Dynamite Shrimp

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with this incredible homemade Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, a dish so legendary, it gives the famous Bonefish Grill version a serious run for its money! Imagine succulent shrimp, coated in a perfectly seasoned breading, fried to golden, crispy perfection, then generously tossed in an unbelievably addictive spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce. This isn’t just a snack; it’s an experience that promises to delight every palate.

A large serving of bang bang shrimp is presented on green lettuce in a large black serving bowl.

It’s no exaggeration to say that Bang Bang Shrimp is one of the most irresistible appetizers you can make. This dish has a cult following for a reason—its harmonious blend of textures and tastes creates an explosive flavor that’s hard to stop eating. Whether you’re planning a Super Bowl Sunday feast, a casual cocktail gathering with friends, or simply craving something extraordinary for dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. In fact, you might want to consider doubling the batch right from the start, because these disappear fast! The universal appeal of this dish stems from its perfect balance, making it a guaranteed hit no matter the occasion.

The magic truly lies in the contrasting elements: the satisfying crunch of the breading gives way to tender, perfectly cooked shrimp, all enveloped in that notoriously mouthwatering Bang Bang sauce. This iconic sauce is a masterpiece of balance – creamy, with a delightful kick of spice, and just enough sweetness to keep you coming back for more. This trio of textures and flavors makes it virtually impossible to resist having just one. It’s a symphony of tastes that dances on your palate, making every bite a memorable one and solidifying its place as a favorite among seafood lovers and casual diners alike.

If the thought of deep frying shrimp seems daunting, let me share a little secret: it’s surprisingly simple. This recipe is designed to be low-stress and incredibly straightforward, even for novice fryers. With just a few careful steps, you’ll achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen without the fuss. As long as you take common-sense precautions with hot oil – like maintaining a steady temperature and not overcrowding the pan – you’re on your way to whipping up a batch of these delectable shrimp just in time for your next party or family meal. The effort is minimal, but the reward is immense, delivering a professional-level appetizer with home kitchen ease.

A serving of shrimp is garnished with chopped green onions.

What is Bang Bang Shrimp? The Story Behind the Sensation

Bang Bang Shrimp is an immensely popular appetizer that gained widespread fame thanks to the national chain restaurant, Bonefish Grill. While its name might suggest an exotic origin, it’s primarily a signature American creation, not a direct nod to any traditional cuisine. Its appeal, however, is global – a testament to its universally loved flavor profile. I vividly recall my first encounter with this dish; I instantly knew I should have ordered two (or even three!) servings. Its addictiveness was undeniable. The good news is, learning to make crispy Bang Bang Shrimp at home means you can enjoy as much as you desire, often for a fraction of the cost you’d pay at a restaurant. This recipe is so beloved that it inspired me to create other variations, including a fantastic Bang Bang Chicken, proving its versatility beyond shrimp.

The dish typically features perfectly fried, breaded shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The “Bang Bang” in its name is thought to refer to the explosive combination of flavors and textures, or perhaps the ‘kick’ from the chili. It’s truly a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a culinary phenomenon. Its success lies in the perfect interplay of heat, sweetness, and a rich, creamy base, all complementing the tender crispness of the fried shrimp. This harmonious balance makes it appealing to a wide range of tastes, securing its place as a cherished appetizer and a staple in many home kitchens.

Why Make Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp? Unbeatable Benefits

While enjoying Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill is a delightful treat, crafting it in your own kitchen offers numerous advantages that truly elevate the experience and make it a staple in your recipe repertoire:

