Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1/4 teaspoon Sriracha; 1 pound raw shrimp, shelled and deveined; 1/2 cup buttermilk; 3/4 cup cornstarch; vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 inches in pan)

There's something so irresistible about a dish that’s crispy, creamy, and packs just the right amount of kick — and that’s exactly what the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe delivers. It’s a small bite full of big flavor, perfect for game day, a casual dinner, or whenever you want to impress with minimal effort.

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

I’m honestly obsessed with this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe because it’s outrageously easy to make but feels like something you'd order at a fancy restaurant. The balance of flavors and textures is just spot on every single time.

Perfect Crunch: The cornstarch coating creates an irresistibly crisp shell that stays light and not greasy.
Flavor Punch: The blend of sweet chili sauce, mayo, and Sriracha hits sweet, spicy, and tangy notes all at once.
Quick and Simple: You’ll have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it great for last-minute entertaining.
Versatile Snack or Main: Serve it as an appetizer or pair with rice or a salad for a full meal.

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

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in recreating that signature Bang Bang flavor and texture you love. Plus, shopping is straightforward, just keep an eye out for fresh shrimp and good-quality chili sauce to make all the difference.

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 a creamy, smooth base to the sauce that balances the spice perfectly.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Brings the sweet and tangy heat that’s essential for that classic Bang Bang bite.
Sriracha: Just a touch amps up the heat without overwhelming the other flavors.
Shrimp (raw, shelled, deveined): Fresh or frozen, makes sure they're patted dry before coating for best crispiness.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the cornstarch stick better during frying.
Cornstarch: The secret to achieving that ultra-crispy, light crust.
Vegetable oil (for frying): Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get the shrimp perfectly golden.

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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

One thing I adore about this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to suit your taste buds — and maybe even turn it into a healthier or different-flavored version without losing that Bang Bang magic.

Variation: I’ve swapped regular mayo for light mayo or Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter sauce. The flavor’s still on point!
Spice Level: Play with the Sriracha amount or add a dash of cayenne if you want it hotter — just remember, the sweet chili sauce balances it out.
Gluten-Free: Using cornstarch keeps it gluten-free, but always double-check your chili sauce ingredients if you’re celiac or sensitive.
Baking Option: If frying isn’t your thing, try baking coated shrimp at 425°F (220°C) until crispy — it’s a bit lighter but still tasty.

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

Step 1: Whisk Together the Sauce

Start by mixing your mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a small bowl. Whisk it well until it’s smooth and vibrant. This sauce is where all the flavor magic happens, so make sure to taste and adjust the spice to your liking.

Step 2: Soak the Shrimp

Put the raw shrimp in another bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Stir to coat evenly and let them soak for about 5 to 10 minutes. This step tenderizes the shrimp and helps the cornstarch cling like a charm.

Step 3: Coat Shrimp with Cornstarch

Once your shrimp have soaked, lift them out letting excess buttermilk drip off. Toss the shrimp in cornstarch, coating them thoroughly but not clumping. This is the key to achieving that signature crispiness.

Step 4: Fry Until Golden

Heat vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding — about 1 to 2 minutes per side. You're aiming for a golden, crispy exterior without overcooking the shrimp inside. Drain on a wire rack between batches to keep them crisp.

Step 5: Toss with Sauce and Serve

Once all your shrimp are fried, toss them immediately with the prepared sauce while still hot. This makes sure each piece is perfectly coated. Serve right away for the best crunch and flavor!

Top Tip

After making this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that really take it from good to unforgettable—sharing these little gems will save you time and keep your shrimp crispy.

Oil Temperature is Key: Use a thermometer to maintain 375°F; too low and shrimp get soggy, too high and they burn.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying shrimp in small batches keeps the oil temperature steady and the coating crisp.
Pat Dry Shrimp: Before soaking, making sure shrimp are dry will help the buttermilk and cornstarch work their magic better.
Use a Wire Rack for Draining: Draining shrimp on paper towels steams them, but a wire rack keeps them crisp all the way through.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh cilantro over the shrimp for a touch of color and freshness. A little squeeze of lime juice right before serving really brightens the whole dish and cuts through the richness.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Shrimp pairs brilliantly with simple jasmine rice or a crunchy Asian slaw. For casual meals, I sometimes serve it alongside crispy sweet potato fries or even a light cucumber salad to balance the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I've served the shrimp in mini lettuce cups or on crispy wonton chips, making bite-sized appetizers that everyone can grab effortlessly. You can even drizzle extra sauce on the side as a dip to make it interactive and fun!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, store the fried shrimp separately from the sauce in an airtight container. This keeps the coating from getting soggy. Refrigerate them for up to 2 days, but honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house!

Freezing

I don’t typically freeze Bang Bang Shrimp because the crispness doesn’t always come back after thawing, but if you do freeze cooked shrimp, flash freeze them first on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating

To keep the crispy crust, I recommend reheating leftover shrimp on a wire rack in a hot oven (around 350°F) for about 8-10 minutes instead of microwaving. This method revives the crunch and heats the shrimp evenly.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and thoroughly pat them dry first to avoid soggy coating when frying.

Is there a way to make this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe healthier?

You can bake the shrimp coated in cornstarch rather than frying for a lighter version, and swap mayo for Greek yogurt to reduce fat.

What’s the best way to keep the shrimp crispy after frying?

Draining on a wire rack instead of paper towels and serving the shrimp immediately after tossing in the sauce keeps them crispy. Also, frying in small batches maintains oil temperature.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. Give it a quick stir before coating the shrimp for best flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe has earned a top spot in my recipe collection because it’s just so satisfying and fun to make. I hope you find the same joy in whipping it up as I do — it’s great for sharing, snacking, or sneaking extra veggies under the sauce. Trust me, once you try this, it might just become your weeknight go-to or party favorite too!