Little Bit Recipes

  • Home
  • Recipes
  • About
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Resources
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Resources
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home / Recipes / Appetizers

    Bang Bang Shrimp with Homemade Sauce

    By Lisa MarcAurele · Feb 23, 2024 · This post may contain affiliate links. See our disclosures.

    Jump to Recipe Pin This
    Pinterest Hidden ImagePinterest Hidden Image

    Satisfy your cravings with Bang Bang Shrimp paired with an easy homemade sauce. You'll experience bold, zesty flavors like never before.

    Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.

    Want to save this post?

    Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, I'll send you the latest recipes and tips every week!

    Loading

    Table of Contents

    • Reasons to Love
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Variations
    • Tips
    • Serving suggestions
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • Related Recipes

    This crispy and spicy treat from the Bonefish Grill has been winning hearts with its unique blend of flavors. From the crunchy coating of the crispy fried panko shrimp to the creamy sauce, every bite is bursting with taste and texture.

    If you don't like breaded deep-fried shrimp, bacon-wrapped shrimp can be dipped into the bang bang sauce. It's a delicious combination for a winning appetizer.

    Reasons to Love

    • A perfect combo of flavors and textures. The crispy fried shrimp is coated in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce, creating a delightful contrast between crunchy and creamy.
    • Versatility. Try this recipe as an appetizer, a main course, or in tacos or bowls. The dish never fails to impress no matter how you serve it.

    Ingredients

    Use high-quality, fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture. The freshness of the shrimp will significantly impact the overall taste of the dish.

    The ingredients for a dish of fried shrimp.

    Here's what you'll need to make the bang bang shrimp recipe:

    • raw shrimp
    • buttermilk
    • salt and pepper
    • oil (for frying)
    • egg
    • Panko breadcrumbs
    • all-purpose flour
    • cornstarch
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • smoked sweet paprika
    • mayonnaise
    • sweet Thai chili sauce
    • sriracha

    Scroll down to the recipe card for quantities used.

    Instructions

    Once you've gathered the ingredients, it's time to make the copycat bang bang shrimp. To make this recipe, follow these simple step-by-step directions.

    Shrimp in a white bowl next to a red and white checkered tablecloth.

    Peel shrimp and devein. Pat dry.

    A white bowl with shrimp and a white sauce in it.

    Season deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper. Marinate seasoned shrimp in buttermilk for 30 minutes or less.

    A bowl of bang bang sauce with a spoon in it.

    In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, and sriracha. Mix well to make the sauce. Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then refrigerate until ready to use.

    A white bowl with a shrimp and flour in it.

    In another bowl, combine equal amounts of flour and cornstarch. Dip each shrimp in the mixture then in the buttermilk mixture.

    A bowl of breading with shrimp on a table.

    In a large bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge coated shrimp in seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. Shake off the excess breading.

    A red spatula is being used to place a breaded shrimp in a pot of oil.

    In a medium saucepan, pour oil to fill ⅓ of the cookware. Once the oil is hot enough, fry the shrimp by adding one at a time.

    A pan with frying shrimp on top of a stove.

    Cook shrimp for 1 ½ to 2 minutes or until golden brown.

    Fried shrimp on a plate with a red and white checkered napkin.

    Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to a paper-lined plate.

    Fried shrimp in a white bowl with a bang bang sauce on top.

    Transfer cooked shrimp to a large shallow bowl and pour sauce on.

    A bowl of fried shrimp with bang bang sauce mixed in.

    Gently toss shrimp until well-coated. Serve immediately.

    Hint: Marinating the shrimp in the sauce for 15 to 30 minutes will infuse the shrimp with more flavor.

    Variations

    Want to change up the recipe? Here are a few things you can try:

    • Protein - make it with chicken or tofu instead of shrimp for a unique twist.
    • Sauce - experiment with various types of sauces; for example, opt for a sweet and tangy pineapple glaze instead of the classic spicy mayo sauce.
    • Spicy - add some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to give the dish a little more kick.
    • Herbs - fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley will add a refreshing taste. You can also sprinkle in chopped green onions.

    You can also dip air fryer lumpia in the bang bang sauce.

    Tips

    Top tip: Use a pan with enough oil to cover the shrimp, and cook the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, ensuring a crispy exterior.

