If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances bold flavors with comforting simplicity, let me introduce you to this Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe. It’s a vibrant medley of fragrant jasmine rice, tender chicken, succulent shrimp, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a lively blend of soy sauce, sweet chili, and spicy Sriracha. This recipe is a true celebration of color, texture, and punchy tastes, making it a go-to meal whether you need a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish to share with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients sets the stage for this Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe to shine. Each component plays a crucial role in layering flavor and adding texture—from the fluffy day-old rice that absorbs every sauce drop to the fresh veggies that bring crunch and brightness to the dish.
- 2 cups day-old rice: Using day-old jasmine or basmati rice prevents mushiness and helps achieve that perfect fried texture.
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded: Tender protein adds heartiness; tofu works great as a vegetarian alternative.
- 1/2 cup shrimp, cooked and deveined: Optional for a seafood boost that complements the spices wonderfully.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Adds fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of green color.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Essential for sautéing and achieving that signature wok hei flavor.
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper: Choose red, yellow, or green for sweetness and vibrant hues.
- 1/4 cup frozen peas: These little bursts of sweetness balance out the heat perfectly.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic depth and warmth.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: Brings umami richness and saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha: Adjust this to your spice tolerance for that characteristic bang.
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce: Adds just the right amount of sweetness that softens the heat.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A fragrant finish that ties all the flavors together.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Highlights flavor nuances.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten: Optional for extra protein and silky texture.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
How to Make Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by breaking up any clumps in your day-old rice to ensure it fries evenly and doesn’t form sticky balls. Then gather and prep all the vegetables and proteins so the cooking flow is seamless and lively—timing matters in a stir-fry.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Sauté Garlic
Warm the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until shimmering—this quick heat-up helps release the flavors in your garlic. Toss in your minced garlic and sauté just about 30 seconds until fragrant; this step is where the fragrance that defines the dish begins to build.
Step 3: Add Vegetables
Throw in the diced bell pepper and frozen peas, stir-frying them for 2 to 3 minutes. They’ll soften slightly while retaining some bite, bringing sweetness and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the bold sauces later on.
Step 4: Cook the Egg
Push the veggies to one side. If using, pour the beaten egg into the cleared space and scramble gently until cooked through. Mixing it with the vegetables afterward creates a lovely textured base that jokes nicely with each bite.
Step 5: Combine Proteins
Add your shredded chicken and cooked shrimp to the skillet. Stir everything together—this melds the savory flavors and readies the dish for the key step: adding the rice and sauces.
Step 6: Fold in the Rice
Pour in the day-old rice, breaking up any residual clumps with your spatula. Stir well so every grain mingles with the vegetables and proteins, setting the perfect canvas for the sauces.
Step 7: Sauce It Up
Drizzle soy sauce, Sriracha, and sweet chili sauce over the rice mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure the entire pan is evenly coated—this is where the “bang bang” flavor profile truly kicks in, balancing heat and sweet with the umami depth.
Step 8: Final Seasoning and Heat
Add a splash of sesame oil plus salt and pepper to taste. Keep stirring for 2 to 3 more minutes to heat through and allow the rice to soak up all those fantastic flavors, finishing with a fragrant, glossy coating.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped green onions and sesame seeds on top—these simple touches add crunch and a burst of freshness that brighten the dish beautifully.
How to Serve Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh green onions and toasted sesame seeds are classic choices that elevate both the flavor and presentation. You might also offer lime wedges for a zesty twist or extra Sriracha on the side if you love a spicy kick.
Side Dishes
This fried rice pairs wonderfully with light Asian-inspired sides like steamed dumplings, crisp cucumber salad, or even a simple bowl of miso soup. These accompaniments complement the meal without overwhelming its vibrant personality.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe in individual pineapple halves or lettuce cups for a fun, festive look. It’s a perfect fit for casual dinner parties or when you want to impress with minimal fuss. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or Thai basil can add an unexpected fragrant twist as well.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The rice holds up well and retains its flavor, making it a convenient and delicious next-day meal.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze your Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe in portions using freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 1 month, and thawing overnight in the fridge before reheating works best to keep texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in a hot skillet or wok with a splash of oil to restore that fresh stir-fried crispness. Alternatively, microwaving works well if time is tight—just stir halfway through to distribute heat evenly.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the chicken and shrimp, or swap them out for tofu or extra vegetables. The sauces still bring plenty of flavor, so it’s just as delicious without the meat.
What’s the best rice to use for this fried rice?
Day-old jasmine or basmati rice works best because it’s dryer and less sticky, which helps achieve that perfect fried texture where the grains remain separate.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level depends on how much Sriracha you add. You can easily adjust it to suit your taste by adding more or less, and the sweet chili sauce helps balance the spice with sweetness.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep all your ingredients in advance, but it’s best to cook it fresh for that amazing stir-fried flavor. Leftovers store and reheat well if made ahead.
What can I use instead of shrimp?
If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can omit it or substitute with extra chicken, tofu, or even crispy tempeh for a different texture that still works beautifully in the dish.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe is a gem in my kitchen rotation because it’s quick, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or a full table, it delivers on taste and satisfaction every time. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Bang Bang Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful stir-fried rice dish made with day-old jasmine or basmati rice, cooked chicken, shrimp, vibrant vegetables, and a spicy-sweet sauce blend. This recipe combines easy-to-find ingredients and a simple cooking process to deliver a satisfying meal with a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, ideal for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups day-old rice, preferably jasmine or basmati
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded (or tofu for a vegetarian option)
- 1/2 cup shrimp, cooked and deveined (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, plus more for garnish
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper (red, yellow, or green)
- 1/4 cup frozen peas
Seasonings and Sauces
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional, for additional protein)
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Begin by preparing your ingredients. If using day-old rice, break up any clumps in a large bowl. Gather all chopped vegetables and proteins so they are ready to use.
- Heat Oil and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
- Cook Vegetables: Toss in the diced bell pepper and frozen peas. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the bell pepper is slightly tender.
- Scramble Egg (Optional): Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet. If using, pour the beaten egg into the other side and scramble it gently until fully cooked. Mix it with the vegetables once done.
- Add Proteins: Add the shredded chicken and cooked shrimp (if using) to the skillet, stirring to combine everything.
- Add Rice: Pour in the day-old rice, breaking up any remaining clumps. Stir to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add Sauces: Drizzle the soy sauce, Sriracha, and sweet chili sauce over the rice mixture. Stir well to ensure the sauces evenly coat the rice and proteins.
- Season and Finish Cooking: Add a splash of sesame oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Continue stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the rice to heat through and absorb all the flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Once everything is heated and mixed well, remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Using day-old rice helps prevent the dish from becoming mushy and ensures a better texture when stir-frying.
- Feel free to substitute proteins; tofu makes a great vegetarian option and the shrimp can be omitted entirely.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha and sweet chili sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to keep the heat medium-high to allow proper stir-frying without burning ingredients.
- The addition of the egg is optional but adds protein and texture; skip it for a vegan version (also use tofu instead of chicken).
