Easy Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

If there's one dish that seafood lovers and foodies alike can agree on, it's the addictive crunch and creamy kick of Bang Bang Shrimp. This delicious dish is a staple on menus at places like Bonefish Grill, but did you know it's surprisingly easy to recreate at home? With its crispy golden shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, it’s no surprise why this crowd-pleasing favorite has risen to fame.

Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or indulging in a comfort food night at home, this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe will hit all the right notes. Get ready for perfectly fried shrimp paired with the zesty sauce you've been dreaming about.

What Is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a dish that originated from Asian-inspired American cuisine. It’s essentially crispy, battered shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha. Seafood lovers adore it for its flavor-packed punch, while home cooks enjoy its straightforward preparation.

The dish is commonly served as an appetizer, although it works just as well as a topping for tacos or salads, or even as the main meal itself.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade Bang Bang Shrimp recipe captures everything there is to love about the restaurant version—without the need for reservations.

• Crispy Perfection: The shrimp are coated in a tempura-like batter and fried to golden brown perfection.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe is foolproof for home cooks of all levels.
• Irresistible Sauce: Sweet, creamy, and with just the right kick, the sauce takes the dish to the next level.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spice level to suit your preference, making it perfect for everyone at the table.

Now, let's get your kitchen smelling amazing!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this scrumptious Bang Bang Shrimp recipe. Most of these ingredients are kitchen staples!

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound of shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo works great!)
• 2–3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Follow these easy steps to prepare Bang Bang Shrimp that you’ll want to make again and again.

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

Begin by making the star of the dish—the Bang Bang Sauce!

• Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl.
• Once combined, set aside in the refrigerator to keep it chilled until you're ready to toss the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp

• Rinse the shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels to ensure the batter adheres well.
• Divide your battering station into three bowls.
• • Bowl 1: All-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
  • Bowl 2: Beat the egg and buttermilk together until smooth.
  • Bowl 3: Panko breadcrumbs.
• Coat each shrimp by dipping them in the flour first, then the egg mixture, and finally the panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Fry to Golden Perfection

• Heat vegetable oil in a skillet (or deep fryer) to 375°F (190°C). A thermometer is your best friend here for maintaining the perfect frying temperature.
• Fry the coated shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
• Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

• Once the shrimp are cooked, gently toss them in your prepared Bang Bang Sauce to coat evenly.
• Arrange on a serving plate (you can garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for an extra flair).

Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Shrimp is incredibly versatile, making it perfect as an appetizer or main course. Here are a few creative ways to serve it up:

1. Classic Appetizer: Serve on a platter with extra sauce for dipping.
2. Tacos: Load the shrimp onto tortillas with shredded cabbage, a drizzle of crema, and lime wedges.
3. Salad Topper: Add the shrimp to a crisp salad for a bold and filling lunch or dinner.
4. Rice Bowl: Layer the shrimp over jasmine rice with steamed broccoli or edamame on the side.

Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

• Use Fresh Shrimp: For the best texture and flavor, use fresh shrimp if possible. Frozen shrimp work, too, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before battering.
• Keep the Sauce Thick: Avoid thinning out the sauce too much; its creamy consistency is key to clinging to the shrimp perfectly.
• Batch Frying: Fry shrimp in small batches to keep the oil hot, ensuring they stay crispy.
• Adjust Heat: Not a huge fan of spice? Start with just 1 teaspoon of sriracha and adjust to taste.

Why Make Bang Bang Shrimp at Home?

While restaurant versions are delicious, making Bang Bang Shrimp at home comes with its perks—fresh ingredients, the ability to tweak flavors, and the satisfaction of nailing a restaurant-style dish in your kitchen. Plus, it's an excellent way to impress friends and family!

Enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp Tonight

With its crispy texture and bold flavors, Bang Bang Shrimp is one of those dishes that feels indulgent without requiring hours in the kitchen. Now that you know how to recreate this favorite at home, your next gathering, weeknight dinner, or taco night just got a heck of a lot tastier.