Sizzling seafood lovers constantly seek out that perfect bang bang shrimp recipe that makes taste buds dance with excitement.
This crispy, spicy sensation delivers an explosion of flavor in every single bite.
The tangy sauce creates a mouthwatering coating that turns ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary culinary experience.
Tender shrimp get expertly fried to golden perfection, ensuring a delightful crunch with each mouthful.
Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-style favorite with simple ingredients and basic cooking techniques.
The zesty sauce brings an irresistible kick that transforms an ordinary meal into something spectacular.
Dive into this crowd-pleasing dish that promises to become a new dinnertime champion.
Cooking Bang Bang Shrimp at Home
Bang Bang Shrimp Delight
Sauce Creation Whip up a zesty, creamy sauce by blending all ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
Oil Preparation Heat vegetable oil in a wide pot, creating a sizzling hot bath for the shrimp to get crispy and golden.
Shrimp Soak Bathe the shrimp in buttermilk, letting them luxuriate and absorb the tangy goodness while the oil warms up.
Crispy Coating Dredge each shrimp in a spicy cornstarch mixture, ensuring a complete and even coverage that will turn into a crunchy exterior.
Chill Time Let the coated shrimp hang out in the refrigerator, allowing the coating to set and become extra crispy.
Frying Magic Gently lower the shrimp into the hot oil, watching them transform into crispy, golden treasures in just a few minutes.
Saucy Finish Lovingly toss the hot shrimp in the creamy bang bang sauce, creating a mouthwatering coating that brings all the flavors together.
Garnish and Serve Sprinkle with fresh herbs and a touch of heat, then plate up this irresistible seafood sensation that's sure to impress.
Tweaks to Sauce and Texture You’ll Love
Oil Temperature Precision: Use a digital thermometer to maintain exact 375°F oil temperature, ensuring perfectly crispy shrimp without burning.
Buttermilk Magic: Let shrimp soak in buttermilk for deeper tenderness and enhanced flavor absorption during marination.
Gluten-Free Twist: Swap cornstarch with rice flour or almond flour for a gluten-free coating that remains equally crunchy and light.
Spice Level Control: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to make the dish mild for kids or extra fiery for heat lovers. Start with small amounts and taste-test.
Seafood Alternative: Replace shrimp with chicken or cauliflower florets for equally delicious bang bang style protein or vegetarian options that follow the same cooking technique.
Presenting Shrimp with Flair and Crunch
Crispy Appetizer Showcase: Arrange the Bang Bang Shrimp on a large wooden cutting board with small dipping bowls of extra sauce for a stunning visual presentation that invites guests to dive right in.
Party Platter Perfection: Create a colorful spread by serving the shrimp over a bed of mixed greens, with sliced cucumbers, green onions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added texture and freshness.
Taco Night Twist: Stuff the Bang Bang Shrimp into soft corn tortillas, top with a crisp slaw, and add a squeeze of fresh lime for a delightful fusion of flavors that transforms the dish into a crowd-pleasing street food-style meal.
Quick Lunch Companion: Pile the shrimp atop a bed of steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice, drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce, and add a side of quick-pickled vegetables for a complete and satisfying midday meal.
Keeping Bang Bang Shrimp and Saucy
Refrigerator Ready: Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Enjoy best within 24 hours to maintain maximum crispiness and flavor intensity.
Freezing Strategy: Separate sauce and shrimp before freezing. Cooked shrimp can remain frozen for 1-2 weeks. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat briefly in a hot oven to restore crunchiness.
Sauce Smart Storage: Bang Bang Sauce stays fresh in a sealed container for 5-7 days. Keep refrigerated and give a quick stir before using to restore smooth consistency.
Advance Prep Hack: Prepare cornstarch coating and sauce mixture up to one day earlier. Store separately in refrigerator to streamline cooking process and reduce day-of kitchen time.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 480 kcal
Servings: 5
Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredient Guide
For Sauce Base:
Mayonnaise: Creamy foundation that adds luxurious texture and rich flavor to the bang bang sauce.
Sriracha Sauce: Delivers vibrant heat and tangy kick, creating the signature spicy profile of the dish.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Balances spiciness with subtle sweetness, enhancing overall sauce complexity.
Rice Vinegar: Provides bright, sharp acidity that cuts through the richness and brightens the sauce.
For Shrimp Preparation:
Buttermilk: Tenderizes shrimp and creates a tangy marinade that helps coating adhere perfectly.
