Bang Bang Shrimp is one of the most addictive shrimp dishes, known for its crispy texture, creamy-spicy sauce, and restaurant-quality flavor. Originally made famous by Bonefish Grill, this dish has become a staple in home kitchens and seafood restaurants worldwide.
If you’re looking to master crispy shrimp, check out this fried shrimp cooking guide for expert frying techniques. Want to experiment with sauces? This seafood dipping sauce guide includes flavorful pairings that work perfectly with shrimp.
For those who love Bang Bang flavors, consider trying Bang Bang Salmon for a healthier, oven-baked twist on this dish.
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, deep-fried shrimp dish coated in a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce. It’s often served as an appetizer, but can also be used in tacos, rice bowls, salads, and sandwiches.
🔥 Why is it so popular?
- Crispy, golden-brown shrimp with a light, crunchy coating
- Sweet and spicy sauce made with mayo, chili sauce, and Sriracha
- Versatile dish – serve it on its own or as part of a meal
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
- ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 1 egg + 2 tbsp buttermilk (for dredging)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for light, crunchy coating)
- ½ tsp salt & black pepper
- Vegetable or peanut oil (for frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for creaminess)
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce (adds sweetness & tang)
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adds heat – adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar (balances flavors)
- 1 tsp rice vinegar (for acidity)
If you’re a fan of bold, tangy flavors, check out this Buffalo Shrimp Recipe for another spicy seafood delight.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp (Step-by-Step Guide)
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
2. Coat the Shrimp
- In a small bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk.
- Dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, then dip into the egg mixture.
- Roll shrimp in panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
3. Frying the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable or peanut oil in a deep pan to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a wire rack (not paper towels) to keep them crispy.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and vinegar.
- Adjust seasoning based on spice preference.
5. Toss & Serve
- Gently toss the fried shrimp with Bang Bang sauce.
- Garnish with green onions, sesame seeds, and shredded lettuce.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp
This Shrimp recipe is incredibly versatile! Here are some great ways to serve it:
🌮 In tacos – Wrap in soft tortillas with slaw and extra sauce.
🍚 Over rice – Serve as a rice bowl for a full meal.
🥗 As a salad topping – Adds crunch to fresh greens.
🍔 In sandwiches – Stuff into brioche buns with coleslaw.
Looking for more shrimp-based meal ideas? Try Fish Taco Sauce Recipe to create the perfect creamy sauce for seafood tacos.
Alternative Dipping Sauces for Bang Bang Shrimp
While the classic Bang Bang sauce is incredibly popular, there are other delicious dipping sauces you can try:
- Garlic Butter Sauce – Melted butter with minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Chipotle Mayo – A smoky alternative made with mayo, chipotle peppers, and lime juice.
- Honey Mustard – A milder, tangy-sweet sauce that balances out the spice.
For even more dipping sauce inspiration, check out this Seafood Sauce Guide.
Nutritional Information and Healthier Alternatives
Bang Bang Shrimp is crispy, creamy, and indulgent, but if you’re looking for a lighter version, there are several ways to make it healthier without sacrificing flavor. This section covers nutritional facts, as well as lower-calorie and diet-friendly alternatives.
Nutritional Breakdown of Traditional Bang Bang Shrimp
A typical serving of fried Bang Bang Shrimp (about 6-8 shrimp with sauce) contains:
- Calories: 450-500
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fat: 25g
- Sodium: 800mg (varies based on seasoning and sauce)
Since the dish is deep-fried and mayo-based, the calories and fat content can be relatively high. However, there are several modifications that can help reduce the calorie count while maintaining crispiness and flavor.
Healthier Alternatives for Bang Bang Shrimp
1. Air-Fried Bang Bang Shrimp
Switching to an air fryer instead of deep frying significantly reduces oil and calories while still achieving a crispy texture.
How to Air-Fry Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray instead of deep frying.
- Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
- Toss in Bang Bang sauce just before serving.
For more air-fryer cooking tips, check out this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe Guide.
2. Baked Bang Bang Shrimp
Baking is another lower-calorie option that requires no deep frying.
How to Bake Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place shrimp on a wire rack over a baking sheet to allow heat circulation.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
While baking may not be as crispy as deep frying, using panko breadcrumbs and a light oil spray helps to maintain a crunchy texture.
3. Lightened-Up Bang Bang Sauce
Since traditional Bang Bang sauce is mayo-based, you can substitute healthier ingredients to reduce fat:
- Greek yogurt instead of mayo – Maintains creaminess with more protein and less fat.
- Low-fat sour cream – A lighter alternative with similar tangy flavor.
- Avocado-based mayo – Healthier fats while keeping a rich texture.
Mixing these alternatives with sweet chili sauce and a little sriracha still gives that sweet and spicy kick without excess calories.
