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Bang Bang Shrimp

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe delivers crispy golden shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that’s totally addictive. Inspired by the famous restaurant favorite, this easy homemade version tastes even better — crunchy on the outside, tender inside, and full of flavor in every bite.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

For the Shrimp

  • 1 pound medium shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce adjust to taste
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil or more, as needed, for frying

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar

Instructions
 

Prepare the sauce:

  • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
  • Taste and adjust — add more chili sauce for spice or honey for sweetness. Set aside.

Marinate the shrimp:

  • Place shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk and hot sauce. Toss to coat and let sit for 10 minutes. This tenderizes the shrimp and adds flavor.

Prepare the coating:

  • In one shallow bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • In another bowl, beat the egg lightly.
  • Place Panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.

Bread the shrimp:

  • Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
  • Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip into the egg, then coat in Panko.
  • Press gently so the crumbs adhere well.

Fry the shrimp:

  • Heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • When the oil is hot (around 350°F/175°C), add shrimp in batches.
  • Fry for about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
  • Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.

Toss in sauce:

  • Place fried shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce.
  • Toss gently until shrimp are evenly coated.

Serve:

  • Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds, if desired.
  • Serve immediately over rice, lettuce leaves, or in tacos.

Notes

  • Lighter Version: Air fry at 375°F for 7–8 minutes or bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes until crispy.
  • Spice Control: Adjust hot sauce or chili sauce based on your preferred heat level.
  • Make Ahead: You can mix the sauce a day ahead; store in the fridge. Fry shrimp just before serving for best texture.
  • Serving Ideas: Serve as an appetizer with lime wedges or as a main over jasmine rice or salad.
  • Crispiness Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches so shrimp stay crunchy.