Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that addictive, crispy, spicy shrimp that hits all the right notes, this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is going to become your new go-to. I absolutely love how these shrimp turn out—crispy on the outside and perfectly tender on the inside, all coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that keeps you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a party or a fun weeknight dinner, this recipe always feels special without any fuss.

When I first tried my hand at making Bang Bang Shrimp at home, I was amazed at how simple ingredients could come together to create such a flavorful dish. You’ll find that the batter with sparkling seltzer keeps the shrimp light and crunchy, while the homemade sauce brings the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and tanginess. Trust me, once you make it yourself, takeout won’t even be a thought!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might look simple, but together they create magic. Choosing fresh shrimp and a good-quality mayo like Kewpie really ups the flavor game, while the spices bring that classic Bang Bang tang.

• Flour: Acts as the base for the crispy batter; all-purpose works best.
• Seltzer: This sparkling water is my secret for light, airy batter that crisps up beautifully.
• Egg yolk: Helps bind the batter and adds richness.
• Shrimp: Peeled and deveined, fresh or thawed frozen shrimp both work well.
• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the batter just right.
• Mayonnaise (Kewpie recommended): The creamy base of the sauce—Kewpie has a slightly tangier profile that complements the heat.
• Sriracha: Adds a smooth, garlicky heat to the sauce.
• Sambal oelek: Gives a fresh, chili-pepper punch; adjust the amount to your spice tolerance.
• Honey: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness.
• White vinegar: Adds brightness and acidity to the sauce.
• Fresh chives: For garnish, giving a light oniony freshness.
• Fresh lemon juice: A squeeze over the finished dish adds a zingy lift.

Variations

I love that this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe invites you to get creative! Whether you want to dial up the heat or swap ingredients to suit your diet, there’s room for personalization. It’s fun to find what works best for you and your family.

• Mild Version: If you’re sensitive to spice, try reducing the sriracha and sambal oelek by half or swapping in a mild chili sauce.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the flour with rice flour or a gluten-free blend for a great crispy batter without gluten.
• Baked Shrimp: For a lighter approach, you can bake the battered shrimp instead of frying—just spray with oil and bake at 425°F until golden.
• Sauce Swap: Mix in a little Greek yogurt with the mayo for a tangier sauce and extra creaminess.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together the Batter

Start by combining the flour, seltzer, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until you have a smooth batter with no lumps—that carbonated seltzer really makes the difference here, keeping the batter light and crispy. Then stir in the egg yolk to bind everything together. It’s a quick step, but essential for that perfect texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp and Heat Your Oil

Make sure your shrimp are thoroughly dried with paper towels; this helps the batter stick better. Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to about 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a tiny bit of batter into the oil—it should sizzle and float right away. Keeping the right temperature is key to avoid soggy shrimp.

Step 3: Batter, Fry, and Drain

Dip each shrimp into the batter, letting excess drip off, then carefully place it into the hot oil. Don’t crowd the pan, or the temperature will drop and your shrimp won’t be crispy—fry in batches if needed. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden and deliciously crunchy. Transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any extra oil.

Step 4: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While your shrimp are frying, mix the mayo, sriracha, sambal oelek, honey, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your preference—you can always add a little more sriracha if you like it spicy. The sauce should be creamy with a lovely balance of flavors.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

Once the shrimp are cooked and drained, toss them gently in most of the sauce, reserving a bit to drizzle on top. Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with freshly chopped chives and a squeeze of lemon juice for brightness. This finishing touch really elevates the dish and adds freshness.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I always sprinkle freshly chopped chives on top for a mild onion flavor that cuts through the richness, plus a squeeze of lemon juice to add a refreshing zing. Sometimes, I’ll add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for a little extra crunch and nuttiness—it’s a small detail that makes the dish pop.

Side Dishes

My family goes crazy for this served alongside steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple cucumber salad or crisp slaw also pairs beautifully, adding cool contrast to the heat. For something heartier, you can make garlic mashed potatoes or roasted veggies on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love serving Bang Bang Shrimp on lettuce cups or in small crispy taco shells for bite-sized fun. Another favorite is layering the shrimp atop avocado halves with a drizzle of extra sauce and garnish—fancy yet approachable! It’s an easy way to impress guests without extra work.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (which might be unlikely because it’s so good!), store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps the shrimp from getting soggy. The shrimp stay best for up to 2 days—beyond that, they start losing their crispness.

Freezing

While you can freeze cooked shrimp, I’ve found that the crispy texture takes a hit once thawed. If you want to freeze, it’s better to freeze raw shrimp and batter separately, then fry fresh when you’re ready. This way, you’ll enjoy the crunch every time.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, pop the shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to revive the crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it makes the shrimp rubbery and soggy. Then toss them again lightly in some reserved or fresh sauce before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is one I keep coming back to time and again, whether it’s for a casual dinner or a fun crowd-pleaser at a gathering. I love how it strikes the perfect balance between spicy, sweet, and tangy with that irresistible crunch. I’m confident once you make this yourself, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too—give it a try and enjoy the delicious results!

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