If you’ve ever tried Bang Bang Shrimp at a restaurant, you know how addicting that crispy, creamy, and spicy bite can be. The good news? You can easily make it at home! Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, a main course, or just indulging in a restaurant-style treat, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
The first time I made this, my family devoured it in minutes. The contrast between the crispy shrimp and the creamy, spicy sauce is pure magic. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. With a few simple ingredients and some quick frying, you’ll have a dish that’s worthy of any special occasion—or just a fun weeknight meal.
Table of contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big, bold flavors – A perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy.
- Crispy perfection – The cornstarch coating makes each bite extra crunchy.
- Restaurant-quality at home – No need to go out when you can make it better yourself.
- Versatile – Serve it as an appetizer, in tacos, or over rice for a full meal.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
Optional Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Step1: Prep the Shrimp
- Soak the shrimp in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes. This helps keep them tender.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring they are evenly coated.
Step2: Fry the Shrimp
- Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil.
Step3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
- Adjust the spice level to taste by adding more sriracha or chili sauce.
Step4: Toss and Serve
- Toss the crispy shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds for extra texture and flavor.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
- Use fresh shrimp – It makes a big difference in flavor and texture.
- Fry in small batches – This keeps the oil hot and ensures crispiness.
- Keep them crispy – Drain shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels.
Variations and Substitutions
- Air-Fried Bang Bang Shrimp – Skip the deep-frying and use an air fryer at 400°F for 8–10 minutes.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap the shrimp for cauliflower florets.
- Make it a Meal – Serve over jasmine rice, pasta, or in tacos.
Serving and Storage
Serving Suggestions
- Serve as an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping.
- Pair with coleslaw or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Stuff in tacos with shredded lettuce and a drizzle of extra sauce.
Storage Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but for the best texture, fry the shrimp and toss them in the sauce just before serving.
Use vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil for the best results.
Place fried shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent sogginess.

Nutritional Benefits
- Shrimp – High in protein and low in calories.
- Chili Sauce – Contains antioxidants and vitamins.
- Sriracha – Adds flavor with minimal calories.
More Seafood Recipes to Try
- Garlic Shrimp Pasta – A creamy, flavorful dinner option.
- Shrimp Po’ Boys – A classic sandwich loaded with flavor.
- Cheesy Garlic Bread Shrimp Grilled Cheese – Perfect for dipping.
Try This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Today!
Bang Bang Shrimp is a must-try for any seafood lover. Crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for appetizers, dinner, or even taco night.
If you try this recipe, leave a comment and let me know how it turned out! And don’t forget to pin it on Pinterest so you can make it again later. Happy cooking!
For a delightful seafood dinner, consider pairing our Bang Bang Shrimp with a side of Garlic Shrimp Pasta. The combination of crispy, spicy shrimp and rich, buttery pasta creates a harmonious blend of flavors that’s sure to impress.
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Bang Bang Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy, creamy, and spicy Bang Bang Shrimp made at home! Perfect as an appetizer, in tacos, or over rice.
Ingredients
- 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey
- Chopped green onions (optional garnish)
- Sesame seeds (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Soak shrimp in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Dredge shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring even coating.
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
- Toss crispy shrimp in sauce until fully coated.
- Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
Notes
For extra crispiness, drain shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels. Adjust spice level by modifying the sriracha amount.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
Keywords: shrimp, bang bang shrimp, crispy shrimp, spicy shrimp, appetizer