Bang Bang Shrimp

The crispy, golden shrimp come out of the oil with a satisfying crunch that’s almost as exciting as the first bite. As you coat them in that luscious, creamy, spicy sauce, each shrimp takes on a silky texture, the heat from the sriracha marrying perfectly with the sweetness of the mayo. It’s that balance of flavors that makes this dish such a crowd-pleaser. When you dip one of those crispy morsels into the sauce, you get an explosion of flavor that’s rich, tangy, and just the right amount of heat. The sauce is thick enough to cling to the shrimp, creating that glorious creamy coating you crave, but not so thick that it overpowers the shrimp itself.

The beauty of Bang Bang Shrimp lies in its simplicity. It’s a dish that brings together humble ingredients but turns them into something extraordinary. It’s the kind of recipe that always gets people talking at the table, with everyone vying for the last few pieces. And honestly, who could blame them? The combination of textures—crunchy, creamy, spicy—makes it so irresistible. Whether served as an appetizer, tossed in a salad, or piled onto a bed of rice, Bang Bang Shrimp always feels like a celebration.

Key Ingredients in Bang Bang Shrimp

Every great dish starts with great ingredients, and Bang Bang Shrimp is no exception. From the shrimp itself to the sauces and spices that bring everything together, each component plays a vital role in making this dish sing. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need to make this crispy, creamy, and spicy masterpiece.

• Shrimp: The star of the show! Tender, sweet, and juicy, shrimp provides that satisfying bite that contrasts beautifully with the crispy coating. It’s important to peel and devein the shrimp for a clean, smooth texture.
• Cornstarch: This helps create the light, crispy coating for the shrimp. When combined with flour, cornstarch ensures that the shrimp fry up to a golden, crunchy perfection.
• All-purpose flour: Flour contributes to the crispiness and texture of the batter, helping it adhere to the shrimp while they fry.
• Salt: Essential for balancing out the flavors and enhancing the natural sweetness of the shrimp.
• Black pepper: A dash of pepper adds a subtle heat and a hint of sharpness that balances the sweetness of the mayo-based sauce.
• Paprika: This smoky spice not only adds color to the coating but also imparts a mild warmth that’s perfect for this dish.
• Garlic powder: A touch of garlic powder brings in that savory, aromatic quality that blends so well with the other spices in the coating.
• Onion powder: Like garlic powder, onion powder offers a savory depth of flavor that rounds out the seasoning, giving the shrimp that irresistible umami flavor.
• Buttermilk: The buttermilk makes the batter extra tender and provides a subtle tanginess that enhances the shrimp’s flavor. It also helps the flour and cornstarch stick better.
• Mayonnaise: The base of the creamy sauce, mayonnaise gives it that luscious, rich texture. It’s also a great vessel for the flavors to cling to the shrimp.
• Sweet chili sauce: This sauce adds a lovely balance of sweetness and mild heat, giving the dish that signature sweet-spicy profile.
• Sriracha sauce: If you like a little kick, sriracha is your friend. It brings a bold, spicy flavor that contrasts perfectly with the sweetness of the chili sauce.
• Rice vinegar: A dash of rice vinegar adds acidity and tang to the sauce, cutting through the richness of the mayo and creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Chopped green onions: Fresh, crisp, and slightly peppery, green onions add a burst of freshness and color, bringing a pop of flavor to the dish.
• Sesame seeds: These little seeds offer a delicate crunch and a nutty, toasted flavor that ties everything together, adding texture and an extra layer of flavor to the finished dish.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Shrimp

Over a Bed of Greens: If you’re looking for a light and refreshing way to enjoy this dish, try serving the Bang Bang Shrimp over a bed of mixed greens or a crunchy Asian slaw. The cool, crisp veggies balance the rich, creamy shrimp, and it’s a perfect option for a quick dinner or a fancy appetizer. Top it with a few extra sesame seeds and green onions for that restaurant-worthy look.

