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