Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crave-worthy dish of crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy chili sauce. This irresistible appetizer brings restaurant flavor right to your kitchen table.
Each bite of Bang Bang Shrimp is a perfect balance of crunch, heat, and sweetness. Serve it over crisp lettuce for a fresh contrast that keeps you reaching for more.
What You Need for Bang Bang Shrimp
- Shrimp – Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, are tender and perfect for frying.
- Buttermilk – Helps the cornstarch stick, adding tenderness and mild tang.
- Cornstarch – Creates an ultra-crispy, golden coating.
- Mayonnaise – Forms the base of the signature creamy sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce – Gives the sauce its sweet heat and signature zing.
- Green Onion – Adds a fresh pop of color and mild onion bite.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Start by soaking the shrimp in buttermilk to tenderize and help the coating stick. Toss each shrimp in a cornstarch blend until fully covered. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F, then fry the shrimp in small batches until golden and crispy.
Drain the fried shrimp on paper towels. In a separate bowl, whisk mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce into a smooth, creamy dressing. Gently toss the hot shrimp in this luscious sauce until evenly coated. Sprinkle with fresh green onions for a final burst of flavor.
Tips & Variations for the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
Keep the oil hot and steady to ensure the shrimp cook quickly and stay light and crisp. Avoid overcrowding the fryer; small batches prevent sogginess and ensure an even golden color.
For extra heat, add a squirt of Sriracha or a pinch of crushed red pepper to the sauce. Swap buttermilk for regular milk with a splash of lemon juice if needed. Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp on crisp iceberg lettuce cups, over jasmine rice, or wrapped in soft tortillas for a spicy shrimp taco twist.
How to Keep Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Delicious
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, skip the microwave; instead, warm the shrimp in an oven or air fryer to revive their crispy coating. Keep the sauce separate if possible, adding it just before serving to maintain that iconic crunch.
This Bang Bang Shrimp is guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or weeknight dinner—serve it up and watch it disappear!
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 pounds medium shrimp 31-40 count, peeled and deveined
- 6 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons green onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Place the shrimp into a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each piece is well coated. In a separate mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and pepper thoroughly. Warm the vegetable oil in a deep pan until it reaches 375°F. Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge generously in the cornstarch blend, and ensure a complete coating. Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 3–4 minutes, until each piece turns crisp and golden. Transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. For the sauce, whisk together the mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce until smooth. Add the fried shrimp to a clean bowl, drizzle the sauce over them, and toss gently until evenly coated. Arrange on a bed of lettuce if desired and garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
