Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, golden appetizer or main dish coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Inspired by the popular restaurant dish, this easy-to-make recipe delivers bold flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite. Perfect for entertaining or a fun weeknight meal, this shrimp is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold flavor: The sweet and spicy Bang Bang sauce is irresistibly good.
  • Perfect crunch: Crispy fried shrimp create a satisfying texture.
  • Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
  • Versatile: Great as an appetizer, taco filling, or over rice for a main course.
  • Customizable: Adjust the spice level or cooking method to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon honey

Optional Garnishes:

  • Chopped green onions
  • Sesame seeds
  • Fresh lime wedges

Directions

Step 1: Marinate the shrimp

  1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp and buttermilk. Let marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the breading and sauce.

Step 2: Make the Bang Bang sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.

Step 3: Bread the shrimp

  1. In a shallow dish, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and coat each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture.

Step 4: Fry the shrimp

  1. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
  2. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Toss in sauce

  1. Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.

Step 6: Serve

  1. Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, or lime wedges. Serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Baked version: For a healthier option, bake the breaded shrimp at 400°F (200°C) on a greased baking sheet for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Air fryer: Air fry the shrimp at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until crispy.
  • Gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour or cornstarch for breading.
  • Spicier: Increase the sriracha in the sauce for an extra kick.
  • Tacos: Serve the shrimp in tortillas with slaw and drizzle with additional sauce.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat shrimp in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the shrimp soggy.

FAQs

What type of shrimp works best?

Large or jumbo shrimp are ideal for this recipe, as they’re easy to handle and provide a hearty bite.

Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Is this dish spicy?

The level of spice depends on the amount of sriracha used. Adjust it to suit your taste.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before marinating.

Can I use a different sauce?

You can experiment with other sauces, but the signature sweet chili and sriracha combo gives this dish its classic flavor.

What sides pair well with Bang Bang Shrimp?

Serve with white rice, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How do I prevent the shrimp from getting soggy?

Fry the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, and make sure the oil is at the correct temperature.

Can I substitute the buttermilk?

Yes, use regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free buttermilk alternative and ensure the other ingredients are dairy-free.

What’s the best way to serve this dish?

Bang Bang Shrimp is delicious as an appetizer, taco filling, or over a bed of greens for a spicy salad.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp is a simple yet impressive dish that’s sure to be a hit at your next meal or gathering. With its crispy coating and sweet-spicy sauce, it’s a flavorful favorite that’s easy to make at home. Try this recipe today for a restaurant-quality dish that’s perfect for any occasion!

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Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

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  • Author: clara
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Description

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful appetizer coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. This restaurant favorite is easy to recreate at home and perfect for serving as a snack, starter, or topping for rice bowls or salads.


Ingredients

Units Scale
For the Shrimp:
  • 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup (65g) all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup (65g) cornstarch
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
  • 1 tbsp honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
For Garnish:
  • 2 tbsp green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds (optional)



Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce:
    • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). Adjust seasoning to taste. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Shrimp:
    • Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place the beaten eggs in a separate shallow dish.
  3. Coat the Shrimp:
    • Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and back into the flour mixture. Shake off excess coating and set aside on a plate.
  4. Fry the Shrimp:
    • Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
    • Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  5. Toss in Sauce:
    • In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the Bang Bang Sauce until evenly coated.
  6. Serve:
    • Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes or air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Serve with rice, noodles, or as a filling for tacos.
  • Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the sriracha.

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