    • Adjust the amount of the sauce ingredients to ensure a perfect balance of flavors. Taste as you go to suit your preferences.
    • Use large shrimp for a more substantial and satisfying bite. Aim for shrimp in the 21/25 count per pound range for a good balance of size and tenderness.
    Fried shrimp on a plate next to a bowl of sauce.Pin

    Serving suggestions

    For a refreshing contrast to the spicy shrimp, consider serving them over a bed of crisp, mixed greens with a drizzle of tangy citrus vinaigrette. The combination creates a delightful salad with a blend of flavors that will surely impress.

    If you're looking for a heartier option, try serving the Bang Bang shrimp alongside fluffy slow cooker rice and oven roasted cabbage steaks.

    Storage

    Once cooled, place the shrimp in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible from the container or bag before sealing it. You can then store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    If you need to store them for a longer period, consider freezing instead. Place the shrimp in a freezer-safe container or bag, and they should be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. When reheating frozen bang bang shrimp, it's best to thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in a skillet or oven.

    FAQs

    What makes Bang Bang sauce so special?

    The sauce stands out due to its creamy and spicy flavor profile. The combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha creates a perfect harmony that enhances the taste of the shrimp.

    Can I adjust the spiciness level of the sauce?

    Yes, you can easily customize the spiciness by adjusting the amount of sriracha in the sauce recipe. Start with a small amount for mild heat or add more for an extra kick based on your preference.

    Are there healthier alternatives or variations available for making this dish?

    For a healthier twist, consider using an air fryer instead of deep-frying the shrimp. You can also opt for lighter ingredients in the sauce recipe, like Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise, to reduce calories while maintaining flavor.

    Bang bang fried shrimp in a white bowl with chopsticks.Pin

    Related Recipes

    Want to try more foolproof shrimp recipes? Here are a few more tasty items you can try:

    • Shrimp and broccoli stir fry is a quick and delicious meal.
    • Grilled shrimp in air fryer is perfectly charred and crisp on the outside.
    • Shrimp and corn bisque is a rich and satisfying soup option.
    • Easy garlic butter shrimp pasta provides pure comfort for dinner.
    • Skillet shrimp scampi is an elegant dinner that is done in minutes.

    Have a question about this recipe?

    Ask AI to answer based on this specific recipe:

    ChatGPT
    Google AI
    Perplexity
    Grok

    Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest to see more recipes.

    Eat at Home and Save!

    Sign up to get recipes and tips to make cooking for one or two easy. You'll also have access to money saving deals and offers.

    Recipe

    Fried shrimp in a white bowl with sauce.Pin
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Review Recipe

    Bang Bang Shrimp

    5 from 2 votes
    Enjoy the irresistible flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp made with a homemade sauce. You'll get the perfect blend of spices and heat in every bite.
    Prep Time15 minutes mins
    Cook Time10 minutes mins
    Marinate30 minutes mins
    Total Time55 minutes mins
    Course: Main Course
    Cuisine: Asian
    Servings (Adjustable): 4
    Calories: 442kcal
    Save Recipe Saved! Share on Facebook Share on X
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    SHRIMP:

    • 1 pound raw shrimp
    • ½ cup buttermilk
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • oil for frying about 2 to 3 cups

    BREADING:

    • 1 egg
    • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
    • ⅛ cup all-purpose flour
    • ⅛ cup cornstarch
    • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
    • ½ teaspoon onion powder
    • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
    • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
    • ¼ teaspoon smoked sweet paprika

    BANG BANG SAUCE:

    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • ¼ cup Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
    • 3 tablespoons sriracha

    Instructions

    • Peel shrimp and devein. Pat dry.
    • Season deveined shrimp with salt and black pepper. Marinate seasoned shrimp in buttermilk for 30 minutes or less.
    • In a small bowl, combine the Bang Bang sauce ingredients - mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili Sauce, and sriracha. Mix well. Cover tightly with plastic wrap then refrigerate until ready to use.
    • In another bowl, combine equal amounts of flour and cornstarch.
    • In a large bowl, combine Panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked sweet paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    • Remove shrimp from buttermilk. Whisk buttermilk and egg.
    • Dip marinated shrimp in flour mixture and then dip in buttermilk mixture. Lastly, dredge coated shrimp in seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. Shake off the excess breading. Place breaded shrimp in a large plate lined with parchment paper.
    • In a medium saucepan, pour oil reaching ⅓ of the cookware. Once the oil is hot enough, add the breaded shrimp one at a time. Cook shrimp for 1 ½ to 2 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to a paper-lined plate.
    • Transfer cooked shrimp to a large shallow bowl. Pour sauce and gently toss shrimp until well-coated.
    • Immediately serve and enjoy.

