The Ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp: Better Than the Restaurant

The Ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe: Better Than The Restaurant

You know that satisfying sound? The deep sizzle when you drop perfectly coated shrimp into hot oil? That’s the sound of homemade Bang Bang Shrimp .

Forget the chain restaurant version; this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is faster, crispier, and honestly, way more satisfying. We are going from zero to fully sauced, creamy, spicy, crispy appetizer in about 30 minutes flat.

I used to think this dish was complicated, but I cracked the code on making the coating shatteringly crisp and the Bang Bang Shrimp sauce velvety smooth. Once you master the simple steps below, you’ll realize this is the ultimate low-effort, high reward appetizer or even a fun weeknight option for quick Shrimp Recipes For Dinner .

We are aiming for that perfect texture contrast: cold, creamy sauce meeting hot, crunchy shrimp. Trust me, the texture is everything when it comes to amazing Bang Bang Shrimp .

The Science Behind the Viral Flavor: Sweet, Spicy, and Creamy

When I make this dish, I want that immediate sweet heat punch followed by the massive crunch. Achieving this means understanding the three core phases: drying, dredging, and deep frying.

Panko vs. Tempura: Why Panko Delivers Max Crunch

We are not using wet tempura batter here. For true shatteringly crisp Bang Bang Shrimp , we use the double dry dredge . First, cornstarch sticks directly to the dry shrimp, creating a thin barrier.

Second, the Panko breadcrumbs (which are made without crusts and cut into flakes, not crumbs) lock around that cornstarch layer. When Panko hits high heat, the moisture inside vaporizes, creating little steam pockets that burst outward, resulting in an incredible, golden brown crust.

The Essential Bang Bang Sauce Ratio

The beauty of the Bang Bang Shrimp sauce is its balance. You need richness, sweetness, and heat. The perfect ratio is 3 parts richness (mayo/yogurt) to 2 parts sweet chili sauce to 1 part heat (Sriracha/hot sauce).

Making the sauce cold and keeping it thin ensures that when we toss the hot shrimp, the sauce clings without turning the crispy shell soggy immediately.

How Long Does This Recipe Take?

The beauty of this recipe is the speed.

Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for the Perfect Dish

You only need about 11 key ingredients to achieve the best Bang Bang Shrimp . The most important step is choosing the right shrimp go for medium to large (21/25 count) and make sure they are fully thawed, peeled, and deveined.

Essential Ingredients for the Crispiest Coating

• Shrimp (Medium/Large, peeled and deveined)
• Cornstarch
• Panko Breadcrumbs
• Neutral Oil (for frying)
• Salt & Pepper

Making the Sauce: Key Components and Vegan Swaps

• Mayonnaise (full fat is best)
• Sweet Chili Sauce
• Sriracha (or preferred hot sauce)
• Honey or Maple Syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

Ingredient Swaps: Maintaining Flavor and Texture

This table helps you keep the recipe compliant with dietary needs without sacrificing the texture needed for great Bang Bang Shrimp .

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp: step-by-step Instructions

This recipe moves fast, so have your sauce mixed and your frying station set up before you begin.

Nutrition Information

Step 1: Prepare and Dry the Shrimp ( 10 minutes)

Start by ensuring your shrimp is perfectly dry. If they are even slightly wet, your coating will be gummy. Pat them down aggressively with paper towels until they feel tacky and matte. Place them in a bowl and gently toss with a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 2: Set Up the Dredging Station ( 5 minutes)

In one shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch and a bit of salt. This is your first coat. In a second shallow bowl, place your Panko breadcrumbs.

1. Dredge each shrimp completely in the cornstarch, shaking off the excess. This coat acts like glue.
2. Immediately press the cornstarch coated shrimp firmly into the Panko. You want the Panko to cover every millimetre, like tucking in a baby. Place the prepared shrimp onto a clean tray or platter.

Step 3: Mix the Velvety Sauce ( 5 minutes)

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until the mixture is completely smooth and homogeneous. Give it a taste test: If you want more heat, add Sriracha. If you want more sweetness, add a teaspoon of honey.

Cover the sauce and stick it in the fridge while the shrimp cook cold sauce is crucial.

Step 4: Fry the Bang Shrimp ( 15 minutes)

In a large, heavy bottomed pot or Dutch oven, heat 1.5 inches of neutral oil (like canola or peanut) to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer! This is the most critical step for perfect Bang Bang Shrimp .

1. Working in small batches (do not overcrowd the pot, or the temperature will drop), gently drop the coated shrimp into the hot oil.
2. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, flipping occasionally, until they are golden brown and the Panko is absolutely shattering crisp.
3. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the crispy shrimp to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt immediately.

Step 5: The Final Toss

Once all the shrimp are fried, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Dollop about two-thirds of the reserved cold Bang Bang Shrimp sauce over the top. Gently toss the shrimp to coat every piece evenly.

Serve immediately, garnished with chopped scallions or cilantro, and a drizzle of the remaining sauce on top.

Expert Tips and Common Mistakes to Avoid

The difference between soggy shrimp and perfect Bang Bang Shrimp is often oil temperature. Pay attention to these common pitfalls.

Monitoring Oil Temperature for Consistent Frying

If you don't have a thermometer, drop a tiny piece of Panko into the oil. If it immediately bubbles aggressively and turns golden in 30 seconds, you are ready. If it turns dark immediately, the oil is too hot. If it sinks, it’s too cold.

Serving Ideas: Beyond the Appetizer Plate

While fantastic on their own, this makes excellent bases for dinner recipes. Toss the finished Bang Bang Shrimp over a bed of jasmine rice for easy Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls , or pile them high in tortillas with shredded cabbage for easy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos .

If you're looking for another quick seafood meal for dinner, I highly recommend my creamy and spicy Cajun Shrimp Linguine: Creamy, Spicy Pasta in 35 Minutes .

Storage and Reheating Tips

The truth about fried food is that once it’s coated in liquid, its shelf life is short. Plan accordingly!

Storing Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp (Uncoated vs. Coated)

The best way to store leftovers is to keep the shrimp and the sauce separate.

• Coated Shrimp: If you have already tossed the shrimp in the sauce, store them tightly sealed in the fridge for up to 2 days. The crispness will be gone.
• Uncoated Fried Shrimp: Store the fried (but unsauced) shrimp in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Sauce: The Bang Bang Shrimp sauce can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge.

The Best Way to Reheat Crispy Fried Shrimp

Do NOT use the microwave. It will turn the shrimp into rubber.

1. Preheat your oven or air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
2. Spread the uncoated fried shrimp in a single layer.
3. Reheat for 5– 8 minutes, until piping hot and the crust has regained some of its crispiness.
4. Toss in freshly warmed sauce, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.

This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe truly deserves a spot in your rotation. It is one of the easiest, most satisfying Shrimp Dishes you can make at home, and once you get the timing down, it rivals anything you'd order out. It’s also fantastic served with a simple grain base, which is why I often make extra shrimp and use the leftovers for MealPrep Shrimp Burrito Bowls: Easy, Zesty, Healthy Lunch Meal Prep . Enjoy this absolutely amazing Bang Bang Shrimp !