There's something irresistibly fun about crispy shrimp that's coated in a spicy, sweet sauce that tingles just right on your tongue. This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe brings that memorable flavor right into your kitchen, making every bite a little celebration. Plus, it's quick enough to be a weeknight winner but special enough to impress guests.

A white bowl filled with bright orange fried shrimp coated in a shiny sauce, piled high in the center. On the top right side of the bowl, there is a layer of chopped coleslaw with white, purple, and orange pieces, adding a fresh, crunchy texture. Small green scallion slices are sprinkled on top of the shrimp, giving a pop of color and freshness. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the vibrant colors of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I adore this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe because it's a perfect blend of crispy and creamy with a nice kick. It’s one of those dishes that tastes way more complicated than it actually is, which makes it even more fun to whip up and share.

Quick & Easy: You can have this done in about 20 minutes, perfect for when you want something delicious without fussing for hours.
Crispy Goodness: The shrimp are coated in cornstarch and fried to golden perfection, giving you that crave-worthy crunch every time.
Burst of Flavor: The combo of sweet chili sauce, mayo, and a touch of Sriracha creates that signature creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce that makes it addictive.
Adaptable: Whether you want to make it milder, spicier, or pair it with your favorite sides, this recipe is super flexible to your tastes.

A close-up of a single orange-colored shrimp coated in a shiny, thick sauce being held by light brown wooden chopsticks. The shrimp shows a bumpy texture from the sauce with tiny green herb bits on it. The background is filled with more shrimp in the same sauce, slightly blurred. All is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe plays a crucial part in building layers of texture and flavor. From the creamy mayo base to the spicy sweetness of chili sauce, these components come together in perfect harmony. Here’s a quick rundown of what you need and why:

Flat lay of raw, pink shelled and deveined shrimp, a small bowl of creamy white mayonnaise, a small bowl of glossy bright red Thai sweet chili sauce, a tiny bowl of deep orange Sriracha, a fresh whole white egg with a clean shell, a small bowl of smooth white buttermilk, a small bowl filled with fine pale yellow cornstarch, and a small bowl of clear vegetable oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy richness that balances out the heat from the chili sauce and Sriracha.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Adds a beautiful sticky sweetness with a little bit of spice, the star of the sauce.
Sriracha: Gives the sauce a gentle heat and a bit of zing to elevate the flavor.
Shrimp (raw, shelled and deveined): Using fresh or thawed shrimp ensures a tender, juicy bite that fries up crisp on the outside.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the cornstarch stick for that crispy coating.
Cornstarch: The secret to a light, crispy crust that fries up gorgeous and not oily.
Vegetable oil: For frying at the perfect temperature to get that golden crispiness without sogginess.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe depending on my mood and what’s in the pantry. It's a recipe that adapts well—whether you're after something spicy, tangy, or just right for sharing with kids. Don’t hesitate to tailor it to your own taste buds!

Milder Version: I sometimes dial down the Sriracha or leave it out altogether, so the family can dive in without the heat overpowering the sauce.
Extra Crunch: Adding a bit of panko breadcrumbs to the cornstarch can make the coating even crunchier—great if you like a super crispy bite.
Gluten-Free: Using cornstarch keeps it gluten-free, but be sure your chili sauce is labeled gluten-free to be safe.
Swap the Protein: Occasionally, I use scallops or even tofu when I want to switch things up, and the sauce works just as beautifully.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Magic Sauce

Start with a small bowl where you blend together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and just a touch of Sriracha. I always stir it up and taste—sometimes adding a little more chili sauce if I want it sweeter or a dash more Sriracha if I’m craving a spicy kick. This sauce is where the "bang" flavor comes from and it’s soooo good!

Step 2: Soak the Shrimp

Pop your raw shrimp into a bowl with buttermilk and give them a good stir. Letting them soak for a few minutes really helps tenderize the shrimp and gives the coating something to cling to. It’s a small step that elevates the texture so much.

Step 3: Coat with Cornstarch

Drain the shrimp from the buttermilk but don’t dry them off completely—you want enough moisture for the cornstarch to stick but not so much that the coating gets soggy. Toss the shrimp in cornstarch until they're well-coated; this is what creates that irresistible crispy shell.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy pan or deep fryer to about 375°F (190°C). Carefully fry the shrimp in batches for 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re beautifully golden and crispy. I like to place them on a wire rack rather than paper towels to keep that crunch intact. Don’t overcrowd the pan—shrimp need space to crisp up properly.

Step 5: Toss in the Sauce and Serve

Once all your shrimp are cooked, toss them quickly in the sauce so every piece is coated with that luscious mixture. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor—you’ll want everyone to dig in while it’s still warm and crispy.

Top Tip

Having made Bang Bang Shrimp enough times to find some tricks, I’m eager to save you the same little hurdles I encountered. These tips make all the difference toward that perfectly crispy, flavorful dish you’ll want to make again and again.

Oil Temperature Matters: If the oil is too hot, your shrimp will brown too fast on the outside and stay raw inside; too cool and they get greasy instead of crisp. Use a thermometer if you can!
Don’t Overcrowd: Fry the shrimp in small batches so the oil temperature stays consistent and the shrimp can crisp evenly.
Drain Properly: Use a wire rack rather than paper towels to drain—this keeps the shrimp from steaming and losing their crunch.
Coating Consistency: Make sure the shrimp aren’t dripping wet before coating them with cornstarch, or the crust will become clumpy instead of light and crisp.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling chopped green onions and fresh cilantro over my Bang Bang Shrimp—it adds a fresh, herbal bite that brightens the rich sauce. A squeeze of lime on top also elevates the flavors and adds just the right hint of zest.

Side Dishes

When I serve this, some simple sides work a charm: jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the sauce, a crisp green salad for balance, or even some steamed broccoli or snap peas for a light veggie punch. It’s also fantastic on tacos or over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter lunch.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I’ve served bang bang shrimp as a fun appetizer on skewers or atop mini lettuce cups for a fresh bite. It’s always a crowd-pleaser when presented as finger food with an extra bowl of sauce for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cool the shrimp completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The shrimp won’t be quite as crispy, but the flavor holds beautifully.

Freezing

Freezing fried shrimp can be tricky because the texture suffers, but if you want to save time, freeze the shrimp before frying. That way, you can fry straight from frozen for a fresh batch whenever you like.

Reheating

To bring back some of that crispiness, I reheat leftovers in a hot oven or toaster oven at about 375°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can—it makes the shrimp soggy and chewy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I bake this Bang Bang Shrimp instead of frying?

You absolutely can! Baking is a healthier alternative, but the shrimp won’t get as crispy as frying. Try coating the shrimp with cornstarch, then arrange them on a baking sheet and spray lightly with oil. Bake at 425°F for about 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.

What’s the best way to peel and devein shrimp?

Peeling and deveining shrimp is easier with fresh or thawed shrimp. Start by removing the head and shell (if still on), then use a small knife or shrimp deveiner to make a shallow cut along the back and pull out the dark vein gently with the tip of your knife or your fingers. Rinse lightly in cold water afterward.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The bang bang sauce keeps well refrigerated in a sealed container for up to a week. Making it ahead helps the flavors meld beautifully, just give it a quick stir before tossing with the shrimp.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice, crunchy slaw, or roasted vegetables. For a fun twist, try it over a fresh salad or wrapped in lettuce cups for a lighter meal.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe always brings me back to those cozy nights where I want vibrant flavors that don’t mean hours in the kitchen. It's that little bit of magic when spicy meets sweet and crispy meets creamy, making it one of those dishes I’m excited to share with friends. You’ll enjoy it too—trust me, it’s a must-try!