There’s something about bang bang shrimp that gets my taste buds dancing like no one’s watching. Picture this: succulent shrimp, perfectly fried to a golden crisp and then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that hugs every morsel like your grandma does when you visit after too long. The crunch, the heat, and the creaminess come together in a way that makes you want to shout “Hallelujah!” at the dinner table.

Now, let me take you back to the first time I tried bang bang shrimp. It was at that little beachside restaurant where the ocean breeze kissed my cheeks and the sound of waves played background music to my culinary exploration. With each bite, laughter erupted around me as friends enthusiastically debated whether the dish was named for its flavor explosion or just because it sounded cool. Spoiler alert: it’s both!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bang bang shrimp is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners
- The flavor profile is an exciting blend of sweet and spicy that keeps you coming back for more
- Visually, it’s a feast for the eyes with its vibrant colors and glossy sauce
- This dish also allows for endless customization—try it in tacos or on salads for a fresh twist!
I remember one evening when I whipped up this dish for friends. They devoured it like it was their last meal on Earth.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Shrimp: Fresh or frozen shrimp works well; just make sure they’re peeled and deveined for convenience.
Flour: All-purpose flour gives that perfect crispy coating we all crave.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add an extra crunch that regular breadcrumbs just can’t match.
Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayonnaise for a creamy texture that binds all flavors together beautifully.
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is where the magic happens—sweet meets spicy for an unforgettable flavor punch.
Hot Sauce: Add to taste; it’s your chance to turn up the heat!
Lettuce Leaves (for serving): Crisp lettuce provides a refreshing contrast and serves as a fun way to serve your bang bang shrimp.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare the Shrimp: Start by thawing your shrimp if they’re frozen. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels to ensure they fry nicely.
Coat with Flour: In a bowl, add flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Toss the shrimp in the mixture until fully coated; this will give them a nice base layer.
Dip into Panko Mixture: Next, set up another bowl with panko breadcrumbs. Dip each floured shrimp in egg wash before rolling them in panko for that ultimate crunch.
Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side—don’t overcrowd!
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce to taste. Stir well until smooth; adjust seasoning if needed.
Toss & Serve!: Once your shrimp are crispy and golden, remove them from oil and drain on paper towels. Toss them gently with the sauce until well coated before serving on lettuce leaves.
You’ve now created a dish that could make even your picky cousin rave about seafood! Enjoy your meal while basking in compliments—it’s only fair after all that hard work!
You Must Know
- Bang bang shrimp is a crowd-pleaser that combines crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce
- Pair it with rice or lettuce for an elevated dish
- The crunch and flavor will have everyone coming back for seconds
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in a mix of buttermilk and spices before coating them in the flour mixture. This ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside juicy.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular flour for coconut flour for a gluten-free option. Adding extra chili flakes can spice things up if you love heat.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bang bang shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in an oven at 350°F to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfect bang bang shrimp, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep them crispy
- Experiment with different sauces for unique flavor profiles, such as mango or sweet chili
Nothing beats the joy of watching friends devour my bang bang shrimp at game night; I knew I had a winner when they asked for the recipe!
FAQ
What is bang bang shrimp?
Bang bang shrimp is a delightful dish featuring crispy shrimp tossed in a spicy mayo sauce.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free alternatives like almond or coconut flour.
How can I make the sauce less spicy?
Reduce the amount of sriracha or add more mayo to tone down the heat.

Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that will elevate your dining experience. Tender, crispy shrimp are coated in a rich, creamy spicy sauce, creating an explosion of flavors with every bite. Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, this dish is versatile and easy to customize, whether served in tacos, on salads, or as a standalone appetizer. With its combination of crunch, heat, and creaminess, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to impress everyone at the table.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- Hot sauce (to taste)
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cooking oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Thaw shrimp if frozen; rinse under cold water and pat dry.
- In a bowl, combine flour with salt and pepper. Toss shrimp in the mixture until fully coated.
- Dip each floured shrimp in egg wash before rolling them in panko breadcrumbs.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce to taste; mix until smooth.
- Toss cooked shrimp with the sauce and serve on lettuce leaves.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (approximately 150g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg