Bang Bang Shrimp

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Bang Bang Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that combines irresistible crunch with a creamy, spicy twist. Inspired by popular Asian-American fusion dishes, this dish features perfectly fried shrimp coated in a rich blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Each bite is a harmony of textures and flavors—crispy on the outside, tender inside, and layered with a mildly sweet heat that keeps you coming back for more.

Perfect as an appetizer or even a quick main dish, Bang Bang Shrimp is ideal for parties, game nights, or any night you’re craving comfort food with a zesty kick. The bright garnishes of green onion and the deep golden crisp of the shrimp make it visually stunning and utterly satisfying. This is more than just shrimp—it’s an experience of bold flavors and quick, crave-worthy cooking at its best.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon Sriracha
Vegetable oil, for frying
Green onions, sliced for garnish
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

In a medium bowl, soak the shrimp in buttermilk and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
In another bowl, add cornstarch.
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
Remove shrimp from buttermilk and dredge in cornstarch to coat thoroughly.
Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha to make the bang bang sauce.
Toss fried shrimp in the sauce until fully coated.
Garnish with green onions and serve immediately.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Bang Bang Shrimp has taken the culinary world by storm, earning its place as a top-tier appetizer in both restaurants and home kitchens. Known for its explosive flavor and unforgettable texture, this dish strikes the perfect balance between spicy, creamy, sweet, and crispy. Its origins are rooted in Asian-American fusion cuisine—most notably popularized by restaurants like Bonefish Grill—but it has since evolved into a beloved comfort food staple that can be easily recreated at home with everyday ingredients.

What Makes Bang Bang Shrimp So Popular?

There’s a reason Bang Bang Shrimp regularly tops favorite appetizer lists: it’s ridiculously delicious, easy to make, and visually impressive. The crispy battered shrimp deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite, while the signature bang bang sauce—made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha—adds a creamy, spicy-sweet punch that coats the shrimp in velvety richness. This contrast of textures and flavors makes it one of those “can’t-stop-eating” dishes that delights at first bite and keeps you coming back for more.

It’s also incredibly versatile. While traditionally served as an appetizer, Bang Bang Shrimp works just as well as a main dish when paired with rice, noodles, or even tucked into tacos, lettuce wraps, or sliders. It’s a recipe that adapts to your preferences—whether you’re preparing a party platter or a cozy dinner at home.

The Appeal of Asian-American Fusion Cuisine

Bang Bang Shrimp is an excellent example of how East-meets-West cooking can elevate simple ingredients. This dish draws inspiration from traditional Asian cooking methods—such as deep-frying and the use of sweet chili sauces—and merges them with Western flavors and textures. The result is something familiar yet exciting: a dish that delivers bold flavor without requiring complicated techniques.

The bang bang sauce itself is reminiscent of classic Thai and Chinese condiments but is simplified into a creamy, punchy dressing that’s easy to whip up at home. With just three main ingredients, it brings the heat, tang, and sweetness that complement the shrimp’s natural brininess perfectly.

Why This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Is the Best

Among the many versions of Bang Bang Shrimp floating around online, this particular recipe shines for several reasons:

Simplicity – With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s accessible to beginners while still satisfying for experienced cooks.
Crisp Factor – Using cornstarch instead of flour creates a lighter, crispier coating that doesn’t feel heavy or greasy.
Perfectly Balanced Sauce – The ratio of mayonnaise to chili sauce and Sriracha is spot on, giving you a creamy base with just enough sweetness and spice to excite the palate.
Restaurant-Quality at Home – You don’t need to dine out to enjoy a gourmet-quality dish. This recipe replicates that same “wow” factor at a fraction of the cost.
Crowd-Pleaser – It’s universally loved. Whether served to kids or adults, it rarely leaves leftovers behind.

Health Considerations and Substitutions

While Bang Bang Shrimp is undeniably indulgent, it can still be modified for different dietary preferences. Want a lighter version? Try air frying or baking the shrimp instead of deep frying. Looking to cut calories? Swap out the mayo for Greek yogurt or a vegan alternative. You can also use lettuce cups or whole grain wraps to make it lower-carb and more nutritious.

Shrimp itself is a great protein source that’s low in calories and rich in nutrients like iodine, selenium, and vitamin B12. It’s also high in omega-3 fatty acids and antioxidants like astaxanthin, which contribute to heart and brain health. So while this dish is rich, it does offer nutritional benefits when eaten in moderation or adapted with healthier alternatives.

Serving Ideas That Take It to the Next Level

Bang Bang Shrimp is delicious on its own, but it can also be served in creative ways:

Appetizer – Pile them high on a serving plate with toothpicks for dipping and garnish with chopped scallions or sesame seeds.
Main Course – Serve over jasmine rice, vermicelli noodles, or a bed of greens for a balanced meal.
Tacos – Spoon the shrimp into soft corn tortillas and top with slaw, avocado, and lime.
Lettuce Wraps – A low-carb option where the crispy shrimp is the star and lettuce adds a refreshing crunch.
Sliders – Add to mini buns with pickles, coleslaw, and extra sauce for a party snack that’ll disappear in seconds.

Perfect for Any Occasion

What truly sets Bang Bang Shrimp apart is its flexibility. Hosting a party? It’s an easy finger food. Planning a dinner for two? It’s romantic and indulgent. Need a game-day snack? It’s spicy, satisfying, and pairs beautifully with cold drinks. From casual gatherings to festive dinners, this shrimp recipe fits the bill.

Tips for the Best Results

Don’t Overcrowd the Pan – Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even crispiness.
Pat Shrimp Dry – Excess moisture can cause oil splatter and affect the crisp texture.
Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh shrimp and quality condiments make a noticeable difference.
Serve Immediately – This dish is best enjoyed hot and crispy right after tossing in the sauce.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp is a modern classic that delivers on all fronts: flavor, texture, appearance, and versatility. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when paired with the right technique and flavors, can create an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re preparing it for a casual lunch or an elegant appetizer, this shrimp dish never fails to impress. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious, Bang Bang Shrimp deserves a permanent place in your culinary rotation. Add it to your recipe box, and watch it become your new favorite.