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Crispy golden bang bang shrimp with creamy spicy sauce and green onion garnish on wooden board

Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Better Than Restaurant Style

Crispy fried shrimp coated in an irresistible creamy, spicy bang bang sauce that's better than any restaurant version. Ready in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients for the perfect appetizer or main dish.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Asian-American
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

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 1/4 teaspoon for extra flavor in coating
  • cayenne pepper pinch for extra heat in sauce
  • fresh cilantro for additional garnish

Equipment

  • 1 Large Heavy-Bottom Pot for deep frying
  • 1 Candy thermometer to monitor oil temperature
  • 1 wire cooling rack set over baking sheet
  • 1 Large Mixing Bowls for coating and sauce
  • 1 Slotted Spoon for removing shrimp from oil

Method
 

Make the Bang Bang Sauce
  1. 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.
Prepare the Shrimp
  1. 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!
  2. 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.
Heat the Oil
  1. 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.
Coat and Fry the Shrimp
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
Toss and Serve
  1. 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!
  2. 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!