Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Crispy, creamy, and bursting with flavor, Bang Bang Shrimp has taken the culinary world by storm. This easy **bang bang shrimp recipe** lets you recreate this famously delicious appetizer at home, rivaling even restaurant-quality versions from Bonefish Grill. Making **bang bang shrimp** at home is easier than you think! This recipe features crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce.

This **bang bang shrimp recipe** is perfect for parties, game day, or a quick weeknight meal. It’s a fantastic appetizer, but it’s also satisfying enough to serve as a main course with a side of rice or a fresh salad. For other delicious shrimp dishes, check out these shrimp salad recipes. This guide provides a simple, step-by-step approach to making perfect **bang bang shrimp**, from prepping the shrimp to whipping up the signature bang bang sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, you’ll find this **bang bang shrimp recipe** easy to follow and the results absolutely delicious. Get ready to experience the explosion of flavors!

Ingredients

This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is easy to make with simple ingredients you might already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp (16/20 count), peeled and deveined: Larger shrimp are easier to work with and hold their shape well when frying. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp. If using frozen, make sure they are fully thawed before starting.
• 1/2 cup cornstarch: This helps create a light and crispy coating.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Combined with cornstarch, this ensures a perfect crust. You can substitute with gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version. For guidance on gluten-free breading, see our gluten-free bread crumbs guide.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavor of the shrimp.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.
• 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk: Helps the coating stick to the shrimp and keeps them moist while cooking.
• Oil for frying: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil work well for frying.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of the sauce.
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness and a mild chili flavor. You can find this in the Asian aisle of most grocery stores.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Provides the signature heat. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. If you don’t have sriracha, you can use another hot sauce like chili garlic sauce.
• 1 tablespoon honey: Adds a touch of extra sweetness to balance the spice.
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar: Provides a tangy kick. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.

Making the Bang Bang Shrimp

Tips and Variations

Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the best Bang Bang Shrimp: Looking for ways to use leftover chicken? Here are some leftover rotisserie chicken recipes. You can adapt some of these ideas to use with leftover shrimp as well.

Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp

• For extra crispy shrimp: Make sure your oil is hot enough when frying. Use a thermometer to check the temperature. Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket, as this can lower the temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Patting the shrimp dry before breading is also crucial for crispiness. My kids love it extra crispy, so I sometimes do a double breading – dip in the milk, then the cornstarch mixture, then back in the milk, and then again in the cornstarch mixture before frying.
• Ensure even cooking: If baking or air frying, make sure the shrimp are arranged in a single layer so they cook evenly. Flipping them halfway through also helps.
• Make the sauce ahead: You can prepare the Bang Bang Sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld.

Variations on the Classic Recipe

• Spice it up: For a spicier kick, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce. If you’re sensitive to spice, reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it altogether. You can also add a dash of chili garlic sauce for a different flavor profile. For information on the health benefits of spicy food, check out this article on spicy food benefits from Healthline.
• Alternative cooking methods: If you don’t want to deep fry, pan-frying is a great alternative. Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the shrimp for a few minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
• Gluten-free option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for a gluten-free version. Make sure to double-check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free. If you’re interested in learning more about gluten and its effects, check out this resource on gluten-free diets from Healthline.
• Serving suggestions: Bang Bang Shrimp is incredibly versatile. Serve it as an appetizer with toothpicks, alongside some dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce or ranch dressing. It’s also delicious served over rice or noodles for a complete meal. For a lighter option, try serving it in lettuce wraps. Bang Bang Shrimp makes a great game day snack or a fun addition to a casual weeknight dinner.

FAQ

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Bang Bang Shrimp:

Serving and Storing

Here are some tips for serving and storing your Bang Bang Shrimp:

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp immediately after tossing it in the sauce for the best flavor and texture. For an appetizer, arrange the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks and small bowls of dipping sauces like sweet chili sauce, duck sauce, or ranch dressing. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a pop of color and flavor.

For a main course, serve the Bang Bang Shrimp over steamed rice or noodles. Fluff the rice or noodles and create a bed for the shrimp, then drizzle extra sauce over the top.

Lettuce wraps are a fun and interactive serving option. Provide large lettuce leaves and let your guests create their own wraps with the Bang Bang Shrimp. Add other fillings like shredded carrots, cucumber, and chopped peanuts. A sprinkle of sesame seeds completes the dish!

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover Bang Bang Shrimp, it’s best to store the shrimp and sauce separately. Store the cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the sauce in a separate airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, it’s best to avoid microwaving the shrimp, as this can make them rubbery. Instead, reheat the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Toss with the sauce just before serving. While the sauce can be reheated gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, it’s best enjoyed at room temperature or slightly chilled.

Conclusion

This bang bang shrimp recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion, from a casual weeknight dinner to a festive gathering. The crispy shrimp coated in the creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce is simply irresistible! It’s a fun and relatively easy recipe to make, and the results are truly restaurant-worthy. My family absolutely devours this dish every time I make it! I encourage you to give this recipe a try and experience the amazing flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp at home. Don’t forget to share your experience and any creative variations you come up with in the comments below!

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