Our Bang Bang Shrimp recipe combines crispy panko-coated shrimp with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The perfect balance of crunch and flavor makes this dish a must-try appetizer!
Our bang bang shrimp recipe delivers crispy, perfectly breaded shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, Sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. After testing in kitchens from California to our own, we’ve perfected this dish, making it a standout choice for any meal.
Versatile and flavorful, it’s great served on its own or paired with cauliflower rice, lettuce, salads, pasta, or tacos. A true seafood lover’s delight!
If you’re looking for more spicy appetizers, check out our Chili Chees Fries, Homemade Sriracha Mayo, and Loaded Steak Nachos!
Why You Will Love Our Bang Bang Shrimp
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding extra Sriracha for an even spicier kick.
- Versatile: Whether as an appetizer or main course, it’s perfect for dinner parties or cozy meals.
- Multipurpose Sauce: The flavorful sauce is great on more than just shrimp — use it with potatoes, chicken wings, sandwiches, or as a chip dip!
- Cooking Options: Choose between deep frying with sunflower oil for crispy perfection or a healthier option using an air fryer.
How to Make Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
Prepare the Shrimp – Start by thawing, peeling, and deveining your shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels, then dip each shrimp in buttermilk.
Coat the Shrimp – In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Coat each shrimp with the dry mixture, pressing it down for an even breading.
Heat the Oil – In a skillet, heat about ½ inch of sunflower or neutral oil over medium-high heat. For best results, use a cast-iron skillet to maintain consistent temperature.
Fry the Shrimp – Fry the shrimp for 2 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Drain excess oil on paper towels.
Make the Sauce – In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth and well combined.
Serve – Drizzle the sauce over the shrimp, garnishing with fresh green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Pro Tips
Add Sauce Just Before Serving: Drizzle the sauce over the shrimp right before serving to maintain their crispiness.
Storing Leftovers: Store any leftover shrimp in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Sauce Storage: Keep leftover Bang Bang sauce in an airtight container for up to 7 days for maximum freshness.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Buttermilk: Make a quick substitute by mixing white vinegar with regular milk and letting it sit until it thickens.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko absorbs less oil than regular breadcrumbs, offering a lighter, flakier texture perfect for shrimp.
- Sunflower Oil: While ideal for frying, vegetable, canola, or avocado oil also works as a great alternative.
- Mayonnaise: For a lighter sauce, swap mayonnaise with full-fat Greek yogurt, maintaining the creamy richness without the extra calories.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This brings the signature tang and sweetness to our shrimp sauce, balancing the dish’s spice and richness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use an air fryer to cook shrimp?
Yes, air-frying works great for shrimp! Set the air fryer to 380°F and lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives a crispy, golden finish without the oil!
How to reheat Bang Bang Shrimp?
While Bang Bang Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, reheating is still a great option. For the best results, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and heat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes. Alternatively, use the air fryer for a crispy finish. Remember, don’t add the Bang Bang sauce until you’re ready to serve, as it can make the shrimp soggy if reheated.
Can I use bread crumbs instead of panko?
Yes, you can substitute bread crumbs for panko. While the texture may not be as crispy, the flavor will still be delicious.
Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
- 1 lb Shrimp
- ½ cup Buttermilk
- 3 tbsp Cornstarch
- ¼ cup All-Purpose Flour
- ½ cup Panko
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Salt
- Sunflower Oil for frying
Sauce
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tsp Sriracha
Instructions
- Coat the shrimp in buttermilk. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, panko, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt, then toss the shrimp in the mixture. Press down to ensure an even coating.
- Heat sunflower or any neutral oil in a skillet, about ½ inch deep. A cast-iron skillet works best as it retains heat well.
- Fry the shrimp for 2 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- To make the Bang Bang sauce, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
- Serve the shrimp warm, drizzled with sauce and garnished with fresh green onions.