The ultimate combination of crispy, tender shrimp and a creamy, spicy sweet sauce, Bang Bang Shrimp is a game changer for weeknight dinners or party appetizers. Originating from Asian fusion restaurant menus and adored for its bold flavors, this dish is now easy to make at home with just a few pantry staples.
Perfectly fried shrimp are tossed in a homemade sauce featuring mayo, sweet chili, and Sriracha striking the ideal balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy. It’s fast, flavorful, and ridiculously satisfying. Serve it over lettuce for a lighter option, or pile it onto tacos or rice bowls for an unforgettable meal.
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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Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
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1–2 tsp Sriracha (to taste)
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1 tbsp honey
For Garnish:
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Green onions, chopped
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Sesame seeds
Directions:
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In a bowl, combine shrimp and buttermilk. Let it soak for 10 minutes.
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In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and flour together.
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Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
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Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture until well coated.
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Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Remove and drain on a paper towel.
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In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey until smooth.
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Toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce until well coated.
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Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
All About Bang Bang Shrimp: A Fiery, Crispy, Creamy Delight for Any Occasion
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave the kind of dish that makes your tastebuds dance with every bite, Bang Bang Shrimp is for you. This dish has quickly become a beloved staple in homes and restaurants across the world, gaining immense popularity for its crispy texture, creamy-spicy sauce, and effortless versatility. While it’s best known as a favorite appetizer at popular restaurants like Bonefish Grill, making Bang Bang Shrimp at home brings the same addictive flavor to your own table, often with even better results.
This dish is named after its signature sauce Bang Bang Sauce a luscious blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha. It delivers that perfect harmony between sweet, spicy, and tangy. What elevates this dish even further is the crispiness of the shrimp. Lightly breaded and fried until golden, the shrimp acts as the perfect canvas for the creamy glaze, resulting in a mouthwatering combination that feels both indulgent and satisfying.
The Origins of Bang Bang Shrimp
Although many assume this dish hails from Asia due to its flavor profile, Bang Bang Shrimp is actually a modern American creation with Asian fusion influences. It rose to fame at Bonefish Grill, where it was featured as a standout appetizer. Since then, it has become an internet sensation, with food lovers recreating their own versions at home. The genius of the dish lies in its simplicity: it’s approachable for home cooks, yet it delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.
The term “Bang Bang” doesn’t come from the sound of a pan or spice level alone. It reflects the punchy flavor that hits you from the first bite. It’s a sensory experience crunchy, spicy, creamy, and utterly crave-worthy.
Why This Dish Works So Well
Bang Bang Shrimp is more than just deep-fried seafood with a sauce; it’s a masterclass in culinary balance. Here’s what makes it so irresistible:
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Texture: The outer coating of the shrimp is light, airy, and crispy, giving way to tender, juicy shrimp inside. When tossed in sauce, it absorbs just enough to coat each piece without becoming soggy.
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Flavor: The sauce is what truly sets this dish apart. The sweetness from the chili sauce counters the richness of the mayo, while the sriracha brings heat. Together, they create a perfect trifecta of flavor.
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Versatility: While traditionally served as an appetizer, Bang Bang Shrimp can easily transform into a main course. Serve it in tacos, lettuce wraps, rice bowls, or even over pasta for a filling and satisfying meal.
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Quick to Make: This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
How to Customize Bang Bang Shrimp
One of the many perks of Bang Bang Shrimp is how adaptable it is. Here are some ways you can make the dish your own:
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Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha or use a milder hot sauce. Conversely, if you like it hot, add red pepper flakes or increase the sriracha.
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Make it Healthier: Skip the deep-frying and opt for baking or air-frying the shrimp instead. You can also use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
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Try Different Proteins: The Bang Bang treatment isn’t exclusive to shrimp. Try it with chicken, tofu, or cauliflower for different variations that are equally delicious.
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Change the Coating: While cornstarch or flour works beautifully, you can experiment with panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch or even a gluten-free blend to meet dietary needs.
Ideal Pairings for Bang Bang Shrimp
When planning a meal around this standout dish, consider light, fresh sides that complement the rich, spicy shrimp. Here are a few pairing suggestions:
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Asian Slaw: The crispness of cabbage, carrots, and a tangy sesame vinaigrette contrasts beautifully with the shrimp’s creaminess.
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Coconut Rice or Jasmine Rice: Mild and fragrant, rice helps balance the spice and soak up any extra sauce.
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Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp in butter lettuce cups with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime.
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Tacos: Layer shrimp in warm tortillas with avocado, red onion, cilantro, and a drizzle of lime crema for a crowd pleasing taco night.
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Pickled Veggies: Pickled carrots, radishes, or cucumbers add brightness and texture.
Hosting with Bang Bang Shrimp
If you’re hosting a party or small gathering, Bang Bang Shrimp is a winning appetizer. Serve it on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing, or create shrimp sliders for a fun and interactive meal. It’s also a fantastic addition to a tapas-style spread, where bite-sized foods take center stage.
Presentation matters when serving a dish as striking as this. A sprinkle of green onions, sesame seeds, or even chopped cilantro not only adds color but enhances flavor. Serve with lime wedges on the side to let guests adjust the acidity to their preference.
How to Store and Reheat
While Bang Bang Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh when the coating is crispy and the sauce is glossy it can be stored and reheated with a few tricks to maintain its integrity.
Storage: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate, if possible, and only toss together right before serving.
Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it tends to make the coating soggy. Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or let it come to room temperature before tossing.
Why You Should Try Making This at Home
Many people think restaurant-style appetizers like Bang Bang Shrimp are difficult to replicate at home but that’s far from the truth. With minimal ingredients and basic techniques, you can create a dish that rivals your favorite restaurant.
Making it at home also allows you to control the quality of ingredients, adjust the flavors to your preference, and even experiment with global twists. Want a Thai inspired version? Add lemongrass and fish sauce to the mix. Craving a Southern twist? Serve the shrimp on warm grits with hot honey.
Cooking Bang Bang Shrimp yourself also makes for a fun and rewarding culinary experience. It’s a great recipe for impressing guests, spicing up your weekly dinner rotation, or simply indulging in something delicious that doesn’t take hours to prepare.
Conclusion:
Bang Bang Shrimp is a recipe that proves simple can be sensational. It brings together crispy, tender shrimp and a luxuriously creamy spicy sauce in a way that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, turning it into a main dish, or sharing it at a party, Bang Bang Shrimp never fails to impress.
Its growing popularity isn’t just a passing trend this dish has all the hallmarks of a modern classic. And once you’ve tried it, there’s a good chance it will earn a permanent spot in your meal rotation. So go ahead and give it a try. With just a few ingredients and under 30 minutes, you’ll have something truly “bangin’” on your plate.