Picture this: After a long week of work, you’re craving something delicious that doesn’t involve another trip through the drive-thru. The moment I decided to shake up my usual dinner routine, I stumbled upon a treasure: Bang Bang Fried Rice. With its bold flavors and the satisfying crunch of fresh veggies, it’s the ultimate comfort food that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes.
What makes this dish a standout is not just its tantalizing taste but the versatility it brings to the table. Whether you’re looking to use up leftover rice or want to impress a crowd, this dish does it all. Imagine the delightful sizzle of diced chicken and fresh garlic wafting through your kitchen, mingling with the creamy bang bang sauce that adds a punch of flavor!
Join me in transforming those ordinary pantry staples into a vibrant plate of Bang Bang Fried Rice, perfect for impressing family and friends or simply satisfying your cravings. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that promises to elevate your weeknight dinners!
Why is Bang Bang Fried Rice a must-try?
Unique Flavor Fusion: The creamy bang bang sauce brings an exciting twist, making every bite a flavor explosion.
Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing taste.
Versatile Base: Feel free to customize with your favorite proteins or veggies, ensuring it fits any dietary preference.
Comforting Crunch: The combination of scrambled eggs, crispy rice, and fresh vegetables creates a delightful texture.
Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Whether for family dinners or casual gatherings, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy all appetites.
Leftover Friendly: Use up that day-old rice! It’s an excellent way to reduce food waste and still enjoy a fantastic meal.
Bang Bang Fried Rice Ingredients
• Get ready to create a flavor-packed dish!
For the Base
- Cooked rice – preferably day-old rice adds the perfect texture and avoids clumping.
- Chicken breast – diced chicken provides protein and a satisfying bite.
- Eggs – beaten eggs add richness and creamy consistency to the dish.
For the Veggies
- Carrots – diced carrots bring natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Green peas – these little gems offer a pop of flavor and additional nutrients.
- Garlic – minced garlic enhances the dish with its aromatic kick.
- Green onions – sliced green onions add freshness and a burst of taste for garnish.
For the Sauce
- Soy sauce – essential for depth, use 2 to 3 tablespoons to achieve the right umami flavor.
- Oil – using 1 tablespoon will help everything sauté beautifully; add more if needed.
- Mayonnaise – this creamy base is key in the bang bang sauce for a luscious texture.
- Sweet chili sauce – brings a subtle sweetness that balances the spiciness well.
- Sriracha – adjust the amount to suit your heat preference for that extra kick.
- Rice vinegar – just a teaspoon adds zing and brightens up the flavors.
Now you have everything you need to embark on your flavorful adventure with Bang Bang Fried Rice!
How to Make Bang Bang Fried Rice
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Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth and set aside to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
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Scramble the Eggs: In the same pan, pour the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set, approximately 2 minutes. Remove and set aside to keep them fluffy.
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Sauté the Veggies: Add a drizzle of oil if needed, then sauté the diced carrots and minced garlic for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in the green peas and cook for another minute, keeping them vibrant.
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Fry the Rice: Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3–4 minutes on high heat until the rice is heated through and develops a delightful crisp.
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Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir well to combine. Add soy sauce and mix evenly so that everything is well seasoned.
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Coat with Sauce: Pour the prepared bang bang sauce over the rice mixture, stirring gently until everything is well coated and heated through, making sure those flavors mingle perfectly.
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Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish and serve hot, ready for your taste buds to celebrate!
Optional: Drizzle with extra Sriracha for those who love a little heat.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Fried Rice
Fridge: Store leftover Bang Bang Fried Rice in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat thoroughly in a skillet or microwave before serving.
Freezer: Freeze Bang Bang Fried Rice in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: For the best texture, reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of oil to regain that crispy finish.
Airtight Tips: Always ensure the dish is completely cooled before storing to prevent condensation, which can make the rice soggy.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Fried Rice?
Picture a vibrant dinner table, where each dish dances in harmony with the comforting flavors of your fried rice creation.
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Crispy Egg Rolls: These golden treats provide a satisfying crunch that complements the creamy bang bang sauce beautifully. Filled with vegetables and meat, they’re perfect for dipping!
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Sweet and Sour Chicken: The balance of sweet and tangy flavors in this dish enhances the savory notes of your fried rice, making for a delightful fusion of tastes.
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Garlic Bok Choy: This stir-fried vegetable side delivers freshness and a light crunch, making it a superb contrast to the rich flavors of the Bang Bang Fried Rice.
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Spicy Asian Slaw: Tossed in a zesty dressing, the crunchy vegetables bring a pop of color and texture, cheering up your plate and palate.
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Sesame Green Beans: Sautéed with a drizzle of soy sauce and sesame oil, these green beans are a simple yet delicious accompaniment that echoes the rice’s umami flavors.
