If you’re craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, vibrant in color, and incredibly satisfying, look no further than this Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe. It’s a delightful fusion of tender chicken, juicy shrimp, crisp vegetables, and just the right kick of spicy, sweet sauces – all coming together in a mouthwatering stir-fry that’s perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends, this recipe delivers bold tastes and comforting textures that will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of these ingredients; each one is carefully chosen to bring depth, texture, and color to your Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe. From the nutty sesame oil to the zingy Sriracha, these staples blend perfectly to create a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.
- 2 cups day-old rice: Using day-old jasmine or basmati rice helps to keep the grains separate and prevents clumping for that perfect fried rice texture.
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded: Provides a lean protein that soaks up the flavors beautifully; tofu works well for a vegetarian twist.
- 1/2 cup shrimp, cooked and deveined: Adds a subtle seafood sweetness and extra texture if you like seafood in your fried rice.
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions: Brings a mild onion flavor and a fresh pop of green that looks inviting.
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil: Ideal for stir-frying because it withstands high heat without burning.
- 1/4 cup diced bell pepper: Red, yellow, or green for a colorful crunch and natural sweetness.
- 1/4 cup frozen peas: Tiny bursts of sweetness and an easy way to add greens into your meal.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic’s aroma and flavor kick-start the dish with warmth and depth.
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce: The salty backbone that seasons the whole fried rice perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha: Adds that signature Bang Bang kick with just the right amount of heat.
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce: Balances heat with a sweet, tangy flavor that rounds out the dish.
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil: A finishing touch that infuses the fried rice with a fragrant, nutty aroma.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering.
- 1 egg, lightly beaten (optional): Adds extra protein and a lovely silky texture when scrambled into the rice.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal just before serving.
How to Make Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by breaking up any clumps in your day-old rice in a large bowl, making it easier to fry evenly. Have your chicken, shrimp, vegetables, and sauces all ready and within arm’s reach – stir-frying happens quickly and smoothly when everything is prepped in advance.
Step 2: Heat the Oil and Garlic
Swirl your vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Then add minced garlic and sauté it for about 30 seconds. This releases that irresistible garlic fragrance that’s going to infuse the entire dish.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
Toss in the diced bell pepper and frozen peas and stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes. The bell pepper will soften slightly but still hold a satisfying crunch, while the peas add pops of sweetness and color.
Step 4: Add the Egg (Optional)
Push the veggies to one side and pour the beaten egg into the cleared space. Scramble gently until cooked through, then mix it in with the vegetables. It’s a simple step that adds richness and extra protein to your Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe.
Step 5: Mix in Protein
Now, stir in your shredded chicken and cooked shrimp. Combining these ingredients now helps everything heat evenly and lets the proteins soak up all those amazing flavors.
Step 6: Combine the Rice
Add the day-old rice, breaking apart any stubborn clumps. Stir everything together so the rice mingles with the veggies and proteins, creating that classic fried rice cohesion.
Step 7: Add Sauces and Seasoning
Pour in the soy sauce, Sriracha, and sweet chili sauce, stirring continuously to ensure every grain of rice is coated beautifully. Drizzle in the sesame oil and adjust salt and pepper to your taste. Keep stirring for a couple more minutes to warm everything through and let the flavors meld.
Step 8: Finish and Garnish
Once the rice is piping hot and glossy from the sauces, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle the chopped green onions and sesame seeds over the top for a fresh and crunchy finish that makes this Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe genuinely irresistible.
How to Serve Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped fresh green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds are classic toppings that add brightness and a subtle crunch. For an extra touch, a wedge of lime on the side can bring a fresh zesty burst that lifts the dish beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light and crisp sides like a crunchy Asian cucumber salad or steamed edamame. If you want to keep the meal hearty, serve alongside some simple miso soup or crispy spring rolls for an exciting appetizer.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe inside hollowed-out bell peppers for a colorful presentation. Or, get playful by making lettuce wraps for a fun finger-food approach – the crisp lettuce adds another textural layer that’s delightful.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it a great option for quick lunches or dinners during the week.
Freezing
If you want to keep it longer, freeze the rice in portions inside a freezer-safe container. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers on the stove over medium heat with a splash of water or oil to bring back moisture, stirring often until heated through. Microwaving also works, but stirring halfway through is key to even warming without drying out the rice.
FAQs
Can I use freshly cooked rice for this Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe?
Freshly cooked rice tends to be softer and stickier, which can make your fried rice mushy. Day-old rice works best because it’s drier and separates easily, giving you that perfect fried rice texture.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Simply replace chicken and shrimp with firm tofu or a medley of your favorite veggies. You can also omit the egg if you prefer. The flavorful sauces still make it a satisfying meal.
How spicy is this dish with the Sriracha and sweet chili sauce?
The heat level is moderate and balanced by the sweetness of the chili sauce, but you can adjust the Sriracha amount to suit your spice tolerance – less for mild, more for a fiery kick.
What type of rice is best for this recipe?
Long-grain rice like jasmine or basmati is ideal because it cooks up fluffy and separate. Avoid short-grain rice since it tends to be stickier and may clump too much for a classic fried rice dish.
Can I prepare this Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe in advance for meal prep?
Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep because it stores well and tastes great reheated. Just keep portions airtight and reheat with a little oil or water to preserve flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Fried Rice Recipe is more than just a quick meal; it’s a celebration of bold flavors, simple ingredients, and the magic that happens when they come together in your kitchen. I encourage you to give it a try, tweak it to your liking, and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dishes that never fail to impress. Happy cooking and enjoy every delicious bite!
Print
Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Bang Bang Fried Rice is a quick and flavorful stir-fried rice dish featuring day-old jasmine or basmati rice, tender shredded chicken (or tofu for vegetarians), succulent shrimp, and a vibrant mix of vegetables. The dish is stir-fried in a hot skillet with garlic, bell peppers, peas, and a medley of savory sauces including soy sauce, Sriracha, and sweet chili sauce, finished with a touch of sesame oil and garnished with green onions and sesame seeds. Perfect for a speedy weeknight dinner packed with bold flavors and a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Rice and Proteins
- 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 egg, lightly beaten (optional, for additional protein)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 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
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauces and Oils
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Seasonings and Garnishes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Break up any clumps in the day-old rice and gather all chopped vegetables, proteins, and aromatics so they’re ready to use.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the hot oil and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn it.
- Cook Vegetables: Toss in the diced bell pepper and frozen peas; stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes until the bell pepper softens slightly.
- Scramble Egg: Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet, pour in the beaten egg (if using) on the other side, and scramble gently until fully cooked. Mix the egg with the vegetables once done.
- Add Proteins: Stir in the shredded chicken and cooked shrimp (if using), combining them evenly with the vegetables.
- Add Rice: Add the day-old rice, breaking up any remaining clumps, and stir to incorporate all ingredients evenly.
- Add Sauces: Drizzle the soy sauce, Sriracha, and sweet chili sauce over the rice mixture; stir well to coat everything evenly.
- Season and Finish Cooking: Add a splash of sesame oil, season with salt and pepper to taste, and continue stirring for another 2 to 3 minutes until the rice is heated through and flavors are well blended.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
- Using day-old rice helps to prevent sogginess and achieve a better texture when frying.
- To make this dish vegetarian, substitute chicken and shrimp with extra tofu or your favorite plant-based protein.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha according to your preferred spice level.
- Make sure to cook the egg gently and mix it thoroughly with the vegetables for best texture and flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots or mushrooms for variation.
