If you’re craving a dish that brings together crispy, crunchy shrimp with a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet kick, you’ve landed in the perfect spot. This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe captures the magic of crispy battered shrimp tossed in a luscious homemade sauce that hits all the right flavor notes—comforting, exciting, and utterly addictive. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a crowd-pleaser for your next get-together, this recipe will quickly become one of your favorites to whip up in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a crucial role to deliver that signature crunchy texture and punchy sauce flavor. From the perfectly seasoned shrimp to the crispy panko coating and the velvety, spicy sauce, everything is simple but essential.
- 1 lb. shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed): Fresh or thawed shrimp give you the perfect tender bite and carry the seasoning beautifully.
- ½ tsp salt: Just enough to bring out the shrimp’s natural sweetness without overpowering.
- ½ tsp black pepper powder: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity to the shrimp seasoning.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: The base layer for the crispy coating that holds onto the shrimp.
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs: These give the shrimp that signature crunchy texture that’s irresistible.
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning: Infuses the breading with classic savory seafood spices.
- 1 large egg (beaten): Helps the coatings stick perfectly to each shrimp for uniform crunch.
- Oil (for frying): Essential for that golden, crispy exterior—use a neutral oil with a high smoke point.
- Cilantro (chopped for garnishing): Bright, fresh notes that contrast the rich sauce and fried shrimp.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for the bang bang sauce.
- 1 Tbsp sriracha: Provides the spicy heat that gives the sauce its signature kick.
- 2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce: Balances out the spice with a touch of sweetness and tang.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Begin by seasoning the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper in a large bowl. This simple step infuses the shrimp with flavor right from the start and makes sure every bite is well seasoned.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Bowls
Separate your all-purpose flour, beaten egg, and panko bread crumbs (mixed with Old Bay seasoning) into three individual bowls. This setup makes the dredging process clean and efficient, ensuring that each shrimp is perfectly coated in layers that result in extra crunch.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp Twice
One shrimp at a time, dip into the flour and shake off the excess, then into the egg, and finally coat generously with the seasoned panko. Repeat this entire sequence once more for each shrimp to build a thicker, crunchier crust that holds up beautifully when fried.
Step 4: Let the Coated Shrimp Rest
After coating, allow the shrimp to rest for about 5 minutes. This resting period helps the layers set and stick better, making sure the coating will stay intact as you fry.
Step 5: Fry until Golden and Crispy
Heat oil in a deep pan to approximately 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry about 9-10 shrimp at a time, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden and crisp, about 2 to 3 minutes, flipping if needed. Perfect frying means the shrimp stay tender inside but get gorgeously crunchy outside.
Step 6: Drain Excess Oil
Use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp from oil and place on paper towels to soak up any excess grease. This step is crucial for keeping your shrimp crispy and light rather than oily.
Step 7: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
Combine mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce to create the bang bang sauce that will coat the shrimp. This sauce is creamy, spicy, and sweet, making it the perfect partner to the crunchy shrimp.
Step 8: Toss and Garnish
Either toss the fried shrimp directly in the sauce to coat evenly or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Finish by garnishing with chopped cilantro to add a punch of fresh, herbaceous brightness to the dish.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped cilantro is the ideal garnish because its vibrant green color enhances the presentation and its fresh flavor cuts through the richness of the sauce. For an extra touch, add a squeeze of lime or a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Shrimp is fantastic served alongside simple jasmine rice or a light Asian slaw. The rice soaks up every bit of sauce while the slaw adds a cool, crunchy contrast to balance the heat and creaminess.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party appetizer, serve the shrimp in mini lettuce cups topped with sauce and a sprinkle of cilantro. Or, use the shrimp as a topping for tacos, alongside avocado and shredded cabbage for a fusion twist that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover fried shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep the shrimp crispy and the sauce fresh. They will stay good for up to 2 days, perfect for a quick lunch or snack.
Freezing
Because of their delicate texture, fried shrimp are not ideal for freezing once cooked. You can freeze raw shrimp in their shells for future use, but for the best Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe experience, it’s best to fry fresh shrimp each time.
Reheating
When reheating leftovers, avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess. Instead, use an oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for 3-4 minutes to revive the crunch without drying out the shrimp or sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour and gluten-free panko to keep the crunchy texture intact while accommodating dietary needs.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level mainly comes from the sriracha in the sauce, which has a medium spice level. You can adjust the amount to taste or add a pinch of cayenne if you prefer it hotter, or reduce it for a milder version.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
You can bake the shrimp for a healthier alternative, but keep in mind that it won’t be as crispy. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit on a greased baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Medium to large-sized shrimp work best because they’re easy to handle and have a satisfying bite. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined for the best texture and flavor absorption.
Is the sauce the traditional bang bang sauce?
This sauce is a classic take on bang bang sauce, combining creamy, spicy, and sweet elements. It’s simple but packs a lot of flavor, making the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe authentic yet approachable for any home cook.
Final Thoughts
I hope you’re as excited to make this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe as I am to share it with you. It’s one of those dishes that feels luxurious but comes together with surprisingly simple steps and ingredients. Once you take that first crunchy, saucy bite, I guarantee it will become a go-to favorite for family dinners or impressing friends at gatherings. So grab your shrimp and get ready to cook up something truly special!
