Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp served with a spicy sauce.

Bang Bang Shrimp

BySavannah Brooks
Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Why Make This Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular dish that offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures. This dish features crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that is simply irresistible. Making this recipe at home allows you to adjust the spice level to your taste and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your house. Plus, it’s fun to make and perfect for sharing with friends or family!

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

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 cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce (or to taste)

Directions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Let this marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Add the cornstarch to a shallow dish or bowl.
  3. Working one at a time, pull a piece of shrimp out of the marinade, shake off excess liquid, then dredge in the cornstarch. Transfer to a baking sheet while you bread the rest.
  4. Heat 1 ½ inches of oil to 350°F in a large pot. Fry the shrimp in 3 batches for 2 minutes until golden brown on the outside. The internal temperature of the shrimp should reach 145°F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Stir with a spoon, then add in the fried shrimp. Toss to evenly coat and enjoy!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is best served hot and fresh. You can serve it as an appetizer or a main dish. Pair it with some steamed rice, a side salad, or even tacos for a fun twist. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor and presentation.

How to Store Bang Bang Shrimp

If you have leftovers, let the shrimp cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days. When ready to eat, reheat the shrimp in an oven or air fryer to restore the crispiness.

Tips to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

  • Make sure to use high-quality shrimp for the best flavor.
  • Adjust the level of Sriracha in the sauce according to your spice preference.
  • If you want extra crunch, try adding panko breadcrumbs to the cornstarch before coating the shrimp.
  • Use a thermometer to measure the oil’s temperature for perfect frying.

Variation

You can create a version of Bang Bang Shrimp using other types of seafood, like scallops or fish fillets. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the seafood.

FAQs

1. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F for about 12-15 minutes. This will give you a healthier option but may not be as crispy as frying.

2. Is there a substitute for buttermilk?
You can make a substitute by mixing 1/2 cup of milk with 1/2 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for 5-10 minutes.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the shrimp and sauce ahead of time but it’s best to cook and coat them just before serving for the best taste and texture.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Bang Bang Shrimp

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 16 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: None
Print Recipe

Description

Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, perfect for sharing and customizable to your spice preference.

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 cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • 1 ½ tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Let this marinate for 10 minutes.
  2. Add the cornstarch to a shallow dish or bowl.
  3. Working one at a time, pull a piece of shrimp out of the marinade, shake off excess liquid, then dredge in the cornstarch. Transfer to a baking sheet.
  4. Heat 1 ½ inches of oil to 350°F in a large pot. Fry the shrimp in 3 batches for 2 minutes until golden brown. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Stir, then add the fried shrimp and toss to coat.

Notes

Serve hot with steamed rice, a side salad, or tacos. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can't wait to see what you've made!

Avatar photo

Hi, I’m Savannah Brooks, 35 years old, born in Charleston, South Carolina, and now living in Seattle, Washington. My kitchen is small but full of life shelves stacked with spices from all over the world, a sourdough starter that feels like part of the family, and usually a pot bubbling away with something hearty and comforting.

Food has always been the center of my world. Growing up in Charleston, I was surrounded by Southern cooking shrimp and grits, okra stews, biscuits that could melt in your mouth. My grandmother was the first person who showed me that recipes are more than instructions they’re stories passed from one hand to another. I still keep her stained recipe cards in a box, though I’ve long since memorized every one.

My path wasn’t traditional. I studied journalism first, thinking I’d write stories for a living. And I do but now I write them on the plate. After years of working late nights in small cafés, catering weddings, and even running a food truck, I found my true rhythm in cooking that bridges my Southern roots with global inspiration. These days, you’ll find me folding lemongrass into chicken soup, adding harissa to cornbread batter, or topping fried green tomatoes with a touch of miso.

I don’t believe cooking is about perfection it’s about connection. My kitchen is a place for experiments, happy accidents, and plenty of laughter. I’ve burned cookies, curdled sauces, and dropped more than one cake. But every mistake taught me something, and every shared meal reminded me why I love this work.

I cook for people who want food that feels like home but isn’t afraid to wander a little. My hope is that when someone takes a bite of my food, they feel cared for, seen, and maybe a little inspired to try something new in their own kitchen.

So, welcome to my world where Southern comfort meets global curiosity, and every dish tells a story.

Other recipes

Best Lemon Grilled Salmon for Winter Meals

Best Lemon Grilled Salmon for Winter Meals

ByELENE

When the temperatures drop, it’s natural to crave hearty, warming dishes. But winter comfort food doesn’t have to mean heavy or overly rich meals. Lemon grilled salmon is the perfect balance—light, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. The bright citrus cuts through the richness of the salmon, while the grill adds a smoky depth that feels indulgent…

Delicious Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with colorful vegetables and herbs

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

ByELENE

Why Make This Recipe Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a flavorful and healthy dish that brings the tastes of the Mediterranean right to your table. It combines juicy chicken breasts with sun-ripened tomatoes and olives, creating a meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or when…