  • Cost-Effective Indulgence: Restaurant appetizers, especially popular ones like Bang Bang Shrimp, can quickly add up. Making it at home allows you to enjoy generous portions of this luxurious dish for significantly less money. This makes it a perfect solution for feeding a crowd at parties or satisfying frequent cravings without breaking the bank. You get more bang for your buck, literally!
  • Unparalleled Control Over Ingredients: When you cook at home, you dictate what goes into your meal. You have the freedom to choose the freshest, highest-quality shrimp and select your preferred brands for mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This granular control is invaluable for managing dietary preferences or restrictions, ensuring a healthier or more allergen-friendly option if needed.
  • Customize to Your Palate: One of the greatest benefits of homemade cooking is the ability to tailor flavors precisely to your taste. Love an extra fiery kick? Simply add more sriracha! Prefer a milder flavor? Scale back the heat. Crave a sweeter profile? Adjust the honey content. Homemade allows you to fine-tune the sauce and breading to perfectly match your individual preferences, creating a truly bespoke dish.
  • Experience the Freshest Taste: There’s nothing quite like freshly fried shrimp, immediately tossed in a vibrant, homemade sauce. The moment the crispy breading emerges from the oil and is enveloped in the warm, creamy sauce, the aroma and taste are at their peak. This immediate combination creates an unparalleled taste and texture that’s simply impossible to replicate after a dish has sat for a while or been transported.
  • Impress Your Guests with Ease: Serving a platter of homemade Bang Bang Shrimp instantly makes you the host with the most. It’s an impressive dish that looks and tastes gourmet, signaling culinary prowess. Yet, as you’ll discover, it’s surprisingly simple to prepare, leaving you with more time to socialize and enjoy the party rather than being tied to the kitchen.
overhead image of bang bang shrimp ingredients: sriracha, garlic powder, oil, onion powder, cornstarch, honey, salt and pepper, sweet chili sauce, buttermilk, flour, panko breadcrumbs, mayo and raw shrimp

Essential Ingredients for Your Bang Bang Shrimp

Crafting the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp relies on a thoughtful selection of ingredients, each playing a crucial role in developing the dish’s signature taste and texture. Below, we break down what you’ll need for the signature sauce, the crispy breading, and the main components of this delightful dish. For precise measurements, please refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this page.

The Creamy, Spicy-Sweet Bang Bang Sauce:

  • Mayonnaise: This forms the essential base of the sauce. Full-fat mayonnaise is highly recommended as it provides the richest, creamiest consistency and a wonderfully smooth texture, acting as the perfect canvas for the other bold flavors to meld together.
  • Sweet Chili Sauce: A key player in the Bang Bang flavor profile, this sauce delivers the vital sweet and tangy notes, coupled with a gentle warmth. Any good quality brand found in your local grocery store’s Asian aisle will do the trick perfectly.
  • Honey: Adds a natural, unrefined sweetness and a touch of golden viscosity, expertly balancing the inherent spice and tang from the other ingredients. Using a good quality honey can subtly enhance the overall depth of flavor.
  • Sriracha: This is where the “bang” in Bang Bang Shrimp truly comes from! Sriracha provides that characteristic spicy kick. Start with the recommended amount, but feel empowered to adjust it to your personal preference for heat. Add more for an extra fiery experience or less for a milder touch.

For the Perfectly Crispy Shrimp Breading:

  • Buttermilk: This acidic ingredient is crucial for two reasons: it gently tenderizes the shrimp, ensuring they remain succulent, and its slightly thick texture helps the flour and cornstarch coating adhere beautifully. If you don’t have buttermilk, don’t worry; an easy homemade substitute is detailed in the FAQs below.
  • All-Purpose Flour: Forms the foundational layer of the wet batter, providing a smooth, even surface for the subsequent panko coating to cling to.
  • Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for achieving that coveted extra crispiness! Adding cornstarch to the flour mixture is vital, as it contributes significantly to the light, airy, and incredibly crunchy texture of the fried shrimp, preventing sogginess.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Absolutely essential for the ultimate crunch. Panko breadcrumbs are distinctly different from regular breadcrumbs; they are coarser, flakier, and lighter, absorbing less oil and delivering a distinctly superior, almost ethereal crispness. For the best results, do not substitute regular breadcrumbs for panko.
  • Seasonings: A simple yet effective blend of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is mixed directly into the panko breadcrumbs. This ensures that the breading itself is flavorful, adding savory depth to every bite, even before the sauce is applied.

