Ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe: Better Than Restaurant in 30 Minutes
Dive into the exquisite flavors of our homemade Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, featuring perfectly crispy fried shrimp generously coated in a luscious, creamy, and spicy sauce. This iconic dish, famously popularized by Bonefish Grill, delivers an irresistible balance of textures and tastes. Best of all, you can whip up this restaurant-quality delight right in your own kitchen in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick appetizer or a satisfying main course!
Why This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Is a Must-Try
Our Bang Bang Shrimp recipe stands out for its incredible flavor and ease of preparation. It’s a faithful, yet simplified, rendition of the beloved battered and fried shrimp appetizer that first captivated diners at Bonefish Grill. The magic lies in the perfect marriage of a crispy exterior with tender, juicy shrimp, all enveloped in a sauce that is simultaneously creamy, sweet, and spicy, delivering just the right amount of ‘kick’ to tantalize your taste buds.
The secret to achieving that irresistible texture begins with a quick buttermilk and hot sauce soak, which tenderizes the shrimp and helps the seasoned flour coating adhere beautifully. After a swift dip and dredge, the shrimp are fried to golden-brown perfection, ensuring every bite offers that satisfying crunch. Finally, they’re tossed in our signature, lip-smacking Bang Bang sauce, transforming them into an unforgettable culinary experience. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a “dip, fry, and devour” philosophy that guarantees delicious results every time.
Beyond shrimp, the versatility of this incredible sauce is truly remarkable. If you’re a fan of the flavor, you’ll be delighted to know it pairs wonderfully with a variety of other fried foods. For instance, our Bang Bang Cauliflower recipe showcases how easily this sauce can elevate humble vegetables into a show-stopping dish. Imagine it also on crispy chicken bites, fried tofu, or even as a unique dressing for a vibrant salad. The possibilities are endless, making this sauce a fantastic addition to your culinary repertoire.
Key Ingredients for Authentic Bang Bang Shrimp
To recreate this popular dish at home, you’ll need a selection of fresh shrimp and common pantry staples for the coating and the iconic sauce. All precise measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions can be found in the printable recipe card located at the end of this post.
Ingredient Breakdown & Smart Substitutions
Getting the right ingredients is key to the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp. Here’s what you need to know:
SHRIMP – For the best results, you absolutely need large raw shrimp. I strongly advise against using frozen shrimp directly; always allow them to thaw completely before starting. Once thawed, it’s crucial to pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is vital because it ensures the buttermilk mixture and seasoned flour coating adhere properly to the shrimp, preventing a soggy batter and promoting even, crispy frying. If the shrimp are wet, the coating will slide off, and you’ll miss out on that satisfying crunch. Fresh, large shrimp (such as 16/20 count per pound) will give you the best tender texture inside and a substantial bite.
SAUCE – The star of this dish is undoubtedly the creamy, spicy, and sweet Bang Bang sauce. It’s a simple yet powerful combination of three key ingredients:
- Mayonnaise: Provides the creamy base. For a healthier alternative, you can substitute mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt, though this will introduce a tangier flavor. Alternatively, low-fat mayonnaise can be used to reduce fat content without drastically altering the flavor profile.
- Asian Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient adds the sweet and tangy notes that are characteristic of Bang Bang Shrimp. It’s also sometimes labeled as Thai Sweet Chili Sauce. You can typically find it in the ethnic or international aisle of your local grocery store, or at a specialized Asian market. Different brands may have slightly varying spice levels or sweetness, so feel free to experiment to find your favorite.
- Sriracha: Brings the heat! The amount of sriracha can be adjusted to your personal preference. If you like it extra spicy, add a bit more; for a milder version, reduce the amount. You can also substitute sriracha with your favorite hot sauce, keeping in mind that the flavor profile will change based on the specific hot sauce used.
BUTTERMILK & HOT SAUCE MARINADE – The combination of buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce (separate from the sriracha in the main sauce) creates a tenderizing bath for the shrimp. Buttermilk’s acidity helps break down the shrimp’s protein slightly, resulting in a more tender cooked texture. It also provides a sticky surface for the flour coating, ensuring maximum crispiness. The hot sauce in the marinade adds an initial layer of subtle spice to the shrimp itself.
