The irresistible appeal of Bang Bang Shrimp lies in its contrasting elements—crunchy shrimp coated in a golden crust, smothered in a silky, tangy, spicy-sweet sauce that clings to every bite. This dish is a flavor explosion made for those who love bold combinations. The crisp texture from the fried shrimp perfectly complements the creamy richness of the sauce, creating a balance that’s simply addictive. It’s a perfect way to spice up dinner, impress guests at a party, or indulge in a Friday night treat.
What’s fantastic about Bang Bang Shrimp is its versatility—it can be served as an appetizer, over rice as a main dish, or even in tacos or lettuce wraps. This restaurant-style dish is surprisingly simple to make at home, with pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients. Whether you want to recreate a takeout favorite or whip up something new and exciting, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
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1/2 cup buttermilk
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1/2 cup cornstarch
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon paprika
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Oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
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1 tablespoon Sriracha
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1 tablespoon honey (optional)
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1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional for tang)
Directions:
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In a mixing bowl, soak shrimp in buttermilk for 15–20 minutes.
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In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, flour, salt, garlic powder, and paprika.
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Heat oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat.
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Remove shrimp from buttermilk, dredge in the flour mixture, and shake off excess.
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Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
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In a bowl, whisk together mayo, chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.
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Toss crispy shrimp in the sauce or drizzle over the top. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
The Allure of Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp has skyrocketed in popularity thanks to its bold flavors, crispy texture, and crave-worthy sauce that’s as creamy as it is spicy. Originally made famous by restaurant chains like Bonefish Grill, this dish has taken on a life of its own in home kitchens around the world. At its core, Bang Bang Shrimp combines golden-fried shrimp with a unique mayonnaise-based sauce laced with sweet chili and Sriracha. The combination delivers an irresistible mix of crunch, heat, sweetness, and tang—all perfectly balanced to create an unforgettable bite.
Why Everyone Loves Bang Bang Shrimp
The magic of this dish lies in its contrast. The shrimp are coated in a flour and cornstarch blend that fries up ultra crispy, while the sauce remains smooth and velvety. This blend of textures paired with spicy, sweet, and savory notes makes it addictively delicious. Whether served as an appetizer or a full meal over rice or in wraps, Bang Bang Shrimp is a showstopper. Its appeal is universal—seafood lovers adore the tender shrimp, spicy food fans are drawn to the heat, and even picky eaters can’t resist its comforting crunch.
Perfect for Parties and Entertaining
One of the best things about Bang Bang Shrimp is how effortlessly it fits into any entertaining plan. You can serve it on skewers, in lettuce cups, over small rice bowls, or simply piled onto a platter with toothpicks for dipping. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The presentation is beautiful too: golden shrimp glistening with sauce, garnished with green onions or sesame seeds, looks like something straight out of a gourmet kitchen.
Customizing the Heat Level and Flavor
While the classic Bang Bang sauce calls for a trio of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, you can easily tweak the ratios to suit your taste. Want it milder? Reduce the Sriracha and balance it out with more sweet chili or even a drizzle of honey. Prefer more tang? Add a splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Some home cooks love tossing in minced garlic or a touch of smoked paprika to give the sauce extra personality. The adaptability of this dish means you can make it your signature creation while staying true to the original idea.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp
The most common way to serve Bang Bang Shrimp is as a plated appetizer or in a rice bowl, but it shines in a variety of forms. Tuck it into warm taco shells with cabbage slaw for spicy shrimp tacos. Pile it on butter lettuce leaves with a drizzle of extra sauce for a lighter, low-carb option. Layer it in sliders with pickled veggies for a playful take on a shrimp sandwich. The options are endless, and the flavors always impress.
Why This Dish Is So Addictive
Bang Bang Shrimp stimulates multiple flavor centers at once. The crunch is satisfying, the creamy sauce is comforting, the spice brings excitement, and the sweetness balances everything out. It’s a multi-sensory experience that leaves you reaching for more after every bite. Plus, the umami-rich flavor from the combination of Sriracha and mayonnaise creates a deep, savory note that’s hard to replicate with other sauces.
Restaurant Quality at Home
What makes this dish so empowering to cook at home is how quickly and easily it comes together. With a few pantry staples and some fresh shrimp, you can recreate that high-end appetizer flavor without the restaurant price tag. It’s also ideal for weeknight dinners, since it takes under 30 minutes from start to finish. The frying process is simple, and the sauce can be made ahead of time, making this recipe not only delicious but also incredibly practical.
Tips for Getting the Perfect Crunch
Achieving the right texture for Bang Bang Shrimp starts with a good dredge. Soaking the shrimp in buttermilk tenderizes them and helps the flour mixture stick evenly. A combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch ensures a thin, crispy coating that doesn’t overpower the shrimp. Frying in batches avoids overcrowding, which helps maintain oil temperature and results in evenly golden shrimp. Once fried, drain on paper towels and toss or drizzle with sauce immediately for that signature finish.
Nutritional Considerations and Smart Swaps
While Bang Bang Shrimp is traditionally fried, you can lighten the recipe by using an air fryer or oven baking method. Use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise to cut fat while keeping the creamy texture. You can also try using low-fat mayo or blending it with avocado for a nutrient boost. For a gluten-free version, swap out the all-purpose flour for rice flour or almond flour. With a few minor adjustments, this indulgent treat can easily align with different dietary goals.
Great for Meal Prep and Leftovers
Although it’s best served fresh for maximum crunch, you can prepare the sauce and even pre-bread the shrimp ahead of time. Store the shrimp on a tray in the refrigerator and fry just before serving. Leftover shrimp can be reheated in the oven or air fryer to regain some crispness. Extra sauce also works great as a dip for veggies, fries, or even chicken tenders.
Origin and Cultural Influence
Bang Bang Shrimp has roots in Asian-fusion cuisine, blending the spicy and sweet elements common in Thai and Chinese dishes with the creamy richness found in American comfort food. Its popularity in the U.S. can largely be traced to restaurant chains that introduced it as a signature dish, sparking a wave of home-cooked versions and reinterpretations. Over time, Bang Bang Shrimp has become more than a trend—it’s a staple in many home cooks’ repertoires, with endless variations emerging in cookbooks, blogs, and social media videos.
What Makes Bang Bang Shrimp a Standout Dish
Few recipes manage to combine accessibility, flavor, and presentation quite like Bang Bang Shrimp. It’s a dish that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and yet is simple enough for beginners to master. It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and works for everything from quick weeknight meals to elegant appetizers at dinner parties. And thanks to the customizable sauce and serving options, it can evolve with your mood, season, or dietary needs.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Shrimp isn’t just another shrimp dish—it’s a flavor experience that invites creativity, satisfies cravings, and earns a permanent spot in your weekly menu. With its crunchy texture, spicy-sweet sauce, and visual appeal, this recipe proves that gourmet doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish delivers restaurant-level satisfaction from your own kitchen. Once you try it, it’ll be hard not to make it again and again—because nothing beats that first bite of crispy shrimp smothered in creamy, spicy magic.