This bang bang shrimp recipe fries buttermilk-marinated shrimp until golden and crispy, then tosses them in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, chili sauce, and a touch of honey. This easy copycat appetizer recipe takes about 30 minutes and remains one of the most-requested restaurant dishes people want to recreate at home.
Recipe at a Glance
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Category: Appetizer, main dish
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp
- This bang bang shrimp recipe nails the crispy-then-saucy texture of the restaurant original.
- The sweet-spicy sauce comes together in minutes with pantry staples.
- Ready in about 30 minutes, making it realistic for a weeknight appetizer or light dinner.
- A genuine crowd-pleaser at parties, since the flavor is universally loved.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha
- 1 tbsp honey
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
- Marinate the shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- Mix the cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture.
- Fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey for the sauce.
- Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying this bang bang shrimp recipe, since shrimp cooks quickly and needs room to crisp evenly.
- Toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving to keep the coating crispy.
- Adjust the sriracha up or down to control the heat level of the sauce.
- Pat the shrimp dry after marinating for the crispiest coating.
Variations to Try
- Serve over rice or in lettuce wraps for a full meal.
- Air fry at 400°F for about 8 minutes instead of deep frying, for a lighter version.
- Add a squeeze of lime to the sauce for extra brightness.
How to Store It
Best enjoyed fresh. Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, though the coating will soften.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does bang bang shrimp come from?
Bang bang shrimp is a popular dish inspired by restaurant menus, known for its crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy sweet-spicy sauce.
Can I make bang bang shrimp ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, since the crispy coating softens once tossed in sauce and stored, though the sauce itself can be made ahead.
Can I air fry instead of deep frying?
Yes, air fry at 400°F for about 8 minutes, shaking halfway, for a lighter version with a similar crispy result.
Is this recipe very spicy?
It has a mild-to-moderate heat from the sriracha, easily adjusted up or down to taste.
Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Marinate shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- Step 2: Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper.
- Step 3: Dredge shrimp in the flour mixture.
- Step 4: Fry at 350°F (175°C) for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden.
- Tip: Don't overcrowd the pan so the shrimp crisps evenly.
- Step 5: Whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey for the sauce.
- Step 6: Toss the shrimp in the sauce and serve immediately.