The Rest of the Dish Components:

  • Vegetable Oil: Essential for deep frying. Choose a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, peanut, or standard vegetable oil. You’ll need enough to submerge the shrimp partially or fully, typically around 1 inch deep in your chosen frying vessel.
  • Shrimp: The star of the show! Use raw, medium-sized shrimp (ideally about 26-30 count per pound) that are already peeled and deveined for convenience. Thawed frozen shrimp works perfectly if fresh is not readily available, just ensure it’s thoroughly patted dry.
  • Green Onions: Optional, but highly recommended as a garnish. Finely chopped green onions add a vibrant burst of fresh flavor, a delicate hint of oniony bite, and a beautiful pop of color, making the finished dish even more appealing to the eye and palate.

Ingredient Substitutions and FAQs

Don’t have every ingredient on hand? Don’t let that stop you from making this incredible dish! Here are some common questions and easy solutions to help you adapt the recipe without sacrificing flavor or texture:

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko? For the absolute best and crispiest results, panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended and truly a game-changer for this recipe. Their unique flaky and airy texture creates a much lighter and crunchier coating compared to standard, finer breadcrumbs. While you *can* technically use regular breadcrumbs in a pinch, be aware that the texture of your fried shrimp will be denser, less crisp, and may absorb more oil. If you must substitute, consider lightly toasting your regular breadcrumbs in a dry pan for a few minutes before use to slightly enhance their crispness.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce? Yes, you can certainly adapt the sauce base to suit your preferences or dietary needs. For a lighter alternative that still provides a creamy texture, plain Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used. However, keep in mind that these options will introduce a tangier flavor profile to the sauce. If you opt for these substitutes, you might need to adjust the amount of honey or sweet chili sauce to maintain the desired sweet-spicy balance that defines Bang Bang sauce.

What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I just use regular milk? Regular milk is not a direct substitute for buttermilk in this recipe, as buttermilk’s inherent acidity is crucial for both tenderizing the shrimp and ensuring the breading mixture adheres properly. However, it’s incredibly easy and quick to make your own buttermilk substitute at home! Simply add 2 ¼ teaspoons of white vinegar or fresh lemon juice to a ¾ cup measuring cup. Then, fill the remainder of the cup with whole milk (or even 2% milk) and give it a gentle stir. Let the mixture sit for about 5-10 minutes; the milk will visibly curdle slightly, becoming a perfect, tangy stand-in for traditional buttermilk.

What kind of oil is best for frying the shrimp? When deep frying, it’s essential to use neutral-flavored oils with a high smoke point. Good choices that won’t impart unwanted flavors and can withstand high temperatures include vegetable oil, canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. It’s crucial to avoid oils with low smoke points, such as extra virgin olive oil, as they will burn quickly and negatively affect the taste of your shrimp.

Can I use frozen shrimp? Absolutely! Frozen shrimp works perfectly for this recipe and is often more convenient and readily available than fresh. The key is to ensure it is completely thawed before you begin the cooking process. After thawing, pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This critical step helps the breading stick better and significantly reduces oil splattering during frying, leading to a crispier end product.

How to Make the Ultimate Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp

Creating this irresistible appetizer is a straightforward process that yields fantastic, restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen. Follow these detailed steps for perfectly crispy, flavorful shrimp drenched in that iconic sauce. For the complete, detailed recipe with exact measurements, refer to the recipe card below.

