Bang Bang Shrimp is one of those dishes that comes with an irresistible crunch and a spicy kick that leaves you reaching for more. The shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside with a juicy interior, all coated in a velvety and slightly spicy sauce that brings everything to life. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want a comforting appetizer for a quiet night in, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to impress. It’s like having a crunch of the coast right at your dining table — so delicious you’ll find yourself making it repeatedly.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bang Bang Shrimp

I first came across this American Fusion dish at a trendy seafood restaurant. The moment I tasted it, I knew I had to recreate that delightful flavor at home, and now I can’t imagine a party or get-together without it! This recipe is not just easy; it’s also quick to prepare, making it a perfect option for those busy weeknights or even last-minute gatherings. Plus, who wouldn’t want to showcase a crowd-pleaser that’s both elegant and packed with flavor? Trust me, once you whip up a batch of these, you’ll want to keep the recipe close at hand to share with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just about 40 minutes, this recipe makes for an easy, weeknight treat!
Irresistible Flavor: The balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy creates an explosion of deliciousness in every bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Those golden, crispy shrimp are a feast for the eyes and the taste buds.
Flexible Serving: Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or even a delightful main dish served over rice or greens.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily make it gluten-free using certified gluten-free breadcrumbs and corn starch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

450g (1 lb) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use fresh or frozen shrimp; if using frozen, make sure to thaw them properly for the best texture.
120g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs: These give the shrimp a light, crispy coating. You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, but panko offers that extra crunch.
60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour: It helps the breadcrumbs adhere better to the shrimp for a perfect crunchy exterior.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing the shrimp’s natural flavor.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the shrimp.
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional): For a touch of smokiness and color—add it if you enjoy a hint of heat.
2 large eggs, beaten: The binding agent that helps the panko stick to the shrimp.
Vegetable oil, for frying: Use an oil with a high smoke point. Peanut or canola oil works best here.
120g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise: The creamy base for the Bang Bang sauce, providing richness.
60g (1/4 cup) sweet chili sauce: This brings in sweet flavors with just a hint of heat.
1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Adjust according to your spice tolerance for that extra zing.
1 tablespoon honey or sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the flavors in the sauce.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice: Provides a zesty tang that brightens the dish.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle layer of garlicky flavor in the sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture and helps in getting a crispier texture when fried.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika if you are using it. This mixture will create a delicious coating that clings to the shrimp beautifully.

Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the two large eggs. This will act as the glue for the breadcrumb coating.

Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully covered. Then transfer to the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well. This step is key to achieving that perfect crunch!

Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Heat the oil until it reaches 175°C (350°F) — you can test this by dropping a few breadcrumbs in; if they sizzle right away, you’re good to go.

Fry the shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.

Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: While the shrimp is frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or sugar, rice vinegar or lime juice, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth. This sauce is utterly addictive and takes the dish to a whole new level.

Toss and serve: Once the shrimp are slightly cool, toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until well-coated. If you prefer, you can serve the sauce on the side as a dip.

Garnish and enjoy!: Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired, alongside steamed rice or a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Storing & Reheating

If you have any leftover Bang Bang Shrimp, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for a few hours or refrigerate it for up to 2 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the shrimp in a single layer in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-12 minutes until warmed through. Keep in mind that the texture may slightly change after freezing, but refreshing them in the oven helps reclaim that crispiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying; this ensures even cooking and prevents steaming the shrimp.
Make sure your shrimp are patted completely dry to achieve a crispy coating.
If you prefer a spicier sauce, don’t hesitate to add more sriracha, or even a bit of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Consider making the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time—it keeps well in the refrigerator for several days.
If you’re short on time, pre-breaded shrimp from the freezer can be a quick alternative, although freshly breaded is unbeatable!
Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for variations of this dish.

If you’re looking for a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing appetizer that is packed with flavor, then Bang Bang Shrimp is the perfect recipe for you. The blend of crispy shrimp combined with that creamy, spicy sauce will have everyone raving. Don’t hesitate to play around with flavors or add your own twist to the sauce — the joy of cooking comes from experimentation! Enjoy this delightful dish any time you crave something crispy and flavorful.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen shrimp can be a convenient option. Just remember to thaw them completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water before cooking. Pat them dry well to ensure they achieve that crispy texture.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make Bang Bang Shrimp gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour or cornstarch, and use certified gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. This way, you can still enjoy that satisfying crunch without the gluten.

Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce a few days in advance! Just whisk together the ingredients and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. This will allow the flavors to meld together, enhancing the taste wonderfully.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp pairs wonderfully with many sides. You can serve it over a bed of steamed rice, alongside a refreshing salad, or even wrap it in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. It’s versatile enough to complement a range of dishes!

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Bang Bang Shrimp

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Author: Anna
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dishes
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian

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Description

Bang Bang Shrimp features crispy-coated shrimp tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or appetizer that will impress your guests!

Ingredients

Scale

450g (1 lb) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
120g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
2 large eggs, beaten
vegetable oil, for frying
120g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise
60g (1/4 cup) sweet chili sauce
1–2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
In a medium bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, flour, salt, pepper, and optional paprika.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 175°C (350°F).
Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes each, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
In the meantime, prepare the Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder until smooth.
Once the shrimp has cooled slightly, toss in the Bang Bang sauce or serve on the side for dipping.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired, along with steamed rice or a crisp salad.

Notes

Ensure oil is hot enough before frying for the perfect crispiness.
Adjust the sriracha according to your spice preference.
Serve with a side of steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.