Bang Bang Broccoli with Creamy Sauce

Name: Bang Bang Broccoli with Creamy Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 large head broccoli, cut into florets; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Author: Tessa

Published: July 22, 2025

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Who knew broccoli could be this exciting? Bang Bang Broccoli has completely transformed the way I think about this humble green vegetable. It’s gone from a sometimes-boring side dish to a star on my plate, and I can’t wait for you to experience the magic too! I first stumbled upon a version of this recipe when I was looking for ways to jazz up weeknight dinners, and let me tell you, it was love at first bite. The combination of crispy, tender broccoli with that creamy, spicy, and perfectly sweet sauce is just out of this world.

This Bang Bang Broccoli isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for busy evenings or when you want something impressive without a lot of fuss. It’s also fantastic for anyone looking to add more vibrant, vegetarian options to their repertoire. Whether you’re serving it as a standalone side, adding it to a grain bowl, or just snacking on it straight from the pan (guilty!), this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.

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Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Broccoli Recipe

You’re going to fall head over heels for this Bang Bang Broccoli recipe, I promise! It’s not just another way to eat your greens; it’s a flavor explosion that makes healthy eating genuinely exciting. The ease of preparation is a huge win, especially on those hectic weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Plus, the flavor profile is just unbeatable – a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy that coats every single crispy floret.

The Allure of Bang Bang Broccoli

Irresistibly Crispy Texture
Creamy, Spicy, and Sweet Flavor
Quick and Easy to Prepare
Versatile Side Dish

Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Broccoli

Creating truly spectacular Bang Bang Broccoli starts with the right ingredients. Don’t skimp on quality here; fresh, vibrant components make all the difference in achieving that perfect balance of flavors and textures. You’ll find most of these staples are probably already in your pantry, making this recipe even more accessible and a joy to whip up!

Gathering Your Bang Bang Broccoli Ingredients

1 large head broccoli, cut into bite-sized florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup good quality mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (or more/less to your spice preference)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 tablespoon chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Bang Bang Broccoli - detail 1

Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Bang Bang Broccoli

Making this Bang Bang Broccoli is incredibly straightforward, and I’m going to walk you through each step to ensure you get that perfect crispy, saucy goodness every time. We’ll start with preparing the star of our dish, the broccoli, then move on to whipping up that irresistible sauce. The key here is timing and ensuring each component gets its moment to shine before coming together in a flavor explosion!

Preparing Your Bang Bang Broccoli

First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C) and grab a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Toss your beautiful broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and black pepper until they’re all glistening and coated. Then, spread them out in a single layer on that baking sheet. This is crucial for getting them wonderfully tender-crisp and slightly charred, not steamed.

Crafting the Creamy Bang Bang Broccoli Sauce

While your broccoli is roasting away, it’s time to whip up the heart of our dish: the Bang Bang sauce! In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ground ginger. Whisk it all together until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Remember, you can always adjust the amount of sriracha to match your preferred level of heat!

Combining and Serving Your Bang Bang Broccoli

Once your roasted broccoli comes out of the oven, immediately transfer it to a clean large bowl. Pour that luscious Bang Bang sauce all over the hot florets and toss gently until every piece is beautifully coated. Serve it up right away, garnished with fresh cilantro if you like, and enjoy it warm for the ultimate experience!

Expert Tips for the Best Bang Bang Broccoli

Achieving truly stellar Bang Bang Broccoli isn’t just about following the steps; it’s about a few little tricks that elevate the dish from good to absolutely unforgettable. I’ve learned these through plenty of kitchen experiments, and I’m thrilled to share them with you to ensure your broccoli reaches its peak crispiness and flavor perfection!

Roasting for Crispy Bang Bang Broccoli

For that ultimate crispiness, don’t overcrowd your baking sheet! Give the broccoli florets space so they can roast, not steam. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes; a little char is fantastic, but burnt broccoli is a no-go. High heat is your friend here for quick, crisp results.

Customizing Your Bang Bang Broccoli

Feel free to play with the sriracha level in your Bang Bang Broccoli sauce – make it as mild or as fiery as you like! If you’re looking for a vegan option, simply swap out the regular mayonnaise for your favorite plant-based mayo. You can also experiment with a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Broccoli

This Bang Bang Broccoli is so versatile, it can elevate almost any meal! Its bold flavors make it a fantastic star, but it also plays incredibly well with others. Think about how its creamy, spicy, and sweet notes can complement your main course, or how it can round out a lighter meal.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Broccoli

Alongside grilled chicken or beef for a complete meal.
As a vibrant addition to a rice bowl with your favorite protein and extra veggies.
Part of a larger vegetarian spread, perhaps with some crispy tofu or a hearty grain salad.
A delicious side dish for fish tacos or a simple stir-fry.

Storing and Reheating Bang Bang Broccoli

While this Bang Bang Broccoli is undeniably best enjoyed fresh and warm, sometimes you just have leftovers, and that’s okay! Proper storage and reheating can help maintain its deliciousness, though it might lose a touch of its initial crispness. Don’t worry, it’ll still be super tasty!

Keeping Your Bang Bang Broccoli Fresh

To store any leftover Bang Bang Broccoli, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will stay good for 2-3 days. When reheating, I recommend using an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to help crisp it up again, rather than a microwave which can make it a bit soggy.

Common Questions About Bang Bang Broccoli

I get a lot of questions about making this amazing Bang Bang Broccoli, and I love answering them! It shows just how excited everyone is to get this delicious side dish right. Let’s tackle some of the most common queries to ensure your broccoli experience is nothing short of fantastic, whether you’re wondering about cooking methods or spice levels.

Bang Bang Broccoli FAQs

Can I air fry the broccoli for this Bang Bang Broccoli recipe? Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic way to get super crispy broccoli. Toss the florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper as directed, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until tender-crisp and slightly charred. It’s a great alternative to roasting!

Is Bang Bang Broccoli spicy? The spice level in this Bang Bang Broccoli is completely customizable! The recipe uses 1 tablespoon of sriracha, which gives it a pleasant kick without being overwhelmingly hot for most people. If you love heat, feel free to add more sriracha. If you prefer it milder, start with half a tablespoon or even a dash of cayenne pepper instead.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time? Yes, you certainly can! Preparing the sauce in advance is a great time-saver. Simply whisk all the sauce ingredients together, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This way, when you’re ready to make your roasted broccoli, the sauce is just waiting to be tossed in!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Bang Bang Broccoli

Please note that the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Values can vary based on specific brands, ingredient substitutions, and exact portion sizes. This is intended as a general guide to help you understand the dietary components of this delicious Bang Bang Broccoli.