Name: Bang Bang Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients: 450g (1 lb) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 120g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs; 60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional); 2 large eggs, beaten; vegetable oil, for frying; 120g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise; 60g (1/4 cup) sweet chili sauce; 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon honey or sugar; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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The crispy crunch of perfectly fried shrimp, coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that dances on your taste buds—this is what Bang Bang Shrimp is all about. Originating in American fusion cuisine, this dish has become a hit in seafood-loving households and restaurants alike. The shrimp are tender yet crunchy, surrounded by a bold sauce that adds just the right amount of kick. It’s a dish that can easily become a special tradition on your table, whether for game day, a cozy dinner, or a small get-together with friends. Once you try it, you’ll probably want to make it again and again!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bang Bang Shrimp

I distinctly remember the first time I encountered Bang Bang Shrimp. It was at a lively seafood restaurant, filled with chatter and laughter, and when the dish was placed in front of me, I was instantly intrigued. The vibrant colors and enticing aromas beckoned me. I was hooked after the first bite. The combination of textures and flavors was simply extraordinary, making it hard to believe this delight could be recreated at home. If you’ve ever craved something indulgent yet easy to prepare, this recipe is for you. Get ready to enjoy a scrumptious homemade version of Bang Bang Shrimp that’s not only budget-friendly but sure to impress everyone at your table!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 40 minutes—perfect for a quick weeknight treat or an unexpected gathering.
Irresistible Flavor: With that creamy, spicy sauce and crispy shrimp, every bite is an explosion of taste.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These shrimp look as good as they taste—perfect for sharing or as a showstopper on your table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as an appetizer, pair with fried rice, or serve them over a fresh salad for a light meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for dairy-free diets by using vegan mayo!

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose fresh or frozen shrimp, but if you go frozen, be sure to thaw them completely.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These give the shrimp their signature crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs can work in a pinch, but won’t be as crunchy.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This will help the coating stick to the shrimp. If gluten-free is your goal, use a gluten-free flour blend.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the flavors of the shrimp and coating.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth.
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional): For a little color and flavor—smoked paprika is a fantastic choice if you have it.
2 large eggs, beaten: The egg wash helps the breadcrumb coating adhere better.
Vegetable oil, for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: This forms the creamy base of your sauce. You can swap this with Greek yogurt for a healthier spin.
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: This sauce brings a pleasant sweetness and depth to the Bang Bang sauce.
1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Adjust according to your heat preference; more for extra spice!
1 tablespoon honey or sugar: Adds additional sweetness to balance out the heat.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice: A touch of acidity brightens up the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: For added flavor that complements the shrimp and sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the 1 lb medium shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. It’s crucial to dry the shrimp properly; this will help them become perfectly crispy when fried.

Mix the Coating: In a medium bowl, combine the 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika if you’re using it. This combination of dry ingredients will create a wonderfully crunchy coating.

Beat the Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the 2 large eggs until smooth. This will act as the adhesive for the breadcrumb coating, so make sure they’re well mixed.

Coat the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat evenly with the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs lightly onto the shrimp to ensure they stick well—even a bit of extra coating is worth the crunch!

Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A kitchen thermometer is a great tool here; it helps maintain the ideal frying temperature for crispy shrimp.

Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Each batch should cook for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain them on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the shrimp are frying, whisk together the 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tablespoons sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey or sugar, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a bowl until smooth. Taste and adjust the spice level as needed—feel free to add more sriracha if you’re feeling brave!

Toss the Shrimp: Once the shrimp have cooled slightly, toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until they’re well coated. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer.

Serve: Serve your mouthwatering Bang Bang Shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. They pair wonderfully with steamed rice or a crisp salad, making for a deliciously satisfying meal!

Storing & Reheating

To store leftover shrimp, refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, they can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, place the shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. Keep in mind, the texture of the shrimp may change slightly, but reheating in the oven helps re-crisp the coating.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the frying pan; it leads to steamed rather than crispy shrimp. Fry in smaller batches for optimal texture.
Make sure your shrimp are dry before coating. Excess moisture can cause the coating to slide off.
Adjust the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce by varying the sriracha according to your heat preference. You can even substitute it with a milder hot sauce if desired!
For added flavor, consider marinating the shrimp in a bit of lime juice and garlic before cooking.
If you prepare the sauce in advance, the flavors will meld beautifully; just give it a good stir before serving.

The combination of flavors and textures in this dish makes it an irresistible choice for any occasion. Enjoying these Bang Bang Shrimp is not just a meal, but an experience. I warmly invite you to try this recipe out for yourself. You’ll find it’s a delightful addition to your cooking repertoire that brings a little taste of restaurant-worthy seafood right into your home!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to fully thaw them before cooking. Thawing overnight in the refrigerator or soaking them in cold water for about 10 minutes works well. Dry them thoroughly before coating to ensure they fry up crispy.

How can I make the Bang Bang sauce spicier?

To amp up the heat level, simply add more sriracha to the sauce. You can also experiment with chili paste or hot sauce based on your preference. Tasting as you go will help achieve your desired spice level.

How do I store leftovers?

Store Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If making ahead, consider keeping the shrimp and sauce separate until ready to serve for the best texture.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier option, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.