If you are craving a dish that delivers crunchy, spicy, and creamy flavors all at once, then this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is just what you need in your kitchen repertoire. It brings together perfectly seasoned shrimp fried to golden perfection and coated in a luscious, tangy sauce that excites every bite with a delightful zing. Whether you’re planning a fun weeknight dinner or want to impress your guests, this recipe is a dream come true — quick, easy, and absolutely irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Assembling the ingredients for this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in building its iconic flavor and texture. From the crunch of the panko to the spicy sweetness of the sauce, these essentials work in harmony to create a dish that’s a feast for the senses.
- Shrimp (1 lb, peeled, deveined, and tails removed): The star of the dish, shrimp cooks quickly and soaks up flavors wonderfully.
- Salt (½ tsp): Enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.
- Black pepper powder (½ tsp): Adds a gentle heat and depth of flavor.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Helps the coating adhere and creates a base layer of crispiness.
- Panko bread crumbs (1 cup): Gives the shrimp that extra crunch that makes this recipe unforgettable.
- Old Bay seasoning (1 Tbsp): Infuses the coating with a classic seafood seasoning kick that’s aromatic and flavorful.
- Large egg (1, beaten): Binds the coating ingredients, ensuring each shrimp is evenly covered.
- Oil for frying: Use enough to submerge the shrimp — this ensures an even, golden crust.
- Cilantro (chopped): Adds a fresh, herbal brightness as a garnish.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- Sriracha (1 Tbsp): Brings in a spicy kick, balancing the sweetness.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 Tbsp): Adds a lovely sweet heat that complements the shrimp perfectly.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Season the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled, deveined shrimp in salt and black pepper. This simple seasoning step is the foundation, highlighting the natural flavor of the shrimp before the crunchy coating takes over.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Stations
Set up three bowls to make your breading process smooth: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with panko bread crumbs mixed with Old Bay seasoning. This setup ensures that each shrimp gets coated perfectly for maximum crunch.
Step 3: Double Coating for Extra Crunch
One shrimp at a time, dip each into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg, and finally into the panko mixture. Repeat this dipping process once more. Double coating guarantees a crispy, golden crust that holds up perfectly to the sauce later.
Step 4: Rest Before Frying
After coating all the shrimp, let them rest for about 5 minutes. This brief pause helps the layers adhere better, ensuring your crispy coating stays intact through frying and tossing.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden and Crisp
Heat your oil to around 375°F and carefully fry 9-10 shrimp at a time for 2-3 minutes until they turn golden and are cooked through. Be mindful not to overcook, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery—this part is key for that perfect texture.
Step 6: Drain the Excess Oil
Once fried, transfer the shrimp onto paper towels to soak up excess oil. This keeps your dish from feeling greasy while maintaining that irresistible crunch.
Step 7: Mix Your Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce until smooth and creamy. This vibrant sauce is what makes the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe so addictive and full of bold flavor.
Step 8: Toss and Garnish
You can either serve the crispy shrimp with the bang bang sauce on the side or pour the sauce over the shrimp and toss until fully coated. Finally, sprinkle with chopped cilantro for a fresh and colorful finish.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped cilantro is a must for its bright herbal aroma that balances the spicy sauce beautifully. You can also add a wedge of lime on the side for a citrusy twist right before eating.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Shrimp pairs amazing with a simple bed of steamed jasmine rice or fluffy coconut rice to soak up any extra sauce. A crisp green salad or crunchy slaw are excellent fresh counters to the rich, creamy shrimp.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp on lettuce cups with avocado slices and pickled onions for a fresh, handheld appetizer. Alternatively, layer over a bowl of soba noodles or crispy fries to turn this bang bang shrimp into a show-stopping meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover bang bang shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. The shrimp will remain tasty but the coating might lose some of its initial crunch, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Freezing
Freezing fried shrimp isn’t ideal as it can affect texture. However, you can freeze the cooked shrimp without sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, reheat your shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer at 350°F for about 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy and less appealing.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before seasoning and coating. This helps the breading stick well and prevents excess moisture during frying.
What can I substitute for the sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, a mixture of honey and a little bit of hot sauce can work in a pinch. Just adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking.
Is this recipe very spicy?
The recipe has a balanced heat from the sriracha, but it can be toned down or amped up depending on your preference by adjusting the amount of sriracha used in the sauce.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying gives the classic crunchy texture, you can bake the shrimp at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
What’s the best way to serve Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer?
Serve the shrimp on small plates with toothpicks and provide extra bang bang sauce for dipping. They also pair wonderfully with cold beer or a crisp white wine as a party snack.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is a guaranteed showstopper with its crispy crust, creamy spicy sauce, and fresh garnishes. It’s a fabulous recipe to keep handy when you want something fast, flavorful, and memorable. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own twist to this crowd-pleasing favorite!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful appetizer featuring crunchy, double-coated fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness with a satisfying crunch, making it an ideal starter for any seafood lover’s table.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb. shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper powder
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- 1 large egg (beaten)
- Oil (for frying, about 2 – 2 ½ inches deep)
Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tbsp sriracha
- 2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
Garnish
- Chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: In a large bowl, season the peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper powder. Mix well to ensure even coating of the seasoning.
- Prepare Coating Bowls: Set up three separate bowls—one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with panko bread crumbs mixed with Old Bay seasoning.
- Double Coat the Shrimp: Working with one shrimp at a time, first dip it into the flour, shaking off the excess. Next, dip into the beaten egg, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned panko. Repeat this entire coating process a second time for an extra crunchy exterior.
- Rest the Coated Shrimp: After coating all shrimp, let them rest for 5 minutes to allow the coating to set firmly.
- Heat the Oil: In a deep pan, add enough oil to reach 2 to 2 ½ inches deep, and heat to approximately 375°F (190°C). Ensure the oil reaches the proper temperature before frying to achieve a crispy exterior.
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully place 9-10 shrimp into the hot oil, frying them over medium flame for about 2-3 minutes until they are crisp, golden, and cooked through. Avoid overcooking to prevent the shrimp from becoming rubbery and chewy.
- Drain the Fried Shrimp: Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Serve: Garnish the hot, crispy shrimp with chopped cilantro. You can serve the bang bang sauce on the side for dipping or pour the sauce over the shrimp and toss lightly to coat.
Notes
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F for best frying results to ensure shrimp crispiness and avoid excess oil absorption.
- Double coating the shrimp enhances crunchiness and texture.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature and even cooking.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spiciness of the bang bang sauce.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the crispness.