    Notes

    Sriracha used in this recipe provides the necessary heat. If you prefer spicy food, add more sriracha after tasting the original combination of ingredients.
    Heat oil just enough without overheating. To test, drop a few pieces of breadcrumbs. The oil is hot enough for frying when breadcrumbs float, bubbles appear, and turns golden brown.
    It is best to deep-fry coated shrimp if you are using a stovetop. Deep-frying will avoid overcooking shrimp, it will cook evenly, and the shrimp won’t accumulate excess oil.
    Deep-fry shrimp in batches, about 5 to 6 pieces of shrimp per batch.
    When removing cooked shrimp, it’s best to use a spider strainer. In the absence of a spider strainer, turn off the heat and individually remove shrimp using kitchen tongs.
    Heat up the oil before cooking the next batch of shrimp.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 26g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 199mg | Sodium: 1976mg | Potassium: 254mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 411IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 137mg | Iron: 2mg

    © LittleBitRecipes.com - All content and photographs are copyright protected by us. We appreciate sharing our recipes; but copying, pasting, or duplicating full recipes to any social media, website, or electronic/printed media is strictly prohibited and a violation of our copyrights. Single photos may be used, provided that full credit is given to us along with a link back to the original content.

    FacebookXPinterestFlipboard

    More Small-Batch Appetizer Recipes

    • A bowl of fresh salsa with chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and peppers sits on a white table, surrounded by tortilla chips and sliced tomatoes.
      Habanero Salsa
    • Three bacon-wrapped scallops on a white plate, garnished with herbs, served with a lemon wedge.
      Bacon Wrapped Scallops in Air Fryer
    • A plate of bacon-wrapped jalapeño poppers filled with cream cheese, arranged in a white dish on a light surface.
      Maple Bacon-Wrapped Brussels Sprouts
    • A bowl of dip with spider-shaped olives and sour cream web decoration, garnished with parsley and celery sticks on the side.
      Spider Web Taco Dip for Halloween Party

    About Lisa MarcAurele

    Lisa MarcAurele is a blogger and cookbook author. She created Little Bit Recipes to help people save money by minimizing leftovers when cooking for one or two people. Lisa is also a co-founder of Daily Life Travels, where you can discover new places to visit and things to do. You can sign up for her recipe emails to see all her latest content.

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Joan says

      April 19, 2024 at 11:22 am

      5 stars
      Found the perfect appetizer to share for our family gathering next week! Tastes absolutely amazing, so flavorful, and this was very easy to prepare. Thanks for this yummy recipe!

      Reply
    2. Giangi Townsend says

      June 03, 2024 at 9:15 pm

      5 stars
      This is the first time I tried this shrimp recipe. It was so flavorful. The spices bring it to another level. Love it!

      Reply
    3. Dawn Fryer says

      June 25, 2024 at 12:04 am

      Hi I want to make these ahead and freeze them. At what stage would I freeze them? And how do I thaw them to cook?preferably a quick thaw method 🙏🏼

      Reply
      • Lisa MarcAurele says

        June 25, 2024 at 5:10 am

        I would freeze them after frying and then bake them frozen at 350-400°F to reheat. The sauce can be made ahead and frozen or made just before serving.

        Reply
    A woman in a green shirt stands in a kitchen holding a bowl of strawberries.

    Hi, I'm Lisa! I'm a cookbook author who has been creating recipes for over a decade. I'd like to show you how easy it is to downsize your cooking for one or two people.

    Read more →

    Popular

    • A bowl of brown rice with Hawaiian chicken on it.
      Sweet Hawaiian Crockpot Chicken
    • edible cookie dough single serving for one.
      Edible Single Serving Cookie Dough
    • Sliced Italian artisan bread with buttered slice in front.
      No Knead Italian Artisan Bread
    • A sliced meatloaf on a white plate.
      Cracker Barrel Meatloaf (CopyCat)

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    Cooking

    • Scaling Recipes
    • Mini Pie Pans
    • Mini Loaf Pans

    Recipes

    • Breakfast
    • Dinner
    • Desserts

    About

    • About
    • Contact
    • Newsletter

    LittleBitRecipes.com makes money through affiliate partner links: If you click on a link, we may earn a commission. Our writers create all reviews, recipes, and other content to inform readers, with no influence from our advertisers. LittleBitRecipes.com may earn from qualifying purchased made on Amazon.com. Learn more about our privacy policies, terms of use, and disclosures.

    Copyright © 2026. Little Bit Recipes. All Rights Reserved.