Gotta tell ya, I’m obsessed with this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe. Been making it for years and it never disappoints. The crispy coating on the outside with that sweet spicy sauce is just ridiculous good. What makes this Bang Bang Shrimp special? It’s that perfect combo of crunchy and saucy, with flavor that hits all the right notes. Not too spicy, not too sweet – just perfect. Plus it’s way easier than takeout versions and honestly tastes better. Stick around and I’ll show you exactly how to nail this recipe first time.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Listen, we’ve all had those moments when dinner needs to be impressive but you’re short on time. That’s where this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe saves the day. First time I made this was for my sister’s birthday dinner – she’s super picky but couldn’t stop eating these! What’s great is you can adjust the heat level depending on who you’re feeding. Works great as an appetizer, but honestly we often just make it the main dish with some rice and veggies on the side. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be in your regular rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp – peeled and deveined (tails on or off – your choice)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (or mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 tsp lemon juice if you don’t have buttermilk)
- 3/4 cup cornstarch – gives the best crunch but can sub flour in a pinch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying – vegetable or canola work best
The shrimp is obvs the star here – try to get medium-large size, they cook better. Frozen is fine, just thaw completely. The buttermilk helps tenderize and the cornstarch is key for that crisp coating.
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayo – full fat works best
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2-3 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
This sauce is everything! The mayo brings creaminess, sweet chili sauce adds that signature bang bang flavor. If you can’t handle spice, start with just 1 tsp sriracha. For gluten-free folks, just check your sweet chili sauce label.
For Garnish:
- 3 green onions, sliced thin
- Sesame seeds
- Extra sriracha for drizzling (optional)
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels – super important for crispy results
- Place in bowl, pour buttermilk over, stir to coat
- Let sit 10-15 mins while you make the sauce
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mix all sauce ingredients in small bowl
- Taste and adjust – want more heat? Add more sriracha
- Set aside about 1/3 of sauce for dipping, rest will coat shrimp
Step 3: Coat and Fry
- Mix cornstarch, salt, pepper and garlic powder in shallow dish
- Heat oil in large pan – about 1/2 inch deep, to 350°F (or test with small piece of bread – should bubble immediately)
- Working in batches, take shrimp from buttermilk, let excess drip off
- Dredge in cornstarch mixture, shake off excess
- Carefully place in hot oil – don’t crowd the pan!
- Fry 2-3 mins total, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy
- Remove to paper-towel lined plate
The shrimp cook super fast so watch carefully. They’re done when they turn pink and curl into a C shape. If they curl into a tight O, they’re overcooked.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Once all shrimp fried, place in large bowl
- Pour 2/3 of sauce over hot shrimp
- Gently toss to coat every piece
- Transfer to serving plate
- Sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds
- Serve immediately with extra sauce on side
Hot tip: don’t sauce the shrimp until right before serving or they’ll lose that amazing crunch!
Tasty Bang Bang Shrimp Variations
Baked Bang Bang Shrimp
Not into frying? Coat shrimp same way but arrange on baking sheet lined with parchment. Spray with cooking spray, bake at 400°F for 10-12 mins until crispy.
Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp
Same coating, but cook in air fryer at 380°F for about 8 mins, shaking basket halfway. Way less oil but still crunchy!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Take the coated shrimp, add to warm tortillas with slaw, avocado and extra sauce. Unreal good for Taco Tuesday!
Spicy Garlic Bang Bang Shrimp
Add 1 tsp chili flakes and 2 minced garlic cloves to the coating mix for extra kick.
Sweet and Smoky Bang Bang Shrimp
Add 1 tbsp maple syrup and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika to the sauce for amazing flavor twist.
Low-Carb Bang Bang Shrimp
Sub the cornstarch with mix of almond flour and parmesan for keto-friendly version.
FAQ About Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
How do I know when the shrimp are cooked perfectly?
Shrimp cook super quick! They’re done when they turn pink and form a loose C shape. If they curl into tight O shape, they’re overcooked and might be rubbery. Total cook time usually 2-3 mins max.
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?
Honestly not the best idea. The coating gets soggy once sauced. But you can prep everything separately – make sauce up to 3 days ahead and keep in fridge, and have shrimp peeled and ready to go. Then just fry and sauce right before serving.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
So many options! Works great over rice, in lettuce wraps, or with side of Shrimp Avocado Salad. Also amazing with simple steamed broccoli or cucumber salad. For more shrimp ideas, try my Margarita Grilled Shrimp Skewers next!
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw completely in fridge overnight or under cold running water. Then pat super dry before coating. Actually, frozen shrimp often fresher than “fresh” shrimp at seafood counter which might’ve been frozen and thawed already.
How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Traditional Bang Bang Shrimp has nice kick but isn’t crazy hot. This recipe lets you control heat – use 1 tsp sriracha for mild, 3 tsp for spicy version. Sweet chili sauce already has some heat too. Taste sauce before adding to shrimp and adjust to your preference.
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp gluten-free?
Totally! Cornstarch already gluten-free – just check your sweet chili sauce label since some brands add wheat. Also make sure your sriracha is certified gluten-free if needed.
What other dishes go well with Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp goes amazing with Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta for seafood feast, or try with Honey Garlic Shrimp Sausage and Broccoli for epic dinner. Also great with simple sides like cucumber salad, steamed rice, or roasted veggies.
Make This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Your Own
First time I made Bang Bang Shrimp was back when I was trying to recreate that famous restaurant version. My mom tried it and said it was better than the original! What I love most is seeing friends’ faces when they take first bite – that combo of crunch and creamy spicy sauce just hits different. The recipe walks line between traditional flavor and your own personal touch – don’t be afraid to adjust sauce to your taste. It’s become our go-to for everything from quick weeknight dinners to party appetizers. Hope this Bang Bang Shrimp brings as much joy to your table as it has to mine!
Bang Bang Shrimp
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Frying pan or deep skillet
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk
- Thermometer (optional for oil)
Ingredients
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or 1/2 cup milk + 1 tsp lemon juice
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying vegetable or canola
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 –3 tsp sriracha to taste
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- For Garnish:
- 3 green onions thinly sliced
- Sesame seeds
- Extra sriracha optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Toss in bowl with buttermilk, let sit 10–15 minutes.
- Step 2: Make Sauce
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Adjust sriracha to taste.
- Set aside 1/3 of the sauce for dipping.
- Step 3: Coat and Fry
- In shallow bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, garlic powder.
- Heat oil (~1/2 inch deep) to 350°F.
- Dredge shrimp in cornstarch mixture, shake off excess.
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden.
- Drain on paper towels.
- Step 4: Toss and Serve
- Toss hot shrimp in remaining sauce.
- Serve topped with green onions, sesame seeds, and extra sauce.
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