If you have ever dreamed of the perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and irresistibly creamy, this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is going to be your new obsession. From the moment these golden-fried shrimp coated in a luscious, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce hit your plate, you’ll understand why this dish is a favorite at gatherings and weeknight dinners alike. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it the ultimate way to elevate humble shrimp into something spectacularly addictive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe relies on simple, easy-to-find ingredients that each bring something unique to the table. The shrimp offer tender, juicy bites; the coating ensures crispiness; and the sauce is where the magic truly happens, blending sweet, spicy, and tangy notes perfectly.
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh or thawed shrimp that promises juicy, succulent seafood goodness with every bite.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Adds subtle tang and helps the coating stick perfectly while tenderizing the shrimp.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy crust that’s delightfully crunchy without feeling heavy.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Adds structure to the breading for a golden finish that holds up well.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances the shrimp’s natural flavor and balances the spices.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick that complements the sauce’s heat.
- Oil for frying: Essential for getting that deep-fried, golden crisp exterior that’s simply irresistible.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce that rounds out the spice beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Offers sweetness paired with a gentle heat that’s crucial for that iconic flavor.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste): Brings the spicy punch that keeps you coming back for more.
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional): Adds an extra layer of sweetness for those who prefer a balanced sauce.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional): Introduces a touch of brightness and tang, making the sauce pop.
- Chopped green onions (for serving): Adds a fresh and crunchy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- Sesame seeds (for garnish): Provides subtle nuttiness and lovely visual appeal.
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional for serving): Offers a cool, crisp bed that balances the bold flavors.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk, then let them sit for 10 to 15 minutes. This step tenderizes the shrimp and preps them for that perfect coating, while the tang from the buttermilk adds a subtle depth of flavor that makes your dish shine.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While your shrimp marinate, mix together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. This simple blend creates the crisp texture we’re after without weighing down the shrimp or masking their natural sweetness.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a deep skillet or pot with about 2 inches of oil and heat it to 350°F (175°C). Maintaining the right temperature is crucial here—too hot and the shrimp burn; too cool and they turn greasy instead of crispy.
Step 4: Coat and Fry Shrimp
Take shrimp out of the buttermilk, shaking off any excess liquid, then dredge them thoroughly in your flour mixture. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until they turn a gorgeous golden color and develop that irresistible crunch. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain while you work through the rest.
Step 5: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a separate bowl, whisk the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or sugar (if you like it sweeter), and rice vinegar until silky smooth. This sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe, with the ideal balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy.
Step 6: Toss and Serve
While the shrimp are still warm, toss them gently in the sauce or drizzle it over the top. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for a fresh crunch and nutty flair. Serve on shredded lettuce or cabbage for a crisp counterpoint that also makes an eye-catching appetizer or meal.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your dish with finely chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. These little touches add layers of flavor and a delightful crunch that perfectly complement the creamy sauce and crispy shrimp.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Shrimp pairs beautifully with fresh, simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, crunchy slaw, or a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, consider roasted vegetables or garlic noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Impress guests by serving your Bang Bang Shrimp in lettuce wraps, mini taco shells, or atop a vibrant Asian-inspired salad. You can also transform the recipe into sliders for a fun, handheld treat. The versatility of this dish means it can shine in countless creative presentations!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (though that’s rare!), store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp crispy by reheating them carefully rather than letting them sit in the sauce overnight.
Freezing
Freezing cooked Bang Bang Shrimp isn’t ideal because the breading tends to lose its crispness. However, you can freeze the raw coated shrimp before frying—just arrange them on a tray to freeze individually before transferring to a sealed bag. Fry straight from frozen, increasing cook time slightly.
Reheating
To restore maximum crunch, reheat the coated shrimp in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make them soggy. Once reheated, toss with fresh Bang Bang sauce or drizzle before serving for the best flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free. The cornstarch already helps keep the coating light and crispy.
Is there a healthier way to prepare Bang Bang Shrimp?
Yes! You can air fry the shrimp instead of deep frying to reduce oil use. Also, swapping some of the mayo in the sauce for Greek yogurt provides a lighter, tangier option without losing creaminess.
Can I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Definitely. The sriracha is the primary heat source, so add more or less depending on your preference. You can also try milder chili sauces or omit the sriracha entirely for a gentler version.
What’s the best way to serve Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer?
Serve them over a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage with dipping extra sauce on the side. You could also skewer the shrimp for easy, bite-sized party snacks that guests can grab and go.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw and pat them completely dry before marinating and coating to ensure maximum crispiness. Excess moisture will prevent a good crust from forming and can cause oil splatter during frying.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of textures and flavors that feels both comforting and exciting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or want to wow friends at your next dinner party, this recipe will quickly become one of your top go-tos. Dive in and savor each crispy, saucy bite—trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer, Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful appetizer featuring medium shrimp coated in a light flour and cornstarch batter, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet Bang Bang sauce. This dish combines Asian-inspired flavors with an American twist, making it perfect as an appetizer or a main dish served over shredded lettuce or cabbage.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying (about 2 inches in depth)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional for tang)
For Serving
- Chopped green onions (optional)
- Sesame seeds (optional)
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with ½ cup buttermilk and let it sit for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together ½ cup cornstarch, ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper to create the coating mixture for the shrimp.
- Heat Oil: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve a crispy texture.
- Coat and Fry Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess liquid. Dredge each shrimp in the flour and cornstarch mixture, coating thoroughly. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Mix Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey or sugar (if using), and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar (if using). Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce and Serve: While the shrimp are still hot, toss them gently in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated or drizzle the sauce on top. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve the shrimp over shredded lettuce or cabbage as a refreshing base, or present them as a flavorful appetizer.
Notes
- For a lighter, healthier version, air fry the coated shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for a portion of the mayonnaise in the sauce to reduce fat and calories while maintaining creaminess.
- Adjust the sriracha amount according to your preferred spice level.
- Ensure the frying oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy shrimp.
