Bang Bang Shrimp
Crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. This easy homemade bang bang shrimp recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and tastes better than your favorite restaurant version.
Why You Will Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
If you have ever ordered bang bang shrimp at a restaurant and wondered if you could recreate that crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy magic at home, this is the recipe for you. This easy homemade bang bang shrimp comes together in under 30 minutes, and honestly, it tastes even better than the version you get out. The shrimp fry up incredibly crispy thanks to a simple cornstarch coating, and the bang bang sauce is rich, creamy, and just spicy enough to keep you reaching for more.
This recipe is one of the easiest shrimp stir-fry recipe ideas you can put together for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or even a fun taco night topping. It is also incredibly forgiving, so if you are new to frying at home, do not worry. We will walk through every step.
Before we get cooking, the right tools and ingredients make a real difference here. A good heavy bottomed pot or deep skillet helps maintain a steady oil temperature, which is the secret to fried shrimp that is crispy on the outside without turning greasy. A reliable kitchen thermometer also takes the guesswork out of frying, so your shrimp cook evenly every single time.
The Secret To Truly Crispy Fried Shrimp
The biggest mistake people make with homemade fried shrimp is skipping the buttermilk soak. That quick 10 to 15 minute soak does two things: it tenderizes the shrimp slightly and helps the cornstarch coating adhere properly. Cornstarch, rather than plain flour, is what gives this dish its signature light, shatter crisp texture instead of a heavy, doughy crust.
Chef's Tip: Press the shrimp firmly into the cornstarch mixture rather than just dredging lightly. A thicker, well packed coating fries up far crispier and holds the sauce better.
When it comes to fried shrimp cooking tips, temperature control is everything. Oil that is too cool will leave you with soggy, pale shrimp, while oil that is too hot will burn the coating before the shrimp finishes cooking through. Aim for a steady 350 degrees F and fry in small batches so the oil temperature does not drop too much at once.
Making The Perfect Bang Bang Sauce
The sauce is really the star of this whole dish, and it could not be simpler to make. A classic bang bang sauce combines mayonnaise with Thai sweet chili sauce and a kick of sriracha. For an extra luxurious twist, this version includes a little softened cream cheese. If you have been searching for a bang bang shrimp recipe with cream cheese, this small addition makes the sauce noticeably silkier and richer, almost like a spicy aioli.
Feel free to adjust the sriracha up or down depending on your spice tolerance. A touch of honey rounds out the sweetness if your chili sauce is on the more savory side.
Whole sha bang shrimp recipe fans often ask if the sauce can double as a dip for other fried foods, and the answer is absolutely yes. It works wonderfully on chicken tenders, fried cauliflower, or even as a sandwich spread.
Ready to make it? Here is the full step-by-step recipe:
Bang Bang Shrimp
Crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy bang bang sauce. This easy homemade bang bang shrimp recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and tastes better than your favorite restaurant version.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
- 1/2 cup buttermilk, or substitute with regular milk plus a splash of lemon juice
- 1 cup cornstarch, for a light, crispy coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp salt, plus more to taste
- 1/4 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, full-fat for best texture
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened, optional for an extra creamy bang bang sauce
- 3/8 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha, adjust to taste for spice level
- 1 tsp honey, optional, for a touch of extra sweetness
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
Instruction
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels, then place them in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes while you prep everything else.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, salt, and black pepper.
Heat the vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy pot over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently so it sticks.
Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pot.
Transfer the fried shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel lined plate to drain.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, softened cream cheese, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and creamy.
Once all the shrimp are fried, toss them gently in the bang bang sauce until every piece is well coated.
Garnish with sliced green onions and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Equipment
- Deep skillet or heavy pot
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Wire rack or paper towels
- Kitchen thermometer
Notes
How To Serve, Store, and Customize Your Bang Bang Shrimp
This dish shines as a standalone appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking, but it is just as good piled over steamed rice, tucked into lettuce wraps, or stuffed into warm tortillas for bang bang shrimp tacos. A sprinkle of fresh green onions and a few extra dashes of sriracha right before serving keep everything looking and tasting vibrant.
If you want to turn this into a full shrimp stir-fry recipe ingredients style meal, toss the finished shrimp with quick sauteed bell peppers, snap peas, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a heartier dinner.
For storage, keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Since the coating will soften once it sits in the sauce, your best bet for reheating is an air fryer or a hot oven rather than a microwave. A quick few minutes at 375 degrees F brings back much of that original crunch.
However you decide to serve it, this bang bang shrimp recipe is guaranteed to disappear fast. It is sweet, spicy, creamy, and crispy all in one bite, which is exactly why it has become such a beloved restaurant favorite turned homemade staple.
