Can I make Bang Bang shrimp ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the sauce and bread the shrimp in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. For the best texture, fry the shrimp just before serving. If needed, you can fry them an hour ahead and keep warm in a 200°F oven, though they're truly best fresh from the fryer.

What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don't have any?

Make your own substitute by combining 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it begins to curdle slightly, then use as directed in the recipe.

Is there a non-fried version of this recipe?

Absolutely! For a healthier option, bake the breaded shrimp at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, or use an air fryer at 390°F for 5-7 minutes. The coating won't be quite as crispy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

What's the best way to devein shrimp?

Using kitchen shears or a small paring knife, cut along the back of the shrimp about ¼-inch deep. Look for the dark vein running along the back, and gently pull it out. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remnants.

Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; Vegetable oil (for frying)

This irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp recipe delivers perfectly crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that will make your taste buds dance. Ready in just 30 minutes, this restaurant-quality appetizer brings that perfect balance of crunch and flavor right to your home kitchen. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly simple to make!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant Quality at Home: Create that famous appetizer you love ordering out, right in your kitchen—for a fraction of the price!
Perfect Texture Contrast: The crispy breaded exterior gives way to tender, juicy shrimp, all coated in that velvety, slightly spicy sauce.
Quick Preparation: Even with the chilling time, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes—perfect for when you need to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Versatile Serving Options: Works beautifully as an appetizer, party food, or even a main course served over rice or noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Shrimp: Medium-sized shrimp create the perfect bite-sized morsels. They cook quickly and absorb all those wonderful flavors.
Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the sauce. Using a fresh, unopened jar at room temperature will give you the best flavor profile.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides that signature sweet heat that makes Bang Bang sauce so addictive.
Chili Garlic Sauce: Adds depth and a pleasant kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Buttermilk: Creates the perfect consistency for the egg mixture, helping the breading stick beautifully to the shrimp.
Egg: Works as the essential binder, ensuring your breading adheres perfectly to the shrimp.
Flour: Creates the foundation for your crispy coating.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide extra crunch that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
Seasonings: The combination of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika creates a perfectly balanced flavor profile in the breading.
Vegetable Oil: Has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying to that perfect golden crispness.

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.

Variations

Baked Bang Bang Shrimp

Want a lighter version? Skip the frying! Arrange the breaded shrimp on a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 400°F for 10-12 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Spice Level Adjustments

Control the heat by adjusting the chili garlic sauce—reduce it for milder palates or add an extra teaspoon for true heat seekers. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also dial up the spice.

Bang Bang Chicken

Don’t have shrimp? This same recipe works wonderfully with bite-sized chicken pieces. Just increase the cooking time to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.

Air Fryer Method

For a healthier alternative with less oil, cook the breaded shrimp in an air fryer at 390°F for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and chili garlic sauce. Whisk until smooth and completely incorporated. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the shrimp.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station

Create your dredging station by whisking together the egg and buttermilk in one bowl. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 3: Bread the Shrimp

Take each shrimp and dip it first in the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally back into the flour mixture again. Make sure each shrimp is fully coated. Place the breaded shrimp on a plate.

Step 4: Chill the Breaded Shrimp

Place the plate of breaded shrimp in the refrigerator for 20-30 minutes. This crucial step helps the breading adhere properly during frying and ensures that perfect crispy exterior.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a deep-sided skillet until it reaches 350°F. Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil without overcrowding (you’ll likely need to work in batches). Fry for approximately 3 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Toss with Sauce

Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with about ¼ cup of the prepared bang bang sauce. Gently toss until each piece is lightly coated. Serve immediately with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Temperature Matters: Make sure your oil stays at 350°F throughout the frying process. Too hot, and the breading burns before the shrimp cooks; too cool, and the shrimp absorb too much oil, becoming greasy.
Don’t Skip the Chilling: Those 20-30 minutes in the refrigerator make all the difference in helping the breading stick to the shrimp during frying.
Work in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature and results in soggy coating.
Double-Dredge: The flour-egg-flour method creates that perfectly crispy crust that won’t fall off during frying.
Pat Dry: Before starting the breading process, make sure your shrimp are thoroughly patted dry. Excess moisture prevents the breading from adhering properly.

How to Serve

As an Appetizer

Serve on a platter with the extra sauce in a small bowl for dipping. Garnish with sliced green onions or chopped cilantro for a pop of color.

As a Main Course

Transform this appetizer into a satisfying meal by serving over steamed jasmine rice or rice noodles with a side of steamed vegetables.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

Tuck a few bang bang shrimp into warm flour tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and an extra drizzle of the sauce for an amazing taco night twist.

Lettuce Wraps

For a lighter option, serve the shrimp in crisp lettuce cups with julienned vegetables and extra sauce.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the breaded (but uncooked) shrimp for up to one month. Arrange them on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the frying time.

Reheating

For the crispiest results, reheat leftover shrimp in an oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer at 370°F for 2-3 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it will make the breading soggy.

FAQs

Can I make Bang Bang shrimp ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the sauce and bread the shrimp in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. For the best texture, fry the shrimp just before serving. If needed, you can fry them an hour ahead and keep warm in a 200°F oven, though they’re truly best fresh from the fryer.
What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don’t have any?

Make your own substitute by combining 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it begins to curdle slightly, then use as directed in the recipe.
Is there a non-fried version of this recipe?

Absolutely! For a healthier option, bake the breaded shrimp at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, or use an air fryer at 390°F for 5-7 minutes. The coating won’t be quite as crispy, but the flavor will still be delicious.
What’s the best way to devein shrimp?

Using kitchen shears or a small paring knife, cut along the back of the shrimp about ¼-inch deep. Look for the dark vein running along the back, and gently pull it out. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remnants.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe brings that perfect combination of crispy, tender, spicy, and sweet right to your table. With its straightforward preparation and impressive results, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a regular in your cooking rotation. Whether served as an appetizer at your next gathering or enjoyed as a special weeknight dinner, these flavorful shrimp always disappear quickly. Give them a try—your taste buds will thank you!