Crunchy, creamy, with just the right kick of spice – this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly lifts your mood. It’s exactly the kind of flavorful bite that makes you want to gather friends around the table for seconds. I’m excited to share how I make this irresistible treat right in my own kitchen.

A white plate filled mostly with bright orange fried shrimp coated in a shiny sauce, slightly piled in the center and sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. In the background at the top right edge of the plate, there is a small serving of coleslaw made of shredded cabbage, some purple and white pieces mixed with a few thin slices of carrots. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe has become one of my all-time favorites because it perfectly balances crispy and saucy textures – plus it’s surprisingly simple to whip up at home. Let me tell you why it’s worth adding to your recipe box.

Quick prep and cook time: You can have this delicious dish on your table in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Perfectly crispy shrimp: The cornstarch coating delivers a light, crunchy texture that holds up beautifully under the creamy sauce.
Flavor explosion: The sweet chili and Sriracha in the sauce create that signature Bang Bang flavor—spicy, sweet, and totally addictive.
Super versatile: Whether as an appetizer, main dish, or even on tacos or salads, this recipe adapts easily and impresses every time.

A single crispy shrimp is held close up by light brown wooden chopsticks, coated in shiny bright orange sauce with a smooth texture, showing little bits of green garnish. In the blurry background, many more shrimp in the same orange sauce create a soft, warm background with a bumpy texture. The overall scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe plays a critical part, coming together to build layers of texture and flavor that are simply irresistible. Here are the key players and why they're important.

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of creamy mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant red Thai sweet chili sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red Sriracha, a cluster of raw, peeled and deveined shrimp with glossy shells and tails intact, a small white ceramic bowl of fresh buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with fine, white cornstarch, and a small puddle of golden vegetable oil in a small white ceramic bowl, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess to the sauce and helps balance spicy and sweet flavors beautifully.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings both sweetness and a subtle heat that’s crucial for the “Bang Bang” flavor profile.
Sriracha: Just a touch amplifies the sauce’s spice without overpowering it.
Shrimp: Fresh, raw shrimp is ideal for the best texture; peeled and deveined makes prep effortless.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes shrimp a bit and helps the cornstarch coating stick better for that perfect crust.
Cornstarch: Creates that ultra-crispy exterior when fried – way lighter than flour in this context.
Vegetable oil: Essential for deep frying; go with neutral oils that handle high heat well.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love making this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe my own by tweaking the sauce heat and pairing it with different sides, and I encourage you to play around with it too! It’s a forgiving recipe that welcomes your personal touch.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding a splash of lime juice to the sauce for extra brightness – it really perks up the flavors in the end.
Spice level: If you prefer more heat, add an extra dash of Sriracha or even a pinch of cayenne to the sauce. For milder, just tone it down.
Gluten-free option: Cornstarch naturally works well here, making this dish simple to keep gluten-free without sacrificing crunch.
Alternative proteins: If you’re not a shrimp fan, try this coating and sauce combo on chicken tenders or crispy tofu for a fun twist.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a small bowl. Give it a good stir until smooth and glossy. I usually taste here to adjust the heat or sweetness because this sauce is the heart of the dish.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp in Buttermilk

Place your peeled and deveined raw shrimp in a second bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Stir gently just to coat. Let them soak for several minutes—this softens the shrimp and helps the crunchy coating stick better later. It’s a small step but makes a big difference in texture.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp with Cornstarch

Drain the shrimp thoroughly to remove excess buttermilk (you don’t want it dripping), then toss them in cornstarch until each shrimp is fully coated with a light, even layer. This creates the signature crispiness after frying.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side or until they turn lightly golden. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this keeps the oil temperature consistent and helps shrimp crisp evenly. I like to rest the cooked shrimp on a wire rack between batches to avoid sogginess.

Step 5: Toss and Serve Immediately

Once all your shrimp are fried, toss them quickly with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Serve right away for maximum crunch and flavor. It’s tempting to linger, but trust me—this dish is best enjoyed fresh.

Top Tip

Over the years, I learned a few little hacks that turn this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe from good to show-stoppingly great. These tips helped me avoid soggy shrimp and balance the flavors to perfection.

Oil Temperature Matters: Using a thermometer really pays off—if the oil’s too cool, shrimp will soak up oil and get greasy instead of crisp.
Ditch Overcrowding: Fry shrimp in small batches; keeping the oil hot is key to that satisfying crunch.
Drain Properly: Resting shrimp on a wire rack lets excess oil drip away and keeps them crisp longer, instead of soggy on paper towels.
Taste Test Sauce Early: Adjust the Sriracha and sweet chili sauce before mixing with shrimp so the spice level suits your crowd.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a handful of chopped green onions and a few sesame seeds on top—it adds a fresh crunch and a nice pop of color. Sometimes a squeeze of fresh lime just before serving wakes up the flavors even more.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a quick cucumber salad to balance all that richness. You can also serve it alongside crispy fries or even wrapped in soft tortillas for shrimp tacos.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I like to lay the shrimp out on a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage cups for easy grab-and-go bites. Another fun idea is as a topping for a vibrant poke bowl — it’s always a hit and looks stunning.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover shrimp is best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. I find that keeping the sauce separate and tossing the shrimp with it just before reheating keeps the crunch intact longer.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp, the crispy texture often diminishes. If you freeze, keep them sauce-free and thaw gently in the fridge before reheating to preserve as much crunch as possible.

Reheating

I reheat leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back crispness—microwaving tends to make them soggy, which is less enjoyable.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but make sure to thaw and pat them completely dry before proceeding to avoid excess moisture that affects crispiness. Fresh shrimp tends to give the best texture though.

How spicy is this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

This recipe has a medium level of spiciness thanks to the Sriracha, but you can adjust it up or down based on your heat tolerance by adding more or less Sriracha or leaving it out entirely. The Thai sweet chili sauce also brings sweetness that balances the spice.

What’s the best way to get the shrimp crispy?

Coating the shrimp thoroughly in cornstarch and frying in hot oil (around 375°F) in small batches with enough oil to submerge the shrimp are key to achieving maximum crispiness. Avoid overcrowding to keep oil temperature steady.

Can I make this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the sauce and shrimp coating ahead, but frying and tossing just before serving produces the best texture and flavor. Leftover cooked shrimp can be stored in the fridge but are best eaten within a day or two.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe really holds a special place in my kitchen – it’s become my go-to when I want to impress with minimal fuss. The balance of crispy shrimp and that creamy, spicy sauce feels like a hug on a plate. Give this recipe a try; I promise once you nail it, it’ll be a favorite you’ll come back to again and again.