Recipe for Golden Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Cream Sauce

Bang bang shrimp has become a sensation for good reason, combining addictive textures and bold flavors in one unbeatable dish.

Crispy on the outside and tender within, it satisfies cravings for something special without requiring restaurant prices or advanced cooking skills.

The name alone hints at the exciting punch of flavor that makes every bite memorable.

Perfect for entertaining friends or simply treating yourself to something delicious on a weeknight, it works equally well as an appetizer or main course.

You can serve it at casual gatherings or fancy dinner parties with equal success.

The combination of crunch and creamy coating has won over countless fans across the country.

Make it once and you'll understand why everyone keeps coming back for more.

Why Bang Bang Shrimp Goes Viral

• Quick Weeknight Dinner: This crispy shrimp comes together faster than ordering takeout, giving your family a restaurant-quality meal without the wait or expense.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The bang bang sauce delivers a perfect balance of creamy, spicy kick that transforms plain shrimp into something special your guests will be talking about.
• Customizable Heat Level: By adjusting sriracha and chili sauce, your dinner can be mild for kids or extra spicy for heat lovers, making this a flexible recipe for different taste preferences.
• Surprisingly Simple Technique: With just a few basic ingredients and straightforward coating method, even kitchen newbies can create a seriously delicious seafood dish that looks impressive.

What Ingredients Make Bang Bang Shrimp So Good?

• Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined): These ocean gems will be the center of your crispy, saucy adventure. Choose medium-sized shrimp for the best texture and coating.

• Cornstarch (1/4 cup): This magical powder helps create an extra-crispy exterior on your shrimp.
• Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Adds tangy flavor and helps the coating stick perfectly to each shrimp.
• Flour (1/2 cup): Combines with cornstarch to create a light, crunchy coating that locks in flavor.

• Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Provides a creamy base for your bang bang sauce that brings everything together.
• Sweet Chili Sauce (1/4 cup): Adds a sweet and slightly spicy kick to your sauce.
• Sriracha (1-2 teaspoons): Optional ingredient for those who want an extra heat boost in their sauce. Adjust to match your personal spice tolerance.

What Tools Are Needed for Bang Bang Shrimp

• Large Skillet or Wok: Perfect for deep-frying your shrimp with plenty of room to move around without crowding.
• Mixing Bowls (3): One for flour mixture, one for buttermilk, and one for tossing shrimp with sauce – these keep your coating process organized and mess-free.
• Whisk: Essential for blending flour mixture and creating smooth, lump-free sauces quickly.
• Tongs: Great for safely moving shrimp in and out of hot oil without splashing or burning yourself.
• Paper Towel-Lined Plate: Helps drain excess oil from your crispy shrimp, keeping them crunchy instead of soggy.
• Small Mixing Bowl: Ideal for mixing Bang Bang sauce ingredients with precision.
• Thermometer (Optional): Helps confirm your oil reaches the perfect 350°F for crispy, golden shrimp.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensure accurate sauce and coating ingredient proportions for consistent results.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Which Tips Elevate Bang Bang Shrimp

• Thoroughly pat shrimp with paper towels to remove moisture, ensuring your coating sticks perfectly and creates that crispy exterior.
• Dip each shrimp first in buttermilk, then generously coat with the flour-cornstarch mix for maximum crunch and texture.
• Keep your oil around 350°F to guarantee golden, crispy shrimp without burning – a digital thermometer helps nail this crucial detail.
• Start with small amounts of chili sauce and sriracha, tasting as you mix to create your perfect bang bang sauce heat level.
• Toss shrimp in sauce just before serving to maintain that incredible crispiness everyone loves.

What Bang Bang Shrimp Variations Are Common

• Gluten-Free Shrimp Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or rice flour to make the coating crispy and safe for gluten-sensitive friends. Adjust the flour amount 1:1 for the original recipe.
• Baked Crispy Alternative: Skip frying and bake the shrimp on a wire rack at 425°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to get that same golden crunch without extra oil.
• Vegan Seafood Swap: Trade shrimp for cauliflower or oyster mushrooms, keeping the same coating and Bang Bang sauce technique for a plant-based version that delivers similar texture and flavor.
• Low-Carb Protein Option: Substitute flour mixture with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining a crispy exterior for your shrimp.

Best Ways to Enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp

• Perfectly Plate Your Shrimp: Arrange the crispy shrimp on a white platter with a small bowl of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. Your guests will love the restaurant-style presentation.
• Create a Balanced Meal: Serve these shrimp over coconut rice or alongside a crunchy Asian slaw. The creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with something light and fresh to balance the richness.
• Choose the Right Drink Companion: Grab a cold beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. The bright, refreshing drink cuts through the spicy, creamy sauce beautifully.
• Maximize Your Leftovers: Chop leftover shrimp and toss into a salad or wrap for a quick lunch. The Bang Bang sauce adds fantastic flavor to your next meal.

Smart Storage Advice for Bang Bang Shrimp

• Refrigerate leftover shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days, separating the sauce to keep the coating crisp and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat refrigerated shrimp in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness, which works better than a microwave that’ll make your coating soft.
• Avoid freezing the crispy shrimp, as the coating will lose its texture and become mushy when thawed, compromising the delightful crunch.
• If you have extra Bang Bang sauce, store it separately in the fridge for up to a week and use as a dipping sauce for other seafood or chicken dishes.

Bang Bang Shrimp Frequently Asked Questions

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 16-18 minutes
• Yield: 3 to 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Bang Bang Shrimp will have your taste buds dancing with crispy, creamy goodness that keeps you coming back for more. Grab some shrimp, whip up this addictive sauce, and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll become your new favorite appetizer.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 lb shrimp

Dry Ingredients:

• ½ cup flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch

Wet and Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 teaspoons sriracha

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Clear and dry 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp using paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
2. Create two separate bowls: one with ½ cup flour and ¼ cup cornstarch mixed together, another with ½ cup buttermilk.
3. Dunk each shrimp into buttermilk, then thoroughly coat with the flour-cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere.
4. Pour vegetable oil into a large pan, heating to 350°F over medium-high heat. Your oil should be deep enough to cover half the shrimp.
5. Carefully place coated shrimp into hot oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes per side until your shrimp turn golden brown and crisp.
6. Transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping them warm.
7. Whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, and 1-2 teaspoons sriracha in a separate bowl.
8. Drop hot shrimp into the sauce, gently tossing until each piece is completely covered in the creamy, spicy coating.
9. Transfer sauced shrimp to a serving platter, sprinkling with chopped green onions for a fresh garnish.
10. Serve immediately while shrimp remain hot and crispy, paired with rice or as a standalone appetizer.

Notes

• Drying the shrimp thoroughly ensures the coating sticks perfectly and creates an extra crispy exterior.
• Use a thermometer to check oil temperature, which guarantees consistent cooking and prevents soggy breading.
• For a gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with rice flour or a gluten-free all-purpose blend.
• Adjust the Bang Bang sauce heat level by increasing or decreasing sriracha to match your spice preference.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 minutes
• Category: Shrimp
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3 to 4
• Calories: 333 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 510 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 195 mg