As a Topping for Tacos: Wrap these crispy shrimp in soft flour tortillas for a fun and flavorful twist on taco night! Add some shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a drizzle of extra sauce. These tacos are sure to impress your guests—and they’re absolutely perfect for a casual dinner with a spicy kick.

With Steamed Rice: For a hearty, satisfying meal, serve your Bang Bang Shrimp with a side of fluffy steamed rice. The rice soaks up all the delicious sauce, and the combination of crispy shrimp with the tender rice creates the most comforting bite. It’s a simple yet decadent way to enjoy this dish that feels both cozy and indulgent.

Which one will you try first? Let me know your favorite way to enjoy these little crispy gems!

How to Store Bang Bang Shrimp

If you happen to have leftovers (which is a rare thing, I know!), storing your Bang Bang Shrimp properly will help keep them as fresh and delicious as when they were first made. To store the shrimp, start by allowing them to cool completely before placing them in an airtight container. This helps prevent any moisture buildup, which could make the crispy coating lose its crunch.

For the best results, I recommend storing the shrimp and the sauce separately. This way, the shrimp will maintain their crispiness when reheated, and the sauce stays fresh without soaking into the batter. When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, simply reheat the shrimp in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again.

If you find yourself with too much leftover sauce, store it in a small jar or container in the fridge. It will last a few days, and you can easily use it for dipping or drizzling over other dishes—maybe even drizzle it over grilled chicken or vegetables!

Conclusion

And there you have it—your ultimate guide to making Bang Bang Shrimp, crispy, creamy, and perfectly spicy. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, adding them to tacos, or pairing them with rice for a satisfying meal, these little gems are sure to steal the show. The combination of textures and bold flavors makes each bite a true delight, and trust me, they’re impossible to resist!

I hope this recipe inspires you to try something new in the kitchen and brings some excitement to your next meal. If you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how it turns out! Drop a comment or let me know if you have any questions, or even if you just want to share your own spin on the recipe. I’m always here for a chat about food and fun kitchen adventures!

Happy cooking, and don’t forget to savor every crispy, saucy bite!

Print Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp

Author: Daniel Carter Courses: Appetizer

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 35 mins

Calories: 600

Description

Crispy, tender shrimp are tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that hits all the right notes—sweet, tangy, and fiery. Each bite is an explosion of flavor, with a perfect crunch that makes this dish impossible to resist!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ¹⁄₂ cup cornstarch

• ¹⁄₄ cup all-purpose flour

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon paprika

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon onion powder

• ¹⁄₂ cup buttermilk

• ¹⁄₂ cup mayonnaise

• ¹⁄₄ cup sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce

• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Instructions

1. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
2. Stir the dry ingredients together until evenly mixed.
3. In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk.
4. Dip the shrimp into the buttermilk, making sure they are fully coated.
5. Next, dredge the buttermilk-coated shrimp into the flour mixture, ensuring they are well-covered with the dry mixture.
6. Place the coated shrimp onto a plate or tray.
7. Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
8. Once the oil reaches the appropriate temperature, carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
9. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
10. Using tongs or a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
11. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, and rice vinegar.
12. Whisk the sauce ingredients together until smooth and well-blended.
13. Transfer the fried shrimp to a large mixing bowl.
14. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat them evenly.
15. Once all the shrimp are coated in the sauce, sprinkle them with chopped green onions and sesame seeds.
16. Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp immediately, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Note

• Make sure the shrimp are completely dry before dipping them in buttermilk to ensure the coating sticks well.
• Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, aiming for 350°F to achieve crispy shrimp without overcooking.
• You can substitute Greek yogurt for buttermilk if you prefer a thicker texture.
• Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your spice preference; more for heat, less for a milder dish.
• For an extra crunch, you can add a small amount of panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture.

Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, crispy shrimp appetizer, spicy shrimp dish, homemade Bang Bang Shrimp, easy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe