Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

why make this recipe

Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp is fast, tasty, and fun. It gives you crunchy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce. You can make it on a weeknight or for guests. If you like bold flavors, you will enjoy this dish. For other spicy dinner ideas, you can also check this Instant Pot noodle soup: Instant Pot Spicy Short Rib Noodle Soup.

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introduction

This recipe uses simple ingredients you may already have. The shrimp get a light batter and a quick fry. Then you toss them in a sweet and spicy sauce. Serve hot for best texture. The steps are short and clear.

how to make Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

  1. Soak the shrimp in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes.
  2. Mix the sauce: stir mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl.
  3. Mix flour and cornstarch in another bowl. Dredge shrimp from buttermilk into the flour mix.
  4. Heat vegetable oil to about 350°F. Fry shrimp until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  5. Drain shrimp briefly, then toss them in the bang bang sauce while hot.
  6. Sprinkle chopped chives and serve right away.

For a note on frying technique and browning, you may find this stir-fry guide helpful: Kung Pao Brussels Sprouts — Spicy Ways.

Ingredients :

  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives (for garnish)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha (more if you like it hot)
  • 1 tsp honey (optional)

Directions :

  • Soak shrimp in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes.
  • In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the sauce.
  • In another bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. Dredge shrimp from buttermilk into flour mix and fry in hot oil (350°F) until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  • Let shrimp drain briefly, then toss in bang bang sauce while hot.
  • Sprinkle chopped chives over the top and serve immediately.

how to serve Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

Serve hot on a platter. You can put it on a bed of rice or noodles. It also works well in tacos or on a salad. Offer lime wedges on the side. For a milder meal, serve with steamed vegetables or a simple slaw.

how to store Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

Let the shrimp cool to room temperature. Put them in an airtight container and refrigerate up to 2 days. Reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to keep them crisp. Do not store them in the sauce for best texture; keep sauce separate if possible.

tips to make Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

  • Dry shrimp lightly before soaking for a better crust.
  • Keep oil at steady heat (about 350°F) so shrimp cook fast and crisp.
  • Fry in small batches to avoid crowding the pan.
  • Toss shrimp in sauce while hot so the sauce sticks well.
  • For an oven option, coat shrimp and bake until crisp, then toss with sauce. You can also look at a baked shrimp idea like Shrimp au Gratin recipe for more oven tips.

variation (if any)

  • Make it milder: cut the sriracha in half and add more honey.
  • Make it hotter: add extra sriracha or a pinch of cayenne.
  • Make it baked: bread shrimp and bake at 425°F until crisp, then toss with sauce.
  • Serve as sliders: put shrimp in small buns with cabbage slaw.

FAQs

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
A: Yes. Thaw fully, pat dry, and then follow the recipe.

Q: Can I skip buttermilk?
A: You can use milk with a splash of lemon as a substitute. It helps the batter stick.

Q: How long do I fry the shrimp?
A: About 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes. Make it and keep it in the fridge up to 3 days. Warm slightly before tossing with hot shrimp.

Q: Is this safe for kids?
A: Yes. Reduce or skip sriracha to make it kid-friendly.

Conclusion

For another clear bang-bang shrimp version and extra tips, see this Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp guide: Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp – Christie at Home.

Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp features crunchy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. It's quick to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 21 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Shrimp Preparation
  • 1 lb large shrimp (peeled & deveined)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk and a splash of lemon.
Batter and Frying Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil (for frying) Heat to 350°F for frying.
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha Adjust for desired spice level.
  • 1 tsp honey Optional, for sweetness.
Garnish
  • 1 tbsp chopped chives For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Soak the shrimp in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes.
Making the Bang Bang Sauce
  1. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey to make the sauce.
Battering and Frying
  1. In another bowl, mix flour and cornstarch. Dredge shrimp from buttermilk into flour mix.
  2. Heat vegetable oil to about 350°F and fry the shrimp until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side.
  3. Let shrimp drain briefly, then toss them in the bang bang sauce while hot.
Serving
  1. Sprinkle chopped chives over the shrimp and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve hot on a platter, optionally on a bed of rice or noodles, or in tacos. Keep shrimp separate from sauce for best texture when storing.