Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe because it s the perfect mix of crispy, creamy, and spicy all in one bite. When I first tried making this at home, I was amazed at how restaurant-quality it tasted without all the hassle. You ll find it s great for a fun weeknight dinner or serving up at your next gathering where everyone wants something finger-licking good.

What makes this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe special is the balance of sweet chili with a spicy kick from the chili garlic sauce, layered over perfectly fried shrimp with a crunchy panko coating. I d say it s worth trying because it s straightforward, impressive, and a real crowd-pleaser. Plus, once you nail this sauce and breading combo, you ll want to make it again and again!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together to create the classic Bang Bang Shrimp flavor and texture, with pantry-friendly staples and simple seasonings to elevate your shrimp experience.

• Shrimp: I use medium shrimp peeled and deveined for the perfect bite size and quick cooking time.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and helps bind the sauce together smoothly.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: The sweet yet mildly spicy base of the famous Bang Bang sauce.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Adds a zesty kick; adjust this based on how spicy you want your shrimp.
• Egg: Helps the breading stick to each shrimp beautifully.
• Buttermilk: Makes the shrimp extra tender and flavorful-don t skip it if you want that tender texture!
• All-purpose Flour: The first layer for the breading – it sticks to the shrimp and absorbs the egg mixture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Crucial for that crunchy, airy coating that I love in this recipe.
• Seasonings: Salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika bring the breading to life with balanced flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying, use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect golden crust.

Variations

I love playing around with this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe, making it lighter or swapping ingredients depending on what I have on hand-or my mood. Feel free to experiment and make it your own!

• Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp: For a healthier twist, grill the shrimp instead of frying-my family still devours them with the same bang bang sauce on top!
• Low Carb Version: Swap panko for crushed pork rinds or almond flour to keep it keto-friendly without sacrificing crunch.
• Veggie “Shrimp”: Use cauliflower florets for a fun vegetarian take on this spicy favorite.
• Mild Option: Reduce or skip the chili garlic sauce for a gentler spice that’s great for picky eaters.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Signature Bang Bang Sauce

Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce is what makes the whole dish pop, so taste it and adjust the chili garlic sauce if you want more heat. Set this aside because we ll use it to toss the shrimp once they re cooked.

Step 2: Prepare Your Egg and Buttermilk Bath

In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg and whisk in the buttermilk. This mixture tenderizes the shrimp and helps the flour-panko coating stick perfectly. I ve found that the buttermilk really makes a difference in texture, so don t substitute it unless you have to.

Step 3: Combine the Breading Mixture

In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. This gives the shrimp a flavorful, crispy crust that holds up when tossed in the sauce later. Getting this mixture right makes all the difference in that irresistible crunch.

Step 4: Double-Coat Your Shrimp

This is my favorite part of the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the egg and buttermilk bath, and back into the flour mixture again for a double coating. This double breading is what gives the shrimp that amazing crispy texture while keeping the inside juicy. Place coated shrimp on a plate, then chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to let the breading set and stick well during frying.

Step 5: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet until it reaches 350°F. Carefully fry the shrimp in batches to not overcrowd the pan, cooking them for about 3 minutes total-turning halfway through-until golden brown and crispy. Drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil. This frying step is fast but crucial, so keep an eye on the shrimp to avoid overcooking.

Step 6: Toss and Serve with Sauce

Once all shrimp are fried, toss them in a large bowl with about ¼ cup of your Bang Bang sauce until they re fully coated. I like to serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping-it lets everyone customize the spice. That s it! You ve got crispy, spicy, creamy Bang Bang Shrimp ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I like to finish my Bang Bang Shrimp with a sprinkle of chopped green onions and a little fresh cilantro for brightness. A squeeze of lime juice right before serving adds a lovely tang that balances the spicy-sweet sauce. Sometimes, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds gives it a nice extra crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

This shrimp pairs wonderfully with a simple side of jasmine rice or garlic fried rice to soak up the sauce. Crispy Asian slaw or a light cucumber salad also bring fresh, crisp elements that contrast beautifully with the rich shrimp. For something heartier, steamed broccoli or roasted sweet potatoes work great too.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve the shrimp on a big platter lined with lettuce leaves and garnish with extra sauce drizzled on top. You can also pile them into small bamboo boats or mini taco shells for fun shrimp sliders. Another favorite is to thread the shrimp onto skewers and drizzle with the sauce for a pretty appetizer presentation that s easy for guests to grab.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To keep the breading as crisp as possible, I avoid tossing the leftovers in sauce until ready to eat. Instead, I store sauce separately to recoat or dip later.

Freezing

I don t typically freeze cooked Bang Bang Shrimp because frying fresh gives the best texture. However, you can freeze the breaded uncooked shrimp in a single layer on parchment paper, then transfer to a bag to fry fresh later-just make sure not to thaw fully before frying to keep them crispy.

Reheating

To reheat leftover shrimp, I prefer using the oven or an air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to revive the crispiness. Microwaving tends to make the breading soggy, so it s best avoided if you want that satisfying crunch with your Bang Bang Shrimp.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe has become a favorite of mine not just because of its bold flavor and amazing texture, but because it s so accessible-you don t need fancy ingredients or complicated steps to impress. Whether you re cooking for your family s weeknight meal or want to wow guests with a tasty starter, this recipe delivers every single time. Give it a try, and I promise you ll be hooked on that perfect combination of crunchy, creamy, and spicy goodness!

Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 94 reviews

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

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Description

This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe features crispy breaded shrimp tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and chili garlic sauce. Perfectly fried to golden perfection, this appetizer is bursting with flavor and ideal for sharing or serving as a fun main dish.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

Shrimp

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

For the Egg Mixture

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Breading Mixture

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

For Frying

• Vegetable oil (enough for 2 inches deep in skillet)

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Instructions

1. Make the sauce: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce until combined. Set aside.
2. Prepare the egg mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk 1 beaten egg with 1 cup buttermilk until smooth.
3. Mix the breading: In another bowl, combine ½ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Whisk to evenly distribute the spices.
4. Bread the shrimp: Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the egg and buttermilk mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture. Coat all shrimp thoroughly.
5. Chill the coated shrimp: Arrange the breaded shrimp on a plate and refrigerate for 20–30 minutes to help the breading adhere during frying.
6. Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep-sided skillet until it is about 2 inches deep. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry the shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches, frying for about 3 minutes total per batch. Turn shrimp halfway through to ensure even cooking and golden brown color.
8. Drain and coat: Remove fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil. Once all shrimp are cooked, place them in a large mixing bowl, pour ¼ cup of the prepared sauce over, and toss to coat evenly.
9. Serve: Serve the coated shrimp immediately with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

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Notes

• Make sure the oil reaches 350°F to ensure a crispy coating without absorbing too much oil.
• Refrigerating the breaded shrimp helps prevent the coating from falling off during frying.
• You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less chili garlic sauce according to your taste.
• Use medium shrimp for the best balance of crispiness and tenderness.
• If you prefer a lighter version, these shrimp can also be baked or air-fried, but frying will yield the crispiest result.