Bang Bang Shrimp is the perfect blend of crispy, juicy shrimp and a creamy, spicy sauce that’ll make any meal exciting. With simple ingredients, this dish comes together fast and easily in your kitchen. Today, I’m sharing my personal story behind my Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, why I adore it, and what makes it stand out every time.

Bang Bang Shrimp crispy golden close-up with sauce drizzleSave
Bang Bang Shrimp served crisp with sauce drizzle
Table of Contents

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crowd-pleasing dish made of tender shrimp coated in a light, crisp breading and tossed or drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce. The sauce, a mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili, honey, and rice vinegar, gives this dish its signature tangy kick. You might have tried similar versions at restaurants, but making Bang Bang Shrimp at home means you can control the spice and save money. It’s similar in vibe to dishes like my Firecracker Steak and Shrimp or the ever-popular Outback Coconut Shrimp Recipe, both of which are also perfect for seafood lovers.

Bang Bang Shrimp

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Bang Bang Shrimp is crispy, golden shrimp coated in seasoned Panko and drizzled with a creamy, spicy sauce. A homemade take on a restaurant favorite that’s ready in just 30 minutes.

Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
10 minutes
Total time
30 minutes
Yield
4 servings

Ingredients

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined 1 cup buttermilk ¾ cup all-purpose flour ½ cup cornstarch 1 large egg 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs ½ teaspoon onion powder ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon dried basil ½ teaspoon dried oregano Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste ½ cup vegetable oil (or more as needed) For the sauce: ¼ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Instructions

1. Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar; set aside. 2. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. 3. In another bowl, combine Panko, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. 4. Dip shrimp into buttermilk mixture, then dredge in Panko mixture, pressing to coat. 5. Heat oil in skillet over medium-high heat. 6. Working in batches, cook shrimp 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy. 7. Drain on paper towels and drizzle with sauce before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, double coat shrimp in Panko. Adjust sauce heat by adding more or less chili sauce. Best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in fridge up to 2 days.

Nutrition

Calories
450
Fat
28g
Saturated fat
5g
Sugar
6g
Sodium
720mg
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fiber
1g

Why You’ll Love It

When I first tasted Bang Bang Shrimp, it was during a family dinner where we all craved something a little indulgent yet easy to prepare. What I love most is that it gives you that crispy bite followed by a creamy heat in every mouthful. Plus, it’s versatile! You can serve it over rice, in tacos, or alongside a bright salad like my Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad. This dish always impresses guests but comes together so quickly, you’ll want to make it for busy weeknights too.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

The Beauty of Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is one of those dishes that checks all the boxes: crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy. You get juicy medium shrimp, a crisp Panko crust, and a sauce that’s addictive. This recipe nails that restaurant-style taste while being easier on your wallet. It’s a great alternative to takeout, just like my Crabby Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs simple but impressive.

How Fast Can You Make It?

This recipe is quick: prep time is about 20 minutes, cook time is 10 minutes. In just 30 minutes total, you’ll have a platter of golden, crispy shrimp ready to serve. Since it’s so fast, Bang Bang Shrimp works perfectly for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings. It’s as no-fuss as my Apple Almond Shrimp Salad, which I also reach for on busy nights.

What Makes This Version Special?

Unlike some versions that rely heavily on frying, this recipe uses a light Panko crust that crisps up beautifully without needing tons of oil. The sauce has just the right balance of creaminess and heat, thanks to the sweet chili, honey, and rice vinegar combo. And because you’re making it yourself, you can easily tweak the spice level. Pair it with a drizzle of my Cajun Honey Butter Sauce for an extra punch of flavor if you want to go bold.

Ingredients

Essential Components for Bang Bang Shrimp

The star of Bang Bang Shrimp is, of course, the shrimp. You’ll want 1 pound of medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, to ensure every bite is tender and juicy. For the coating, you’ll need buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, an egg, and hot sauce to create a light batter that clings to each shrimp. The crisp factor comes from Panko breadcrumbs, seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, basil, and oregano. This mix gives you a texture similar to my Outback Coconut Shrimp Recipe, but without the coconut.

Bang Bang Shrimp raw ingredients on counter Save
All raw ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp recipe

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

The sauce brings that irresistible sweet-heat element. You’ll need mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar. Whisked together, these create a silky drizzle that perfectly coats the crispy shrimp. It’s a simple mix, but it transforms the dish. You can even pair the leftover sauce with dishes like Teriyaki Pineapple Chicken and Rice Stuffed Peppers for another flavor-packed meal.

Cooking Oil and Seasonings

For frying, vegetable oil works best you’ll need about ½ cup or more, depending on your skillet size. Don’t forget the salt and pepper to season the batter and breading. This recipe keeps things straightforward, like many of my go-to shrimp dishes, including Firecracker Steak and Shrimp, where simple ingredients deliver huge flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Sauce

Start by preparing the Bang Bang sauce so it’s ready to drizzle over your crispy shrimp. In a small bowl, whisk together ¼ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon rice vinegar. Set this aside. This creamy, tangy sauce is what makes Bang Bang Shrimp so addictive and works wonderfully drizzled over other dishes like my Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner.