SEASONED FLOUR COATING – Our simple yet effective coating consists of all-purpose flour seasoned with garlic salt and cayenne pepper. Garlic salt ensures savory depth, while cayenne pepper adds another layer of heat that complements the overall spice of the dish. This blend creates a wonderfully flavorful and crispy crust when fried.
FRYING OIL – You’ll need enough vegetable oil (or another neutral-flavored oil like canola or peanut oil) for deep frying. The type of oil is important for achieving a clean, crispy fry. Ensure you have enough to cover the shrimp adequately, typically about an inch up the sides of your skillet. Maintaining the correct oil temperature is paramount for perfect results.
How to Make Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp at Home
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Begin by preparing your drying station. Line a baking sheet with several layers of paper towel, then add a wire rack on top. This setup will be used to drain excess oil from the fried shrimp, helping them stay perfectly crispy.
- To make the signature Bang Bang sauce, combine the mayonnaise, Asian sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a medium-sized bowl. Whisk these ingredients together thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and evenly combined. Set this aside; it will be added to the shrimp after frying.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and the 2 tablespoons of hot sauce. This mixture will act as a flavorful marinade and a binder for the flour coating.
- Place your prepared raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and patted dry) into a large bowl. Pour the buttermilk and hot sauce mixture over the shrimp. Toss gently to ensure all shrimp are thoroughly coated. Let them marinate briefly while you prepare the flour mixture.
- In a gallon-sized zip-top plastic bag, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic salt, and cayenne pepper. Shake the bag well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Using a gloved hand (to minimize mess and potential irritation from the hot sauce), remove shrimp from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Transfer the marinated shrimp into the bag with the flour mixture. Gently toss, turn, and shake the bag to completely coat all the shrimp. For best coating, you may need to work in small batches, ensuring each shrimp is thoroughly covered.
- Pour enough vegetable oil into a large deep-sided skillet to come about an inch up the sides. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches a consistent temperature of 350°F (175°C), which you can verify with an oil or candy thermometer. It’s crucial that the oil is hot, but not smoking, to ensure a perfectly crisp crust.
TIP – Be sure that the oil comes to 350 F by testing it with a kitchen thermometer. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the batter may spread and not stay on the shrimp, resulting in a soggy or uneven coating. If it’s too hot, the coating will burn before the shrimp cooks through.
- Carefully use tongs to add the coated shrimp, one at a time, to the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and lead to greasy shrimp. Fry the shrimp for approximately 3 minutes per side, or until they achieve a beautiful golden-brown color and are cooked through. Once done, remove the fried shrimp to the prepared wire rack over the paper towel-lined baking sheet to drain excess oil. Allow them to rest for a few minutes to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Once all shrimp are fried, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the reserved Bang Bang sauce generously over the shrimp. Using a gloved hand or a spatula, carefully turn and toss the shrimp until they are completely coated in the creamy, spicy sauce. This ensures every piece is infused with that irresistible flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp
While Bang Bang Shrimp is absolutely at its best when enjoyed fresh and hot, you can store any leftovers. Place them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to 2 days. It’s important to note that as the shrimp sits in the refrigerator, the crispy coating will inevitably absorb the sauce. This means that when you reheat them, they will not be as saucy or as crispy as they were when freshly made. To best restore some crispness, reheat in an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes.
Absolutely! Preparing the Bang Bang sauce in advance is a fantastic time-saver. You can whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This allows the flavors to meld even further, potentially enhancing the overall taste of your dish.
For restaurant-quality results, consider these expert tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Fry the shrimp in small batches to maintain the oil’s temperature. Overcrowding will cool the oil, leading to soggy, greasy shrimp instead of crispy ones.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a reliable oil or candy thermometer to ensure the oil stays consistently at 350°F (175°C). This is the sweet spot for a crispy exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
- Pat Dry Thoroughly: As mentioned, this step cannot be stressed enough. Dry shrimp equals better coating adhesion and crispier results.
- Adjust Spice to Taste: Feel free to customize the amount of sriracha in the sauce and cayenne pepper in the coating to match your preferred spice level.
- Serve Immediately: For the ultimate experience, toss the shrimp in the sauce just before serving. This ensures the coating remains at its crispiest.
Creative Ways to Serve Your Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many delicious ways beyond just an appetizer. Here are some serving suggestions to make your meal truly special:
- Classic Appetizer: Serve them simply on a platter, perhaps with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a side of extra Bang Bang sauce for dipping. They’re perfect for parties and gatherings.