Large Shrimp: Select fresh, firm shrimp with clean, briny smell for best taste and texture.
Cornstarch: Creates ultra-crispy, light coating that ensures shrimp remain crunchy after frying.
Cayenne Pepper: Introduces subtle background heat and depth to the coating mixture.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances natural shrimp flavor.
For Frying and Garnishing:
Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil perfect for achieving golden, crispy exterior without overpowering shrimp flavor.
Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herbal notes to finish the dish.
Chili Flakes: Provides optional extra heat and visual appeal as final garnish.
Kitchen Tools for Bang Bang Shrimp Prep
Large Bowl: Perfect for marinating shrimp and mixing coating ingredients.
Small Bowl: Ideal for preparing Bang Bang sauce.
Wide Pot: Necessary for deep frying shrimp with 2 inches of oil.
Whisk: Essential for combining cornstarch and spices smoothly.
Paper Towels: Used to drain excess oil from fried shrimp.
Plate: Helps to set and chill coated shrimp.
Thermometer: Recommended to check oil temperature for precise frying.
Tongs: Helpful for safely handling and turning shrimp while frying.
This bang bang shrimp recipe brings zesty, crispy seafood magic from Asian-inspired kitchens. Spicy, creamy sauce and perfectly golden shrimp create an irresistible dish you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
1 lb (454 g) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
¾ cup (96 g) cornstarch
½ cup (120 ml) buttermilk
1 tbsp cayenne pepper
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Vegetable oil (enough for frying)
½ cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
¼ cup (60 ml) chili-garlic sauce
2 tsp sriracha
1 tbsp pure honey
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp lemon juice
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Chili flakes (for garnish)
Instructions
Sauce Preparation: Whisk sauce ingredients in a mixing bowl until thoroughly blended, creating a smooth consistency. Refrigerate to allow flavors to develop and intensify.
Oil Heating: Fill a large pot with vegetable oil and heat to 375 degrees fahrenheit, ensuring an ideal frying environment for the shrimp.
Shrimp Marination: Immerse shrimp in buttermilk, completely coating each piece while oil reaches the optimal temperature. Simultaneously, create a crispy coating by mixing cornstarch, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a separate bowl.
Breading Process: Drain shrimp from buttermilk, pat dry, and meticulously coat each piece with the seasoned cornstarch mixture. Transfer to a chilled plate and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to help breading adhere and create a crisp exterior.
Frying Technique: Gently lower breaded shrimp into the hot oil, cooking until they achieve a rich golden-brown color. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, ensuring thorough cooking and maximum crunchiness.
Draining and Finishing: Remove shrimp from oil and place on paper towels to absorb excess grease. Immediately toss warm shrimp in prepared bang bang sauce, ensuring complete and generous coating.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and chili flakes for added flavor and visual appeal. Present the dish hot, showcasing the crispy, saucy shrimp in all their delectable glory.
Notes
Chill Breading for Crunch: Refrigerating coated shrimp helps breading stick better and creates an extra crispy exterior.
Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain exact 375°F for perfect golden-brown frying without greasiness or burning.
Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess buttermilk before coating to ensure crisp, even breading that adheres perfectly.
Sauce Resting Tip: Letting sauce sit briefly in refrigerator allows flavors to develop and intensify for a more complex taste profile.
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Degree: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, kitchen management, and food safety. Gained hands-on experience in preparing diverse cuisines and understanding flavor profiles
Oregon Culinary Institute
Program: Baking and Pastry Certificate
Focus: Specialized education in baking fundamentals, pastry arts, and dessert presentation. Emphasized creativity and precision in crafting baked goods.
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.
Jessica Martin
Recipe Developer & Food Writer
Expertise
Recipe Development, Food Styling and Photography, Seasonal and Local Ingredients, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Culinary Education
Education
Portland Community College
Oregon Culinary Institute
Jessica Martin is a talented food writer and recipe creator who specializes in seasonal cooking and approachable home baking.
Educated at Portland Community College with additional pastry training from Oregon Culinary Institute, Jessica’s culinary journey spans nearly a decade of creating and sharing flavorful recipes.
Her deep appreciation for local ingredients shapes each of her recipes, making them both accessible and inspiring. At Beard and Bonnet, Jessica uses her cheerful, down-to-earth writing to help readers effortlessly bring new tastes and creative dishes into their daily routines.