Name: Bang Bang Shrimp
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 egg; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 1/2 cup all purpose flour; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Vegetable oil for frying

I make this Bang Bang Shrimp whenever I want something crispy, creamy, sweet, and just a little spicy without spending too much time in the kitchen. The shrimp turn golden and crunchy, and the homemade sauce gives every bite that restaurant-style flavor I love.

Ingredients

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

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce

1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

1 egg

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup all purpose flour

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon paprika

Vegetable oil for frying

Directions

I start by making the sauce so it is ready when the shrimp come out hot and crispy. In a small bowl, I whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and chili garlic sauce until smooth, then I set it aside.

In another bowl, I whisk the egg and buttermilk together until fully combined. In a separate bowl, I mix the flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.

I dip each shrimp into the flour mixture first, then into the egg mixture, and then back into the flour mixture so each piece gets a good coating. After breading the shrimp, I place them on a plate and refrigerate them for about 20 minutes. I find this step helps the coating stay in place while frying.

Next, I heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to about 350°F (175°C). I fry the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes, turning halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy. Then I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to remove the extra oil.

To finish, I toss the fried shrimp with the prepared bang bang sauce or drizzle the sauce over the top just before serving.

Servings and timing

I get 4 servings from this recipe.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 371 kcal per serving

Variations

I like to change this recipe depending on the occasion. Sometimes I make it a little spicier by adding extra chili garlic sauce or a pinch of cayenne to the coating. For a lighter version, I can cook the shrimp in the air fryer until crisp and then coat them with the sauce. I also enjoy serving the shrimp in tacos, over a salad, or in lettuce wraps for a fresh twist. When I want even more crunch, I use a little extra panko in the breading mixture.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, I prefer to store the sauce separately if possible. When I reheat the shrimp, I use the oven or air fryer so the coating stays as crisp as possible. A few minutes at 350°F usually works well. I avoid microwaving when I want to keep the breading from turning soft.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

I can use frozen shrimp as long as I thaw them completely and pat them dry before breading. I find that dry shrimp hold the coating much better during frying.

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp less spicy?

I can easily make it milder by reducing the chili garlic sauce. The sweet chili sauce still gives the shrimp plenty of flavor without too much heat.

What oil works best for frying?

I like using a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil or canola oil. These oils help the shrimp fry evenly and stay crisp.

Can I prepare the shrimp ahead of time?

I can bread the shrimp a little ahead and keep them in the refrigerator before frying. I think they are best cooked fresh, but the short chill time actually helps the coating stick better.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?

I like serving it with rice, coleslaw, salad, noodles, or even as a party appetizer on its own. It also works really well in tacos or sandwiches.

Conclusion

I think this Bang Bang Shrimp is one of the easiest ways to bring big restaurant-style flavor into my kitchen. The crispy coating, creamy sweet-spicy sauce, and quick cooking time make it a recipe I love to repeat. Whether I serve it for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or a simple treat for myself, it always feels satisfying and full of flavor.

📖 Recipe:

Bang Bang Shrimp

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Author: Sophia
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy bang bang sauce. This quick restaurant-style dish works perfectly as an appetizer, snack, or flavorful main course.