Total Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Difficulty Level: Easy to Medium
Bang Bang Fried Rice is the kind of breakfast that instantly wakes up your senses. The moment the rice hits a hot pan, it crackles and crisps, filling the air with a toasted aroma that feels both comforting and exciting. Creamy, spicy bang bang sauce coats each grain, while pops of color from vegetables and optional proteins make every spoonful bold and satisfying. It’s rich without being heavy, spicy without being overwhelming, and indulgent in a way that still feels balanced enough to start the day.
What makes this dish truly special is how it flips expectations. Fried rice is often thought of as dinner food, but when paired with breakfast-friendly elements like eggs, crispy bits, and a sauce that leans creamy and slightly sweet, it becomes the ultimate morning upgrade. This is the kind of breakfast you make on a slow weekend, a brunch gathering with friends, or a weekday morning when you’re tired of routine. Estimated calories per serving range from 480–540, depending on add-ins and portion size, making it hearty enough to keep you full well into the afternoon.
Key Ingredients
Bang Bang Fried Rice shines because each ingredient plays a clear role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
Cooked Day-Old Rice – Slightly dried grains fry better, creating crisp edges without becoming mushy.
Eggs – Add richness, protein, and that unmistakable breakfast comfort.
Bang Bang Sauce – The star flavor, creamy, spicy, and lightly sweet.
Mayonnaise – Forms the smooth base of the sauce and balances heat.
Sweet Chili Sauce – Brings sweetness and a gentle kick that defines bang bang flavor.
Sriracha – Adds heat and depth, adjustable to taste.
Garlic – Aromatic backbone that infuses the oil and rice.
Green Onions – Freshness, color, and mild onion bite.
Frozen Peas or Mixed Vegetables – Quick bursts of color, sweetness, and texture.
Soy Sauce – Savory umami that anchors the dish.
Sesame Oil – Nutty aroma that finishes the rice beautifully.
Neutral Cooking Oil – Allows high-heat frying without burning.
Butter – Adds richness and enhances browning.
Optional Protein (Chicken, Shrimp, or Bacon) – Makes the dish even more filling.
Black Pepper – Subtle warmth and balance against the creamy sauce.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Method)
Start by preparing the bang bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your preference. Set the sauce aside so it’s ready when the rice is hot and crisp.
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat and add neutral oil and a small knob of butter. Once the butter melts and begins to foam, add any optional protein you’re using. Cook until golden and fully cooked through, then remove it from the pan and set aside.
In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and crack in the eggs. Scramble them gently, cooking just until softly set. Slide the eggs to one side of the pan and add the garlic to the open space. Let it cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then stir everything together.
Add the rice to the pan, spreading it out in an even layer. Let it sit undisturbed for 2–3 minutes to develop crispy edges. Stir and repeat once more. Sprinkle in soy sauce and black pepper, tossing to coat the rice evenly. Add the vegetables and cook for another 2 minutes until heated through.
Lower the heat slightly and return the cooked protein to the pan. Drizzle in the bang bang sauce and toss gently until everything is evenly coated and glossy. Finish with sesame oil and sliced green onions. Let the rice rest off heat for one minute so the sauce settles before serving.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Fried Rice is incredibly versatile when it comes to presentation, especially for breakfast or brunch. One inviting option is to serve it in wide, shallow bowls with a soft-fried or sunny-side-up egg on top. As the yolk breaks and mixes with the creamy bang bang sauce, it creates an extra layer of richness that feels indulgent yet comforting. Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or a drizzle of extra sauce for visual appeal and flavor.
For a brunch table, consider serving it family-style in a large skillet or platter straight from the stove. Surround it with small bowls of toppings like crispy bacon bits, sliced avocado, chili oil, or fresh herbs so everyone can customize their portion. You can even turn it into a breakfast bar by pairing it with fresh fruit or light salads to balance the richness. Whether plated individually or shared, this dish brings color, aroma, and excitement to the table, making it feel like a special occasion meal even on an ordinary morning.
Storage + Meal Prep
Bang Bang Fried Rice is surprisingly meal-prep friendly, making it a great option for busy mornings. Allow leftovers to cool fully before transferring them to airtight containers. Stored in the refrigerator, the rice will stay fresh for up to three days. Keep any extra bang bang sauce separate if possible, as adding it fresh during reheating helps maintain the best texture.
To reheat, use a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of oil or water to loosen the rice. Stir gently until heated through, then add a fresh drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of green onions to revive the flavors. Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce can separate and affect texture. On day two, topping the reheated rice with a freshly cooked egg or adding crisp vegetables can make leftovers feel just as exciting as the first serving.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Fried Rice proves that breakfast doesn’t have to be predictable. With its creamy heat, crisp rice, and comforting breakfast elements, it delivers bold flavor in a way that feels both playful and satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that surprises you with how well it works in the morning, turning a familiar fried rice base into something entirely new.
Whether you make it for a weekend brunch, a late breakfast-for-dinner moment, or a meal-prep solution that actually excites you, this recipe invites creativity. Adjust the spice, swap proteins, or add your favorite vegetables. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if Bang Bang Fried Rice becomes a regular part of your breakfast rotation.
