Name: Bang Bang Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 450g (1 lb) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 120g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs; 60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional); 2 large eggs, beaten; vegetable oil, for frying; 120g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise; 60g (1/4 cup) sweet chili sauce; 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon honey or sugar; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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If you love seafood appetizers that pack a flavor punch, you’re going to adore Bang Bang Shrimp. This dish features crispy, golden-brown shrimp coated in a delightful spicy sauce that perfectly balances creamy and zesty notes. It’s the kind of dish that elicits happy sighs from friends and family alike, making it a fabulous choice for gatherings or even a cozy night in. You can whip it up in no time, which is always a win when cravings hit.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bang Bang Shrimp

I first came across the idea for Bang Bang Shrimp at a local restaurant, and I was immediately hooked. The combination of crispy shrimp and that irresistible sauce kept me going back for more. After experimenting in my kitchen, I realized just how easy it is to recreate this dish at home. With only a handful of ingredients, you can impress everyone without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me when I say, once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: You can whip up a delicious platter of Bang Bang Shrimp in just 40 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: The spicy, sweet, and creamy sauce ensures each bite is bursting with flavor.
Eye-Catching Appeal: Those crispy, golden shrimp look as good as they taste, making them perfect for parties.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as an appetizer, or pair with rice or salad for a delightful main course.
Diet-Friendly Options: You can easily tweak ingredients for gluten-free or lighter alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): Fresh shrimp is ideal for the best flavor and texture. Frozen shrimp can work too—just make sure to thaw them properly.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These light, crispy breadcrumbs create that delightful crunch; you can substitute regular breadcrumbs if needed, but the texture won’t be quite the same.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps to create a base coating for the shrimp, enhancing their crunchiness. You can use gluten-free flour here if necessary.
1/2 teaspoon salt: A key flavor enhancer for the shrimp.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth without being overwhelming.
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional): This adds a subtle flavor and a beautiful color to your shrimp.
2 large eggs (beaten): Binds the breadcrumb coating to the shrimp. If you want a non-egg option, you can use a mixture of ground flaxseed and water.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Canola or peanut oil works beautifully for frying due to their high smoke points.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: The base of the Bang Bang sauce, offering creaminess. For a lighter version, you can use Greek yogurt.
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Balances the heat with sweetness; make sure to use a good-quality brand for the best flavor.
1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Adds the signature heat to the sauce; adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance.
1 tablespoon honey or sugar: Sweetens the sauce and complements the other flavors. If vegan, opt for maple syrup.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice: Brightens the dish with a little acidity, making the flavors pop.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives the sauce a delicious depth of flavor.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the 1 lb medium shrimp under cold water, making sure they’re clean, and then pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika, if you’re using it. This mixture is crucial for that golden crunch.

Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the 2 large eggs until well combined. This step makes it easier to coat the shrimp properly.

Coat the shrimp: Take each shrimp and dip it into the beaten eggs, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press lightly; this helps the coating stick, giving you beautifully crispy shrimp.

Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot, and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy to avoid burning the shrimp.

Fry the shrimp: Add the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per batch, or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them because every minute counts—nobody likes soggy shrimp! Remove them and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil.

Make the Bang Bang sauce: While the shrimp are frying, whisk together the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tablespoons sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a bowl until smooth. This sauce is what takes your Bang Bang Shrimp from great to amazing!

Coat or serve the shrimp: Once the shrimp has cooled slightly, toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until they’re well coated. If you prefer, serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Either way, everyone will love it!

Garnish and serve: For a pop of color, garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Enjoy your crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with some steamed rice or a crisp salad for a fantastic meal!

Storing & Reheating

To keep your Bang Bang Shrimp crispy, it’s best to store them at room temperature for a short time—ideally, enjoy them fresh! If you need to save leftovers, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to help retain their crunch. Alternatively, for freezing, store them in a freezer-safe container and enjoy within 3 months. Keep in mind that while the flavor will remain, the texture may soften upon reheating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Make sure your oil is hot enough before frying; otherwise, your shrimp can turn out soggy. A thermometer helps with this!
Use a light touch when pressing the breadcrumbs onto the shrimp; too much pressure can compress the coating.
For extra flavor, consider adding a dash of old bay seasoning to the flour mixture.
When frying, keep your batches small to maintain the oil temperature, ensuring properly crispy results.
Feel free to experiment with the sauce—more sriracha for heat or even a splash of lemon for brightness!

Bang Bang Shrimp is not only a delicious dish but also an impressive one that’s sure to wow your friends and family. It’s quick to prepare, packed with flavor, and just perfect for any gathering or cozy meal at home. Don’t hesitate to put your own spin on this recipe—try different spices or garnishes, and make it a meal that’s uniquely yours. Enjoy every crispy, flavorful bite of this fantastic dish!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use a different type of shrimp?

Absolutely! While medium shrimp is recommended for perfect bite size, you can use larger shrimp; just adjust the cooking time a bit, as larger pieces will take a few more minutes to cook through.

How can I make the Bang Bang sauce less spicy?

If you’re looking to tone down the heat, simply reduce the amount of sriracha sauce you add to the sauce. You can always start with 1 tablespoon and taste before adding more.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, you can bake the shrimp for a healthier version! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated shrimp on a lined baking sheet, and bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are crispy and golden.

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp in advance?

While it’s ideal to serve them fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the fridge and combine right before serving for the best texture and taste.