Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Bang bang shrimp is the crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy appetizer that tastes just like the restaurant favorite, only better because you made it at home. Golden fried shrimp are tossed in a luscious bang bang sauce that hits every note at once, from tangy to sweet to just a little fiery.
This recipe is surprisingly simple and comes together fast, making it perfect for game day, parties, or an easy weeknight treat. Serve it as an appetizer, pile it over rice, or tuck it into tacos. However you enjoy it, that irresistible sauce will keep everyone coming back for more.
What Is Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang bang shrimp is a popular dish of lightly battered, crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy chili sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha. The name comes from the bold, punchy flavor of the sauce, which is equal parts sweet, tangy, and spicy.
It became famous as a restaurant appetizer, but it is easy to recreate in your own kitchen. The contrast between the crunchy shrimp and the smooth, spicy sauce is what makes this dish so addictive.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
Here is why bang bang shrimp deserves a spot on your menu:
- Restaurant quality at home: Tastes just like your favorite takeout.
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
- That sauce: Sweet, creamy, and spicy all in one.
- Versatile: Great as an appetizer, in tacos, or over rice.
- Crowd favorite: Always the first thing to disappear at a party.
Ingredients You Will Need
Here is what you need to make bang bang shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying
For the bang bang sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha, to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Step-by-Step
Follow these steps for crispy, saucy shrimp:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the bang bang sauce. Set aside.
- Pat the shrimp dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Set up a breading station with cornstarch in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and panko in a third.
- Coat each shrimp in cornstarch, then dip in egg, then press into the panko until fully covered.
- Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350 degrees F.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Toss the warm shrimp in the bang bang sauce, or drizzle the sauce on top to keep them extra crunchy. Serve right away.
Tips and Variations
Keep these tips in mind for the best bang bang shrimp:
- Dry the shrimp well so the coating sticks and fries up crisp.
- Keep the oil around 350 degrees F for even, golden frying.
- Sauce the shrimp just before serving so they stay crunchy.
Tasty variations to try:
- Air fryer: Cook at 400 degrees F for about 10 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Baked: Bake at 425 degrees F until crisp for a lighter option.
- Bang bang shrimp tacos: Serve in tortillas with slaw and extra sauce.
Storage Tips and Frequently Asked Questions
Store leftover bang bang shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate if you can, since sauced shrimp lose their crunch. Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375 degrees F to bring back some crispiness. Avoid the microwave, which makes them soggy.
Can I make the sauce ahead? Yes, the bang bang sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week.
How spicy is it? You control the heat by adjusting the amount of sriracha.
Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, just thaw and pat them very dry before breading.
What goes well with it? Serve with rice, slaw, or over a fresh green salad.
Final Thoughts
Crispy, creamy, and packed with bold flavor, bang bang shrimp is a guaranteed crowd pleaser you can whip up any night of the week. With crunchy fried shrimp and that famous sweet and spicy sauce, it delivers restaurant quality results right from your own kitchen. Make a batch and watch it vanish in minutes.