Bang Bang Shrimp

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Bang Bang Shrimp has taken restaurant starters and home kitchens by storm. Its irresistible combination of crunchy fried shrimp and a signature sweet-spicy sauce delivers a punch that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether serving it as an appetizer, piling it on tacos, or making it the centerpiece of a casual dinner, this crowd-pleaser adds excitement to any table.

What Is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp gets its name from the sauce—a creamy blend of mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The sauce clings to crisp-fried shrimp, providing a contrast of textures and a blend of flavors—creamy, tangy, sweet, and spicy. The shrimp stays juicy on the inside, while the ultra-light coating ensures every bite is crisp rather than heavy.

You’ll see variations at different chain restaurants or online, but at its core, Bang Bang Shrimp is all about that interplay: hot, crispy seafood and a sauce that balances richness and heat.

Ingredients

You’ll need just a handful of ingredients, each contributing to the final taste and texture. Here’s the full list:

• Medium or large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails off)
• Cornstarch (for the coating)
• Buttermilk (optional, for extra tenderness)
• Salt and pepper (seasoning)
• Neutral oil (vegetable or canola, for frying)
• Mayonnaise (creamy base for the sauce)
• Thai sweet chili sauce (brings sweetness and gentle heat)
• Sriracha (adds spice and color)
• Fresh green onions or chives (for garnish)
• Lettuce leaves (for serving, optional)

Here’s a simple table outlining typical measurements for a main dish serving four:

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

1. Prepare the Shrimp

If starting with frozen shrimp, thaw and pat them completely dry. Excess moisture will prevent the coating from sticking.

For the tenderest result, you can soak the shrimp in buttermilk for about a minute. This mild soak adds flavor and a hint of richness. Drain the shrimp before moving on.

Season the shrimp lightly with salt and pepper. Doing this before coating makes a noticeable difference in flavor.

2. Coat the Shrimp

Pour the cornstarch into a large resealable bag or a shallow dish. Add the seasoned shrimp in small batches, tossing or shaking to coat thoroughly. A bag works well for even, mess-free coating.

If you want crisper shrimp, skip breadcrumbs. Cornstarch fries up light without weighing the shrimp down.

3. Fry the Shrimp

Fill a heavy skillet or deep pan with about 1½ inches of neutral oil. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). A thermometer helps, but you can also flick a little cornstarch in; it should sizzle and float immediately.

Fry the shrimp in batches—avoid crowding the pan, as this drops the oil temperature and leads to soggy shrimp. Cook for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden and crisp.

Remove the cooked shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Keep finished batches warm in a low oven if needed.

4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a mixing bowl. Taste and adjust the proportions to your liking. Some like it mild; others go bold with extra sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne.

If you’re after extra flavor, squeeze in a little lemon juice or add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.

5. Toss and Serve

Place the hot, crisp shrimp in a large bowl. Pour over the Bang Bang sauce and toss gently to coat every piece.

For a classic restaurant-style look, serve the sauced shrimp on a plate lined with lettuce leaves. Scatter sliced green onions or chives on top for freshness and color.

Pro Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

• Cornstarch beats breadcrumbs: Cornstarch produces a fine, crisp crust that stays airy. Panko and flour can get heavy or soggy.
• Dry shrimp = crispier coating: Patting the shrimp dry is key. Wet shrimp steam rather than fry.
• Batch frying: Cooking in small batches keeps the oil hot and ensures all the shrimp get evenly golden.
• Keep the shrimp warm: After frying, place the shrimp in a low oven (about 200°F) to keep them hot and crisp while you finish the rest.
• Customize the sauce: Mayo can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a tangy, lighter version. Hot sauce levels are personal—start mild and adjust.

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Shrimp shines as an appetizer, but it quickly adapts into a main course or party fare. Some delicious ways to serve:

• On tacos: Pile sauced shrimp onto warm tortillas, add cabbage and a squeeze of lime.
• Over rice or noodles: Make a satisfying bowl meal with plain white rice or soba noodles.
• With salads: Offset the richness with crisp greens, cucumbers, and carrots.
• On skewers: Thread shrimp on skewers for easy finger food at gatherings.

Here are a few example pairings to round out your meal:

• Steamed jasmine rice or fried rice
• Creamy mashed potatoes
• Buttered corn or sautéed green beans
• Coleslaw or Asian-style slaw
• Fresh garden or chopped salad

Storage and Leftover Tips

Bang Bang Shrimp is best fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The crispness fades, but the flavor holds up.

To reheat:
Place shrimp in a hot skillet with a drop of oil. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until hot and slightly crisped. Add a little extra sauce after reheating for a new burst of flavor.

Freezing doesn’t work well with this dish, since the coating becomes gummy and the shrimp can turn tough.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake or air fry the shrimp?

Yes. For a lighter option, spray the coated shrimp lightly with oil, then bake on a rack at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Air frying also delivers crunch; cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.

What can I use instead of shrimp?

Bang Bang sauce works on chicken tenders, crispy tofu, or even roasted cauliflower. The method is similar—just adapt frying or baking times as needed.

Is Bang Bang Shrimp spicy?

The dish is mildly spicy as written. Tailor the heat to suit by adjusting the sriracha. For even less heat, use less, or swap for another milder hot sauce.

With its playful crunch and a sauce that brings both heat and sweet, Bang Bang Shrimp perfectly fits gatherings, weeknight cravings, or special celebrations. The few simple steps—season, coat, fry, and sauce—yield a dish that feels restaurant-worthy but totally doable at home. Dive in, tweak the spices, and enjoy every crispy, saucy bite.