If you have a craving for something crispy, creamy, and bursting with a unique balance of sweet heat, this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is your go-to. It’s an irresistible Asian-American delight featuring perfectly fried shrimp tossed in a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that melds mayonnaise, sweet chili, sriracha, and honey. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer for friends or making it the star of your meal, this dish brings addictive flavors and textures to the table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients makes this recipe both approachable and rewarding. Each component plays a key role—from the crispy coating that gives the shrimp its crunch, to the vibrant sauce that ties everything together with just the right kick.
- 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, offering tender, naturally sweet seafood taste.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Helps to tenderize the shrimp and allows the coating to stick better.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch: Provides an extra crispy texture when fried.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Balances the coating for a light yet crunchy bite.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Classic seasoning that enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral oil perfect for achieving that golden crispiness.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the signature bang bang sauce.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and tang with a touch of heat.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste): Gives your sauce a bold, spicy kick.
- 1 teaspoon honey: Balances the spiciness with a little natural sweetness.
- Chopped green onions and shredded cabbage: Perfect for garnish, adding freshness and crunch.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl until smooth and creamy. This sauce is where all the fireworks begin—it’s perfectly balanced with tangy, sweet, and spicy notes. Pop it into the fridge while you prep everything else, so it’s chilled and ready to elevate your shrimp.
Step 2: Prep the Shrimp
Season your peeled and deveined shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Then, soak them in buttermilk for about 10 to 15 minutes. This step may seem small, but it really tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating to cling beautifully when frying.
Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Mixture
Combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour in a shallow bowl. This blend is essential for achieving that coveted crunch without heaviness. The cornstarch adds a delicate crispness, while the flour ensures a light, satisfying coating.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat about two inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F (190°C). Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, then dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden and irresistible. Place them onto paper towels to drain excess oil, keeping them perfectly crisp.
Step 5: Combine Shrimp with Sauce
Once all your shrimp are fried and drained, toss them gently in the chilled bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top just before serving. The creamy, spicy glaze clings to each crunchy bite beautifully, making this dish so addictive.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped green onions add a fresh, vibrant pop of color and mild sharpness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. A bed of shredded cabbage underneath your shrimp adds a lovely crunch and balance, keeping the dish light and bright. These garnishes make every bite more dynamic and visually enticing.
Side Dishes
This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe shines as an appetizer but also pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or crunchy Asian slaw for a full meal. You can also stuff the shrimp in warm tortillas with fresh herbs and veggies for mouthwatering tacos. These sides round out the flavors while giving you options for presentation and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special meal, serve your bang bang shrimp in small, individual bowls over a bed of shredded cabbage, garnished with green onions and a lime wedge for zest. You might also skewer the shrimp for fun finger-food options or arrange them over crispy lettuce leaves for bite-sized lettuce wraps. Presentation can easily turn this dish into a crowd-pleasing showstopper.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the shrimp and the bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the shrimp from becoming soggy and keeps the sauce fresh for up to 2 days.
Freezing
While fried shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the uncooked, breaded shrimp on a baking sheet first until firm, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen for convenience and fresh-tasting results.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness after refrigeration, reheat the shrimp in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the shrimp rubbery and soggy.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use cornstarch as usual to keep the coating light and crunchy without gluten.
How spicy is the sauce, and can I adjust it?
The sauce has a pleasant kick thanks to sriracha, but the heat level is very customizable. Feel free to reduce or increase sriracha according to your spicy tolerance or even swap it for a milder chili sauce.
Is there a healthier way to cook the shrimp?
Yes! If you want to lighten up the dish, you can air-fry or bake the shrimp instead of deep-frying. The shrimp won’t be as crispy but will still taste delicious drenched in the famous bang bang sauce.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The bang bang sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This makes your cooking process smoother and the flavors even more blended.
What can I serve with bang bang shrimp for a fuller meal?
Pair it with steamed rice, sautéed veggies, or even in tacos with fresh slaw for an exciting spin. This recipe is versatile enough to shine as a snack or a satisfying main dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully comforting about the combination of crisp shrimp enveloped in a creamy, spicy sauce. This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that sparks joy every time you make it. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll love how easy it is to whip this up and impress everyone around your table. So grab your ingredients and dive into this crowd-pleaser—you won’t regret it!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious Asian-American appetizer featuring crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce. The shrimp are dredged in a light batter and fried to golden perfection, then coated with a flavorful mixture of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. Served with a garnish of green onions and shredded cabbage, this dish offers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it ideal as an appetizer or a main dish over rice or tacos.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Batter
- 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey
Garnish
- Chopped green onions
- Shredded cabbage (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the bang bang sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.
- Soak the shrimp: Season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper. Place them in a separate bowl and pour in the buttermilk to soak for 10–15 minutes; this tenderizes the shrimp and adds moisture.
- Prepare the coating: In another bowl, combine cornstarch and all-purpose flour. This mixture will create a light, crispy coating when fried.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot and heat it to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer for accurate temperature to ensure crispy results.
- Coat and fry the shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the flour and cornstarch mixture, then carefully place in the hot oil. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain excess oil: Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Toss with sauce: Once all shrimp are fried, gently toss them in the prepared bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over them just before serving.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions over the shrimp and serve them on a bed of shredded cabbage if desired. This adds freshness and crunch to the dish.
Notes
- You can make this dish lighter by air frying or baking the shrimp instead of deep-frying.
- Adjust the sriracha to control the heat according to your preference.
- This dish works well as an appetizer or served over rice or tacos for a satisfying main course.
