A fragrant whiff of sizzling shrimp wafted through my kitchen, pulling me away from my daydreams and right into the delicious reality of making Bang Bang Shrimp. This crispy delight, with its irresistible crunch and creamy sauce, has become my go-to recipe when I crave something that’s quick, easy, and perfect for both casual dinners and impressive gatherings. With just a handful of ingredients, you can whip up this heavenly appetizer or main course right at home. If you’re seeking a taste of restaurant quality without the hassle of takeout, this recipe for Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mayo is your new best friend. So, ready to dive into a meal that’s sure to please? Let’s get cooking!
Why is Bang Bang Shrimp a Must-Try?
Irresistible Crispy Texture: Each shrimp is coated to perfection, delivering a satisfying crunch that holds up against the creamy sauce.
Flavor Explosion: The balance of sweet chili and spicy mayo creates a delightful contrast that will tantalize your taste buds.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep, you can have a restaurant-quality dish at home in under an hour.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether as an appetizer, topping for tacos, or over rice, this dish adapts to any occasion.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Perfect for gatherings or family dinners, your guests will be coming back for seconds! If you love easy-to-make appetizers, check out our other quick recipes for more inspiration.
Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients
• Elevate your dish with this easy recipe!
For the Shrimp
- Large Shrimp – Use peeled and deveined U31-40 size for the best texture.
- Buttermilk – Tenderizes the shrimp; you can substitute with milk mixed with vinegar if needed.
- Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor; don’t skip this essential ingredient!
- Garlic Powder – Adds a warm depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
- Onion Powder – Complements the garlic with its subtle sweetness.
- Black Pepper – Provides a gentle kick; adjust to your taste for heat.
For the Coating
- Cornstarch – Creates a light and extra crispy texture; you can swap it for all-purpose flour, though cornstarch is best.
For the Sauce
- Mayonnaise – The creamy base you’ll flavor; Kewpie adds a richer taste.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Offers a balancing sweetness and mild heat to the dish.
- Sriracha Hot Sauce – Adds spice to the sauce; adjust the quantity based on your heat preference.
Feel free to play around with these ingredients to make your very own twist on this crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mayo
Step 1: Marinate Shrimp
In a medium bowl, combine the large, peeled, and deveined shrimp with buttermilk, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Make sure the shrimp are well-coated and let them marinate for 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the shrimp while infusing it with flavor, preparing for that delicious Bang Bang Shrimp experience ahead.
Step 2: Prepare Cornstarch
While the shrimp is marinating, grab a shallow dish and add the cornstarch. This will serve as your dredging station, so make sure it’s ready and within reach. The cornstarch will give your Bang Bang Shrimp that coveted crispy texture, making every bite a delight.
Step 3: Coat Shrimp
After marination, take each shrimp and dredge it in the cornstarch, ensuring an even coating while shaking off any excess. Lay the coated shrimp on a baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they don’t stick together. This preparation step is key to achieving a crispy crust once you fry them.
Step 4: Heat Oil
In a large pot, pour in enough oil to measure about 1½ inches deep and heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F. Use a deep-fry thermometer for accuracy. The oil should shimmer and be hot enough to fry the shrimp quickly, ensuring they turn golden brown and maintain their juicy interior.
Step 5: Fry Shrimp
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 2 minutes or until they are golden brown and have an internal temperature of 145°F. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Make Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, adjusting the spiciness to your liking. The creamy and slightly spicy sauce will perfectly complement your crispy Bang Bang Shrimp, ensuring each piece is coated evenly and full of flavor.
Step 7: Serve
Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until well coated, then plate them up immediately. For the best crunch, serve your Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp right away, accompanied by rice, in tacos, or as a tasty topping on ramen.
Storage Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to preserve crispiness.
Freezer: If you want to freeze Bang Bang Shrimp, place cooled, cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can last up to 1 month.
Reheating: For best results, reheat shrimp in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.
Serving Suggestion: To revitalize the flavor and texture after storage, serve with a fresh batch of the sweet chili mayo sauce for an unbeatable experience!
Bang Bang Shrimp Variations & Substitutions
Get ready to transform your Bang Bang Shrimp into a personalized culinary creation that suits your taste buds and dietary needs!
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Chicken Tenders: Swap shrimp for chicken tenders for a hearty alternative; just ensure you adjust the cooking time.
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Dairy-Free: Use a non-dairy milk and a plant-based mayonnaise if you’re avoiding dairy, yet craving that creamy texture.
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Spicy Twist: Add a touch of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cornstarch for an extra kick that will elevate your dish.
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Crispy Panko: For a different texture, mix panko breadcrumbs with cornstarch; it gives a super crispy, crunchy finish that’s simply irresistible.
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Zesty Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice in your sauce will brighten the flavor; it’s a refreshing contrast to the creamy richness.