Bang Bang Shrimp coated in seasoned Panko close-up Save
Shrimp being breaded in seasoned Panko mixture

Prepare the Breading

In one large bowl, whisk together 1 cup buttermilk, ¾ cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 large egg, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, salt, and pepper. This is your wet batter. In another bowl, combine 1 cup Panko, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon dried basil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, salt, and pepper. You’ll dip the shrimp in the wet batter first, then dredge in the Panko mixture, pressing lightly so it sticks just like I do in recipes such as my Crabby Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs.

Cook the Shrimp

Heat ½ cup vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Working in batches, cook the coated shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. Transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately, drizzled with your prepared sauce. If you’re feeling adventurous, pair with my Cajun Honey Butter Sauce for an extra burst of flavor.

What to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp With

Serve as an Appetizer

Bang Bang Shrimp makes a fantastic starter at any gathering. Pile the crispy shrimp onto a platter and drizzle with sauce just before serving. Add a sprinkle of chopped green onions or sesame seeds if you like. It’s a hit, just like my Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad, offering a bright, fresh contrast to the rich shrimp.

Bang Bang Shrimp served on platter with garnish Save
Bang Bang Shrimp ready to serve with green onion garnish

Make It a Main Dish

You can easily turn Bang Bang Shrimp into a satisfying main course. Serve the shrimp over steamed rice, quinoa, or even noodles, letting the sauce seep into every bite. I often pair it with a crisp side salad or roasted veggies for balance. This dish shines just like my Apple Almond Shrimp Salad simple ingredients with big flavor.

Tuck It Into Tacos or Wraps

Another fun way to enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp is to stuff it into soft tortillas or wraps. Add shredded lettuce, sliced avocado, or slaw for extra crunch and freshness. It’s a playful, casual meal that reminds me of how versatile shrimp can be, just like in my Outback Coconut Shrimp Recipe, where shrimp steals the show in so many forms.

Top Tips for Perfecting Bang Bang Shrimp

Tips for Crispy Perfection

For the crispiest Bang Bang Shrimp, don’t overcrowd your skillet work in batches. This keeps the oil temperature steady and the coating light and crunchy. If you’re after extra crunch, give the shrimp a second dredge in the Panko mix. That little trick works great in dishes like my Firecracker Steak and Shrimp too.

Adjusting the Sauce Heat

The Bang Bang sauce is easy to customize. Want it milder? Use less chili sauce and add a touch more honey. Like it spicy? Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper or an extra drizzle of hot sauce. I love experimenting with sauces like I do in my Cajun Honey Butter Sauce Recipe small tweaks can change the whole dish!

Storing and Reheating

Bang Bang Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F to bring back the crispiness. Microwaving is not ideal, as it softens the coating. You can even repurpose leftovers in wraps or over salads like my Zesty Lime Shrimp and Avocado Salad.

FAQs

What type of shrimp is best for Bang Bang Shrimp?

Medium shrimp are ideal for Bang Bang Shrimp. They’re easy to handle, cook quickly, and give you the perfect bite-sized crunch. I always choose peeled, deveined shrimp for convenience. It’s similar to the shrimp I use in recipes like Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner where simplicity and flavor go hand-in-hand.

Can I make Bang Bang sauce without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can! Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt or even sour cream for a tangier, lighter twist. It changes the texture a bit but still gives that creamy backdrop for the chili sauce and honey. It’s a fun variation, like playing with flavors in my Apple Almond Shrimp Salad.

Is cornstarch or flour better for coating Bang Bang Shrimp?

Both work well, but combining cornstarch and flour (as this recipe does) gives the best results: light, crispy, and golden. Cornstarch alone makes the coating extra crisp, while flour gives it structure. I use a similar trick in other crispy favorites like my Outback Coconut Shrimp Recipe.

Can I use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before breading. Extra moisture can make the coating soggy. I’ve used frozen shrimp plenty of times, including in my quick weeknight dishes like Crabby Shrimp Stuffed Garlic Bread Bombs.

How do I avoid overcooking shrimp?

Watch for the color change from grey to pink and the shape change from straight to a loose C curl. As soon as both happen, remove shrimp from the heat immediately. Overcooked shrimp form a tight O shape and become rubbery. The entire cooking process for medium shrimp takes only 2 to 3 minutes per side over medium-high heat.

Bang Bang Shrimp brings together crispy shrimp, a creamy spicy sauce, and effortless prep for a dish that always delights. You’ll love how easy it is to make at home and how versatile it is for any meal. Try it tonight and share your creation with me on Facebook or Pinterest!

Storing and Reheating Tips

A Personal Story

Hi, I’m Ella Spoon, and Bang Bang Shrimp has a special place in my recipe box. The first time I made it, my kids declared it better than any restaurant version. That moment inspired me to share simple, flavor-packed recipes like this one on Pinch Of Taste. Whether you’re a beginner or a kitchen pro, this dish will make you feel like a chef in your own home. It fits right into my collection of feel-good recipes, just like Shrimp and Sausage Foil Packet Dinner easy, flavorful, and perfect for real life.