Ho to make Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce, this Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp is the perfect balance of crunch and heat. It’s quick to prepare and makes a delicious appetizer or main dish that tastes like it came straight from your favorite restaurant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor in just 25 minutes. The shrimp turn perfectly crispy thanks to a light cornstarch coating, while the sauce combines creamy, sweet, and spicy elements for an irresistible finish. It’s easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough for guests. You can serve it as an appetizer, tuck it into tacos, or enjoy it over rice for a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup buttermilk
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
Vegetable oil, for frying

For the bang bang sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Optional garnish:
2 tablespoons chopped green onions
1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Directions

1. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over the shrimp. Let them soak for 10 minutes while you prepare the coating and sauce.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well.
3. In another bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside.
4. Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C).
5. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
6. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
7. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
8. Once all shrimp are fried, place them in a large bowl and gently toss with the prepared bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
9. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Variations

For a lighter version, bake the shrimp at 425°F (220°C) for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, or cook them in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. You can adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha. For extra sweetness, increase the honey slightly. Try serving the shrimp in lettuce wraps, tacos, or over a bed of jasmine rice for a complete meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, store the sauce separately if possible to maintain crispiness.

To reheat, place the shrimp in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 4 to 6 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before soaking in buttermilk.

Can I make this recipe less spicy?

Reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely for a milder version.

What size shrimp works best?

Large shrimp are ideal because they stay juicy inside while becoming crispy outside.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, baking or air frying works well, though the texture may be slightly less crispy than deep frying.

What oil is best for frying?

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point such as vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.

Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, the sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

How do I keep the shrimp crispy?

Toss them in the sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.

Can I use flour instead of cornstarch?

Cornstarch gives the crispiest texture, but all-purpose flour can be used if needed.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?

It pairs well with rice, noodles, fresh salad, or steamed vegetables.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can prep the sauce and coating mixture ahead of time to save time.

Conclusion

Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that combines crispy texture with a creamy, sweet heat sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, it’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. With simple ingredients and easy steps, this recipe brings bold flavor to your table in under 30 minutes.

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