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Sweet Chili Mayo Variation: Consider mixing in some lime zest or cilantro into the sweet chili mayo for a fresh and vibrant twist.
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Veggie Option: Try breading and frying up some cauliflower or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly version that still packs a delicious crunch.
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Coconut Crust: Mix shredded coconut with the panko for a tropical flair, offering a bit of sweetness paired perfectly with the sauce.
Each of these variations provides an opportunity to get creative in the kitchen, ensuring that your Bang Bang Shrimp will always delight your family and friends. If you’re looking for even more delightful ideas, check out our guide on easy appetizers or dive into these quick and delicious recipes!
What to Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Sweet Chili Mayo
Elevate your meal experience with delightful pairings that complement the crispy, tangy goodness of this popular dish.
- Fluffy Jasmine Rice: A light and fragrant base that absorbs the rich sauce, balancing the flavors perfectly.
- Crunchy Slaw: A tangy cabbage slaw brings a crisp contrast to the succulent shrimp, enhancing each bite with freshness.
- Warm Tortillas: Soft flour or corn tortillas provide a delightful vessel for serving bang bang shrimp tacos, adding heartiness to the meal.
- Savory Ramen: Serve the shrimp over ramen noodles, adding a delicious touch of texture and flavor to this comforting favorite.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with lime dressing brings a bright, cooling element, perfect for offsetting the shrimp’s spice.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp sauvignon blanc or a light pinot grigio pairs beautifully, enhancing the dish’s sweetness while refreshing the palate.
- Mango Salsa: The tropical sweetness of mango salsa pairs exceptionally well, adding a fruity note that complements the shrimp’s richness.
- Spicy Garlic Noodles: Tossed in a garlicky sauce, these noodles provide an extra kick and hearty addition, enhancing your overall meal experience.
- Ice Cream Sundae: For dessert, a classic hot fudge sundae wraps up the meal with its creamy, sweet indulgence, perfect after savory shrimp!
Expert Tips for Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp
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Watch the Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is heated to 350°F before frying. If it’s too cool, your shrimp may turn out greasy instead of crispy.
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Use Cornstarch: Opt for cornstarch as your coating for a lighter, crispier Bang Bang Shrimp. Avoid flour which can make the crust heavier.
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Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pot! Frying shrimp in small batches helps maintain the oil temperature and ensures even cooking.
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Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the shrimp to marinate in buttermilk and spices enhances their flavor and tenderness. Don’t skip this step for the best results!
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Serve Immediately: For that perfect crunch, enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp hot and fresh out of the fryer. The sauce may soften the crust over time.
Make Ahead Options
Bang Bang Shrimp is an excellent dish for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time on busy weeknights! You can marinate the shrimp in buttermilk and spices up to 24 hours in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Additionally, you can coat the shrimp in cornstarch and keep them covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days before frying. To maintain that irresistible crunch, fry the shrimp just before serving for the best texture—about 2 minutes per batch or until golden brown and crispy. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp at home with minimal effort!
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What size shrimp should I use for Bang Bang Shrimp?
Absolutely! I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp, specifically U31-40 size, for the best texture and flavor. These sizes are tender and just right for coating and frying, ensuring that each bite is satisfying.
How should I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp?
Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the crispiness, reheat them gently in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to avoid sogginess.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Shrimp?
Certainly! To freeze Bang Bang Shrimp, first let them cool completely. Then place the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen shrimp to a freezer bag or container, where they will keep for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven for the best texture.
What if my shrimp are overcooked?
If your Bang Bang Shrimp turn out overcooked and tough, the key is to monitor frying time closely. Ideally, fry each batch for about 2 minutes or until they reach an internal temperature of 145°F. If they are cooked too long, the shrimp will lose their tender juiciness. Keep your oil at the right temperature, and they should turn out perfectly golden and crispy!
What if I have a shellfish allergy?
If you or your guests have a shellfish allergy, you can substitute the shrimp with chicken tenders or tofu for a delicious alternative. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly—chicken should be cooked until it reaches at least 165°F. This way, you can still enjoy the flavor and texture of the Bang Bang sauce without compromising safety.
Why does the breading sometimes fall off during frying?
Very good question! For optimal adhesion of the cornstarch coating, make sure the shrimp are properly marinated and patted dry before dredging. Additionally, avoid overcrowding the frying pot, as this can cause the temperature to drop and the coating to loosen. Keeping the oil hot enough will keep the breading intact and crispy!
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce Bliss
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine the large shrimp with buttermilk, kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Marinate for 10 minutes.
- While the shrimp is marinating, prepare a shallow dish with cornstarch for dredging.
- Dredge each marinated shrimp in cornstarch and lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
- Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F for frying.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes, or until golden brown, then transfer to paper towels.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
- Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until well coated and serve immediately.
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