4. Keto and Low-Carb Bang Bang Shrimp
For those following a low-carb or keto diet, consider making these adjustments:
- Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of panko breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly crust.
- Replace cornstarch with coconut flour for fewer carbs.
- Use a sugar-free sweet chili sauce to reduce sugar intake in the Bang Bang sauce.
These simple swaps allow you to enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp while keeping it low-carb.
Bang Bang Shrimp doesn’t have to be a guilty pleasure. With small modifications, you can make this dish lighter, healthier, and just as delicious. Whether you air-fry, bake, or use healthier sauce alternatives, there’s a way to enjoy this recipe without overloading on calories.
FAQs – Everything You Need to Know
Whether you’re making it for the first time or looking to perfect your technique, these frequently asked questions will help you achieve crispy, flavorful shrimp every time.
1. Can I use frozen shrimp ?
Yes, but there are a few important steps:
- Thaw the shrimp completely in the refrigerator overnight.
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Avoid shrimp that has been previously cooked, as it will not absorb flavor well.
If you want fresh-tasting shrimp without dealing with thawing, check out this guide on buying fresh seafood for expert tips.
2. What’s the best way to get it extra crispy ?
The secret to crispy fried shrimp is all in the coating and frying technique:
- Use cornstarch instead of flour. It absorbs moisture better for a crunchier crust.
- Double coat the shrimp. After the first dredge, let it sit for a few minutes, then coat it again.
- Fry in small batches. Too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature, making them soggy.
- Use panko breadcrumbs. They create a light, airy crunch compared to regular breadcrumbs.
For more expert frying techniques, visit this perfect fried shrimp guide.
3. What is Bang Bang Sauce made of?
Bang Bang Sauce is a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce made with:
- Mayonnaise for creaminess
- Sweet chili sauce for sweetness and tang
- Sriracha for heat (adjust to taste)
- Honey or sugar to balance the spice
- Rice vinegar for a hint of acidity
Want to experiment with other dipping sauces? Check out this list of the best seafood sauces for inspiration.
4. Can I make Bang Bang Sauce without mayo?
Yes. If you want a lighter or dairy-free version, try these alternatives:
- Greek yogurt keeps the sauce creamy while reducing calories.
- Sour cream adds tanginess with a milder flavor.
- Coconut cream is a dairy-free alternative with a slight sweetness.
For a similar spicy kick, try chipotle mayo sauce as a substitute.
5. How can I make Bang Bang Shrimp less spicy?
If you love the flavor but want to tone down the heat, try these adjustments:
- Reduce the amount of Sriracha in the sauce.
- Increase the sweet chili sauce to add more sweetness.
- Mix in extra mayo or Greek yogurt for a milder taste.
6. Can I bake or air-fry Bang Bang Shrimp instead of frying?
Yes. Here’s how:
Air Fryer Method
- Preheat air fryer to 375°F.
- Spray shrimp lightly with oil.
- Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Oven-Baked Method
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place shrimp on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
For more air-frying tips, check out this Air Fryer Shrimp Recipe Guide.
7. Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, follow these tips:
- Make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to five days.
- Fry the shrimp fresh. Reheating fried shrimp can make it soggy.
- If you must reheat, use an air fryer or oven instead of a microwave.
8. How do I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp?
If you have leftovers, store them properly to maintain flavor and texture:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to three days.
- Freeze uncoated shrimp and fry fresh when needed.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for five minutes at 375°F.
Avoid microwaving, as it will make the shrimp chewy and soggy.
9. What side dishes pair best with Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp pairs well with light, fresh sides to balance out its richness:
- Asian slaw provides a crunchy, tangy contrast to the shrimp’s crispy texture.
- Coconut rice adds a mild sweetness that enhances the Bang Bang sauce.
- Cucumber salad is a refreshing, cool side that contrasts the heat.
- Sweet potato fries offer a slight sweetness that pairs beautifully with the spicy sauce.
Looking for more side dish ideas? Check out this Ultimate Potato Salad Guide for a classic BBQ pairing.
10. What’s the difference between Bang Bang Shrimp and Dynamite Shrimp?
- Bang Bang Shrimp features a sweet and spicy creamy sauce, popularized by Bonefish Grill.
- Dynamite Shrimp is a Japanese-inspired dish with a spicier, thinner sauce using mayo, sriracha, and ponzu sauce.
Both dishes are delicious, but Bang Bang Shrimp has a sweeter balance, while Dynamite Shrimp leans spicier and tangier.
Final Thoughts: Make Bang Bang Shrimp Like a Pro!
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, spicy, and delicious dish that you can easily make at home. Whether you fry, bake, or air-fry, the key is a crispy coating and a perfectly balanced sauce.
If you loved this recipe, try pairing it with homemade seafood sauces to discover even more delicious flavors.
🔥 Now grab some shrimp, whip up that Bang Bang sauce, and enjoy a restaurant-style meal at home! 🍤🔥