- Lettuce Wraps: Create light and refreshing lettuce wraps by piling the saucy shrimp into crisp lettuce cups (like butter lettuce or iceberg). Add some shredded carrots or cucumber for extra crunch.
- Tacos or Sliders: Turn them into a fantastic main course by serving them in warm taco shells or slider buns. Garnish with a quick coleslaw, a squeeze of lime, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a vibrant meal.
- Rice Bowls: For a more substantial dinner, serve the Bang Bang Shrimp over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice. Add steamed broccoli, edamame, or sliced avocado to make it a complete and nutritious bowl.
- Noodle Dishes: Toss the shrimp with cooked rice noodles or even a simple pasta for a unique and flavorful noodle dish.
- Garnish Galore: No matter how you serve them, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, thinly sliced green onions, or a wedge of lime can add both visual appeal and a burst of fresh flavor.
The key is to enjoy them immediately after tossing in the sauce to maximize their crispy texture and vibrant flavor!
More Delicious Shrimp Recipes to Explore
If you’ve loved this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe and are looking for more ways to enjoy shrimp, we have a variety of other fantastic options to spice up your meal rotation. Each recipe offers a unique flavor profile and cooking method, ensuring there’s something new to discover for every shrimp enthusiast:
- Spicy Shrimp: For those who crave an extra kick, this recipe delivers bold, fiery flavors.
- Crispy Shrimp: Focus on achieving that perfect crunch with every bite, ideal for a variety of uses.
- Cajun Shrimp: Transport your taste buds to the bayou with robust and savory Cajun spices.
- Hibachi Shrimp: Recreate your favorite Japanese steakhouse flavors with this quick and savory hibachi-style shrimp.
- Shrimp Curry: A comforting and aromatic dish featuring tender shrimp in a rich, flavorful curry sauce.
- Boom Boom Shrimp: Another delightfully creamy and spicy shrimp option, similar yet distinct from our Bang Bang version.
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Bang Bang Shrimp
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 1 pound large raw shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ Tablespoon garlic salt
- 2 Tablespoons sriracha
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 Tablespoons Asian sweet chili sauce
- 2 Tablespoons hot sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- vegetable oil for frying
Things You’ll Need
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Baking sheet
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Wire cooling rack
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Large deep sided skillet
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Candy thermometer
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Vinyl gloves
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Tongs
Before You Begin
- I would not recommend using frozen shrimp for this recipe. Allow the shrimp to thaw before beginning and pat them dry. This way, the shrimp coating will stick and they will fry evenly.
- The sauce is a mixture of mayonnaise, Asian sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. You can find Asian sweet chili sauce, also sometimes known as Thai sweet chili sauce, in the ethnic aisle at your grocery store or at a local Asian grocer. Though it may change the flavor, you can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative. Otherwise, you can substitute with low-fat mayo. The sriracha can be substituted with your favorite hot sauce if desired.
- Although Bang Bang Shrimp is best enjoyed right away, you can store any leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. As the shrimp sits in the refrigerator, the coating will absorb the sauce which means it will not be as saucy or crispy as it was when you first made it.
Instructions
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Line a baking sheet with paper towel, then add a wire rack on top.
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To make the sauce, in a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Asian sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Set aside.
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In another medium bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce.
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Place shrimp in a large bowl and add buttermilk mixture. Toss to coat.
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In a gallon-sized zip-top plastic bag, combine flour, garlic salt, and cayenne.
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Using a gloved hand, remove shrimp from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, and add to the flour mixture in the bag. Gently toss, turn, and shake bag to completely coat all the shrimp. You may need to work in batches.
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Add enough oil to a large deep-sided skillet to come about an inch up the sides. The oil should reach a temperature of 350 F on an oil or candy thermometer. Heat over medium-high until hot, but not smoking.
TIP – Be sure that the oil comes to 350 F by testing it with a kitchen thermometer. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the batter may spread and not stay on the shrimp.
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Use tongs to add shrimp, one at a time, to the hot oil. Fry for 3 minutes then turn over and cook an additional 3 minutes. Shrimp will have a golden brown appearance. Remove to a wire rack over a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Allow to rest for a few minutes.
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Place shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle reserved sauce over the shrimp, and using a gloved hand, carefully turn shrimp to coat in sauce.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.