Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, golden shrimp appetizer tossed in a creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce. It’s fast, flavorful, and perfect for weeknight cravings, party platters, or serving over rice or salad for a full meal. Inspired by the popular restaurant dish, this version is easy to make at home with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Oil for frying vegetable or canola
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 –2 teaspoons sriracha adjust to heat preference
- 1 tablespoon honey optional for extra sweetness
For Serving (Optional):
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded lettuce or rice
Instructions
- In a bowl, toss the shrimp with buttermilk and let sit for a few minutes.
- Heat about 1–2 inches of oil in a skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
- In a shallow dish, mix the cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then coat each piece in the cornstarch mixture.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using).
- Toss the hot shrimp in the sauce until coated, or drizzle the sauce over the shrimp for a crispier finish.
- Serve immediately with green onions, sesame seeds, or over shredded lettuce or rice.
Notes
- Crispier shrimp: Toss shrimp in sauce right before serving, or serve the sauce on the side.
- Air fryer option: Coat shrimp lightly in oil and air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Heat control: Add more sriracha for extra spice or reduce it for milder flavor.
- Protein swaps: Works great with chicken bites or cauliflower for a vegetarian version.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh; fried shrimp lose crispness once refrigerated.