Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe With Crispy Golden Coating

Crispy bang bang shrimp promises a flavor explosion that will instantly become your new favorite appetizer or main course.

Seafood enthusiasts and spice lovers unite around this wildly popular dish that combines crunchy textures with bold, creamy sauce.

Southern coastal restaurants popularized these addictive little morsels, sparking a nationwide craze for this delectable treat.

Creamy and slightly spicy, the signature sauce creates an irresistible coating that makes every bite memorable and mouthwatering.

Small gatherings or game day parties will absolutely light up when you serve these crowd-pleasing bites that disappear faster than you can plate them.

Restaurant-quality results are totally achievable right in your own kitchen, without complicated techniques or expensive ingredients.

Why Bang Bang Shrimp Shines

• Quick Crowd-Pleaser: These shrimp pack such a punch that everyone at your table will be grabbing for seconds, making dinner feel like a special event without complicated cooking skills.
• Snack or Meal Flexibility: Whether serving as an appetizer for game day or a main course with rice, these crispy shrimp adapt perfectly to whatever meal plan your kitchen needs.
• Spice Level Control: The sauce lets you customize heat by adjusting Sriracha, so your family can enjoy bold flavors without overwhelming sensitive palates.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a restaurant-style dish that tastes like it came from a professional kitchen, without spending big money.

Ingredients You’ll Need For Bang Bang Shrimp

• 1 lb Large Shrimp: Fresh seafood that delivers a perfect protein punch for your crispy dish.
• 1 cup Cornstarch: The magical powder that helps create an incredibly crisp exterior for your shrimp.
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Buttermilk: These ingredients blend together to create a smooth, tangy foundation for your sauce.
• 1/4 cup Sweet Chili Sauce, 2 tablespoons Sriracha, 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar: These sauces bring a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes.
• 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings provide essential flavor and enhance the natural taste of your shrimp.
• Chopped Green Onions: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a crisp, light flavor and beautiful color to your finished dish.

Required Kitchen Tools for Bang Bang Shrimp

• Large Skillet: Your trusty pan needs to be deep enough to hold 1 inch of vegetable oil for frying shrimp perfectly.
• Slotted Spoon: Essential for safely removing golden brown shrimp from hot oil without extra grease.
• Medium Mixing Bowl: Perfect for creating your crispy buttermilk and cornstarch coating for the shrimp.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauce ingredients smoothly and mixing coating mixture without lumps.
• Digital Thermometer: Helps track oil temperature precisely at 375°F for ideal frying results.
• Paper Towels: Critical for drying shrimp before seasoning and draining excess oil after frying.
• Cutting Board: Handy for chopping green onions as a fresh garnish.
• Sharp Knife: Needed to finely chop green onions for a crisp topping.

Steps for Making Bang Bang Shrimp

Things Worth Knowing About Bang Bang Shrimp

• Thoroughly pat shrimp dry with paper towels to help the seasoning stick and create a crispier coating.
• Submerge each shrimp completely in the buttermilk and cornstarch mixture to get an extra crunchy exterior.
• Use a thermometer to ensure your oil hits 375°F for perfect golden-brown shrimp without greasy results.
• Fry shrimp in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding the pan.
• Whisk the sauce ingredients until completely smooth for a consistently creamy and flavorful coating on your shrimp.

Flavor Twists for Bang Bang Shrimp

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Swap cornstarch with rice flour or gluten-free flour blend to make the coating crispy and safe for your celiac friends.
• Spicy Seafood Switch: Replace shrimp with firm white fish like cod or halibut for a different protein that absorbs the zesty sauce perfectly.
• Air Fryer Shortcut: Skip deep frying and cook your shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through for an equally crisp result with less oil.
• Dairy-Free Dip: Use coconut milk instead of buttermilk and swap mayonnaise for vegan mayo to create a completely dairy-free version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Best Ways To Plate Bang Bang Shrimp

• Serve as Appetizer: Arrange these crispy shrimp on a large platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing during game nights or parties. Your guests will devour them quickly.
• Perfect Side Dishes: Pair with steamed white rice or a fresh cucumber salad to balance the spicy sauce. These light accompaniments will complement the rich, crunchy shrimp.
• Wine and Drink Pairing: Grab a cold beer like a light lager or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the sauce’s heat. The refreshing drink will cleanse your palate between bites.
• Easy Plating Tip: Sprinkle extra chopped green onions and drizzle additional sauce around the plate for a restaurant-style presentation that looks totally impressive.

Practical Storage Advice For Bang Bang Shrimp

• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in your refrigerator, where they’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 days. The crispy coating will soften, so reheat carefully in a hot oven to restore some crunch.
• Keep your prepared sauce separately in a sealed container in the refrigerator, which will last roughly 5-7 days. Stir well before using again to restore its smooth consistency.
• Freeze uncooked seasoned shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Your frozen shrimp will maintain good quality for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• When storing raw shrimp before cooking, always place them on the bottom shelf of your refrigerator to prevent any potential dripping onto other foods and preserve their freshness.

Bang Bang Shrimp Common Questions

Crispy Restaurant Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 18-20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Craving Bang Bang Shrimp brings pure comfort straight to your kitchen table. Crispy, spicy, and totally addictive, this crowd-pleasing dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor without leaving home.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp
• 1 cup cornstarch

Sauce Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar

Seasoning and Garnish:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt
• Pepper
• Chopped green onions

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Instructions

1. Rinse 1 lb large shrimp under cold water and thoroughly pat dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper across the shrimp.
2. Create a crispy coating by whisking ½ cup buttermilk with 1 cup cornstarch in a medium bowl. Completely submerge each shrimp in the mixture, ensuring full coverage.
3. Pour 1 inch of vegetable oil into a large skillet. Heat to 375°F over medium-high temperature. Carefully place coated shrimp into hot oil, cooking in small batches.
4. Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until exterior turns golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain excess oil on paper towels.
5. Prepare sauce by combining ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons Sriracha, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar in a mixing bowl. Whisk until completely smooth.
6. Gently toss hot fried shrimp in prepared sauce, ensuring each piece gets an even coating. Transfer to serving plate.
7. Garnish with finely chopped green onions. Serve immediately while shrimp remain warm and crisp.

Notes

• Always pat shrimp completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crispy coating that sticks perfectly.
• Use a deep-fry thermometer to keep oil around 375°F for even, golden-brown frying without burning.
• For a lighter version, consider baking the shrimp on a wire rack at 425°F for 10-12 minutes instead of deep frying.
• Swap regular mayo with Greek yogurt or vegan mayo to make the recipe more diet-friendly and lower in calories.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg