Uncategorized

Bang Bang Shrimp 

Bang Bang Shrimp

This Bang Bang Shrimp features crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy homemade sauce. The crunchy coating combined with the signature mayo-based chili sauce makes every bite rich, tangy, and packed with flavor.

Serve it as an appetizer, stuff it into tacos, pile it over rice, or turn it into a restaurant-style shrimp bowl for an easy meal at home.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4–6

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy outside and juicy inside
  • Ready in about 30 minutes
  • Creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce
  • Simple ingredients
  • Easy restaurant-inspired appetizer
  • Great for tacos and rice bowls
  • Adjustable spice level
  • Air-fryer option included

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

  • 1½ pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • ⅓ cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1–2 tablespoons sriracha, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon honey, optional

For Garnish

  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced
  • Chopped fresh cilantro, optional
  • Sesame seeds, optional
  • Lime wedges

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

  • Mayonnaise
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Sriracha
  • Lime juice
  • Honey, if using

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Taste the sauce. Add more sriracha for extra heat or additional sweet chili sauce for a milder, sweeter flavor.

Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.

Place them in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them.

Toss until completely coated.

Let the shrimp sit for approximately 10 minutes while you prepare the coating.

Step 3: Make the Crispy Coating

In a shallow bowl, combine:

  • Cornstarch
  • Flour
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Onion powder
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Mix thoroughly.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.

Coat thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture.

Gently press the coating onto the shrimp so it sticks well.

Place the coated shrimp on a plate while you finish the remaining pieces.

Fry the Shrimp

Step 5: Heat the Oil

Add approximately 2 inches of vegetable oil to a heavy skillet or Dutch oven.

Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

Maintaining the correct temperature helps produce crispy shrimp without making them greasy.

Step 6: Fry in Batches

Carefully add several shrimp to the hot oil.

Don’t overcrowd the pan.

Fry for approximately 2–3 minutes, turning if necessary, until golden, crisp, and cooked through.

Shrimp cook very quickly, so watch them closely.

Step 7: Drain

Transfer the cooked shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Continue frying the remaining shrimp in batches.

Add the Bang Bang Sauce

Allow the shrimp to cool for about 1–2 minutes.

Place them in a large bowl.

Drizzle with enough Bang Bang sauce to lightly coat the shrimp.

Gently toss.

Don’t drown them in sauce—you want to keep as much of that crispy coating as possible.

Garnish and Serve

Transfer to a serving platter.

Top with:

  • Green onions
  • Cilantro
  • Sesame seeds

Serve immediately with lime wedges and extra Bang Bang sauce on the side.

The Secret to Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

The combination of cornstarch and flour is important.

Cornstarch creates a light, crisp exterior while a smaller amount of flour helps the coating stick.

Also remember:

Coat → fry → drain → sauce immediately before serving.

Don’t let the cooked shrimp sit in the sauce for too long because the crispy coating will gradually soften.

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

You can also make this recipe in the air fryer.

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare and coat the shrimp as directed.

Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Lightly spray the coating with cooking oil.

Air fry for approximately 7–9 minutes, turning halfway through, until cooked through and crispy.

Depending on the size of your air fryer, work in batches.

Toss lightly with Bang Bang sauce immediately before serving.

Baked Bang Bang Shrimp

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).

For better oven-baked results, replace the cornstarch coating with seasoned panko breadcrumbs.

Arrange the coated shrimp on a lightly greased wire rack placed over a baking sheet.

Lightly spray with cooking oil.

Bake for approximately 10–12 minutes, or until the shrimp are cooked through.

Finish briefly under the broiler if you want extra browning, watching carefully.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos 🌮

This shrimp makes an excellent taco filling.

Fill warm flour or corn tortillas with:

  • Shredded cabbage
  • Bang Bang Shrimp
  • Avocado
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Green onions
  • Cilantro
  • Extra Bang Bang sauce
  • Fresh lime

For extra crunch, add thinly sliced radishes or crispy tortilla strips.

Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls

Add cooked jasmine rice to a bowl.

Top with:

  • Bang Bang Shrimp
  • Shredded carrots
  • Cucumber
  • Avocado
  • Edamame
  • Green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Drizzle with additional sauce just before serving.

This turns the appetizer into a filling dinner.

Easy Variations

Extra Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

Increase the sriracha and add a pinch of cayenne to the coating.

Mild Bang Bang Shrimp

Reduce or omit the sriracha and use additional sweet chili sauce.

Bang Bang Chicken

Replace the shrimp with bite-sized chicken pieces. Cooking time will be longer, and chicken should be cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Bang Bang Salmon Bites

Cut salmon into cubes, season, cook until done, and drizzle with Bang Bang sauce.

Bang Bang Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Serve the shrimp inside crisp lettuce leaves with cucumber, carrots, green onions, and sauce.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp

Try pairing it with:

  • Jasmine rice
  • Fried rice
  • Beef ramen stir fry
  • Vegetable stir fry
  • Asian cucumber salad
  • Coleslaw
  • Roasted broccoli
  • Lettuce wraps
  • French fries
  • Sweet potato fries

Make-Ahead Instructions

The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared up to 3 days ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container.

You can also peel and devein the shrimp ahead of time.

For the crispiest results, coat and cook the shrimp shortly before serving.

Don’t toss them with sauce until everyone is ready to eat.

Storage

Bang Bang Shrimp tastes best immediately after cooking.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

If possible, store extra sauce separately.

How to Reheat

Air Fryer

Reheat the shrimp at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 3–5 minutes.

Add fresh sauce after reheating.

Oven

Arrange on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F (190°C) until hot and crisp.

Microwave

The microwave will warm the shrimp, but the coating will become soft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

It’s crispy shrimp served with a creamy sauce typically featuring mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a spicy chili sauce.

Is Bang Bang Shrimp spicy?

It can be mild or spicy. Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the heat.

What makes Bang Bang sauce?

A simple combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice creates a creamy balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before coating.

What size shrimp works best?

Large shrimp are particularly convenient because they’re easy to coat, fry, and serve.

Why did my coating fall off?

The shrimp may have been too wet or the coating wasn’t pressed on firmly enough. Let excess buttermilk drip off before dredging.

Why isn’t my shrimp crispy?

The oil may have been too cool, the pan may have been overcrowded, or the cooked shrimp may have sat in the sauce too long.

Can I make it without buttermilk?

Yes. Regular milk mixed with a small splash of lemon juice can work as a substitute.

Can I air fry Bang Bang Shrimp?

Yes. Lightly spray the coated shrimp with oil and air fry until crisp and cooked through.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead?

Absolutely. The sauce keeps well refrigerated for several days.

What can I use instead of sriracha?

Another chili-garlic or hot sauce can work, although the final flavor may be different.

Can I make this into a full dinner?

Yes. Serve the shrimp over rice with avocado, cucumber, carrots, and vegetables, or use it as a taco filling.

Pro Tips

  • Pat thawed shrimp thoroughly dry.
  • Use large shrimp for easier frying.
  • Keep the oil around 350°F.
  • Fry in small batches.
  • Use cornstarch for extra crispiness.
  • Don’t overcook the shrimp.
  • Drain fried shrimp on a wire rack when possible.
  • Toss with sauce only immediately before serving.
  • Reserve extra sauce for dipping.
  • Finish with fresh lime to balance the creamy sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp delivers crispy golden shrimp covered in a creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce—all in about 30 minutes. It works equally well as a party appetizer or as the centerpiece of an easy dinner.

Serve it restaurant-style with green onions and extra sauce, pile it into tacos, or make a loaded rice bowl with avocado and crunchy vegetables.

Related Posts