Bang Bang Shrimp is crispy, creamy, and packs just the right kick! This easy recipe is perfect as an appetizer, taco filling, or quick weeknight dinner—ready in under 30 minutes and full of flavor.
Bang Bang Shrimp is trending again—and for good reason! Inspired by the popular restaurant appetizer, this homemade version skips the takeout wait but delivers the same spicy-sweet punch. It’s one of those dishes that feels indulgent but is actually simple enough to whip up anytime.
If you love bold flavors, you’ll also want to try my Jamaican Jerk Pasta With Shrimp, Air Fryer Shrimp With Paprika And Garlic, or my Shrimp Cucumber Bites for a lighter twist.
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Big Flavor, Fast – Creamy, spicy, sweet sauce with perfectly crispy shrimp—what’s not to love?
- No Restaurant Needed – All the flavor of the OG dish right from your own kitchen.
- Total Crowd-Pleaser – Serve it solo, in tacos, or over rice—everyone loves it.
⭐ Star Ingredients
- Shrimp – I use medium peeled and deveined shrimp—just pat them dry so they get extra crispy!
- Cornstarch – The magic dust that gives these shrimp that light, golden crunch.
- Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds that signature sweet-heat combo. I always keep a bottle on hand!
- Mayonnaise – This is your creamy base for the bang bang sauce—trust me, it brings everything together.
If you love this recipe be sure to check out our Bang Bang Salmon recipe as well!
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Bang Bang Cauliflower – Go meatless by swapping shrimp for cauliflower florets.
- Bang Bang Tacos – Stuff in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and extra sauce.
- Coconut Crunch – Add shredded coconut to the coating for a tropical twist.
- Baked or Air Fried – Skip the oil and bake or air fry the shrimp at 400°F until crispy.
- Try with Chicken – This sauce is also amazing with baked chicken tenders!
- Low-Carb Option – Serve over cauliflower rice instead of traditional rice.
💡Try this dish as a summer party platter alongside Air Fryer Beet Chips, Crispy Okra Chips, or a refreshing Thai Peanut Salad for a fun mix of textures and flavors.
🔪How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp
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- Step 1: Wash the shrimp. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
- Step 3: Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or skillet and heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Place the fried shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 4: Slice shallots and tomatoes and set to the side.
- Step 5: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sugar.
- Step 6: Adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired and stir the bang bang sauce.
- Step 7: In a large bowl, drizzle the Bang Bang Sauce over the crispy shrimp and toss until evenly coated.
- Step 8: Top with sliced green onions and diced tomatoes. Serve as an appetizer, over white rice, or on a bed of fresh lettuce.
💡Hint: Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying—this keeps your shrimp crispy and prevents sogginess.
👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Crisp Control – Fry in small batches and keep the oil hot for a crunchier texture.
- Custom Heat – Adjust the sriracha to make it milder or spicier to your taste.
- Make-Ahead Sauce – Mix the sauce up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge.
💭 FAQs
Yes, frozen shrimp work perfectly. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure they fry evenly and get crispy.
Absolutely! For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F, coat the shrimp lightly with oil, and bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes until golden and crispy.
The sauce has a mild kick, but you can scale it up or down by adjusting the sriracha.
Definitely! Try this recipe with chicken tenders, calamari, or tofu for a variation.
💖 Serving Suggestions
- Wondering what to serve with bang bang shrimp? Try these sides:
- Rice: Serve over Jasmine Rice or Garlic Cilantro Rice for a hearty meal.
- Salad: Pair with a Thai Peanut Salad or tasty Low Carb Broccoli Salad.
- Vegetables: Roasted Asparagus or Steamed Broccoli complements the dish well.
- Bread: Add a side of garlic bread or Dinner Rolls for a complete meal.
🍽 More Shrimp Recipes
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Spicy Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Sweet Chili Sauce
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 Ib Large Shrimp Peeled And Deveined
- 1 Cup Cornstarch
- Vegetable Oil For Frying
- Salt To Taste
- Pepper To Taste
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ Cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ Cup Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Sriracha Sauce Adjust For Spice Level
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
For Garnish:
- Green Onions Sliced
- Tomatoes Diced
Instructions
- Rinse shrimp and pat dry. Season with salt and pepper.
- Coat shrimp evenly in cornstarch.
- Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat to 350°F. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Slice shallots and tomatoes; set aside.
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha, and sugar in a bowl.
- Taste sauce and add more sriracha for extra spice, if desired.
- Toss fried shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Top shrimp with sliced green onions and tomatoes. Serve over rice, lettuce, or as an appetizer.
Notes
Nutrition
Absolutely loved this! The shrimp came out perfectly crispy, and the bang bang sauce had just the right balance of sweet and spicy. It felt like a restaurant-quality dish made right at home. Definitely adding this to my regular rotation!