This crispy, saucy shrimp dish delivers the perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and crunch. It’s quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and ideal as an appetizer or a fun main dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp offers a restaurant-quality experience right at home. The shrimp fry up beautifully crisp thanks to a buttermilk soak and a cornstarch-flour coating, while the bang bang sauce brings sweet heat and rich creaminess. It’s fast, satisfying, and versatile—serve it over rice, in lettuce cups, or as a crowd-pleasing starter.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 1 tbsp chopped chives, for garnish

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 tsp honey (optional)

Directions

1. Marinate the Shrimp:
   Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for 10–15 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and ensures a crisp coating later.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth. Set aside.
3. Coat the Shrimp:
   In another bowl, combine the cornstarch and all-purpose flour. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, and dredge each piece in the dry mixture until fully coated.
4. Fry:
   Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
5. Sauce and Serve:
   While still warm, gently toss the shrimp in the bang bang sauce until coated. Garnish with chopped chives and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

Serves: 3–4 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Use light mayonnaise for a slightly lower-calorie sauce.
• Swap sriracha for chili garlic sauce for a deeper, garlicky heat.
• Air-fry the shrimp at 400°F for 8–10 minutes for a lighter version.
• Add lime juice to the sauce for a tangy twist.
• Serve over rice noodles or in tacos for a full meal.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it will soften the coating. Store the sauce separately if possible.

FAQs

How spicy is bang bang shrimp?

The heat level is moderate, but you can adjust it by increasing or reducing the sriracha.

Can I make this with frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before marinating.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes. Bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.

What oil is best for frying?

Use neutral, high-heat oils like vegetable, canola, or sunflower oil.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. It can be made 2–3 days ahead and refrigerated.

Does the buttermilk soak make a difference?

Yes, it tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating adhere better.

How do I keep the shrimp crispy?

Drain well after frying and toss in sauce just before serving.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and ensure your chili sauce is certified gluten-free.

What can I serve with bang bang shrimp?

Rice, noodles, lettuce wraps, or a simple salad pair well.

Can I use smaller shrimp?

Yes, but reduce frying time slightly to avoid overcooking.

Conclusion

Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp is a fast, flavorful, and satisfying recipe that brings together crisp fried shrimp and a creamy, spicy sauce. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, it delivers bold flavor with minimal effort—perfect for weeknights, gatherings, or whenever you’re craving something irresistible.

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