Bang Bang Shrimp is that crave-worthy dish you never knew your weeknight dinners were missing. From the moment those crisp, golden shrimp hit your plate and are coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that balances heat and sweetness, you’ll be hooked. I still remember the first time I whipped this recipe up for a casual gathering—my friends kept sneaking back for seconds, michelob in hand, and I felt like a bona fide kitchen rock star. The combination of light, crunchy coating and that luscious, tangy sauce is pure magic. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or just treating yourself after a long day, these little bites bring a burst of flavor that’s hard to beat.
As someone who juggles a busy schedule, I love how effortlessly this recipe comes together—just about 15 minutes of prep and another 15 minutes of frying, and you’re ready to plate a restaurant-quality appetizer or main course. You don’t need any fancy equipment or years of culinary training; a simple deep-frying pan, some cornstarch, and basic seasoning transform ordinary shrimp into something spectacular. Trust me, once you’ve tasted that first tender shrimp enveloped in a creamy, spicy-sweet Thai-inspired sauce, you’ll never go back to plain old baked shrimp—or store-bought sauces that taste like they’ve been sitting on the shelf forever. So roll up your sleeves, fire up the stove, and let’s dive into the world of Bang Bang Shrimp glory!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN BANG BANG SHRIMP
Before getting started, let’s talk about the superstar ingredients that make this dish shine. Each component plays a unique role in delivering the crispy, saucy, and totally addictive taste you crave.
- Large shrimp
These succulent, peeled, and deveined gems form the heart of the dish. Their natural sweetness and firm texture provide the perfect canvas for the crispy coating and bold sauce that follows.
- Mayonnaise
This creamy base brings richness and smoothness to the Bang Bang sauce. It helps bind the sauce ingredients together and offers a mellow counterpoint to the heat.
- Thai sweet chili sauce
Bursting with tangy-sweet flavor and a hint of chili kick, this sauce layers on complexity. It contributes a glossy sheen and balances the creaminess of the mayo.
- Sriracha sauce
For those who love a little heat, sriracha adds a zesty punch. You can adjust its amount to dial the spice level up or down without losing any saucy goodness.
- Cornstarch
The secret to ultra-crispy shrimp lies in this light coating. It creates a delicate shell that turns irresistibly crunchy when it meets hot oil.
- Oil for frying
Neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best for achieving that perfect golden-brown exterior. Make sure the oil is hot enough to crisp the shrimp quickly without absorbing too much grease.
- Green onions
A sprinkle of these vibrant, sliced stalks adds freshness and a mild oniony bite. They’re the perfect final flourish for both color and flavor.
- Lettuce leaves
Optional but delightful, crisp lettuce leaves serve as a cool, crunchy bed for the shrimp. They help soak up extra sauce and elevate presentation.
HOW TO MAKE BANG BANG SHRIMP
Now that you’ve assembled your ingredients, let’s walk through transforming them into a plate of crunchy, saucy shrimp perfection. This step-by-step guide will ensure each bite is coated evenly and fried to golden-brown bliss.
1. Start by preparing the shrimp. Rinse them under cold water to remove any surface moisture or residual shell bits. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels—this ensures the cornstarch coating will stick properly and gives you that coveted crispy texture.
2. In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce until the mixture is silky-smooth. This is your Bang Bang sauce. Cover and set aside so the flavors can meld while you handle the shrimp.
3. Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dredge each shrimp by pressing it gently into the cornstarch, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Shake off any excess to avoid clumping, which can lead to uneven frying.
4. In a deep-frying pan, heat enough oil over medium heat so the shrimp can be partially submerged. Monitor the temperature closely—too hot and the coating will burn, too cool and the shrimp will absorb oil and become greasy.
5. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 2–3 minutes, or until the shrimp turn a beautiful golden brown and the coating is crisp.
6. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps drain any excess oil and keeps the coating perfectly crunchy.
7. When all the shrimp are cooked, place them in a large bowl and pour the Bang Bang sauce over the top. Gently toss to ensure each shrimp is evenly coated with that creamy, spicy goodness.
8. Arrange the saucy shrimp on a serving dish, garnish with sliced green onions, and serve immediately. For an extra touch, lay them over a bed of crisp lettuce leaves if you like.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR BANG BANG SHRIMP
When it comes to serving Bang Bang Shrimp, presentation and pairing elevate the experience from simple snack to memorable feast. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner, here are some creative ways to plate and complement your crispy, saucy shrimp. These suggestions will help you balance textures and flavors, turning every bite into a symphony of taste and visual delight.
