Try Our Tasty Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Today

Seafood enthusiasts go crazy for this bang bang shrimp recipe that combines crispy, spicy, and creamy flavors in one irresistible dish.

Succulent shrimp get coated in a crunchy breading that delivers maximum texture and taste.

The secret lies in the zesty bang bang sauce, which adds a tangy kick to every single bite.

Perfectly golden and expertly seasoned, these shrimp come together in just minutes with simple ingredients.

Home cooks can easily recreate this restaurant-style appetizer that looks impressive but takes minimal effort.

Each crispy piece promises a delightful explosion of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Serve these addictive shrimp as a crowd-pleasing starter that guarantees smiles around the table.

What Makes Bang Bang Shrimp So Addictive

• Adjust the spice level by playing with sriracha and chili-garlic sauce, making this recipe perfect for different taste preferences.
• The buttermilk marinade and cornstarch coating create an incredibly crunchy exterior that locks in juicy, tender shrimp with each bite.
• These bang bang shrimp work brilliantly as an appetizer, game day snack, or casual dinner option that will impress friends and family with minimal cooking expertise required.
• Using common pantry staples and simple techniques, this recipe transforms everyday ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish that feels gourmet without complicated steps.

Simple Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp

• Shrimp: Large, succulent seafood that serves as the protein base of this crispy and flavorful dish.
• Buttermilk: Tangy dairy product used to marinate and tenderize the shrimp before coating.
• Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep-frying the shrimp to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

• Cornstarch, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: Dry ingredients that create a light, crispy coating for the shrimp with a hint of spice.

• Mayonnaise, Chili-Garlic Sauce, Sriracha, Honey, Lemon Juice, Paprika: A combination of creamy, spicy, sweet, and tangy components that create the signature Bang Bang Sauce, adding complexity and flavor to the fried shrimp.

• Parsley, Chili Flakes: Fresh herbs and spicy flakes that provide a pop of color and additional heat to the finished dish.

Directions to Make Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Whip Up The Zesty Sauce

Grab a small mixing bowl and blend together mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, sriracha, honey, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Taste and adjust the flavor profile to your liking.

Store the sauce in the refrigerator while preparing other ingredients.

Step 2: Bathe Shrimp In Buttermilk

Submerge peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk, ensuring complete coverage.

This technique helps tenderize the seafood and infuse additional flavor layers.

Step 3: Create Crispy Coating

• Cornstarch
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Drain the buttermilk-soaked shrimp and generously coat them in the seasoned cornstarch mixture.

Gently press the coating onto the shrimp to enhance adhesion.

Step 4: Chill The Coated Shrimp

Arrange the breaded shrimp on a plate and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes.

This crucial step helps the coating adhere during frying and creates a crispier exterior.

Step 5: Fry To Golden Crunchiness

Heat vegetable oil in a pot to 375°F.

Carefully fry the shrimp in small batches for 1-2 minutes per side until they turn golden and crisp.

Avoid overcrowding to maintain consistent oil temperature.

Transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Sauce And Garnish

While shrimp are still warm, toss them thoroughly in the prepared Bang Bang Sauce.

Sprinkle chopped parsley and chili flakes on top for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.

Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, tangy goodness.

Cooking Tips for Crispy Shrimp Perfection

• Let shrimp soak in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to enhance tenderness and infuse subtle tangy flavor before coating.
• Press cornstarch mixture gently onto shrimp to create a more adherent, crispy exterior that won't fall off during frying.
• Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent 375°F oil temperature, ensuring evenly cooked, golden-brown shrimp without burning.
• Taste and modify Bang Bang sauce by adding extra sriracha for heat or honey for sweetness based on personal preference.
• Drain fried shrimp on paper towels and serve immediately to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent moisture buildup.

Storage and Reheat Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp

• Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Separate sauce and shrimp to prevent sogginess and maintain crispiness.
• Wrap cooled shrimp individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Avoid freezing with sauce to prevent texture changes.
• Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread shrimp on a baking sheet, bake for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy. Drizzle fresh sauce before serving to revive flavor.
• Warm a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp, cook for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally. Add a splash of oil to restore crispiness and prevent sticking.