ingredients for the mayo sauce being mixed together in a bowl with a pink spatula next to a fringed green towel
buttermilk, cornstarch, and flour mixture being whisked together in a white bowl
  1. Prepare the Spicy Mayo Sauce: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha. Whisk these ingredients thoroughly until the sauce is completely smooth, creamy, and evenly blended. This ensures all the flavors are perfectly integrated. Taste and adjust the spice level or sweetness to your personal liking. Once perfected, set this flavorful sauce aside for later use.
  2. Whisk Together the Wet Batter: In a separate, larger bowl, combine the buttermilk, all-purpose flour, and cornstarch. Whisk diligently until you achieve a smooth, lump-free batter. This mixture will serve as the initial, adhering coating for your shrimp, helping the dry breading stick.
  3. Create the Dry Breading Mixture: In yet another separate, wide and shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a fork or whisk to mix these dry ingredients very well, ensuring the savory seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the panko. This adds flavor directly to the crisp coating.
  4. Heat the Frying Oil: Pour 2-3 cups of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a Dutch oven. The goal is to have approximately 1 inch of oil depth in the pan for efficient frying. Place the pot over medium-high heat. The ideal frying temperature for crispy shrimp is precisely 375°F (191°C). Using a reliable kitchen thermometer is highly recommended to maintain this consistent temperature, which is crucial for achieving perfectly crispy results without greasy shrimp.
tossing the raw shrimp in the buttermilk mixture
adding the shrimp from the buttermilk mixture to the panko breadcrumbs mixture with silver tongs
  1. Dredge the Shrimp: While your oil is heating up, begin preparing the shrimp for frying. Take each raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp, and first dip it thoroughly into the buttermilk batter, ensuring it’s completely coated. Allow any excess liquid to drip off briefly. Then, immediately transfer the wet-coated shrimp into the panko breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the panko onto the shrimp on all sides to ensure an even, thick, and secure coating. Lay the fully breaded shrimp on a separate plate or baking sheet as you continue, ready for frying.
adding a batch of the dredged shrimp into a large cast iron dutch oven filled with oil. the image shows the bubbles from the oil as the shrimp is lowered into the oil for deep frying
a spider mesh strainer strains out the fried shrimp from the pot with the hot oil
  1. Fry the Shrimp to Perfection: Once the oil reaches and stabilizes at 375°F (191°C), carefully lower a small batch of coated shrimp into the hot oil. **Crucially, do not overcrowd the pot.** Frying in small batches (typically 4-6 shrimp at a time, depending on your pot size) is absolutely vital to maintain the oil temperature and ensure each shrimp cooks evenly and becomes perfectly crispy. Overcrowding will cause the oil temperature to drop rapidly, leading to less crispy, soggy, and oily shrimp. Fry the shrimp for approximately 1 to 2 minutes per batch, or until they are beautifully golden brown and fully cooked through. Shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye on them!
  2. Drain and Repeat: Using a spider strainer or a slotted spoon, carefully remove the perfectly fried shrimp from the hot oil. Immediately transfer them onto a plate generously lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This step is important for maintaining crispness. Allow them to drain for a moment. Repeat the frying process with the remaining shrimp, ensuring the oil temperature returns to 375°F (191°C) between batches before adding more shrimp.
the fried shrimp in a large white bowl next to the mayo mixture
the mayo mixture is added on top of the bowl with the fried shrimp
  1. Coat in Sauce and Serve: Once all the shrimp are fried and sufficiently drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the freshly prepared spicy mayo sauce generously over the fried shrimp. Gently toss the shrimp using tongs or a spatula to ensure every single piece is thoroughly coated in the luscious, creamy sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions if desired, for an added burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately for the best crispy texture and vibrant, irresistible taste!
Cooked bang bang shrimp in a large bowl are garnished with chopped green onions.

Pro Tips for Perfectly Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Achieving that coveted crispy exterior and tender interior for your Bang Bang Shrimp is simpler than you think with these expert tips and tricks:

  • Maintain Consistent Oil Temperature: This is arguably the most critical factor for successful frying. Use a reliable deep-fry thermometer to ensure your oil stays consistently at 375°F (191°C). If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb too much oil, resulting in a soggy and greasy texture. If it’s too hot, the breading will burn quickly before the shrimp has a chance to cook through.
  • Do Not Overcrowd the Pot: Resist the urge to fry too many shrimp at once, no matter how tempting it is to speed up the process. Frying in small batches is essential. Overcrowding drastically drops the oil temperature, leading to a significantly less crispy, more oily, and generally “womp womp” result. Give each shrimp ample space to fry properly and evenly.
  • Dredge Just Before Frying: For the crispiest, most adherent coating, it’s best to dredge your shrimp in the panko mixture just moments before it goes into the hot oil. If the breaded shrimp sits too long before frying, the moisture from the shrimp can start to seep into the breading, making it soggy and less likely to crisp up beautifully.
  • Proper Draining is Key: After frying, immediately remove the shrimp from the oil using a spider strainer or slotted spoon. Transfer them to a wire rack set over a baking sheet, or onto a plate generously lined with several layers of paper towels. This allows excess oil to drip away and prevents the shrimp from steaming in their own heat, which would cause them to lose their crispness. Avoid stacking them immediately.
  • Ensure Shrimp are Dry: Whether using fresh or thawed frozen shrimp, it’s crucial to pat them very, very dry with paper towels before you begin the breading process. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness, as it creates steam and can prevent the breading from adhering properly.
  • Season Your Breading Generously: Don’t skip seasoning the panko breadcrumbs! A well-seasoned breading adds an essential layer of savory flavor that complements the sweet and spicy sauce beautifully, ensuring every component of the dish tastes fantastic.

