Bang Bang Shrimp is a vibrant, crispy, and creamy dish that instantly elevates any meal with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch. This popular appetizer features tender shrimp coated in a light crispy batter, then tossed in a luscious, spicy-sweet sauce that packs a punch without overwhelming your palate. Perfect for entertaining or a flavorful weeknight treat, this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe brings a restaurant favorite right to your kitchen table.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll love this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe because it perfectly balances spicy, sweet, and tangy flavors with a delightful crispy texture. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, requiring just a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned cook, the straightforward steps make it accessible and quick to whip up. Plus, it fits wonderfully into many lifestyles—it’s low-carb if you skip or modify the batter, and can be adapted to gluten-free or dairy-free diets with simple ingredient swaps. The addictive sauce and crunchy shrimp combo are sure to please seafood lovers and spice enthusiasts alike.
Tips and Tricks
- Use medium or large shrimp for the best bite-sized experience; peel and devein them thoroughly for a clean taste.
- Pat shrimp dry before battering to ensure the coating sticks well.
- For extra crispiness, double dredge the shrimp by dipping them in batter twice before frying.
- Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent sogginess.
- Whisk the Bang Bang sauce ingredients thoroughly and adjust heat level by adding more or less sriracha.
- If you prefer a lighter version, try baking shrimp coated with panko instead of frying.
- Serve immediately after tossing to keep the shrimp crispy.
Make Ahead Tips
- Prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Peel and devein shrimp the day before and keep them refrigerated.
- Mix dry ingredients for the batter in advance and store in an airtight container for quick assembly.
- Avoid battering or frying shrimp too early; cook just before serving for perfect texture.
Recipe Variations
- Swap shrimp for chicken tenders or tofu for a different protein option.
- Use panko breadcrumbs instead of batter for a crunchier texture.
- Add a splash of lime juice or zest to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
- Incorporate a touch of honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Make it vegan by using battered cauliflower florets and a vegan mayo-based sauce.
- Spice it up further by adding chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the batter.
How to Serve
Serve Bang Bang Shrimp piled high on a large platter or individual plates. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal. A bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage underneath adds freshness and crunch. This dish works beautifully as an appetizer, a protein topping over a crisp salad, or alongside steamed jasmine rice or fried rice for a main course.
Pairing Suggestions
Pair Bang Bang Shrimp with a crisp, chilled white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light, citrusy Riesling to complement the spicy sauce. For cocktails, a classic mojito or a ginger-lime margarita enhances the dish’s vibrant flavors. Non-alcoholic options like iced green tea or sparkling water with a hint of lime cleanse the palate nicely. Side dishes such as Asian slaw, garlic noodles, or steamed bok choy round out the meal perfectly. For dessert, consider light tropical fruit sorbet or coconut pudding.
How to Store
Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To maintain some crispiness, keep the shrimp separate from the sauce and toss just before serving again. Reheat shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crunch without drying out. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the shrimp rubbery. The sauce can be kept separately and reused within 4 days if refrigerated.
Equipment Needed
- Medium mixing bowls for batter and sauce
- Deep frying pan or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon or wire rack for draining fried shrimp
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Whisk for sauce preparation
- Paper towels for oil absorption
Alternative: An air fryer can be used to cook the shrimp for a healthier version.
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-free: Use cornstarch or rice flour for batter and gluten-free soy sauce in the sauce.
- Dairy-free: This recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- Vegan: Substitute shrimp with cauliflower florets or tofu and use vegan mayo.
- Nut-free: The recipe contains no nuts, but verify mayonnaise ingredients if store-bought.
- Low-carb/Keto: Skip the batter or use almond flour; reduce sugar in the sauce or use keto-friendly sweeteners.
Seasonal Adaptations
- Summer: Add fresh chopped mango or pineapple to the sauce for a tropical touch.
- Winter: Incorporate a touch of warm spices like smoked paprika or a dash of cayenne for comforting heat.
- Spring/Fall: Top with fresh herbs such as cilantro or Thai basil to brighten the dish.
- Use fresh shrimp year-round, but during off-season, frozen shrimp is a good alternative if thawed properly.
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I bake Bang Bang Shrimp instead of frying?
A: Yes, coat shrimp with batter or panko and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
A: It has a mild to medium heat, adjustable by adding more or less sriracha.
Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Absolutely — thaw fully, pat dry, and proceed as usual.
Q: How to keep shrimp crispy after tossing in sauce?
A: Toss shrimp in sauce just before serving and serve immediately.
Q: What can I substitute for mayonnaise?
A: Use Greek yogurt or vegan mayo for a lighter or plant-based option.
How To Make bang bang shrimp recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is a vibrant, crispy, and creamy dish that instantly elevates any meal with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium or large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp by peeling, deveining, and patting them dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour (or cornstarch), salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
- Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and again into the flour mixture to double coat. Set aside on a plate.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry shrimp in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan, for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar (or lime juice). Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust spice level if needed.
- Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce gently until fully coated.
- Serve immediately over shredded lettuce or cabbage, garnished with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds if desired.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 399Total Fat 30gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 24gCholesterol 107mgSodium 703mgCarbohydrates 26gFiber 3gSugar 9gProtein 7g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making Bang Bang Shrimp at home is a rewarding experience that brings a delightful combination of textures and flavors to your table with minimal effort. The crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce are irresistible and perfect for sharing or enjoying as a satisfying meal. With easy prep, adaptable ingredients, and tips to customize the heat and crunch, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Give it a try and delight your taste buds with this restaurant-quality dish made in your own kitchen!
