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 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp onion powder; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 3/4 cup corn starch; 1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise; 1 ½ tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce; 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 7 reviews

If you’re craving something with a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and crispy textures, this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s an irresistible appetizer that bursts with flavor, combining tender shrimp coated in a spicy-sweet sauce that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. Whether you’re cooking for a casual night in or impressing guests, this recipe brings a delightful punch without complicating your dinner plans.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several clear glass bowls and one steel bowl arranged on a white marbled surface, each containing different ingredients. The steel bowl on the left is full of peeled shrimp with a light grey and white color. To the right and above the shrimp, there are smaller glass bowls containing black pepper, two light tan powders of different shades, bright red sauce, and a golden-orange sauce. On the right side, two larger glass bowls hold a thick white liquid and white flour. In the middle bottom, a smaller glass bowl contains a creamy off-white mixture. The whole setup looks clean and organized, ready for cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering the right ingredients for this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is easier than you might think, and each one plays a key role in the final dish’s flavor and texture. From the tender shrimp to the creamy, spicy sauce, every item on this list is essential for achieving that perfect mouthwatering bite.

1 pound large shrimp: Peeled and deveined with tails removed for easy eating and even frying.
1/2 cup buttermilk: Adds a tangy flavor and helps tenderize the shrimp during marination.
1/4 tsp salt: Enhances the natural shrimp flavor without overpowering it.
1/4 tsp garlic powder: Delivers a subtle savory depth and aroma.
1/4 tsp onion powder: Adds mild sweetness and warmth to the seasoning mix.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives just a hint of gentle heat and earthiness.
3/4 cup corn starch: The secret to that crunchy, golden coating on the shrimp.
1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the signature bang bang sauce.
1 ½ tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings the perfect balance of sweetness and tangy spice.
1-2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce: Adds a fiery kick, adjustable to your preferred spice level.
Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like vegetable or canola oil for that perfect fry.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp

Start by mixing the shrimp with buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This brief soak, about 10 minutes, locks in flavor while tenderizing the shrimp, making every bite juicy and well-seasoned.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

Pour the corn starch into a shallow dish or bowl. Each shrimp will be dredged in this to create that irresistible crispy crust when fried. The key here is to shake off any excess to avoid clumpy coating.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Taking one shrimp at a time from the marinade, lightly shake off extra buttermilk and roll it in the corn starch until evenly coated. Place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet to keep them ready for frying. This step ensures every piece fries up golden and crunchy.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Heat about 1 ½ inches of oil in a pot to 350°F. Fry the shrimp in small batches for around 2 minutes per batch until the shrimp are golden outside and cooked through inside, reaching an internal temperature of 145°F. Drain them on paper towels to keep that crispiness intact.

Step 5: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha to create the creamy, spicy sauce that gives this recipe its name. Adjust the Sriracha if you prefer a milder or hotter flavor.

Step 6: Toss and Enjoy

Add the freshly fried shrimp to the sauce and toss lightly but thoroughly until each piece is luxuriously coated. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor explosiveness.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

A close-up of a large beige pot filled with hot bubbling oil frying several golden brown battered shrimp. A silver metal skimmer holding a small cluster of crispy shrimp is lifted just above the oil surface. The pot shows dark brown stains on its inner rim, and the scene is set on a white marbled stove with a white tiled wall in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or cilantro add a burst of color and a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce. A squeeze of lime on top can brighten each bite with a zesty punch, complementing the shrimp’s crispy coating.

Side Dishes

While Bang Bang Shrimp is usually enjoyed as an appetizer, it pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a crunchy Asian slaw. These help balance the heat and creaminess, turning it into a satisfying main course if you like.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe atop a bed of leafy greens or tucked into soft bao buns for a fun handheld treat. You can also stack them on tostadas with avocado and pickled veggies for an exciting twist that blends crispy, creamy, and fresh elements.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, keep the fried shrimp and sauce separate in airtight containers in the fridge. This prevents sogginess and maintains the shrimp’s crispiness better.

Freezing

While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked shrimp before saucing for up to two months. Freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for convenience. Avoid freezing once coated in sauce as it may affect texture.

Reheating

The best way to reheat leftover shrimp is in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes to revive their crispness. Avoid microwaving, as this tends to make the coating soggy and chewy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before marinating and dredging to get the best texture and frying results.

Is there a healthier way to make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

For a lighter option, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying. Coat them as usual and bake at 400°F on a greased baking sheet until crispy, about 10-12 minutes.

Can I adjust the spice level of the sauce?

Definitely. The amount of Sriracha can be increased for extra heat or reduced if you prefer a milder sauce. You might also try substituting with a milder hot sauce if desired.

What can I use instead of buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes. This homemade substitute works just as well for marinating.

Can this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe be made gluten-free?

Yes, by ensuring the corn starch you use is pure and checking that the sweet chili sauce is gluten-free, you can easily keep this recipe gluten-free and just as delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is a fantastic way to impress yourself and anyone you cook for with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. Its combination of crispy shrimp and creamy, spicy sauce is truly unforgettable. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite go-to dish for every occasion.