Serving Suggestions and Delicious Variations

Bang Bang Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a multitude of ways, moving beyond a simple appetizer to become a star component of a larger meal:

  • The Classic Appetizer: Serve it hot off the fryer, piled high on a platter, and garnished generously with fresh green onions. It’s truly fantastic on its own as a show-stopping finger food for any gathering or casual get-together.
  • Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Transform your crispy shrimp into vibrant and flavorful tacos! Serve them nestled in warm soft flour tortillas or crunchy corn shells. Top with shredded crisp lettuce or cabbage slaw, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and an extra drizzle of Bang Bang sauce. For a delicious low-carb alternative, use crisp butter lettuce leaves as your “shell.”
  • Hearty Rice Bowls or Noodle Bowls: Create a satisfying and well-rounded main course by serving Bang Bang Shrimp over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice, wholesome brown rice, or even tender vermicelli noodles. Add some quick-steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli florets, colorful bell peppers, or crisp snap peas for a complete and healthy meal.
  • Gourmet Salad Topper: Elevate your next salad with a gourmet touch. Toss mixed greens, thinly sliced cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes with a light vinaigrette, then top generously with warm Bang Bang Shrimp for a vibrant, flavorful, and filling lunch or dinner.
  • Mini Sliders: For another fun appetizer or light meal, serve the fried shrimp on small brioche buns or dinner rolls with a dollop of fresh coleslaw and, of course, a generous layer of Bang Bang sauce.
  • Protein Swaps and Vegetarian Options: While shrimp is the traditional choice, the incredibly versatile Bang Bang sauce and breading technique work wonderfully with other proteins. Experiment by trying it with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thighs, firm tofu cubes (pressed well before breading), or even cauliflower florets for a delicious vegetarian or vegan alternative.
A bang bang shrimp is being lifted from the batch with chopsticks.

Storing, Reheating, and Making Ahead Instructions

Planning ahead for a party or dealing with delicious leftovers? Here’s how to properly manage your Bang Bang Shrimp to maintain its maximum flavor and desirable crispness:

Can this dish be made ahead of time? You can definitely prepare several components of this dish in advance to save time on the day of serving. The creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce can be made up to 2-3 days ahead of time. Simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and give it a good stir before use. Similarly, you can prepare the buttermilk batter mixture and the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture ahead of time. However, I strongly advise against dredging the shrimp until you are just about ready to fry them. Pre-dredging will cause the breading to absorb moisture from the shrimp and become soggy, preventing that ultimate crispiness you desire from deep frying.

How long will Bang Bang Shrimp stay fresh? Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. A crucial tip for preserving the shrimp’s crispness: if you anticipate having leftovers, it is highly recommended to set aside a portion of the fried shrimp *before* tossing it in the Bang Bang sauce. This prevents the sauce from making the breading soggy during storage. When you’re ready to enjoy the reserved shrimp, you can then add fresh sauce after reheating.

How to reheat Bang Bang Shrimp to maintain crispness: Reheating fried shrimp can be tricky, but it’s absolutely possible to regain some of its delicious crunch. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the leftover shrimp in a single layer on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet (if using an oven) or directly in your air fryer basket. Bake or air fry for approximately 8-12 minutes, or until the shrimp are heated through and the breading has crisped up again. Be sure to check for internal warmth. Avoid reheating in the microwave at all costs, as it will inevitably lead to disappointingly soggy shrimp.