Perfect Pairings for Bang Bang Shrimp

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the spicy and creamy Bang Bang Shrimp, cutting through the richness with its bright, acidic notes.
• Enhance with Asian-Inspired Slaw: Create a tangy, crunchy coleslaw using rice vinegar, sesame oil, and julienned vegetables to balance the shrimp's crispy texture and spicy sauce.
• Match with Cooling Cucumber Salad: Prepare a simple cucumber salad with fresh dill, light yogurt dressing, and a hint of lime to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the dish's bold flavors.
• Serve with Jasmine Rice: Prepare fluffy jasmine rice as a mild, fragrant base that absorbs the sauce and provides a neutral backdrop for the zesty shrimp.

Bold Flavor Variations for Bang Bang Shrimp

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace cornstarch with gluten-free flour or almond flour for celiac-friendly crispy shrimp.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap buttermilk with heavy cream, use almond flour instead of cornstarch, and replace honey with a low-carb sweetener like stevia.
• Air Fryer Alternative: Skip deep-frying and cook breaded shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.
• Vegan Transformation: Substitute shrimp with cauliflower florets or tofu chunks, using the same coating and sauce techniques for a plant-based version.

FAQs

• What type of buttermilk works best for marinating shrimp?

Low-fat or whole buttermilk are both effective. The key is ensuring the shrimp are fully coated to help tenderize the meat and enhance flavor. Full-fat buttermilk provides slightly richer results.

• Can I substitute cornstarch with another coating ingredient?

All-purpose flour or rice flour can work, but cornstarch creates the crispiest exterior. Cornstarch provides a lighter, crunchier texture that stays crisp longer compared to traditional flour coatings.

• How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature for frying?

Use a digital thermometer to confirm 375°F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – it should sizzle and brown within 15 seconds. Maintaining consistent oil temperature ensures perfectly crispy shrimp.

• What makes the Bang Bang Sauce unique?

The combination of mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, sriracha, and honey creates a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors. Adjusting the amount of sriracha allows you to control the heat level to your preference.

Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy bang bang shrimp delivers a spicy-sweet sensation that dances across taste buds with irresistible charm. Creamy, tangy sauce and perfectly golden-fried shrimp create a delectable appetizer you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3/4 cup (96 grams) cornstarch
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) buttermilk
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) chili-garlic sauce
• 2 teaspoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley
• Chili flakes

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty sauce by whisking mayonnaise, chili-garlic sauce, sriracha, honey, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Adjust flavors to taste, potentially adding extra sriracha for heat. Refrigerate while preparing other components.
2. Submerge peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk, ensuring complete coverage. This technique tenderizes and enhances flavor profile.
3. Create a crispy coating by combining cornstarch, cayenne pepper, salt, and ground black pepper in a separate mixing bowl. Drain shrimp from buttermilk and thoroughly coat with the seasoned cornstarch mixture, gently pressing to secure the breading.
4. Arrange breaded shrimp on a plate and refrigerate for 20-30 minutes. Chilling helps the coating adhere during cooking and prevents separation.
5. Heat vegetable oil to 375°F in a deep pot. Carefully fry shrimp in small batches, cooking 1-2 minutes per side until achieving a golden, crispy exterior. Maintain consistent oil temperature by avoiding overcrowding. Transfer fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
6. While shrimp remain warm, generously coat with prepared Bang Bang Sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of chili flakes for added visual appeal and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Perfectly crisp coating requires patting shrimp dry before buttermilk marination to remove excess moisture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting sriracha and cayenne pepper quantities for different spice tolerances.
• Use gluten-free cornstarch and alternative milk for those with dietary restrictions, maintaining the recipe’s crispy texture.
• Prevent soggy shrimp by ensuring oil temperature stays consistent at 375°F and avoiding overcrowded frying batches.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 510
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg