Looking for a delicious, crispy golden shrimp with a spicy, creamy sauce that’s a restaurant-style appetizer, then “Bang Bang Shrimp” is perfect for you.
Table of Contents
Bang Bang Shrimp : Crispy Golden Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is a recipe that makes a simple dinner extra special. These crispy, lightly breaded shrimp are perfectly combined with a creamy sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. The result is a dish that’s simultaneously crunchy, sweet, tangy, creamy, and, best of all, spicy.
This dish is especially popular as a restaurant-quality inspired appetizer, very similar to Bonefish Grill.
This homemade version is designed for American home kitchens, where you can create a high-quality dish using readily available ingredients and a few simple cooking techniques.
The cornstarch gives the shrimp a light crisp coating, while the buttermilk helps the coating stick to the shrimp.
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Sweet, creamy, tangy, and spicy
- Stays crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside
- Uses simple ingredients from the supermarket
- Delicious in rice bowls, salads, lettuce, and tacos
- Perfect for parties, game days, or family dinners
- Easily adjusts for mild or extra spicy flavor
All the Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 2 to 3 cups neutral vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Ingredients for the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1 to 2 teaspoons Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey, optional
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar, optional
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
Ingredients for garnish:
- Chopped cilantro, optional
- 2 thinly sliced green onions
- A slice of lemon
- Shredded lettuce, optional
Full instructions on how to make Bang Bang Shrimp:
1. Preparing the Shrimp
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them thoroughly and dry them on a paper towel.
- You can remove the shells and tails if desired, and make sure the shrimp are veined.
Tip: Dry shrimp helps the coating adhere better and reduces oil splatter.
More Recipe:-
Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp
2. Making the Bang Bang Sauce
- Use a medium bowl and add the following:
- Thai sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Rice vinegar
- Lime juice
- Honey
- Keep whisking until smooth and creamy.
- Taste the sauce once and adjust the heat.
- If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a little Sriracha.
- Cover and refrigerate while you prepare the shrimp.
- Why should the sauce be prepared first? Chilling gives the flavors time to combine, and many Bang Bang Shrimp recipes recommend making the sauce in advance.
3. Seasoning the Shrimp
- Place the cleaned shrimp in a bowl.
- Add the buttermilk and mix gently until all the shrimp are well coated.
- Let the shrimp rest for about 8 to 10 minutes while you prepare the coating.
- The buttermilk provides moisture to the coating and adds a slight tang.
4. Preparing the Crispy Coating
Use a separate shallow bowl and combine the following ingredients:
- Cornstarch
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Salt
- Paprika
- Pepper
- Mix them all together thoroughly.
- Cornstarch is especially useful for creating the light, crispy exterior often associated with fried shrimp.
5. Coating the Shrimp
- Take one shrimp out of the buttermilk and let it drain off any excess water.
- Dip it into the cornstarch mixture, then gently toss until coated.
- Shake off any excess coating, then place the shrimp together on a plate or baking sheet.
- Repeat this process with the remaining shrimp.
- Try not to place the coated shrimp on top of each other, as the coating will become soggy.
6. Heating the Oil
- Use a deep pan or heavy-bottomed pot.
- Add about three cups of vegetable, canola, or other neutral cooking oil. Heat the oil to approximately 350°F – 375°F.
- Use a kitchen thermometer if possible.
- The correct oil temperature is crucial to ensure the shrimp crisps up without absorbing too much oil.
7. Frying the
- Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in small portions.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan, as adding too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature.
- Fry the shrimp until golden brown and cooked through. This usually takes 4 to 5 minutes.
- This depends on the size and the temperature of the oil.
8. Draining the Oil from the Shrimp
- Remove the fried shrimp with a slotted spoon or spider strainer.
- Place them neatly on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack.
- Let the excess oil drain for 1 minute.
- A wire rack is best for achieving the crispiest texture, as it allows air to circulate beneath the shrimp.
9. Pouring the Bang Bang Sauce
- Transfer the hot crisp shrimp to a large bowl.
- Make sure to pour enough Bang Bang Sauce over the shrimp to coat them thoroughly, but the crispy exterior should not be completely submerged.
- Gently toss until thoroughly coated.
- For more crunch, add the sauce just before serving instead of tossing the shrimp thoroughly.
10. Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the Bang Bang Shrimp to a serving plate.
- Top with chopped green onions and chopped cilantro if desired.
- Serve immediately with a slice of lemon and enjoy.
- The contrast between the crispy shrimp and the creamy sweet-spicy sauce is great and even better when the dish is eaten fresh.
For Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Air frying is a great option if you prefer.
- First, prepare the shrimp as described above. Spray the coated shrimp lightly with cooking oil.
- Now arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
- Cook until crisp and cooked through.
- Be sure to toss with the Bang Bang sauce just before serving.
- Cooking time will vary depending on the air fryer and the size of the shrimp, so be sure to check the shrimp thoroughly at the end.
- As an alternative to traditional frying, the air fryer version is generally recommended, and everyone loves it.
For Oven Baked Bang Bang Shrimp:
Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare.
If you prefer a more crunchy crust, dust the shrimp with panko breadcrumbs instead of just cornstarch.
Now place the shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking oil.
Continue baking until golden brown and cooked through, about 15 minutes, depending on the size.
Instructions for making good Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Be sure to choose the right shrimp
- Be sure to dry the shrimp thoroughly
- Don’t overcrowd the pan
- Avoid overcooking the shrimp.
- Be sure to control the seasoning
- Add the sauce before serving.
FAQ
Answers to questions about Bang Bang Shrimp.
Q. Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works great. Thaw them completely. Drain thoroughly and pat them dry before coating.
Q. What is Bang Bang Shrimp made of?
The basic sauce usually includes mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha.
Q. What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy shrimp appetizer served with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This dish is closely associated with Bonefish Grill and has inspired many homemade versions.
Q. How do I store leftover shrimp?
Place the thawed shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate. For best quality, use within two days. If you want the shrimp extra crispy, reheat them in an air fryer or oven instead of microwaving.
Q. Can Bang Bang Shrimp be turned into tacos?
Absolutely! Place the crispy shrimp in small flour tortillas with shredded lettuce, chopped tomato or cabbage, green onion, and lime. These shrimp tacos are a great, easy way to turn an appetizer into a meal.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Shrimp offers everything you love in a restaurant-style appetizer: a creamy sauce, crispy shrimp, sweet chili flavor, and just the right amount of spiciness.
The secret: keeping the shrimp crisp, maintaining the right frying temperature, and drizzling the sauce before serving. You can serve it over rice for an easy weeknight dinner. For a party, garnish it with lettuce and a slice of lemon. Or, if you’re looking for something more fun, you can turn shrimp into tacos.
With simple ingredients and a few simple tricks, you can bring crispy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang Shrimp straight to your kitchen, a dish that’s sure to be delicious and won’t disappoint.