Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe: Crispy, Easy, and Delicious Guide

• Bang bang shrimp is a dish made with lightly breaded shrimp that are fried until golden brown and tossed in a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce.
• Despite its bold name, the "bang bang" doesn't refer to an explosion of heat. Instead, it describes the bold combination of sweet, creamy, tangy, and spicy flavors that make every bite exciting.

The dish has become especially popular because it balances textures perfectly:

• Crispy exterior
• Juicy shrimp
• Silky sauce
• Mild sweetness
• Pleasant heat

Why You'll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

There are plenty of reasons this recipe has become a favorite among home cooks.

• Ready in about 30 minutes
• Crispy restaurant-style coating
• Creamy homemade sauce
• Adjustable spice level
• Perfect as an appetizer or main dish
• Family-friendly
• Great for parties and gatherings
• Easy to customize

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large wild caught shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Neutral oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Optional Garnishes
• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Kitchen Equipment

You'll need:

• Large mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Frying pan or Dutch oven
• Wire rack
• Paper towels
• Tongs
• Instant-read thermometer (optional but helpful)

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

• Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels.
• Place them in a bowl with the buttermilk and let them soak for 10–15 minutes.
• This helps the coating stick while keeping the shrimp tender.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

In another bowl, combine:

• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Lime juice
• Whisk until completely smooth.
• Refrigerate while preparing the shrimp.
• The sauce tastes even better after sitting for a few minutes.

Step 3: Mix the Coating

Combine:

• Cornstarch
• Flour
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Mix thoroughly.
• Cornstarch is the secret ingredient that creates an extra crispy coating.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

• Remove shrimp from the buttermilk.
• Allow the excess to drip off.
• Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the dry coating mixture.
• Shake off any loose coating.

Step 5: Heat the Oil

• Heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
• Keeping the oil at the proper temperature ensures crispy shrimp without absorbing excess oil.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp

• Cook in small batches.
• Fry each batch for about 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
• Shrimp cook quickly, so avoid overcooking.
• Transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

Step 7: Toss in the Sauce

• Place the fried shrimp into a large bowl.
• Pour the prepared bang bang sauce over them.
• Toss gently until evenly coated.Serve immediately.

Tips

• Use Fresh or Properly Thawed Shrimp

  Frozen shrimp work well, but thaw completely and pat dry before coating.

• Don't Skip the Cornstarch

  Cornstarch produces a lighter, crispier texture than flour alone.

• Fry in Small Batches

  Crowding lowers the oil temperature, making shrimp greasy instead of crispy.

• Serve Immediately

  Bang bang shrimp is at its crispiest right after coating with sauce.

• Taste the Sauce

  Everyone likes a different spice level.

  Adjust with:

  • More sriracha for extra heat
  • More sweet chili sauce for sweetness
  • More lime juice for brightness

Can You Bake Bang Bang Shrimp?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for about 12–15 minutes.

Flip halfway through cooking.

While baking won't produce the exact crunch of frying, it still creates delicious results.

Air Fryer Version

For a lighter alternative:

• Spray coated shrimp lightly with cooking oil.
• Arrange in a single layer.
• Air fry at 390°F.
• Cook for 8–10 minutes.Flip halfway through.
• Toss with sauce after cooking.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with many sides.

• Steamed Rice

  White or jasmine rice helps balance the rich sauce.

• Fried Rice

  Vegetable fried rice adds more flavor and texture.

• Noodles

  Lo mein or rice noodles make a satisfying meal.

• Fresh Salad

  A crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast.

• Roasted Vegetables

  Try:

  • Broccoli
  • Asparagus
  • Green beans
  • Bell peppers
  • Tacos
  • Stuff the shrimp into warm tortillas.
  • Top with:
  
  
  
  
  • Cabbage slaw
  • Avocado
  • Cilantro
  • Lime juice

Delicious Variations

Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp

Replace half the coating with shredded unsweetened coconut for tropical flavor and extra crunch.

Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl

Serve over rice with:

• Cucumbers
• Carrots
• Edamame
• Avocado
• Pickled onions
• Lettuce Wraps
• Use crisp lettuce leaves instead of tortillas for a lighter option.

Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Toss the shrimp with cooked linguine or fettuccine, along with a little extra sauce, for a creamy seafood pasta.

Storage Tips

• Bang Bang shrimp tastes best fresh.
• However, leftovers can still be enjoyed.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the sauce separate from the fried shrimp if possible to preserve crispiness.

Reheating

• For the crispiest results:
• Air fryer: 350°F for 3–4 minutes
• Oven: 375°F for 8–10 minutes
• Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.

Make-Ahead Tips

• You can prepare several components in advance.
• Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead.
• Clean and peel the shrimp the day before.
• Mix the dry coating in advance.
• Fry just before serving for the best texture.

About One Stop Halal

Welcome to the Home of the Wild Caught Seafood. We carry various wild-caught fish and shrimp collections that are hard to find elsewhere. We deliver to your doorstep anywhere in the United States within 1-2 business days.