Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, creamy, and spicy appetizer that delivers bold flavor in every bite. Made famous by restaurants like Bonefish Grill, this dish features tender shrimp fried to golden perfection and tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce. Perfect for parties, game day snacks, or a fun dinner, Bang Bang Shrimp is addictive, crowd-pleasing, and easy to prepare at home.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
shrimp (peeled and deveined, medium or large size)buttermilkcornstarchall-purpose flourmayonnaiseThai sweet chili sauceSriracha saucegarlic powdersaltblack peppervegetable oil (for frying)green onions (optional, for garnish)
directions
In a bowl, marinate the shrimp in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and flour with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Drain the shrimp and dredge each piece in the flour mixture until fully coated.
Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan or skillet to 375°F (190°C).
Fry the shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth to make the Bang Bang sauce.
Toss the hot fried shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
Garnish with chopped green onions if desired and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.Preparation time: 15 minutesMarinating time: 15-20 minutesCooking time: 10 minutesTotal time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce.
Add a touch of honey to the sauce for a sweeter twist.
Serve over lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.
Turn it into tacos by wrapping the shrimp in tortillas with cabbage slaw.
Make it a rice bowl with steamed rice and sliced cucumbers.
storage/reheating
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.To reheat, place on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or until crispy.Avoid microwaving to preserve crispiness.Store sauce separately and toss just before serving.
FAQs
What is Bang Bang sauce made of?
It typically consists of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Is this dish very spicy?
It has a moderate kick. Adjust the amount of Sriracha to taste.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just thaw and pat dry before marinating.
What oil is best for frying?
Vegetable, canola, or peanut oil work well due to their high smoke points.
Can I make it ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce and coat the shrimp in flour mixture ahead, but fry just before serving.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes, chicken or tofu also works well with the Bang Bang sauce.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for coating the shrimp.
What’s the best shrimp size?
Medium to large shrimp (31–40 count) are ideal for bite-sized perfection.
Can I air-fry instead?
Yes, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Shrimp is a flavor-packed, crispy delight that brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen. With its creamy, spicy sauce and crunchy texture, it’s sure to be a hit at any gathering or dinner table. Try it once, and you’ll be hooked on making this irresistible dish again and again.
PrintBang Bang Shrimp
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, spicy, and creamy appetizer featuring lightly battered shrimp tossed in a tangy and sweet chili mayo sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp honey
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
- Shredded lettuce, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce. Set aside.
- In another bowl, marinate the shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk and dredge in the flour mixture, coating well.
- Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. Drain on paper towels.
- Toss the fried shrimp in the prepared bang bang sauce until coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions and optionally over a bed of shredded lettuce.
Notes
- Adjust the sriracha to make the sauce spicier or milder.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture if desired.
- The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.