This bang bang shrimp is one of those fun, crowd pleasing dishes we love to make as a team for a gathering or a treat night. Crispy fried shrimp in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce bring a little restaurant magic home, which for us is exactly what real food for real life is all about.
This Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful dish featuring crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet chili sauce. Easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, it brings a bit of restaurant magic right into your kitchen in about 25 minutes. Serve this bang bang shrimp as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos for an irresistible, flavorful treat.
What makes this bang bang shrimp so good is the contrast of textures. Crispy, golden fried shrimp are tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy chili sauce for an irresistible bite.
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Watch how this bang bang shrimp comes together, step by step.
Why You Will Love This Bang Bang Shrimp
- Crispy fried shrimp. A light cornstarch coating fries up golden and crunchy.
- Creamy sweet chili sauce. Sweet, spicy, and creamy all at once.
- Quick and easy. Ready in about 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Restaurant style at home. A favorite appetizer made in your kitchen.
- Versatile. Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos.
What Makes This Bang Bang Shrimp So Good
The creamy sweet chili sauce makes this dish, blending mayonnaise with sweet chili sauce for a rich, sweet, and tangy coating.
Crispy fried shrimp bring the crunch. A buttermilk soak and a light cornstarch coating give the shrimp a golden, crispy exterior that stays tender inside.
A little heat balances the sweetness. A touch of Sriracha adds a gentle, adjustable kick that cuts through the creamy, sweet sauce.
A spoonful of Sriracha brings the heat, the popular chili and garlic hot sauce that gives the bang bang sauce its signature kick.
Optional Pro Tip: Extra Crispy Shrimp
Shake off the excess cornstarch. A light, even coating fries up crispier than a heavy one.
Toss just before serving. The shrimp are crispiest right after saucing, so coat and serve right away.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp
- Soak in buttermilk. It tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick.
- Shake off excess cornstarch. A light coating fries up crispier.
- Keep the oil at 350 F. The right temperature gives crisp, not greasy, shrimp.
- Fry in batches. Crowding the pot drops the oil temperature.
- Do not overcook. Fry just until golden and cooked through.
- Adjust the heat. Add more or less Sriracha to taste.
- Toss just before serving. This keeps the shrimp at their crispiest.
- Drain well. A paper towel lined plate keeps them from getting greasy.
Variations and Add Ins
This bang bang shrimp is easy to customize.
- Make it a meal. Serve over steamed rice with vegetables.
- Make tacos. Tuck the shrimp into tortillas with slaw.
- Bake it instead. Bake the coated shrimp until crispy for a lighter version.
- Air fry it. Air fry the shrimp for less oil and great crunch.
- Make it spicier. Add extra Sriracha or a pinch of cayenne.
- Add crunch. Use panko along with the cornstarch for extra crispiness.
- Serve with slaw. A crunchy cabbage slaw is a classic pairing.
- Garnish it. Sprinkle with green onions or sesame seeds.
How to Store and Reheat
Bang bang shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, while the coating is still crispy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day.
Reheat in an oven or air fryer to crisp the coating back up, since the microwave will leave them soft. Add the sauce after reheating for the best texture.
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Shrimp
This bang bang shrimp is a fantastic appetizer on its own, served right after tossing while crispy. A crunchy cabbage slaw is a classic, refreshing pairing.
To make it a meal, serve it over steamed rice with vegetables, or tuck it into warm tortillas with slaw for bang bang shrimp tacos. A simple salad rounds it out.
For a fresh finish, garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime. Extra sauce on the side is always welcome.
- As an appetizer. Served crispy right after tossing.
- Over rice. With vegetables for a full meal.
- In tacos. With a crunchy slaw.
- With slaw. A refreshing, classic pairing.
For another flavorful, sauce tossed favorite, our healthy orange chicken is a great one to try over rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Thaw the shrimp fully and pat them dry before soaking so the coating sticks and they fry up crisp, not soggy.
What is bang bang sauce made of?
It is a simple, creamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, balancing sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors.
Can I bake or air fry instead of frying?
Yes. Bake the coated shrimp until crispy, or air fry them, for a lighter version with less oil and great crunch.
How do I keep the shrimp crispy?
Shake off the excess cornstarch, fry at the right temperature, drain well, and toss with the sauce just before serving.
How spicy is it?
The heat is gentle and adjustable. Add more or less Sriracha to make the bang bang sauce as mild or spicy as you like.
Why soak the shrimp in buttermilk?
The buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp and helps the cornstarch coating adhere for a crispier result.
Can I make it ahead of time?
The shrimp are best fresh, but you can mix the sauce ahead. Fry the shrimp and toss them just before serving for the best texture.
What should I serve it with?
It is great as an appetizer with slaw, over rice as a meal, or in tacos. A squeeze of lime and green onions finish it nicely.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a day, and reheat in an oven or air fryer to crisp them back up.
Can I use a different protein?
Yes. The same buttermilk soak, cornstarch coating, and sauce work beautifully with chicken for a bang bang chicken version.
Crispy, Creamy, and Irresistible
This bang bang shrimp brings together crispy fried shrimp and a creamy, sweet, and spicy chili sauce for an irresistible appetizer or meal. The contrast of crunchy shrimp and luscious sauce is hard to resist.
Quick and easy yet impressive, it brings restaurant style flavor right into your kitchen in about 25 minutes. Once you try it, this bang bang shrimp is sure to become a favorite.
Craving more bold, flavorful dishes? Our creamy Cajun chicken pasta is another crowd pleasing favorite to try next.
Results vary by ingredients, equipment, and cooking conditions. Always taste and adjust seasoning as you go.
Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, and let marinate for 10 minutes.
- Add the cornstarch to a shallow dish.
- Working one at a time, lift a piece of shrimp from the buttermilk, shake off the excess, and dredge it in the cornstarch, transferring it to a baking sheet while you coat the rest.
- Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil to 350 F in a large pot, then fry the shrimp in 3 batches for about 2 minutes each, until golden brown and cooked through to 145 F, draining on a paper towel lined plate.
- In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, then add the fried shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately while crispy.
Nutrition
Notes
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