Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed); 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 3/4 cup corn starch; 1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise; 1 1/2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce; 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce (adjust to taste); 1 1/2 inches vegetable oil (for deep frying)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 64 reviews

If you’re craving something crunchy, creamy, and packed with a delightful kick, then you’re in for a treat with this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. This dish combines perfectly fried shrimp coated in a crispy, light crust and then tossed in a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that will absolutely wow your taste buds. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer at your next gathering, this recipe hits all the right notes for flavor, texture, and color, making it a definite crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white marbled surface holds a spread of clear glass and metal bowls with cooking ingredients. In the center front, there is a metal bowl filled with raw peeled shrimp, pale gray and pinkish in color, showing their curved shapes and smooth texture. Surrounding it are seven small glass bowls, each with different ingredients: one with black pepper powder, one with white powder, one with a light yellow powder, one with a bright red hot sauce, one with an orange sweet chili sauce, one with creamy white mayonnaise, and one with white flour. At the back right, a larger glass bowl contains white milk. All bowls are neatly arranged with clear visibility of colors and textures. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward and accessible ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from giving the shrimp a juicy marinade to creating that irresistible crispy coating and the signature creamy, spicy sauce that brings everything together perfectly.

1 pound large shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tails removed for easy eating and a clean taste.

1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds tang and tenderizes the shrimp for a juicy bite.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances all the natural flavors of the shrimp.
1/4 tsp garlic powder: Brings a subtle savory warmth to the marinade.

1/4 tsp onion powder: Gives depth and a hint of sweetness.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild heat that balances the richness.
3/4 cup corn starch: Essential for the shrimp’s crispy, golden coating.

1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise: Base for the creamy sauce, providing richness.
1 ½ tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce: Gives the perfect sweet and tangy flavor.
1-2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce: Adds just the right amount of spicy kick to wake up your palate.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by tossing the shrimp in a mixture of buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. This marinade doesn’t just add amazing flavor but also tenderizes the shrimp to keep them juicy when fried. Let them sit for 10 minutes to soak in all those delicious spices.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

While the shrimp is marinating, pour the corn starch into a shallow dish. This simple step is where the crunch begins—corn starch is key for that light, crispy outside. You’ll dredge each shrimp one by one, shaking off any excess to avoid clumping.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Pull each shrimp out of the marinade, let the excess drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the corn starch. Lay them out on a baking sheet as you go to keep them organized and ready for frying. This process is quick but crucial—it ensures a perfect crust every time.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil to 350°F in a large pot, making sure you have about 1 ½ inches depth for even frying. Work in small batches so the temperature stays steady and the shrimp cook evenly. Fry each batch for about 2 minutes until golden brown on the outside and tender inside, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Step 5: Toss in the Signature Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. This creamy, spicy-sweet sauce is the highlight of the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. Add the fried shrimp to this bowl and toss until every piece is perfectly coated in that irresistible sauce.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

The image shows a metal skimmer with a round wire basket full of golden fried shrimp being lifted from a white pot filled with bubbling hot oil. The shrimp are light golden brown and appear crispy, sitting inside the skimmer just above the oil surface. The pot has some dark stains and splashes on its inside walls, and the background shows white tiled walls. The stove burner and part of the white stovetop are visible below the pot, and there is a white marbled surface beneath the stove. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra pop of freshness and texture, sprinkle chopped green onions or cilantro over the shrimp. A squeeze of fresh lime brightens the dish beautifully and balances the creamy sauce with a bit of zesty tang.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Shrimp shines with simple sides like jasmine rice or steamed vegetables to complement the bold flavors without overpowering them. If you want something more playful, try serving alongside crunchy slaw or even wrapped in lettuce leaves for a light, handheld meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond a plate—serve your Bang Bang Shrimp as a fun appetizer on a platter with toothpicks or atop a bed of avocado slices for a classy touch. For parties, stacking them on mini slider buns with a bit of extra sauce makes an irresistible finger food.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which is rare!), store the Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that the crispy coating may soften, so it’s best enjoyed fresh whenever possible.

Freezing

Because of the delicate crispy texture and sauce, freezing is not recommended for this recipe. The shrimp tend to lose their crunch and the sauce can separate, which affects the overall quality.

Reheating

To gently reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet in a preheated 350°F oven for about 5 minutes. This helps to revive some crunch without drying out the shrimp. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the texture intact.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before marinating to avoid soggy coating and to ensure they fry up nice and crispy.

Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

While traditional Bang Bang Shrimp is shrimp-based, you can substitute with crispy fried cauliflower florets or tofu for a tasty vegetarian twist that still gets coated in that signature sauce.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Shrimp?

The spiciness is adjustable! The Sriracha adds a gentle heat, but you can scale it up or down based on your preference, making it perfect for everyone from spice newbies to heat lovers.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, baking at a high temperature around 425°F can work if you want a lighter version. Coat the shrimp well and bake until crispy, then toss with the sauce as usual for that classic taste.

What kind of oil is best for frying?

Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils allow you to maintain the right frying temperature and achieve a golden, crispy crust without overpowering flavors.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe that keeps you coming back for more. Its harmony of crunch, creaminess, and a little heat makes it a standout dish perfect for sharing with friends or indulging solo. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover why it’s become one of my all-time favorites!