Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is sweet, spicy, and crispy. Easy to make, this addictive copycat recipe is a popular appetizer that is also used in tacos, wraps and over rice or pasta.

Bang Bang Shrimp originated in restaurants like the Bonefish Grill Restaurant, Cheesecake Factory, and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.

It’s so popular, that most restaurants have a version on their menu. Usually it’s an appetizer dish, yet you’ll also find this shrimp in tacos and wraps.

Bang Bang shrimp is made of seasoned breaded crispy shrimp drizzled or dipped with a zesty bang bang sauce.

Why is it called bang bang shrimp?

It’s this iconic sauce that gives bang bang shrimp its name. That pop or bang of sriracha and sweet chili sauce.

Truth is, this restaurant copycat and signature appetizer, is easily made at home with just a few ingredients.

Much like our Applebees Oriental Chicken Salad and Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken recipe, you can enjoy restaurant-style recipes right in your own home, and for a fraction of the cost.

Serve this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe as a main dish for a tasty dinner, or as a delicious appetizer at your next party or get together.

Ingredients Required

Here are the simple ingredients to make homemade bang bang shrimp. I also include some tips and subtituations.

• Shrimp – Use small or medium-sized shrimp that has been peeled and deveined. You can use fresh or frozen shrimps which are defrosted and dried. If using frozen shrimp just make sure that they are not precooked. While you can leave tails on for presentation, I usually remove the tails. I don’t prefer myself or my guests to fuss in removing them when enjoying.
• Breading – The shrimp breading consists of an egg, all purpose flour, panko bread crumbs, and old bay seasoning.
• Oil for Frying – You can use any oil suitable for frying. Peanut oil is a popular choice for fried shrimp.
• Bang Bang Sauce – bang bang sauce is made of a mixture of mayonnaise, Sriracha, and sweet thai chili sauce. For healthy bang bang shrimp, swap out the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt or use light mayonnaise.

Bang bang sauce is made with mayonnaise to make it creamy, Sriracha for heat and Thai sweet chili sauce for sweetness. If you want some more bang, increase the amount of Sriracha to make a more spicy sauce.

Old Bay Seasoning is a blend of celery salt, paprika, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and mustard seed. Options for substitutions: just paprika and celery salt, or 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

As always, get the full recipe on the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. Yet there are the step by step instructions with more explanation.

1. In a medium bowl season the shrimp with salt and black pepper.
   
   
2. Place all-purpose flour, beaten egg, and Panko breadcrumbs into three separate small bowls. Mix the old bay seasoning into the panko.
   
   
3. Working with one shrimp at a time, dip the shrimp in the flour, shake off the excess flour.
   
   Then dip it in the egg, and then coat it in the bread crumbs. Repeat the process for a second time to make it extra crunchy.
   
   
4. Coat all the shrimps and let them rest for 5 minutes.
   
   
   
5. In a pan fill oil about 2 -2 ½ inches deep. Heat until the temperature of the oil is around 375 Fahrenheit.
   
   Place 9-10 pieces of shrimp in the hot oil in a single layer.
   
   Fry the shrimps on medium flame until crisp, golden, and evenly cooked from inside (about 2-3 minutes).
   
   Just make sure not to overcook as that might turn shrimp rubbery and chewy. You want tender shrimp that is crispy on the outside.
   
   
   
6. Remove the golden brown shrimp from the oil and drain the excess oil using paper towels.
   
   
7. Next, mix all the ingredients under bang bang sauce: hot chili sauce, sriracha and mayo.
   
   
8. Garnish hot crispy shrimps with chopped green onions or cilantro.
   
   PRO TIP: Serve the breaded shrimp with bang bang sauce on the side, OR pour the creamy sauce over the fried shrimps and toss properly.
   
   

What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp

One of the best things about Bang bang shrimp is that it’s so versatile as an appetizer, or a main course. It can be served in a variety of ways, yet these are our favourites.

• As an Appetizer – served on its own.
• Shrimp Tacos – Serve in soft flour tortillas, along with lettuce or creamy cole slaw.
• Lettuce Wraps – Wrap with iceberg lettuce or romaine lettuce.
• Stir-Fry – served on a bed of white rice or brown rice, along with other vegetables.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta – served on long pasta such as fettuccini or spaghetti.

Storage Tips

To Store:

For best results, consume Bang Bang Shrimp immediately. The crunchy shrimp and spicy mayo sauce is the best when enjoyed the day that it’s made.

However, you can store the leftover fried shrimps and bang bang sauce separately. Place in an airtight container for 3-4 days, in the refrigerator.

To Reheat:

To reheat, warm the shrimps gently in the microwave in 30-sec intervals; make sure not to overcook. You can also coat a baking sheet with nonstick spray, and re-warm the shrimp in the oven at 350 degrees F.

Can You Freeze Bang Bang Shrimp?

Alas, Freezing this copycat bang bang shrimp recipe is not recommended. It will just thaw all mushy.

More Shrimp Recipes

• Hot Shrimp Dip
• Grilled Shrimp Foil Packs
• Garlic Shrimp
• Creamy Garlic Tuscan Shrimp
• Thai Shrimp with a Peanut Dipping Sauce