Bang Bang Shrimp

The irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp delivers restaurant style flavor in the comfort of your kitchen. Crispy golden shrimp are fried to perfection, then coated in a bold, creamy sauce made with Thai chili, sriracha, and mayo. It’s the ultimate marriage of texture and flavor sweet, spicy, and just a little tangy.

Whether you serve them as a show stopping appetizer or a flavorful main course, these shrimp are guaranteed to be the star of the table. Toss them over rice for a satisfying bowl, wrap them in lettuce or tortillas for tacos, or enjoy them on their own with a cold drink. This versatile recipe will quickly become your go-to for quick yet impressive meals.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb raw shrimp, deveined & peeled

• Oil for frying (canola, olive, or avocado)

Bang Bang Sauce:

• ⅔ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 Tbsp sriracha

Milk Mixture:

• ½ cup whole milk

• 2 Tbsp sour cream

• 2 tsp lemon juice

Flour Mixture:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp ground black pepper

• ¼ tsp paprika

Directions:

1. Prepare the Bang Bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and sriracha in a bowl. Set aside.

2. Pat shrimp dry, remove tails, and dredge them in the milk mixture (milk, sour cream, lemon juice).

3. In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. Coat each shrimp generously in this dry mix.

4. Heat 1-1½ inches of oil in a skillet to 325°F.

5. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the skillet.

6. Once fried, transfer shrimp to a bowl and gently toss with the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.

7. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes
Kcal: 406 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Bang Bang Shrimp: A Crispy, Creamy Classic Worth Obsessing Over

When it comes to appetizers that hit all the right notes crispy, creamy, spicy, and satisfyingly savory Bang Bang Shrimp stands tall as a fan favorite. This popular dish, often ordered at restaurants like Bonefish Grill, has earned cult status for its bold flavor profile and addictive texture. But what if we told you that making it at home can be just as good if not better than the restaurant version?

Bang Bang Shrimp is more than just a trendy starter; it’s a celebration of contrasts. Each bite offers a crunch from the golden-fried shrimp coating, followed by a silky, spicy sweet bang bang sauce that lingers beautifully on the palate. Whether you’re planning an elegant dinner party, a casual game night, or simply want to treat yourself, this dish deserves a place at your table.

Let’s take a deep dive into what makes this dish so irresistible and how you can elevate it in your own kitchen.

The Origins of Bang Bang Shrimp

The origins of Bang Bang Shrimp can be traced back to Asian American fusion cuisine, where chefs took inspiration from Southeast Asian flavor profiles particularly Thai cuisine and reimagined them for a Western audience. Though the exact cultural lineage is up for debate, most people associate Bang Bang Shrimp with Bonefish Grill, a popular American seafood chain.

Bonefish Grill introduced Bang Bang Shrimp as a signature appetizer, and it quickly became a sensation. The dish’s name comes from the “bang” of heat provided by sriracha or other chili elements in the sauce. However, it’s the delicate balance of creamy mayonnaise and sweet Thai chili sauce that makes this dish so palatable to a wide range of taste buds.

Why It Works: The Flavor and Texture Equation

At its core, Bang Bang Shrimp is a masterclass in balance. The contrast of hot and cold, crunchy and creamy, sweet and spicy creates a multi-dimensional flavor experience that’s hard to forget.

• Crispiness: The shrimp are usually breaded and fried, giving them a crunchy exterior that holds up well to the sauce. The use of cornstarch or a cornstarch-flour blend ensures a light, crispy shell rather than a heavy, greasy coating.

• Creaminess: The bang bang sauce is what transforms this from just fried shrimp to something far more indulgent. The mayo base provides a creamy richness that mellows out the heat from the chili components.

• Heat and Sweetness: Sriracha brings the heat, while Thai sweet chili sauce adds a touch of sugary tang. These two components, when balanced properly, create a harmonious sauce that both excites and soothes the palate.

Together, these elements form a dish that’s not only flavorful but also wildly textural a hallmark of good fusion cooking.

