Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, crunchy, and flavor-packed dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a light, golden batter and tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The combination of crispy fried shrimp and the signature Bang Bang sauce—made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha—creates an irresistible bite that’s both crunchy and saucy in all the right ways.

I first made Bang Bang Shrimp when I was craving a restaurant-style appetizer at home, and it instantly became a favorite. The shrimp were perfectly crispy, and the sauce had just the right balance of heat and sweetness. Every bite was bold, creamy, and packed with flavor, making it hard to stop at just one!

What’s great about Bang Bang Shrimp is how easy it is to customize. You can bake or air-fry the shrimp for a lighter version, or even swap the shrimp for chicken or cauliflower to mix things up. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or as an appetizer with a sprinkle of green onions and sesame seeds. Whether for a party or a quick weeknight meal, this dish is always a hit!

Perfect for:

Appetizers
Party snacks
Family gatherings
Seafood lovers
Quick weeknight dinners

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe will become your go-to seafood dish:

Perfectly Crispy Shrimp: Each shrimp is crispy on the outside while tender on the inside.
Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The creamy sauce has the perfect balance of heat from sriracha and sweetness from the chili sauce.
Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this dish comes together in no time.
Flavor-Packed: The crispy shrimp are coated in a savory sauce that’s a delicious explosion of flavor.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a party, this dish fits any event.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for salads or rice.
Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time for easy assembly later.
Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less sriracha to the sauce.
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is always a crowd favorite, perfect for impressing your guests.
Gluten-Free Option: Easily make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free flour for the shrimp batter.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 30 minutes
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 22g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup cold sparkling water (or cold water)
Vegetable oil, for frying

The Bang Bang Sauce:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

For Garnish (Optional):

Chopped green onions
Sesame seeds

Ingredient Highlights

Shrimp: Sweet, tender shrimp create the perfect base for this dish.
Sparkling Water in Batter: The carbonation creates a light, crispy coating on the shrimp.
Bang Bang Sauce: A creamy sauce with a spicy kick and a touch of sweetness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Shrimp Batter:

Prepare the Batter: In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the cold sparkling water, stirring until the batter is smooth and thick.
Heat Oil: In a deep pan or wok, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) for frying.

Fry the Shrimp:

Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place the battered shrimp into the hot oil. Fry in batches, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth.

Assemble the Dish:

Toss the Shrimp: In a large bowl, toss the crispy shrimp with the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

Here are 10 serving suggestions for Bang Bang Shrimp:

As an Appetizer: Serve as a crunchy, flavorful starter for a meal.
With Rice: Pair with steamed white rice for a complete meal.
On a Salad: Serve over a bed of greens for a light and tasty salad.
With Dipping Sauce: Offer extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
As a Wrap: Place the shrimp in a tortilla wrap for a delicious seafood sandwich.
With Noodles: Toss the shrimp with noodles for a satisfying dinner.
On Tacos: Use the shrimp as a topping for fish tacos.
With Grilled Vegetables: Serve with grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
For Parties: Make a large batch for guests to snack on at gatherings.
With a Cold Drink: Pair with a chilled mocktail for a fun, casual meal.

Additional Tips

Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will give your dish a tender, juicy texture. If using frozen shrimp, ensure it’s completely thawed and patted dry to avoid sogginess.
Crispy Coating: For extra crispiness, coat the shrimp in cornstarch before dipping in the batter. This creates a crunchy exterior after frying.
Spice Adjustment: If you prefer a milder flavor, adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Start with a small amount and taste-test until you reach your desired heat level.
Double Dipping: For extra crunch, try double-dipping the shrimp in the batter and breadcrumbs. It adds a thicker, crunchier coating.
Use a Deep Fryer: A deep fryer maintains consistent oil temperature for evenly crispy shrimp. If you don’t have one, use a thermometer to monitor the oil when frying.
Toss in Sauce at the Last Minute: Toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving to prevent them from becoming soggy.
Serve with Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime just before serving adds a zesty, refreshing kick that balances the richness of the shrimp and sauce.
Pair with a Crunchy Side: Serve with a crunchy side, like a simple slaw or crispy fries, to complement the texture of the shrimp.
Make it a Meal: Serve Bang Bang Shrimp over a bed of rice or noodles for a more filling main course.
Garnish with Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions add a burst of color and a slight onion flavor that brightens up the dish.

Recipe Variations

Crispy Bang Bang Fish: Swap shrimp for white fish fillets like cod or tilapia.
Spicy Bang Bang Tofu: Use crispy tofu as a vegetarian alternative to shrimp.
Bang Bang Cauliflower: For a plant-based option, try crispy battered cauliflower instead of shrimp.
Mango Bang Bang Shrimp: Add a hint of sweetness with diced mango mixed into the sauce.
Bang Bang Sweet Potato Fries: Pair with crispy sweet potato fries for an added twist.
Lime Zest Bang Bang Shrimp: Add fresh lime zest to the sauce for a zesty flavor.
Baked Bang Bang Shrimp: Bake the shrimp instead of frying for a lighter version.

Special Equipment

Deep Fryer or Wok: For frying the shrimp to crispy perfection.
Whisk: For making the batter and the sauce.
Tongs: For safely handling the hot shrimp.
Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried shrimp.
Large Bowl: For tossing the shrimp in the sauce.

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp work well—just be sure to thaw and pat them dry before using.
How long can I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp?
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the shrimp will lose their crispiness.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the shrimp is best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and fry the shrimp just before serving.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What can I substitute for sparkling water in the batter?
If you don’t have sparkling water, regular cold water or club soda will work.
How can I make this recipe spicier?
Add more sriracha to the sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on the shrimp.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and cook the shrimp in batches to ensure they stay crispy.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, substitute the shrimp with crispy battered cauliflower or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Can I use a different type of sauce?
Yes, you can experiment with different sauces like teriyaki or garlic butter for a unique twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free flour in the batter and ensure your sauces are gluten-free.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful dish featuring tender shrimp coated in a light, crunchy batter and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. The signature Bang Bang sauce is a mouthwatering blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha, creating the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and creaminess. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch followed by a burst of bold, tangy flavor, making this dish absolutely irresistible.

What makes Bang Bang Shrimp so special is its perfect combination of textures and flavors—the crispy shrimp, the creamy, spicy sauce, and the slight sweetness that ties everything together. It’s great as an appetizer, served over rice for a full meal, or even wrapped in lettuce or tacos for a fresh twist.

I can’t wait to see how your Bang Bang Shrimp turns out! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your delicious creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made it your own—I’d love to hear about your personal twist on this crunchy, spicy dish!