Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe – Crispy Shrimp with Creamy Spicy Sauce

Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious crispy shrimp appetizer tossed in a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce. This easy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe features golden, crunchy shrimp coated in a flavorful homemade bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce and hot sauce.

The shrimp are lightly coated, fried until crisp and then tossed with the creamy sauce just before serving. The combination of crunchy shrimp, creamy sauce, sweetness and a little heat makes this an irresistible appetizer.

If you love restaurant-style shrimp recipes, this easy Bang Bang Shrimp is perfect for serving as an appetizer, party snack or even as part of a quick weeknight dinner.

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular crispy shrimp dish served with a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce.

The shrimp are usually coated in a light breading, fried until golden and crispy, and then tossed with a sauce made from mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce.

The name “Bang Bang Shrimp” is commonly associated with the popular appetizer served at American restaurants, particularly the dish made famous by Bonefish Grill.

This homemade version is easy to make and gives you crispy shrimp with a delicious creamy bang bang sauce right in your own kitchen.

Why you’ll love this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe

• Crispy and crunchy: The shrimp are fried until golden and crisp.
• Sweet and spicy: The homemade sauce has the perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
• Easy to make: The ingredients are simple and the recipe comes together quickly.
• Restaurant-style: You can enjoy your favorite crispy shrimp appetizer at home.
• Perfect party appetizer: Serve it at game nights, parties, family gatherings or dinner parties.
• Easy to customize: Adjust the hot sauce and chili sauce according to your preferred spice level.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp

For the shrimp

Shrimp: Use peeled and deveined shrimp. Medium or large shrimp work well for this recipe.

In the U.S., shrimp are often sold by size or count per pound. Choose medium-large or large shrimp so they remain juicy after frying.

Cornstarch: Cornstarch gives the shrimp a light, crisp coating.

All-purpose flour: Flour helps create a crunchy coating around the shrimp.

Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, black pepper and salt add flavor to the coating.

Oil: Use a neutral cooking oil suitable for frying.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the sauce.

Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness, mild heat and a glossy finish.

Hot sauce: Adds extra heat. Adjust the quantity to your taste.

Lime juice: A little fresh lime juice balances the richness of the mayonnaise.

Honey: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps balance the heat.

How to Make Bonefish Grill’s Famous Bang Bang Shrimp at Home

Step 1: Prepare the shrimp

Peel and devein the shrimp if necessary.

Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels.

Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better and gives you crispier shrimp.

Step 2: Season the shrimp

Add the shrimp to a bowl.

Season with salt, black pepper, paprika and garlic powder.

Mix well so the seasonings coat the shrimp evenly.

Step 3: Prepare the coating

In a separate bowl, combine all-purpose flour and cornstarch.

Mix well.

Add the seasoned shrimp and toss until each piece is lightly coated.

Shake off any excess coating.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

Add mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey and fresh lime juice to a bowl.

Mix until smooth and creamy.

Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or heat according to your preference.

For a spicier sauce, add more hot sauce.

For a milder sauce, reduce the hot sauce.

Keep the sauce aside.

Step 5: Fry the shrimp

Heat oil in a deep skillet or kadai over medium-high heat.

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated shrimp in batches.

Do not overcrowd the pan because this can lower the oil temperature and make the shrimp less crispy.

Fry the shrimp until golden brown and cooked through.

Remove them using a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack to drain excess oil.

Repeat with the remaining shrimp.

Step 6: Toss the shrimp with the sauce

Place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl.

Pour the Bang Bang Sauce over the shrimp.

Gently toss until all the shrimp are coated.

Do this just before serving so that the shrimp retain as much crispiness as possible.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Transfer the Bang Bang Shrimp to a serving plate.

Garnish with chopped cilantro, green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Serve immediately.

How to serve Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is delicious as an appetizer, but you can also turn it into a complete meal.

Serve it with:

• Steamed jasmine rice
• Fried rice
• Coconut rice
• Noodles
• Coleslaw
• Asian-style cucumber salad
• Lettuce cups
• Tacos

For a party, serve the shrimp on a platter with extra Bang Bang Sauce on the side.