- Over a bed of mixed greens
Combine peppery arugula, crisp romaine, and tender spinach for a refreshing base. Drizzle with a light citrus vinaigrette to contrast the richness of the shrimp, and top with the sauced shrimp for a balanced salad-meets-appetizer.
- In buttery slider buns
For a fun twist, tuck the shrimp into soft mini buns alongside shredded cabbage slaw. The crunch of the slaw and the creaminess of the sauce make these sliders an irresistible party snack.
- With a side of jasmine rice
Serve the shrimp alongside steamed jasmine rice to soak up every bit of Bang Bang sauce. Garnish with chopped cilantro and a wedge of lime for a burst of freshness that ties all the flavors together.
- As part of a seafood platter
Pair your Bang Bang Shrimp with steamed mussels, garlic butter shrimp, and chilled tuna tartare. Arrange on a large platter with lemon wedges, cocktail sauce, and crusty baguette slices to create an impressive seafood spread.
HOW TO STORE BANG BANG SHRIMP
Proper storage is key to preserving the delightful textures and flavors of your Bang Bang Shrimp. Whether you have leftovers after a big gathering or want to meal-prep for later in the week, these tips will help maintain that crisp coating and vibrant sauce. Follow these simple methods to ensure your shrimp stays as close to freshly made as possible, so you can enjoy every bite without compromise.
- Refrigerate in an airtight container
Once cooled to room temperature, transfer the shrimp and sauce to separate airtight containers. Store the shrimp in one container and the sauce in another. This prevents the coating from becoming soggy. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in the oven or air fryer
Avoid the microwave if you can. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Spread the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet or air fryer basket, and heat for 5–7 minutes until the exterior is crisp and warm throughout.
- Freeze for longer storage
If you need to keep them longer, place the cooled, sauced shrimp in a freezer-safe container with layers of parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as above.
- Store sauce separately
Keep any leftover Bang Bang sauce in a small jar or container in the fridge. It stores well for up to 5 days and is perfect as a dipping sauce for veggies, chicken fingers, or even tacos.
CONCLUSION
Bringing restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp into your own kitchen is not only achievable but also incredibly rewarding. From the first glimpse of those perfectly coated, golden shrimp to the final drizzle of creamy, spicy sauce, every moment is an adventure for your taste buds. This recipe strikes the ideal balance of sweet, tangy, and heat, all wrapped up in a satisfyingly crunchy bite. You’ve now got all the tips you need—from picking the freshest shrimp and nailing the frying temperature to storing leftovers for maximum crispiness. Feel free to print this article or save it digitally so you can reference it anytime you’re craving a bold seafood dish without stepping foot in a restaurant kitchen. And remember, you can also find a FAQ below to answer any lingering questions you might have about ingredients, substitutions, or techniques.
I’d love to hear how your Bang Bang Shrimp turns out! Did you share it at your next game night, or perhaps serve it as a show-stopping appetizer for family dinner? Drop a comment, question, or feedback below—whether you’re curious about adjusting the spice level, wondering about pairing options, or simply want to share your own twist on the sauce. Your experiences and tips bring this community of home cooks to life, and I can’t wait to see how you make this recipe your own. Happy cooking, and here’s to many more crispy, saucy delights in your culinary adventures!
Bang Bang Shrimp
Description
These mouthwatering Bang Bang Shrimp feature crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Start by preparing the shrimp. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
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In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce until smooth. Set aside this Bang Bang sauce.
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Place cornstarch in a shallow dish. Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring they are completely coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
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In a deep-frying pan, heat oil over medium heat. You need enough oil to cover the shrimp partially.
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Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp in batches. Cook each shrimp for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
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Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Once all the shrimp are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to coat all the shrimp evenly.
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Arrange the shrimp on a serving dish. Garnish with sliced green onions.
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Serve immediately over a bed of lettuce if desired.
Note
- Adjust the amount of sriracha if you prefer more or less heat.
- You can serve the shrimp as an appetizer or main dish.
- The Bang Bang sauce can also be used as a dipping sauce for chicken or tofu.
- Ensure the oil is at the right temperature to get crispy shrimp; too hot may burn them, and too cold may make them soggy.
- You can prepare the sauce a day in advance to save time.