Pro Tips for Preparing Bang Bang Shrimp at Home

While the recipe may seem straightforward, a few small tweaks can elevate your homemade Bang Bang Shrimp to restaurant-quality levels:

1. Temperature Control Is Key: When frying shrimp, maintaining the oil temperature around 325°F (163°C) is essential. Too hot, and your shrimp will burn on the outside before they’re cooked inside. Too cool, and you’ll end up with soggy, oil-laden shrimp.

2. Prep in Batches: Frying in small batches ensures each shrimp is evenly cooked and golden brown. Overcrowding the pan leads to a temperature drop and uneven results.

3. Dry Shrimp = Better Crunch: Before dredging in batter or flour, make sure your shrimp are completely patted dry. Moisture causes the coating to fall off or become soggy.

4. Don’t Toss Too Soon: Let the fried shrimp cool slightly on a wire rack before tossing them in sauce. This prevents the coating from becoming too soft too quickly.

5. Serve Immediately: Bang Bang Shrimp is best served fresh and hot. If you need to prep ahead, keep the sauce and shrimp separate until the moment of serving.

Creative Ways to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

One of the reasons this dish has exploded in popularity is its sheer versatility. While it’s often served as an appetizer, there are plenty of ways to turn it into a showstopping main dish:

• Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Stuff the saucy shrimp into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of lime juice for a perfect taco night.

• Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl: Serve over steamed rice or cauliflower rice, with pickled vegetables, cucumber ribbons, and fresh cilantro for a grain bowl that’s anything but boring.

• Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb twist, serve the shrimp in butter lettuce cups with a dash of sesame seeds and green onions.

• Shrimp Sliders: Tuck a few shrimp into mini brioche buns with a slice of cucumber or coleslaw for a fun party bite.

• Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce over linguine or spaghetti for a spicy seafood pasta dish that’s bold and comforting.

The flexibility of Bang Bang Shrimp makes it ideal for experimenting with different textures, cuisines, and plating styles.

Recipe Variations and Dietary Swaps

Looking to put your own spin on the classic? Here are a few variations to consider:

• Air-Fried or Baked Version: For a healthier alternative, skip the deep frying and use an air fryer or bake the shrimp until golden and crisp. You’ll retain the crunch with far less oil.

• Vegan or Vegetarian Version: Substitute shrimp with cauliflower florets or tofu cubes. The same batter and sauce can be used, creating a plant-based version that’s just as addictive.

• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch to make this dish safe for those avoiding gluten. Always double-check your sauces for gluten content as well.

• Less Spicy, More Sweet: Adjust the heat level by modifying the ratio of sriracha to sweet chili sauce. You can even add a touch of honey or pineapple juice for a tropical vibe.

Bang Bang Shrimp is forgiving and adaptable, which is part of its charm. You can truly make it your own.

The Social Media Star

If you’re a food blogger or love sharing your meals online, Bang Bang Shrimp is made for Instagram. Its golden crispy texture and glossy sauce photograph beautifully, especially when garnished with green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds. A drizzle of extra sauce and a side of lime wedges can turn a simple dish into a visual masterpiece.

It’s also a great conversation starter mention “Bang Bang Shrimp,” and you’ll instantly have people sharing their own takes or reminiscing about their favorite restaurant version.

Conclusion:

There’s something timeless and satisfying about a dish that delivers so much impact in just one bite. Bang Bang Shrimp is the kind of recipe that quickly becomes part of your regular rotation, not just because it’s delicious, but because it’s adaptable, easy to master, and downright fun to make.

Whether you’re recreating restaurant classics at home, impressing guests, or just indulging in a flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish delivers. Its perfect balance of heat, sweetness, crunch, and creaminess makes it one of those recipes that never feels tired. With each batch, you’ll find new ways to tweak and perfect it to your personal taste.

So the next time you’re thinking of what to serve at your next gathering or simply craving something bold and exciting, don’t sleep on Bang Bang Shrimp. It’s got all the flavor you want and then some.