Fryer Frozen Sweet Potato Fries or use it as a dipping sauce for any pan-fried or air-fried protein.

Want more homemade sauces?

If you love sauces that are big on flavor and easy to make, try one of these next:

• Miso Ginger Dressing – Creamy, savory, and perfect for salads or grain bowls.
• Roasted Sesame Dressing – Nutty and bold, great for dipping or drizzling.
• Gluten-free Hoisin Sauce – A gluten-free take on the classic, great for stir-fries.