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Mango Sticky Rice: For dessert, this delightful mango treat brings a sweet tropical finish to your meal, contrasting perfectly with the savory fried rice and leaving everyone satisfied.
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Iced Green Tea: This refreshing beverage is light and invigorating, aiding digestion and enhancing the overall dining experience with its subtle, fragrant notes.
Bang Bang Fried Rice Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful dish and make it your own!
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Vegetarian: Replace chicken with tofu or tempeh, marinated in soy sauce for extra flavor.
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Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, broccoli, or zucchini for a colorful and nutritious twist.
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Spicy Twist: Amp up the heat by adding chopped Thai chili peppers or increasing Sriracha to your desired level.
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Savory Miso: Stir in a tablespoon of miso paste for a deeper umami flavor that’s truly comforting.
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Coconut Cream: Swap out mayonnaise for coconut cream to introduce a tropical twist and a hint of sweetness.
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Nuts for Crunch: Toss in roasted cashews or peanuts right at the end for an added crunchy texture and buttery flavor.
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Rice Swap: Use quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier, gluten-free version that still satisfies.
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Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil or cilantro right before serving for a fresh burst of flavor and aroma.
With these variations, your Bang Bang Fried Rice can be a new adventure waiting for you each time!
Make Ahead Options
These Bang Bang Fried Rice are a fantastic choice for meal prep! You can prepare the bang bang sauce (mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar) up to 3 days in advance to save time and allow the flavors to deepen. Additionally, you can cook the chicken, scramble the eggs, and chop the veggies as well. Store the cooked ingredients separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat everything in a skillet, add the rice, soy sauce, and the prepared sauce, and stir-fry until heated through. This way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Fried Rice
- Day-Old Rice: Always use day-old rice if possible; it’s drier and fries better without getting mushy.
- High Heat: Stir-fry on high heat to achieve that perfect crispy texture in your Bang Bang Fried Rice.
- Protein Variations: Experiment with different proteins like shrimp or tofu to customize the dish to your taste.
- Timing is Key: Avoid overcooking the vegetables; they should remain bright and vibrant for the best flavor and texture.
- Sauce Balance: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to accommodate everyone’s spice preferences, ensuring a crowd-pleasing meal.
Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe FAQs
What type of rice is best for Bang Bang Fried Rice?
Using day-old rice is highly recommended for this recipe. It’s less sticky, which helps prevent clumping and allows for that delightful crispy texture when stir-frying. If you don’t have day-old rice, you can cook fresh rice and spread it out on a baking sheet to cool for about 30 minutes before using.
How should I store leftover Bang Bang Fried Rice?
Leftover Bang Bang Fried Rice can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet or the microwave until it’s warmed through. If opting for the skillet, add a splash of oil to help bring back some crispiness!
Can I freeze Bang Bang Fried Rice?
Absolutely! To freeze Bang Bang Fried Rice, first ensure it has completely cooled down. Then, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it in a skillet over medium heat with a drizzle of oil to bring back its texture.
What can I do if my fried rice turns out soggy?
If your fried rice is soggy, it’s likely that too much moisture was present when cooking. To remedy this, reheat the rice in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat without any additional liquid. Stir constantly to allow moisture to evaporate, and add a little more oil, if needed, to help it crisp up.
Can I customize Bang Bang Fried Rice based on dietary needs?
Yes! This dish is wonderfully versatile. You can substitute chicken with tofu, shrimp, or even omit the meat entirely for a vegetarian option. Just make sure to adjust the cooking times accordingly, as different proteins may require different cook times. Keep in mind any allergies—like gluten—when selecting your soy sauce and other condiments, and feel free to swap them out with suitable alternatives.
Is Bang Bang Fried Rice safe for my pet?
While some ingredients in Bang Bang Fried Rice, like cooked rice and chicken, are safe for pets in small amounts, it’s best to avoid sharing any seasoned dish. Onions and garlic, common in this recipe, are toxic to cats and dogs, so it’s safer to keep the dish to yourself and treat your furry friend to something specially made for them!
Bang Bang Fried Rice: A Flavor Explosion You’ll Crave
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and rice vinegar. Stir until smooth and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, pour the beaten eggs and scramble them until just set, approximately 2 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Add a drizzle of oil if needed, then sauté the diced carrots and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the green peas and cook for another minute.
- Add the cold rice to the pan, breaking up any clumps. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes on high heat until heated through and crispy.
- Return the cooked chicken and scrambled eggs to the pan. Stir well to combine. Add soy sauce and mix evenly.
- Pour the prepared bang bang sauce over the rice mixture, stirring gently until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and serve hot, ready to enjoy!