Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
I’ve been perfecting this bang bang shrimp recipe for years, and let me tell you, it’s become the most requested dish at every family gathering. The secret lies in getting that perfect balance between the crispy exterior and the bold, flavorful sauce that gives this dish its distinctive “bang.”
What Makes This Bang Bang Shrimp Special?
Bang bang shrimp has earned its reputation as one of the most beloved appetizers in restaurants across the country. What sets this recipe apart is the incredible contrast of textures – the light, crispy coating surrounding succulent shrimp, all brought together by a sauce that’s simultaneously creamy, sweet, and spicy.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients and about 25 minutes of your time, you can create restaurant-quality bang bang shrimp that rivals any establishment. The cornstarch coating creates that signature light, crispy texture while the buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp to perfection.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (26-30 count, peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
- 3/4 cup cornstarch (key for that crispy texture)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2 cups)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise (use high-quality mayo for best results)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (Thai-style works perfectly)
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
For Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
- Lime wedges
- Sesame seeds (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures the coating will adhere properly and become beautifully crispy. Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them, making sure each piece is well-coated. Let them soak for 10 minutes – this buttermilk bath tenderizes the shrimp and helps create that incredibly juicy interior.
While the shrimp soaks, combine the cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne in a shallow dish. Whisk everything together until well combined. The cornstarch is your secret weapon here – it creates a lighter, crispier coating than traditional flour.
Creating the Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, and minced garlic until smooth. The sauce should have a beautiful peachy-pink color and a consistency that coats the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust the heat level – remember, you can always add more sriracha, but you can’t take it away!
Cover the sauce and refrigerate while you prepare the shrimp. This brief chilling time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
The Frying Process
Heat your vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy – oil that’s too hot will burn the coating before the shrimp cooks through, while oil that’s too cool will result in greasy, soggy shrimp.
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Shake off any excess coating.
Carefully lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil, working in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. The shrimp should float to the surface when they’re done. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
Bringing It All Together
While the shrimp are still warm, place them in a large bowl and drizzle with the bang bang sauce. Toss gently to coat each piece evenly. The warm shrimp will help the sauce adhere beautifully while maintaining that crispy texture.
Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced green onions, and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus freshness.
Internal Links for More Delicious Recipes
If you’re loving this bang bang shrimp recipe, you’ll find plenty more exciting options to explore on our site:
- Perfect Sides: Complement your bang bang shrimp with our collection of perfect sides that pair beautifully with seafood dishes
- Flavored Dips & Marinades: Discover more incredible flavored dips and marinades to elevate your cooking game
- Tasty Snacks: Browse our tasty snacks category for more appetizer inspiration
- Hearty Main Dishes: Transform this appetizer into a meal with ideas from our hearty main dishes collection
- Refreshing Beverages: Cool down the heat with our refreshing beverages that pair perfectly with spicy foods
- Fresh Vibrant Salads: Balance the richness with our fresh vibrant salads
- Dinner Delights: Make this part of a complete meal with our dinner delights
Pro Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Success
Temperature Control is Key: Maintain that oil temperature at 350°F throughout the frying process. If the temperature drops too much when you add the shrimp, the coating will absorb oil and become greasy.
Don’t Skip the Buttermilk: The buttermilk soak isn’t just for flavor – it actually tenderizes the shrimp proteins, resulting in incredibly juicy, tender shrimp inside that crispy coating.
Work in Batches: Resist the urge to fry all the shrimp at once. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and results in uneven cooking. It’s better to work in smaller batches for consistently perfect results.
Timing is Everything: Bang bang shrimp is best enjoyed immediately after frying. The contrast between the hot, crispy shrimp and the cool, creamy sauce is part of what makes this dish so special.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
This versatile bang bang shrimp works beautifully in so many ways. Serve it as an appetizer over a bed of crisp lettuce, or transform it into a main course by serving over steamed rice or noodles. For a fun twist, try using the shrimp in tacos with some crunchy cabbage slaw and avocado slices.
The sauce can be customized to your heat preference – dial it back with less sriracha for sensitive palates, or amp it up with additional hot sauce for heat lovers. Some people love adding a touch of lime juice or zest to the sauce for extra brightness.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of this bang bang shrimp (approximately 6 shrimp with sauce) contains roughly 280 calories, making it a relatively reasonable indulgence. The shrimp provides excellent protein while the cornstarch coating keeps it lighter than traditional wheat flour batters.
Storage and Reheating
While bang bang shrimp is definitely best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftover cooked shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some of that crispy texture. Add fresh sauce after reheating for the best flavor.
Final Thoughts
This bang bang shrimp recipe has become a cornerstone of my entertaining repertoire, and I’m confident it will become one of yours too. The combination of crispy texture, tender shrimp, and that irresistible sauce creates a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly approachable.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a special weekend treat, or just want to bring some restaurant-quality excitement to your weeknight routine, this bang bang shrimp delivers every single time. The recipe is forgiving enough for beginners yet sophisticated enough to impress even the most discerning palates.
So grab your apron, heat up that oil, and get ready to create something truly special. Your taste buds – and your dinner guests – will thank you for it.
For more incredible recipes and cooking tips, be sure to explore our full collection of irresistible desserts and breakfast favorites to complete your culinary journey.
