Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe: The Best Crispy & Spicy Shrimp You’ll Ever Try

Table of Contents: Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp

Craving a seafood dish that’s equal parts crunchy, creamy, and irresistibly spicy? Bang Bang Shrimp is your go-to. This trendy appetizer, made famous by restaurants like Bonefish Grill, has taken over dinner tables and social feeds alike. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what makes Bang Bang Shrimp so addictive, how to make it from scratch, and creative ways to enjoy it—whether fried, baked, or air-fried. You’ll also get expert storage tips, flavor variations, and answers to common questions about the sauce, origin, and more.

Don’t miss our Easy Arroz con Leche Recipe for a creamy dessert to follow this spicy bite.

What Is Bang Bang Shrimp?

What Exactly Is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a bold and flavorful appetizer dish featuring crispy, deep-fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. The bite-sized shrimp are usually coated in cornstarch or buttermilk batter before frying, giving them that irresistible crunch. Once golden and crispy, they’re bathed in a creamy chili-mayo sauce—aka Bang Bang sauce—that’s both tangy and spicy, creating the ultimate flavor explosion.

It’s often served as a starter, but you can also turn it into a main dish by pairing it with rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

From Restaurant Favorite to Home Kitchen Classic

Bang Bang Shrimp rose to popularity thanks to Bonefish Grill, a seafood restaurant chain in the United States. Their iconic version made such waves that home cooks everywhere began recreating it—and adapting it into tacos, bowls, pasta, and wraps.

This dish quickly found a fan base on Pinterest, TikTok, and Instagram, where crispy textures and creamy sauces photograph beautifully. It’s now one of the most popular shrimp appetizers made at home because it’s:

• Quick to prepare
• Made with pantry-friendly ingredients
• Perfect for game nights, parties, or quick weeknight meals

Craving more cozy comfort? Check out our Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe that brings the same warm satisfaction to your plate.

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The Signature Flavor of Bang Bang Shrimp

The Magic Behind the Spicy-Sweet Flavor

What makes Bang Bang Shrimp so unforgettable is the brilliant blend of bold flavors. The sauce combines the creaminess of mayonnaise, the tang of rice vinegar, and the heat from sriracha or chili garlic sauce. It’s rich, spicy, and a little sweet—perfectly balanced to complement the crispy shrimp.

Unlike plain fried shrimp, the Bang Bang version doesn’t rely solely on the coating for flavor. The sauce coats every crevice of the shrimp, offering a pop of flavor with each bite. The texture contrast—crispy outside, juicy inside—is what keeps you coming back.

Comparison With Other Shrimp Dishes

Let’s break it down in a table to compare:

Dish Name	Sauce Type	Texture	Spice Level	Common Serving Style
Bang Bang Shrimp	Creamy chili-mayo	Crispy + saucy	Medium-High	Appetizer, tacos, wraps
Popcorn Shrimp	No sauce (dry)	Crunchy	Mild	Party snack, dipping sauces
Shrimp Scampi	Butter-garlic sauce	Soft, sautéed	Low	Pasta or rice dishes
Tempura Shrimp	Soy or tentsuyu dip	Ultra crispy	None	Japanese dishes

In short, Bang Bang Shrimp stands out for its irresistible combo of heat, creaminess, and crunch.

Bang Bang Sauce – The Star of the Show

Ingredients Used in Bang Bang Sauce

The sauce is what turns ordinary shrimp into Bang Bang Shrimp. Here’s what you need:

• Mayonnaise – Creamy base
• Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds tang and sweetness
• Sriracha – For bold heat
• Honey (optional) – A touch of added sweetness
• Rice Vinegar or Lemon Juice – To balance flavors

You can tweak the heat and sweetness levels depending on your preference.

How to Make Authentic Bang Bang Sauce at Home

Making the sauce is easier than you think. In a bowl, whisk together:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)

Mix until smooth. That’s it! This sauce also goes great on grilled chicken, roasted veggies, and sandwiches.

Looking for inspiration? Try it with our Tangy Deviled Eggs with Relish for a flavor twist!

Ingredients and Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Fresh Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp

Here’s what you’ll need to make 4 servings:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk or milk + vinegar (for marinating)
• 1 cup cornstarch (or panko breadcrumbs)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Cooking oil (for frying)
• Bang Bang sauce (see Part 3)

Optional garnishes: chopped green onions, sesame seeds, shredded lettuce, lime wedges.

Recommended Cooking Tools and Substitutions

Tool Needed	Substitution Option
Deep Fryer or Skillet	Air fryer or oven-safe pan
Tongs or slotted spoon	Fork or chopsticks
Mixing bowls	Ziplock bags (for coating)
Whisk	Fork

Don’t miss our Delicious Coffee Loophole Recipe to pair with your cooking session.

Step-by-Step Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Preparing and Coating the Shrimp

1. Marinate Shrimp: Soak shrimp in buttermilk for 15–20 minutes in the fridge.
2. Prepare Coating: Add cornstarch to a bowl. Remove shrimp from marinade and dredge in cornstarch until well coated.
3. Set Aside: Place coated shrimp on a tray to rest while you heat the oil.

Cooking Techniques: Air Fryer vs. Deep Frying vs. Oven

Method	Temp & Time	Result
Deep Frying	350°F, 2–3 min/shrimp	Crispiest texture
Air Frying	400°F, 8–10 mins	Healthier, slightly drier
Oven Baking	425°F, 10–12 mins	Least crispy, still tasty

Tossing Shrimp with Sauce: The Final Touch

Once cooked, let the shrimp drain on paper towels. Add them to a large mixing bowl and drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the top. Toss gently until each shrimp is evenly coated.

Serving Ideas and Delicious Pairings

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp

• Jasmine or coconut rice
• Asian slaw
• Cucumber salad
• Steamed or roasted broccoli
• Spring rolls

You can also stuff the shrimp into tacos or wraps for a full meal.

How to Plate Like a Pro (Visual Tips)

• Use a white plate for contrast
• Add lettuce or purple cabbage as a bed
• Top with sesame seeds, lime wedges, and scallions
• Drizzle extra sauce over the shrimp just before serving

Try something sweet afterward with our White Chocolate Covered Strawberries.

Variations and Dietary Options

Keto, Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free Bang Bang Shrimp

• Keto: Use almond flour instead of cornstarch
• Gluten-Free: Make sure your chili sauce and mayo are GF-certified
• Dairy-Free: Skip the buttermilk and use a plant-based milk alternative + lemon juice

Vegetarian Alternatives Using Cauliflower or Tofu

• Cauliflower Bang Bang: Roast cauliflower florets and toss in the sauce
• Tofu Bang Bang: Press and fry tofu cubes before coating with sauce

These are just as satisfying and great for meatless Mondays.

Tips, Storage & Reheating

Storage Tips to Maintain Crispiness

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
• Keep the sauce separate if storing uncooked fried shrimp

Reheating Without Making It Soggy

Reheating Method	Instructions
Oven	375°F for 10 mins
Air Fryer	380°F for 5 mins
Microwave	Not recommended—shrimp gets soggy

FAQs about Bang Bang Shrimp

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp isn’t just another appetizer—it’s a spicy, creamy, crispy masterpiece that hits all the flavor notes. Whether you’re deep-frying, baking, or air-frying, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Want a full meal experience? Pair it with jasmine rice, fresh slaw, or wrap it in tortillas for epic tacos.

Don’t miss our Easy Homemade Chicken Pot Pie Recipe if you’re looking to add more cozy classics to your rotation.