I absolutely adore sharing this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe with anyone who loves bold, flavorful seafood dishes that pack a punch. This dish combines crispy, perfectly breaded shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce that dances on your taste buds. I love how the sweet chili and garlic flavors balance beautifully with the heat, making every bite irresistible. It’s one of those recipes I find myself reaching for when I want a fun dinner that feels special but is surprisingly easy to whip up.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
What I love most about this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is the incredible flavor contrast it offers. The shrimp are coated in a crunchy breading that crisps up beautifully when fried, providing that satisfying texture. Then, the sauce—creamy mayonnaise combined with sweet chili and a touch of chili garlic sauce—brings just the right amount of spice and sweetness to complement the shrimp. It’s like a party in your mouth every time I dig in.
Another reason I keep coming back to this recipe is how straightforward it is to prepare without sacrificing any of the wow factor. The steps are clear and approachable, even if you’re new to frying shrimp at home. Plus, it’s perfect for so many occasions — whether you’re hosting friends, treating your family on a weeknight, or serving it as a fun appetizer at a party. It stands out because it looks gourmet but feels like a joyful comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. Each element plays a crucial role, from the crispy panko to the spice blend, ensuring every bite is delicious and balanced.
- Medium shrimp: Peeled and deveined for ease and a tender bite.
- Mayonnaise: Creates a creamy base for the sauce that clings to the shrimp.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness with a mild heat that’s signature to bang bang sauce.
- Chili garlic sauce: Pumps up the spice and depth in the sauce.
- Egg: Helps the breading stick perfectly to the shrimp.
- Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and adds moisture for a crispy coating.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the first layer of the breading mix.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provides a light, airy crunch that’s unbeatable.
- Salt and ground black pepper: Season the breading and bring out flavors.
- Onion powder and garlic powder: Enhance the savory notes in the coating.
- Paprika: Adds mild smoky undertones and eye-catching color.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, essential to achieve that golden crisp.
Directions
Step 1: In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and chili garlic sauce until smooth. Set this spicy, creamy sauce aside to let those flavors mingle while you prepare the shrimp.
Step 2: In a separate medium bowl, beat the egg with the buttermilk until fully combined. This mixture will help the breading adhere to the shrimp perfectly.
Step 3: In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk everything together so the spices are evenly distributed throughout the breading.
Step 4: Now for the fun part—breading the shrimp. Dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, then dip it into the egg and buttermilk mix, and finally back into the flour mixture. This double coating method ensures a thicker, crunchier crust.
Step 5: Place the breaded shrimp on a plate and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes. I never skip this step because it helps the breading stick better when frying, preventing patches from falling off.
Step 6: Meanwhile, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Using a thermometer is helpful here to maintain the perfect frying temperature.
Step 7: Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry each batch for about 3 minutes total, turning the shrimp halfway through so they cook evenly and become golden brown all around.
Step 8: Remove the fried shrimp using a slotted spoon and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to soak up excess oil. Once all the shrimp are fried, toss them in a large bowl with about ¼ cup of the prepared sauce to coat them lightly but thoroughly. Serve the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.
Servings and Timing
This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe makes about 4 generous servings, perfect for a family dinner or sharing at a small gathering. The prep time is roughly 15 minutes, including mixing your sauces and breading the shrimp. Frying takes about 10 minutes, depending on how quickly you work in batches, making the total cook time around 30 minutes. Don’t forget to factor in 20-30 minutes of resting time in the fridge for the breaded shrimp before frying – this is key for extra crunchy shrimp.
How to Serve This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
When it comes to serving this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe, I love pairing it with simple side dishes that complement the bold flavor without competing with it. A fresh green salad with crisp lettuce and a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the richness of the fried shrimp. Alternatively, jasmine or coconut rice works wonderfully to soak up any extra sauce and add an aromatic touch.
Presentation-wise, garnishing with finely sliced green onions, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, or even a few fresh cilantro leaves elevates the dish visually and adds some fresh contrast against the creamy sauce. I often serve these shrimp hot or warm because the crispy breading and creamy sauce really shine then, but at room temperature, they’re just as flavorful for parties or buffets.
For beverages, I enjoy a crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a chilled lager beer to cut through the richness. Non-alcoholic options like sparkling water with lime or an iced tea with fresh mint create a refreshing balance alongside the shrimp. Whether for a casual weeknight meal, a fun dinner party, or an appetizer at a festive occasion, this dish always feels like a special treat.
Variations
I like to mix things up sometimes with the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe by trying different breadcrumbs or flours. For example, swapping traditional panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs makes it accessible to friends with dietary needs without losing all the crunch. You can also experiment with almond flour or cornmeal for a different texture and flavor profile.
If you want to adjust the heat level, play with the amount of chili garlic sauce or add a touch of smoked paprika or cayenne powder for a smoky, spicy twist. For a vegan version, I recommend substituting the shrimp with battered cauliflower florets and using vegan mayonnaise to recreate that creamy bang bang sauce. It’s surprisingly satisfying and just as fun to eat!
Lastly, while I prefer frying for the classic crispy exterior, I have also baked the shrimp in a 425°F oven for about 15 minutes as a lighter approach. Just brush the shrimp with oil before baking to help the breading crisp up. This method works well for a healthier option but does have a slightly softer texture.
Storage and Reheating
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, I recommend placing the shrimp in an airtight container to keep their crunch as much as possible. They’ll stay tasty in the fridge for up to 2 days. I store the extra sauce separately to maintain its texture and prevent it from soaking into the shrimp too much.
Freezing
Freezing this dish can be tricky because the breading tends to get soggy after thawing. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately. Place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag, where they’ll keep for up to 1 month. Freeze the sauce in a small airtight container. This way, you can reheat them separately for best results.
Reheating
To reheat leftover shrimp, I recommend baking them in a 375°F oven for about 8-10 minutes to revive some of the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it turns the breading chewy and soggy. The sauce can be warmed gently on the stovetop or served cold on the side, depending on your preference.
FAQs
What size shrimp work best for this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?
I’ve found that medium-sized shrimp (about 41-50 count per pound) work perfectly. They’re large enough to hold the breading well but small enough to bite-sized for easy eating—ideal for tossing in that delicious sauce.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can bread the shrimp a day ahead and keep them refrigerated, but for the best crispiness, fry them just before serving. The sauce can definitely be prepared ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Is it possible to bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes! If you want a lighter version, baking at 425°F for around 15 minutes works well. Just be sure to brush the shrimp with oil so the coating crisps up. The texture won’t be as crunchy as frying but still very delicious.
What can I substitute for Thai Sweet Chili Sauce?
If you can’t find Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, you can mix a bit of honey with a mild chili sauce or sweet apricot preserves combined with a little chili paste. It won’t be exactly the same but will keep a sweet and spicy note in the sauce.
How spicy is this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe? Can I adjust the heat?
This recipe has a moderate kick thanks to the chili garlic sauce, but it’s easy to adjust. Use less chili garlic sauce for milder heat or add more if you like it fiery. You can also sprinkle additional chili flakes when tossing the shrimp for extra spice.
Conclusion
I hope you’re as excited to try this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s a fantastic blend of crispy, creamy, and spicy that makes for a crowd-pleasing meal or appetizer any time of the year. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just looking to impress, this recipe delivers delicious results with approachable steps. Give it a go, and I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!
