This easy bang bang shrimp recipe delivers all the crispy, creamy, spicy goodness you crave from your favorite restaurant – but made right in your own kitchen! I’ve perfected this copycat version after countless attempts, and I can confidently say it rivals any restaurant’s version.
What makes this recipe truly special is the perfect balance of textures and flavors. The shrimp gets incredibly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, and that signature bang bang sauce? It’s the perfect combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy that’ll have you licking the bowl clean. Trust me, once you try this homemade version, you’ll never want to order it out again!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Better Than Restaurant Style
- Restaurant Quality at Home: Get that perfect crispy exterior and tender interior that rivals your favorite seafood restaurant
- Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce: The creamy, spicy sauce is absolutely addictive and takes just minutes to whisk together
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main dish, or party food that always impresses
- Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the spice to your preference – mild enough for kids or fiery for heat lovers
- Budget-Friendly: Much more affordable than ordering out, and you get generous portions
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this crispy shrimp recipe lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just a handful of pantry staples to create the crispy coating and that famous bang bang sauce. The key is using large shrimp (21-25 count works perfectly) for the best texture and presentation.
For the sauce, I’ve found that using real mayonnaise (not light versions) creates the creamiest base, while sweet chili sauce provides the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. The sriracha adds that signature kick, but feel free to adjust to your heat preference!
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons green onions (sliced thin)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
- 1 medium lime (cut into wedges)
Optional Add-ins:
- garlic powder
- cayenne pepper
- fresh cilantro
How to Make Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Better Than Restaurant Style (Step-by-Step)
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust spice level as needed.
Pro tip: Make the sauce first and let it sit – the flavors meld together beautifully while you prep the shrimp.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a crispy coating that adheres well.
Pro tip: Really dry shrimp is the secret to crispy coating – don’t skip this step!
Place buttermilk in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
Pro tip: The cornstarch in the flour mixture creates extra crispiness that lasts longer.
3. Heat the Oil
Pour oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor temperature.
Pro tip: Maintaining proper oil temperature is key – too low and the shrimp will be greasy, too high and they’ll burn before cooking through.
4. Coat and Fry the Shrimp
Working in batches, dip shrimp first in buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere.
Pro tip: Don’t overcrowd the pot – fry in 2-3 batches for best results.
Carefully add coated shrimp to hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with slotted spoon to wire rack.
Pro tip: The shrimp will continue cooking slightly after removal, so don’t over-fry.
5. Toss and Serve
Once all shrimp are fried, place them in a large bowl and drizzle with bang bang sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Pro tip: Add sauce gradually – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away!
Transfer to serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Pro tip: Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping – trust me, people will want more!
Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Better Than Restaurant Style – Full Recipe
Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Better Than Restaurant Style
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, and honey until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust spice level as needed. Pro tip: Make the sauce first and let it sit - the flavors meld together beautifully while you prep the shrimp.
- Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for getting a crispy coating that adheres well. Pro tip: Really dry shrimp is the secret to crispy coating - don't skip this step!
- Place buttermilk in one bowl. In another bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined. Pro tip: The cornstarch in the flour mixture creates extra crispiness that lasts longer.
- Pour oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy thermometer to monitor temperature. Pro tip: Maintaining proper oil temperature is key - too low and the shrimp will be greasy, too high and they'll burn before cooking through.
- Working in batches, dip shrimp first in buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to help coating adhere. Pro tip: Don't overcrowd the pot - fry in 2-3 batches for best results.
- Carefully add coated shrimp to hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove with slotted spoon to wire rack. Pro tip: The shrimp will continue cooking slightly after removal, so don't over-fry.
- Once all shrimp are fried, place them in a large bowl and drizzle with bang bang sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly. Pro tip: Add sauce gradually - you can always add more, but you can't take it away!
- Transfer to serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and lime wedges. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Pro tip: Serve extra sauce on the side for dipping - trust me, people will want more!
Notes
- Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for perfectly crispy results without greasiness
- Pat shrimp completely dry before coating for better adhesion and crispiness
- Make extra bang bang sauce - everyone always wants more for dipping!