Can I freeze Bang Bang Shrimp? Yes, you can freeze the *fried* shrimp (without the sauce) for convenient future meals. After frying, allow the shrimp to cool completely. Then, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until they are solid. Once frozen, transfer the shrimp to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat the frozen shrimp directly from frozen in an oven or air fryer at 375°F (191°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Always prepare the Bang Bang sauce fresh when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor experience.

A large white bowl lined with lettuce is filled with cooked bang bang shrimp.

Keep the Party Going with More of My Favorite Appetizers!

If you loved making and devouring this incredible Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp, you’ll surely enjoy exploring other delicious appetizer recipes that are perfect for entertaining guests or simply indulging in a delightful snack for yourself:

  • Don’t want to deep fry but still craving shrimp? These BBQ Bacon Wrapped Shrimp are another incredibly easy and equally tasty shrimp appetizer that’s baked to perfection, offering a different texture and flavor profile!
  • For a lighter, yet explosively flavorful shrimp option that’s quick to prepare, try this zesty Air Fryer Spicy Cilantro Lime Shrimp.
  • Craving something savory, hearty, and full of rich flavor? These Beef Empanadas are packed with a delicious filling and are perfect for sharing at any gathering.
  • For an irresistible Asian-inspired treat that’s guaranteed to be a hit, my Sticky Korean Style Chicken Wings offer a fantastic balance of sweet and savory glaze.
  • And for a classic comfort food appetizer that’s incredibly easy to make with minimal effort, you can’t go wrong with these tender Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Meatballs, ideal for hands-off preparation.
A spoon is lifting a portion of bang bang shrimp from the bowl.
Delicious Bang Bang Shrimp ready to be served.
Print Recipe
Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars from 4 votes

Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

By: Julie Chiou
Crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce – an irresistible appetizer or meal!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Sauce:

  • ½ cup (112 g) mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup (64 g) sweet chili sauce
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha (or more, to taste)

For the Shrimp Breading:

  • ¾ cup (177 ml) buttermilk
  • ½ cup (63 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper

For the Rest of the Dish:

  • 2-3 cups (473 ml) vegetable oil, for frying
  • 1 pound (454 g) raw medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • Optional garnish of chopped green onion

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and sriracha to make the sauce. Set this aside.
  2. In a separate, large bowl, whisk buttermilk, flour, and cornstarch together until smooth.
  3. Stir the raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly covered. Set aside.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Place 2-3 cups of vegetable oil into a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven, aiming for about 1 inch of oil depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (191°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
  6. When the oil is at temperature, lightly strain individual shrimp from the buttermilk mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure coating. Carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil. Fry only a few shrimp at a time (working in batches) to avoid dropping the oil temperature, which can lead to soggy shrimp. Each side will take about 1-2 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
  7. As each batch finishes frying, remove the shrimp with a spider strainer or slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Continue until all shrimp are fried.
  8. Once all the shrimp are fried and drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared spicy mayo mixture over the shrimp and toss gently to ensure every piece is thoroughly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

For optimal freshness, Bang Bang Shrimp is best enjoyed immediately. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain crispness, it’s recommended to store fried shrimp and sauce separately, then combine and reheat just before serving. You may also freeze fried shrimp (without sauce) for up to 3 months; reheat in oven or air fryer.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving Size: 1 serving

Calories: 476 kcal

Carbohydrates: 41 g

Protein: 21 g

Fat: 25 g

Saturated Fat: 4 g

Polyunsaturated Fat: 13 g

Monounsaturated Fat: 5 g

Trans Fat: 1 g

Cholesterol: 160 mg

Sodium: 1454 mg

Potassium: 253 mg

Fiber: 1 g

Sugar: 14 g

Disclaimer: This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutritional data can vary for a variety of reasons. For the most precise nutritional data, please use your preferred nutrition calculator based on the actual ingredients you used in the recipe.

The default measuring system for this website is US Customary. Unit conversions are provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. While we strive to provide accurate unit conversions, please be aware that there may be some discrepancies.