Tips for crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Pat the shrimp dry

Moisture is one of the biggest enemies of crispy fried shrimp. Pat the shrimp completely dry before coating.

Use cornstarch

Cornstarch helps create a lighter and crispier coating.

Don’t overcrowd the pan

Fry the shrimp in batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy shrimp.

Make the sauce ahead

The Bang Bang Sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated until needed.

Toss just before serving

Don’t leave the fried shrimp sitting in the sauce for too long. Toss them immediately before serving for the best texture.

Adjust the heat

The amount of hot sauce can easily be adjusted. Add more for spicy Bang Bang Shrimp or reduce it for a milder version.

What does Bang Bang Shrimp taste like?

Bang Bang Shrimp has a combination of sweet, creamy, tangy and spicy flavors.

The shrimp are crunchy on the outside and tender inside, while the creamy sauce adds sweetness and heat.

The flavor is rich but balanced by the fresh lime juice.

Is Bang Bang Shrimp spicy?

It can be.

The spice level mainly depends on the amount and type of hot sauce used.

For mild Bang Bang Shrimp, use a small amount of hot sauce.

For spicy shrimp, add additional hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes.

Frozen shrimp work very well in this recipe. Thaw them completely and pat them very dry before seasoning and coating.

Avoid frying shrimp while they are still frozen because excess moisture can cause the oil to splatter and prevent the coating from becoming crisp.

What size shrimp should I use?

Medium-large or large shrimp are ideal.

You can use smaller shrimp, but they cook very quickly and can become overcooked more easily.

For an appetizer, larger shrimp also make a better presentation.

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp in an air fryer?

Yes.

To air fry the shrimp, arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket.

Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking oil and air fry until golden and cooked through, turning them halfway through cooking.

The exact cooking time depends on the size of the shrimp and your air fryer.

Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking oil and air fry until golden and cooked through, turning them halfway through cooking.

The exact cooking time depends on the size of the shrimp and your air fryer.

Once cooked, toss the shrimp with the Bang Bang Sauce immediately before serving.

Can I bake Bang Bang Shrimp?

Yes.

Arrange the coated shrimp in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet.

Lightly spray the shrimp with oil and bake in a preheated oven until golden and cooked through, turning halfway through.

Because shrimp cook quickly, avoid overcooking them.

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and coat the shrimp ahead of time, but for the crispiest result, fry or air fry the shrimp shortly before serving.

If the shrimp are tossed in sauce too early, the coating will soften.

How do I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp?

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

For the best texture, reheat the shrimp in an air fryer or oven rather than a microwave.

Keep leftover sauce refrigerated separately when possible.

Can I use Bang Bang Sauce for other seafood?

Absolutely.

The creamy sweet-and-spicy Bang Bang Sauce is delicious with:

• Fish
• Calamari
• Crab cakes
• Salmon
• Chicken
• Crispy tofu

You can also use it as a dipping sauce for fries, vegetables or chicken tenders.

Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce

The sauce is one of the best parts of this recipe.

The combination of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey and lime juice creates a sauce that is sweet, tangy, creamy and spicy.

If you like spicy food, increase the hot sauce.

If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add a little more honey or sweet chili sauce.

More shrimp recipes to try

If you love shrimp and seafood recipes, try some of my other favorites. My Prawns 65 is another crispy, spicy appetizer, while Prawns Pepper Fry is a flavorful Indian-style seafood dish with bold pepper and spices.

For a comforting rice dish, try my Goan Prawn Pulao with Coconut Milk, which combines shrimp with fragrant rice and coconut milk.

If you enjoy Indo-Chinese flavors, my Prawns Manchurian is another delicious option.

Final thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp is an easy appetizer that combines everything you want in a party-friendly dish—crispy shrimp, a creamy sauce, sweetness, tanginess and a little heat.

The key to getting the best results is to keep the shrimp dry before coating, fry them in batches and toss them with the sauce immediately before serving.

Make this easy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe at home and serve it as an appetizer, party snack or delicious seafood dinner.

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