Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, spicy, and creamy appetizer that has become a modern classic in American-Asian fusion cuisine. The dish features crispy shrimp coated in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce, giving it a bold flavor that’s irresistible. Typically served as an appetizer, Bang Bang Shrimp has also become a favorite as a main dish when paired with rice or noodles.

The combination of lightly fried shrimp and the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce creates a perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s bold, comforting, and impressive enough to serve at parties, yet easy enough to make at home for a weeknight treat.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Bang Bang Shrimp because it’s crispy, saucy, and addictive all at once. The sauce is creamy with a kick of heat, which perfectly complements the crunchy, golden shrimp. It’s simple to make, yet tastes like something you’d order in a restaurant. The dish is also versatile—you can make it healthier by baking the shrimp instead of frying or pair it with rice bowls for a hearty meal.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Flavor-packed: Crispy shrimp coated in creamy, spicy sauce.
• Quick and easy: Ready in about 30 minutes.
• Impressive: Looks and tastes restaurant-quality.
• Versatile: Great as appetizer, main dish, or party snack.
• Crowd-pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~400 kcal per serving

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Appetizer / Main Dish
• Cuisine: American / Asian Fusion

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra crispiness)
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 2 eggs, beaten
• Vegetable oil, for frying (or spray for air fryer/baking)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to desired spice level)
• 1 tsp honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for tang)

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds
• Lime wedges

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Prepare shrimp: season, coat, and fry (or bake).
2. Mix Bang Bang sauce.
3. Toss cooked shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately with garnish.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

1. Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
2. Season shrimp with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
3. Set up dredging station: one bowl with flour/cornstarch and one bowl with beaten eggs.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

1. Dip shrimp in flour/cornstarch, then into egg, and back into flour for extra crispiness.
2. Shake off excess flour.

Step 3: Fry or Bake the Shrimp

Frying Method:

1. Heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
3. Drain on paper towels.

Baking Method:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Place coated shrimp on a lined baking sheet and lightly spray with oil.
3. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.

Air Fryer Method:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place shrimp in a single layer and cook 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness if desired.

Step 5: Toss Shrimp in Sauce

1. Place cooked shrimp in a large bowl.
2. Pour Bang Bang sauce over shrimp and toss gently until all shrimp are evenly coated.

Step 6: Serve

• Transfer shrimp to a serving plate.
• Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges.
• Serve immediately as an appetizer, or over rice for a main dish.

How to Serve

• Serve as an appetizer with toothpicks or lettuce cups.
• Serve as a main dish over white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice.
• Pair with steamed vegetables or a crisp salad for a complete meal.
• Add extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Recipe Tips

• Crispiness: For extra crispy shrimp, double-dredge in flour/cornstarch.
• Sauce consistency: Make sauce ahead and adjust spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha.
• Even cooking: Shrimp cook very fast—don’t overcrowd the pan.
• Air fryer: Use cooking spray to achieve golden crispiness without deep frying.
• Serving: Toss shrimp in sauce just before serving to keep crispiness.

Variations

1. Spicy Garlic Bang Bang Shrimp: Add 1 tsp minced garlic to the sauce.
2. Creamy Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp: Mix 1 tbsp coconut milk into the sauce for a tropical flavor.
3. Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Serve in tortillas with shredded cabbage and extra sauce.
4. Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls: Serve over rice or quinoa with avocado, corn, and sliced peppers.
5. Baked Healthier Version: Use panko coating and bake instead of frying.

Freezing and Storage

To Store:

• Refrigerate cooked shrimp in an airtight container for up to 1 day (sauce may make them slightly less crispy).

To Freeze:

• Freeze uncooked, coated shrimp on a baking sheet, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months.
• Cook directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to cooking time.

Special Equipment Needed

• Deep skillet or frying pan (for frying)
• Baking sheet with parchment paper (for baking)
• Air fryer (optional)
• Small mixing bowl for sauce
• Whisk and tongs or spatula

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, creamy, and spicy dish that is easy to make at home yet tastes like it belongs in a restaurant. Perfect as an appetizer, main dish, or party favorite, this recipe combines texture, flavor, and heat in a way that’s addictive and crowd-pleasing.

Serve it over rice, as tacos, or on its own for a bold, flavorful meal that everyone will love.