Tips for the Best Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Better Than Restaurant Style
- Oil Temperature is Everything: Use a thermometer to maintain 350°F – this ensures crispy exterior without greasy results
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For super crispy shrimp, dip in buttermilk and flour mixture twice before frying
- Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: It tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick better than regular milk
- Make Sauce Your Own: Start with less sriracha and add more to taste – you can always increase the heat
- Serve Immediately: Bang bang shrimp is best enjoyed hot and crispy right after frying
- Save the Oil: Strain and store frying oil in the refrigerator to reuse for other fried foods
Variations to Try
- Baked Version: Spray coated shrimp with cooking oil and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: Cook at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking basket halfway through cooking time
- Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp: Add 1/2 cup shredded coconut to the flour mixture for tropical flavor and extra crunch
- Spicy Korean Style: Replace sweet chili sauce with gochujang for a deeper, more complex heat
- Cauliflower Bang Bang Bites: Use cauliflower florets instead of shrimp for a vegetarian version that’s equally delicious
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Refrigerator Storage: Store leftover shrimp in airtight container for up to 2 days (coating will soften)
- Sauce Storage: Bang bang sauce keeps in the fridge for up to 1 week in sealed container
- Freezing: Not recommended as the coating becomes soggy when thawed
- Reheating: Reheat in 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispiness, or use air fryer for 3-4 minutes
- Meal Prep: Prep sauce and coating mixture ahead, but fry shrimp fresh for best results
Nutritional Benefits
While this is definitely an indulgent treat, shrimp provides excellent lean protein and important nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, and omega-3 fatty acids. Each serving delivers about 25 grams of high-quality protein to keep you satisfied.
- High in protein for muscle maintenance and satiety
- Good source of selenium for immune function
- Contains vitamin B12 for energy metabolism
- Provides iodine for thyroid health
- Lower in calories than many other fried appetizers
What to Serve With Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Better Than Restaurant Style
- Coconut rice or jasmine rice to balance the spicy flavors
- Asian slaw with crisp vegetables and sesame dressing
- Steamed broccoli or snap peas for a healthy contrast
- Fried rice or lo mein noodles for a complete meal
- Fresh cucumber salad with rice vinegar dressing
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make bang bang shrimp ahead of time?
While the sauce can be made up to a week ahead, the shrimp is best fried fresh for optimal crispiness. You can prep the coating mixture and have everything ready to go, but fry just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What can I substitute for buttermilk in bang bang shrimp?
You can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of regular milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes to curdle slightly. This provides the same tenderizing effect and helps the coating adhere properly.
How do I know when the shrimp is cooked through?
Properly cooked shrimp will be golden brown on the outside and opaque throughout, usually taking 2-3 minutes in 350°F oil. The internal temperature should reach 145°F, and the shrimp will curl into a C-shape when done.
Can I bake bang bang shrimp instead of frying?
Yes! Spray the coated shrimp with cooking oil and bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While not as crispy as fried, it’s a healthier option that still delivers great flavor.
Why is my bang bang shrimp coating not crispy?
Common issues include oil temperature being too low (should be 350°F), not drying the shrimp properly before coating, or overcrowding the pan. Also ensure your flour mixture includes cornstarch for extra crispiness.
Final Thoughts
This restaurant style shrimp recipe has become an absolute favorite in my kitchen, and I know it’ll become one in yours too! There’s something so satisfying about creating that perfect crispy texture and addictive bang bang sauce at home. The best part? You can customize everything to your taste preferences and dietary needs.
Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or just craving something indulgent, this spicy shrimp recipe delivers every time. The combination of textures and flavors is absolutely irresistible, and your guests will be asking for the recipe before they even finish eating!
Ready to Try It?
Ready to make the best bang bang shrimp of your life? Gather your ingredients and get that oil heating – you’re just 30 minutes away from crispy, saucy perfection! Don’t forget to share your results in the comments below and tag us on social media. We love seeing your homemade creations, and I bet yours will look absolutely amazing!
