Bang Bang Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crave-worthy appetizer or main dish featuring crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. With a golden crunch on the outside and tender shrimp inside, it’s the perfect combination of flavor and texture. Whether served over rice, in tacos, or on lettuce wraps, this popular dish is quick to make and packed with bold, addictive flavor.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the shrimp:
medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
buttermilk
cornstarch or all-purpose flour
salt
black pepper
oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang sauce:
mayonnaisesweet chili sauceSriracha (or hot sauce)honey (optional)rice vinegar (optional for tang)

For garnish (optional):
green onionssliced chililettuce or cabbage (for serving)

directions

In a bowl, combine shrimp with buttermilk and let marinate for 10–15 minutes.

Meanwhile, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a small bowl. Add honey and rice vinegar if using. Set sauce aside.

In a shallow dish, season cornstarch or flour with salt and pepper.

Remove shrimp from buttermilk and dredge in the cornstarch or flour until well coated.

Heat oil in a skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).

Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Toss warm shrimp in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.

Serve immediately, garnished with green onions or chilies over lettuce or rice.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Marinating and sauce time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

Make it healthier by baking or air-frying the shrimp.

Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter sauce.

Serve in taco shells with slaw for Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.

Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for a different protein.

Add crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for extra texture.

storage/reheating

Store leftover shrimp separately from the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Toss with sauce just before serving.

FAQs

Is Bang Bang Shrimp spicy?

It has a mild to moderate heat, depending on the amount of Sriracha used.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry before marinating.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prepare the sauce and dredge the shrimp in advance, but fry and sauce them right before serving.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.

Why is it called Bang Bang Shrimp?

The name comes from the “bang” of spicy flavor in each bite.

Can I double the sauce?

Yes, it stores well and is great as a dip or dressing.

Do I have to use buttermilk?

It helps tenderize the shrimp, but milk or an egg wash can work in a pinch.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use cornstarch or a gluten-free flour blend for dredging.

What kind of chili sauce should I use?

Use Thai-style sweet chili sauce for authentic flavor.

Is this dish kid-friendly?

Yes, just reduce or omit the Sriracha for a milder version.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp is a flavor-packed dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. Crispy, creamy, and spicy-sweet, it’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something bold and delicious. Once you try it, it’s sure to earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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