Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

I absolutely love this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe because it’s the perfect combination of crispy, creamy, and spicy all in one bite. When I first tried it, I was hooked by how the sweet heat of the sauce pairs perfectly with crunchy fried shrimp. It’s an easy crowd-pleaser whether you’re making a casual weeknight dinner or an impressive appetizer for guests.

You’ll find that this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe works great anytime you want something quick yet feel a little fancy without fuss. The homemade sauce is surprisingly simple but packs such a flavorful punch. I’ve shared this with friends who always want the recipe after tasting it once!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe work together to create a balance of texture and flavor — you want fresh shrimp, a well-seasoned coating, and a sauce that’s both spicy and sweet. When shopping, fresh or thawed shrimp work best, and keep your pantry stocked with staple spices to make this often.

• Shrimp: Medium shrimp peeled and deveined make for bite-sized pieces that cook quickly.
• Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce and helps balance the spicy chili flavors.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings a vibrant sweet and mildly spicy taste that is signature to bang bang dishes.
• Chili Garlic Sauce: Adds a kick of heat and garlic depth — adjust to your heat preference.
• Egg: Helps the breading stick nicely to the shrimp for that crispy finish.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and ensures the breading clings well.
• Flour & Panko Breadcrumbs: A combo that gives a light but crispy crust when fried.
• Seasonings (salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika): Essential for adding flavor to the breading mix.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying — choose an oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect crisp.

Variations

I like to mix things up with my Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe depending on who’s coming over or what we’re in the mood for. Feel free to tailor the heat level or swap out ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs — that’s part of the fun!

• Mild Version: I reduce the chili garlic sauce and use more sweet chili sauce for a kid-friendly milder flavor that everyone enjoys.
• Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free flour blends and panko alternatives; it works surprisingly well.
• Baked Not Fried: For a lighter option, try baking the breaded shrimp on a wire rack in the oven — you lose a bit of crunch, but it’s still delicious.
• Extra Spicy: Toss in a dash of cayenne or use a hotter chili garlic sauce to up the heat if you like it fiery.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Signature Sauce

Start by mixing the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and chili garlic sauce in a small bowl. Whisk them together until you get a smooth, well-blended sauce. This sauce is where all that bang bang flavor comes from — I like to set it aside while prepping the shrimp so the flavors have a moment to meld.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg and Buttermilk Bath

In a medium bowl, beat the egg and stir in the buttermilk. This mixture helps the breading stick to your shrimp, plus the buttermilk tenderizes them just a bit. Whisk it well and get it ready for dredging.

Step 3: Mix the Seasoned Breading

In another bowl, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk everything together to evenly distribute those spices. This flavorful breading is key to getting that golden crunch that makes this recipe so good.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp Twice for Crunch

Here’s the fun part: dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, then into the egg and buttermilk bath, and back again into the flour mixture. This double dredging ensures the breading really clings on tight for frying. Lay the coated shrimp on a plate and pop them in the fridge for about 20-30 minutes — this chill time is a game changer because it helps the coating stick better and keeps the shrimp crispy after frying.

Step 5: Fry Until Perfectly Golden

Fill a deep skillet with vegetable oil about 2 inches deep and heat it up to 350°F — a kitchen thermometer is super helpful here. Carefully add the shrimp in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan, frying them for about 3 minutes total and turning halfway through. Watch for that gorgeous golden color and crisp texture before you remove them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Toss and Serve with Extra Sauce

Once all the shrimp are fried, toss them gently with about ¼ cup of the sauce in a large bowl until every piece is coated in that creamy, spicy goodness. Serve the rest of the sauce on the side for dipping or extra drizzling. I love serving these immediately for the best texture, but they’re just as delicious when shared at room temperature.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I usually garnish my Bang Bang Shrimp with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds — they add color and a little extra flavor pop. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens it up beautifully just before serving.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides are steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up all that sauce, plus a fresh simple slaw or cucumber salad for some crunch and balance. These sides help make a complete meal that feels light but satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to serve this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe in small lettuce cups or atop mini toasts as finger food. Another fun idea is skewering the shrimp so guests can enjoy them as edible “kabobs” with drizzled sauce — it’s always a hit and looks fancy without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The breading does soften a bit, but reheating in the oven keeps some crunch. Keep the sauce separate if you can to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

Freezing fried shrimp isn’t my favorite because they lose crispness, but you can freeze the cooked shrimp without sauce on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat gently in the oven for best results, though fresh is always best for this dish.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming the shrimp in a single layer on a wire rack in a 350°F oven for 8-10 minutes to restore some crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it usually makes them soggy. Add the sauce fresh when serving for the best taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s always a guaranteed hit that feels just fancy enough without requiring a chef’s skills. I love sharing it with friends and family – their surprised smiles when they taste that crunchy, spicy, sweet shrimp are priceless. Give it a try yourself; once you nail this, it’ll be your go-to when you want that tasty wow factor in a flash.

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