What is Bang Bang Shrimp and why is it so popular?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy fried shrimp appetizer tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce typically made from mayonnaise, Sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, and honey. Its combination of crunchy texture and flavorful sauce makes it a favorite starter at many restaurants and a popular choice for home cooks looking for a quick, tasty dish.

How do you make crispy Bang Bang Shrimp at home?

To make crispy Bang Bang Shrimp, soak peeled shrimp briefly in buttermilk, then coat them evenly with cornstarch. Fry the shrimp in oil heated to around 375°F until they turn light golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. After frying, toss the shrimp in a sauce made by mixing mayonnaise, Sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, and honey for that signature flavor.

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp using an air fryer instead of deep frying?

Yes, you can cook Bang Bang Shrimp in an air fryer for a lighter version. Coat the shrimp as usual and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 7-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden. Toss the air-fried shrimp with the sauce immediately for best results.

What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk for the shrimp coating?

If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of whole milk or canned milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to sour before using it to soak the shrimp. This mixture will help tenderize the shrimp and help the cornstarch coating stick, although the flavor will be slightly different from real buttermilk.

How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp and can I adjust the heat level?

Bang Bang Shrimp has a moderate spiciness from Sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce, balanced by the sweetness of honey and the creaminess of mayonnaise. You can adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the amount of Sriracha or using a milder chili sauce. For a milder version, consider omitting Sriracha and relying just on the sweet chili sauce.

Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe With Crispy Coating And Spicy Sauce

Name: Bang Bang Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian-American
Ingredients: – 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; – 1/2 cup buttermilk; – 1/2 cup cornstarch; – 1/2 cup mayonnaise; – 1/4 cup sriracha; – 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce; – 1 tablespoon honey; – Oil for frying (enough to cover the shrimp during cooking)

Description

🍤 Experience restaurant-quality bang bang shrimp at home with perfectly crispy coating and a spicy-sweet creamy sauce
🌶️ Transform simple shrimp into an impressive appetizer that’s guaranteed to be the star of any gathering

Ingredients

– 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

– 1/2 cup buttermilk

– 1/2 cup cornstarch

– 1/2 cup mayonnaise

– 1/4 cup sriracha

– 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce

– 1 tablespoon honey

– Oil for frying (enough to cover the shrimp during cooking)

Instructions

1-First, prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining 1 pound of medium shrimp, then pat them dry and soak them briefly in 1/2 cup of buttermilk. This step helps the coating stick and adds tenderness. Next, coat each shrimp evenly with 1/2 cup of cornstarch, shaking off any excess for that perfect crisp.

2-Now, whisk together the sauce by mixing 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sriracha, 2 tablespoons of Thai sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl until smooth. Heat oil in a pan to 375°F and fry the coated shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn light golden brown. After frying, drain the shrimp on paper towels and let them cool slightly before tossing them in the prepared sauce.

3-Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp right away for the best taste and texture, perhaps with a side of fresh veggies. If you’re looking for more shrimp-inspired dishes, our Hoisin Salmon Noodles recipe offers a great variation. This method, which takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, ensures a flavorful appetizer that’s hard to resist.

Notes

🌡️ Keep oil temperature consistent at 375°F for the crispiest coating – use a thermometer for best results
🥢 Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying – cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent soggy shrimp
🍯 Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sriracha – start with less if you prefer milder heat

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Deep Frying
Cuisine: Asian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 pound shrimp
Calories: 320
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 680
Fat: 18
Saturated Fat: 3
Unsaturated Fat: 12
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 0
Protein: 24
Cholesterol: 180

Keywords: bang bang shrimp, crispy coating, spicy creamy sauce, shrimp appetizer