Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is the ultimate balance of textures and flavors crispy, golden-fried shrimp smothered in a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce that excites every bite. The contrast between the crunchy coating and the luscious Bang Bang sauce makes this dish a sensational appetizer or main course.

This recipe is incredibly versatile and quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. Serve it over rice, in tacos, or as finger food at your next party, and watch it disappear fast. Its bold flavors and satisfying crunch will keep you coming back for more.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/2 cup cornstarch

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon paprika

• 2 large eggs

• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to heat preference)

• 1 teaspoon honey

• 1 teaspoon lime juice

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika.

2. In another bowl, beat the eggs.

3. Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.

4. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

5. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice to make the Bang Bang sauce.

6. Toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 450 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

Exploring the Allure of Bang Bang Shrimp: A Crispy, Spicy-Sweet Sensation

Bang Bang Shrimp has become a modern comfort food icon  a fusion dish that combines crunchy, tender shrimp with a bold, creamy sauce. The version featured on Christie at Home is a shining example of why this dish remains so loved in home kitchens and restaurants alike. It’s quick to prepare, delightfully indulgent, and perfectly balanced between textures and flavors.

What Is Bang Bang Shrimp?

At its core, Bang Bang Shrimp is a dish of battered and fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy, and spicy mayo-based sauce. It’s a play on contrasts: hot and crispy shrimp meet a cool, rich coating that brings sweet heat to the forefront. Originating as a signature dish from Bonefish Grill, it has since been adopted by home cooks and food bloggers, often modified with regional or personal twists.

Christie’s recipe honors the traditional elements but simplifies the process for busy households. With a short list of accessible pantry staples and expert shortcuts, this version caters to weeknight dinners without compromising on flavor.

A Dish Built for Versatility

One of the most appealing things about Bang Bang Shrimp is how versatile it is. While it’s commonly served as an appetizer, it can just as easily function as a main course. Christie recommends enjoying the shrimp with steamed white rice and stir-fried vegetables, creating a balanced meal with protein, carbs, and greens.

The shrimp can also be repurposed into tacos, sandwiches, salads, or rice bowls. The bold sauce brings enough flavor to serve as the centerpiece of any dish, while the shrimp’s texture makes it suitable for various culinary formats. It’s also a party favorite  bite-sized, flavorful, and easy to eat.

The Secret Behind the Sauce

The Bang Bang sauce is arguably the most memorable component of the dish. In this recipe, it’s a three-ingredient mixture of Japanese mayonnaise (Kewpie), sweet Thai chili sauce, and sriracha. The Japanese mayo adds a richer, umami-driven creaminess compared to traditional Western mayonnaise. Thai chili sauce provides a sweet, garlicky base with a touch of acidity, and the sriracha delivers the expected kick of spice.

While simple, this trifecta of condiments packs a flavor punch that transforms the crispy shrimp into something addictive and crave-worthy. The sauce can be adjusted to taste more sriracha for heat lovers, or extra chili sauce for those who prefer it sweeter.

Texture: The Unsung Hero

Christie’s recipe puts strong emphasis on getting the texture right. The shrimp are first tenderized in buttermilk, which serves not just to marinate, but to gently break down the proteins, making the meat more succulent. After dredging the shrimp in a seasoned starch mixture, they are shallow-fried to golden perfection.

Several tips from the recipe highlight how crucial it is to avoid common pitfalls  like overcrowding the pan or using the wrong type of oil. Overcrowding drops the oil temperature, leading to soggy results, and using heavily scented oils like olive oil can interfere with the dish’s intended flavor profile.

Crispy shrimp is the goal, and Christie outlines exactly how to achieve that golden crust. She also recommends allowing the shrimp to rest on a wire rack or paper towel after frying to remove excess oil. This final step preserves crispiness before the shrimp meets the sauce.

Practical Cooking Tips for Home Cooks

The simplicity of this recipe belies its need for technique. Christie shares a handful of expert tips that elevate the outcome:

• Use buttermilk for marinating – Its mild acidity makes the shrimp more tender and flavorful.

• Stick to neutral oils – These allow the flavor of the shrimp and sauce to shine.

• Fry in small batches – Helps maintain oil temperature for even cooking.

• Don’t overcook the shrimp – They need only a minute or so per side for perfect doneness.

• Serve immediately – The coating is at its crispiest and most enjoyable straight out of the pan.

Adaptability for Modern Lifestyles

This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is ideal for families and busy professionals who want restaurant-quality flavor at home. Its quick prep time and relatively short ingredient list make it approachable. It’s also adaptable for different dietary needs and cooking methods.

For instance, it includes air fryer instructions for those looking to avoid deep frying. Simply dredge the shrimp, spray with oil, and air fry at high heat  a healthier approach that still delivers impressive crunch.

There’s also flexibility in the protein choice. Christie suggests alternatives like chicken, pork, tofu, or white fish. This is particularly helpful for households with shellfish allergies or dietary preferences that lean vegetarian or pescatarian.

Storage and Reheating

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, it can be stored and reheated with decent results. The fried coating will inevitably lose some crispness over time, but methods like air frying or pan reheating can revive much of the original texture. For meal preppers or batch cookers, this is a useful feature, although Christie notes the shrimp are at their best right after cooking.

The shrimp can also be frozen, though this adds an additional step of defrosting before reheating. Still, it’s a helpful option for those who like to plan meals in advance.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

One of the best things about this dish is how well it pairs with a variety of sides and cuisines. Christie offers several ideas to turn this into a complete dining experience:

• With rice – White or brown rice are perfect neutral bases.

• With vegetables – Bok choy, choy sum, or any stir-fried greens work beautifully.

• As fusion food – Serve it in tacos, on top of noodles, or inside a warm sandwich bun.

• With soups – Egg drop or hot and sour soup adds an Asian-inspired starter.

It’s also a fantastic dish for casual gatherings or game-day snacks. Plated on a serving dish with toothpicks or in mini lettuce cups, these shrimp easily become a crowd favorite.

Conclusion: 

Bang Bang Shrimp is one of those dishes that makes you pause after the first bite a symphony of crunchy texture, creamy heat, and perfectly cooked seafood. Christie at Home has taken this restaurant staple and turned it into an accessible, flavor-packed home recipe that doesn’t sacrifice quality or taste.

Whether you’re cooking for family, entertaining friends, or just craving something indulgent yet easy, this recipe delivers. It’s endlessly adaptable, highly satisfying, and practically foolproof with the right techniques. Skip the takeout and make Bang Bang Shrimp your new signature dish bold, balanced, and completely irresistible.