Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound shrimp (large or jumbo, cleaned and deveined); ¾ cup buttermilk; ¼ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup cornstarch; 1 egg; ½ tablespoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ tablespoon hot sauce; ¼ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs; Oil (for frying); ¼ cup mayonnaise; 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (Frank’s recommended); ½ tablespoon hot sauce (Frank’s hot sauce recommended); 1 tablespoon honey; Salt and pepper (to taste)

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 127 reviews

If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet, you absolutely must try this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. It’s a crowd-pleaser that delivers plump, juicy shrimp fried to golden perfection and generously coated in a zesty, slightly sweet sauce that’ll have your taste buds dancing. Every bite delivers the kind of comforting crunch and tangy heat that keeps you reaching for more, making it ideal for a quick weeknight indulgence or impressing guests without breaking a sweat. Ready to make some magic in your kitchen? Let’s dive right in!

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a creamy, light orange sauce topped with several raw shrimp arranged in a circular pattern. The shrimp are grayish-blue with slightly translucent meat and are placed on top, covering the sauce but leaving parts of it visible. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe shines because of its simple, yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role in layering flavors and creating the ideal crispy texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

1 pound shrimp (large or jumbo, cleaned and deveined): The star ingredient—fresh shrimp bring a natural sweetness and tender bite.
¾ cup buttermilk: Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the shrimp while creating a smooth batter.
¼ cup all-purpose flour: Provides the base structure for the batter’s crunch.
¼ cup cornstarch: Essential for that extra crispy, light coating we all love.
1 egg: Binds the batter ingredients together for even coating.
½ tablespoon garlic powder: Brings savory depth without overpowering the shrimp.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky warmth and beautiful color.
½ tablespoon hot sauce: Infuses the batter with a bit of heat to complement the sauce.
¼ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a hint of bite.
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs: For that irresistibly crispy outer layer that crunches with every bite.
Oil (for frying): Choose a neutral oil that handles high heat well, like canola or vegetable oil.
¼ cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the signature Bang Bang sauce.
2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce (Frank’s recommended): Brings the perfect blend of sweetness and spice to glaze the shrimp.
½ tablespoon hot sauce (Frank’s hot sauce preferred): Packs a gentle punch in the sauce.
1 tablespoon honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness for an addictive flavor.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Final seasoning touches to elevate the sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the sauce

Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. This luscious sauce is what transports this recipe from ordinary to unforgettable, creating that signature bang bang flavor. Refrigerate it while you handle the shrimp, letting those flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Mix the batter

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk, then whisk everything together until smooth. This batter wraps the shrimp tenderly, giving them a crispy crust that’s bursting with subtle layers of flavor.

Step 3: Coat the shrimp

Toss your cleaned shrimp into the batter, making sure each piece is generously coated. This step is key to that delightful crunch you’re after. Once coated, set the shrimp aside for just a minute while you prepare the breadcrumbs, allowing the batter to cling more effectively.

Step 4: Bread the shrimp

Place the Panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl. One by one, gently coat each battered shrimp with breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they stick well. Panko is your secret weapon here—it’s what delivers the unforgettable crunch and beautiful golden color that makes this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe stand out.

Step 5: Fry until golden

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering hot. Fry the shrimp in batches—about 2 minutes on each side—until they’re a perfect golden brown. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep them crispy and prevent steaming. After frying, transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. The contrast of the crispy shell and juicy shrimp inside is what makes this dish addictive.

Step 6: Toss in sauce and serve

Once all the shrimp are fried, drizzle or toss them generously with the chilled sauce you prepared earlier. This finishing touch transforms the crispy shrimp into the vibrant, creamy, and spicy dish we all adore as Bang Bang Shrimp. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

A dark round pan filled with a large pile of golden brown fried shrimp, each shrimp covered with a crunchy texture and drizzled with a light brown sauce. Small bright green herb pieces are sprinkled on top and around the shrimp, adding pops of color. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with some fresh green herbs and a striped cloth in the blurry background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate the presentation and add an extra burst of flavor. Try sprinkling chopped green onions or fresh cilantro on top—their bright freshness cuts through the richness of the sauce perfectly. A few thinly sliced red chilies can add a fresh pop of heat and color if you want to emphasize the spice.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Shrimp pairs wonderfully with simple sides that complement its bold flavors. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, while steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice helps soak up that incredible sauce. For something heartier, serve with garlic butter noodles or grilled vegetables to round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party or appetizer twist, place the Bang Bang Shrimp atop small lettuce cups for a delightful handheld bite. Alternatively, serve it on a platter with toothpicks alongside a dipping bowl of extra Bang Bang sauce for friends to enjoy. You can even try placing it over a bed of crunchy slaw or drizzling the sauce over crispy baked fries to add a fun texture contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keeping them separate preserves the crispiness of the shrimp and prevents the sauce from making them soggy. Properly stored, the shrimp will stay fresh for up to two days.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked Bang Bang Shrimp, the texture changes slightly upon thawing. If you choose to freeze, flash freeze the fried shrimp on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag, then store for up to one month. The sauce freezes well separately, so freeze it in small portions and thaw in the fridge overnight before reusing.

Reheating

To keep that crispy exterior intact, reheat shrimp in a toaster oven or conventional oven at 350°F for about 5–7 minutes rather than microwaving, which can make them soggy. Gentle reheating ensures you still get a crunch and juicy shrimp inside, almost like fresh made.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better and ensures crispier results when frying.

Is there a healthier way to make Bang Bang Shrimp?

Yes! You can bake the shrimp instead of frying them by placing the breaded shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and baking at 400°F for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method reduces oil but keeps the crispy texture.

What kind of hot sauce works best in the recipe?

Frank’s RedHot is a popular choice because of its balanced heat and flavor, but feel free to use your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s even better when it has some time to chill! Making the sauce ahead allows the flavors to blend, resulting in a more harmonious Bang Bang sauce.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

It has a moderate spice level that can be easily adjusted by increasing or decreasing the hot sauce. The honey and sweet chili sauce balance the heat nicely, so it’s flavorful without overwhelming heat.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is truly a winner when you want something quick, delicious, and bursting with flavor. Every forkful delivers that crispy, creamy, spicy combo that feels indulgent yet approachable. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a festive gathering, it’s bound to become a fast favorite. So grab those shrimp, turn up the heat in your kitchen, and get ready to enjoy a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!