Crispy, golden-fried shrimp tossed in a bold, creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes people fall in love at first bite. Whether you’re planning a party appetizer, a fun weeknight dinner, or looking for your next go-to indulgence, Bang Bang Shrimp is your answer. Popularized by restaurant chains like Bonefish Grill, this dish is remarkably easy to recreate at home—and even better when you tweak it to your taste.
This in-depth guide covers everything you need to know: from ingredients and prep time to expert cooking tips, step-by-step instructions, calorie content, and variations for any dietary style. Get ready to make your kitchen the hottest spot in town!
Ingredients (US Measurements)
For the Shrimp:
-
1 lb jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
-
1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup whole milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice)
-
¾ cup cornstarch
-
¾ tsp salt
-
¾ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp black pepper
-
1 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
-
1 green onion, finely chopped (for garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
-
½ cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayo for a creamier, tangier taste)
-
¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
-
2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste for spiciness)
Preparation & Cook Time
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 15 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
-
Servings: 4
-
Calories per Serving: ~400–450 kcal
How to Prepare Bang Bang Shrimp (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by placing your peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk. This not only helps tenderize the shrimp but also ensures that the coating sticks beautifully.
Let the shrimp sit in the buttermilk for about 10 minutes.
Pro Tip: If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes—it curdles slightly, mimicking buttermilk’s tang and texture.
Step 2: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha sauce until smooth and creamy.
This sauce brings the perfect balance of:
-
Creaminess (from mayo)
-
Sweetness (from the chili sauce)
-
Heat (from sriracha)
You can adjust the spice level by decreasing or increasing the sriracha.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Prepare the dry coating mixture by combining:
-
¾ cup cornstarch
-
¾ tsp salt
-
¾ tsp garlic powder
-
½ tsp black pepper
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, and dredge them in the cornstarch mix, pressing lightly to adhere.
Why cornstarch instead of flour? Cornstarch creates a lighter, crisper crust ideal for fried shrimp. It absorbs less oil and helps the exterior stay crunchy even after saucing.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat about 1 cup of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Working in batches, carefully add the shrimp and fry for about 1.5 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain.
Tip: Avoid crowding the pan, as it reduces oil temperature and leads to soggy shrimp.
Step 5: Toss and Serve
Place the fried shrimp in a bowl and toss immediately with the Bang Bang sauce until well coated.
Garnish with finely chopped green onions, and serve hot!
Expert Tips & Tricks
Sauce Tips
-
Prefer Japanese mayo (like Kewpie) for a richer, umami-packed taste.
-
Double the sauce if you like things extra saucy, or serve extra on the side for dipping.
-
Add a splash of lime juice for a zesty kick.
Frying Tips
-
Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F.
-
Drain shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels if you want ultra-crisp results.
-
Don’t walk away while frying—shrimp cooks fast and burns easily.
Make Ahead
-
You can prepare the sauce in advance and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
-
For a party, fry the shrimp an hour ahead and reheat in a hot oven (400°F for 6–8 mins) before saucing.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
-
Pile the shrimp into soft tortillas
-
Add shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and extra drizzle of sauce
-
Finish with a squeeze of lime and fresh cilantro
Bang Bang Shrimp Salad
-
Serve atop a bed of mixed greens
-
Add cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a citrus vinaigrette
Over Rice or Noodles
-
Serve warm Bang Bang shrimp over jasmine rice or soba noodles
-
Add steamed broccoli or stir-fried vegetables for a complete meal
Lettuce Wraps
-
Use butter lettuce or romaine leaves as a wrap
-
Fill with shrimp, sliced radishes, and shredded carrots for a low-carb version
Variations to Try
Bang Bang Fish
Substitute shrimp with bite-sized pieces of cod or tilapia. Prepare the same way—just ensure fish is dry before dredging.
Vegetarian Bang Bang
Use cauliflower florets instead of shrimp. Roast or air-fry them until crispy, then toss in the Bang Bang sauce.
Chicken Version
Use small pieces of boneless chicken breast or thigh. Fry or bake them for a delicious Bang Bang chicken twist.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 425 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Total Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 5g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Sodium | 850mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
Note: Nutritional values can vary depending on the brands and portions used.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate:
Store leftover shrimp (separate from the sauce, if possible) in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat:
To maintain crispiness:
-
Preheat oven to 400°F
-
Reheat on a baking sheet for 6–8 minutes
-
Then toss in fresh Bang Bang sauce
Avoid microwaving—it’ll make the shrimp soggy!
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Shrimp is one of those addictive dishes that feels gourmet but is secretly simple. With its ultra-crisp crust, spicy-sweet creamy coating, and endless serving options, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep in your weekly rotation. Plus, the entire dish comes together in under 30 minutes!
Whether you’re entertaining friends, meal prepping for flavorful lunches, or just treating yourself to something special, this Bang Bang Shrimp will not disappoint.
Quick Recap
-
Prep Time: 15 minutes
-
Cook Time: 15 minutes
-
Total Time: 30 minutes
-
Calories: ~425 kcal per serving
-
Skill Level: Easy
-
Flavor Profile: Crispy, creamy, sweet, spicy
-
Serving Ideas: Tacos, salad, rice bowls, lettuce wraps
Ready to impress your guests—or just yourself—with something unforgettable?
Try this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe tonight and let your taste buds celebrate. Don’t forget to double the sauce—you’ll want more of that creamy, spicy magic!