If you’re craving that perfect balance of crunch and creamy, sweet heat, then this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Seriously, this recipe is a game-changer—crispy, spicy, with a sauce that’ll make you want to lick your fingers (and the bowl). Stick around, because I’m going to share all the secrets to nailing this at home, no fancy equipment required!

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe - Recipe Image

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Crispy Texture: Using cornstarch and the right frying temp ensures the shrimp has that irresistible crunch every time.
Flavor-Packed Sauce: The combo of mayo, Thai sweet chili, and Sriracha creates a creamy kick that’s just addictive.
Quick & Easy: From start to finish, you can have this on the table in about 30 minutes – perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Versatile & Customizable: Adjust spice levels or serve it as an appetizer or main – this recipe flexes for your cravings.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient here plays a role in creating that irresistible crispy bang bang shrimp flavor and texture. Whether you’re grabbing shrimp at the store or picking a sauce brand, these tips will help you get the best results.

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe - Ingredients

Shrimp: I recommend peeled and deveined shrimp around 16/20 count size for the perfect bite-sized crunch.
Buttermilk: It tenderizes the shrimp and helps the cornstarch stick for a crisp coating.
Kosher salt & garlic powder: Simple seasoning that elevates the shrimp’s flavor without overpowering it.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle heat layer before the sauce kicks in.
Cornstarch: The secret to that extra-crispy fried crust—don’t skip it or swap for flour!
Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying and no funky flavors.
Mayonnaise: Gives the bang bang sauce its creamy body, making every bite luscious.
Thai sweet chili sauce: Look for Mae Ploy brand; its sweet and tangy notes are unmatched.
Sriracha: Adds that iconic spicy kick, and you can dial it up or down to your heat preference.
Sliced green onion: Fresh garnish adding a pop of color and mild onion crunch.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

I’ve played around with this crispy bang bang shrimp recipe a bunch of ways, and honestly, it’s pretty forgiving. I love adding a bit more Sriracha for extra heat or swapping mayo for a lighter Greek yogurt version when I want something a little healthier.

Make It Spicier: I bump up the Sriracha beyond the recipe amount when I’m feeling bold—just toss more in the sauce and taste as you go!
Mild Version: If you’re serving kids or spice-averse friends, cut the Sriracha in half or leave it out completely. The Thai sweet chili sauce still carries plenty of flavor.
Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-friendly since it uses cornstarch instead of flour — perfect if you’re avoiding gluten.
Serve as a Main or Appetizer: I often pile it over rice or alongside some steamed veggies for a quick weeknight dinner, but it’s just as fantastic as finger food at parties.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe - Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Defrost and Marinade Magic

Start by defrosting your shrimp properly to avoid any icy spots that cause uneven cooking. I usually run them under cold water in a colander for about 3 minutes—it’s fast and keeps them firm. Next, toss the shrimp in buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This marinade not only seasons the shrimp but makes sure the coating sticks beautifully. Easy and effective!

Step 2: Coat with Cornstarch for Crispy Perfection

Drain excess marinade so the cornstarch adheres evenly—too much buttermilk and the coating gets soggy. Shake each shrimp in a bowl of cornstarch and give it a gentle shake to lose any excess. This step is crucial for that signature crunch you crave in a bang bang shrimp.

Step 3: Fry with Care

Heat vegetable oil to 350ºF (177ºC), using about half an inch of oil in a skillet. Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry about 8 to 10 shrimp at a time. They only need 1-2 minutes per side to turn golden and crispy. Transfer them quickly to paper towels to drain excess oil—otherwise, they’ll lose their crunch. Pro tip: keep the oil temp steady to avoid greasy shrimp.

Step 4: Toss in the Lip-Smacking Sauce

Whisk together mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth, then toss your crispy shrimp right in. If you prefer, drizzle the sauce on top instead or serve it on the side for dipping. Either way, this sauce wraps the shrimp in creamy, spicy-sweet goodness that’s impossible to resist.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish with a sprinkle of sliced green onions for freshness and a bit of crunch contrast. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor—trust me, waiting only makes the crispiness fade.

Pro Tips for Making Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Keep Oil Temperature Consistent: Use a thermometer and adjust heat as needed to maintain 350ºF—this keeps the shrimp from absorbing too much oil.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches so shrimp don’t steam and lose their crunch.
Shake Off Excess Coating: Too much cornstarch can clump and make the coating too thick; a light even dusting is just right.
Serve Immediately: The crispy coating softens quickly, so enjoy this dish fresh for best texture.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I swear by fresh sliced green onions—they add the perfect mild bite and fresh green color that keeps the dish feeling light. Sometimes I also add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely chopped cilantro for extra flair. A squeeze of lime is a nice touch if you like a citrusy pop.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairing is a simple side of steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up that sauce. Sometimes I whip up a quick cucumber salad or some roasted broccoli for crunch and veggies. This recipe also shines as party finger food with a crisp coleslaw or sweet potato fries.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve laid the crispy bang bang shrimp over a bed of mixed greens with avocado slices and drizzled more sauce artfully over the top. It makes a stunning appetizer or light main course that’s impressive yet easy to execute. Mini skewers or serving in lettuce cups also make fun, handheld bites for get-togethers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I place leftover crispy bang bang shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate them for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate if you can to avoid soggy shrimp, but if they’re already tossed, it’s still worth reheating carefully.

Freezing

While I don’t usually freeze the shrimp after frying with sauce (texture suffers), you can freeze raw marinated shrimp (just buttermilk and spices) on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer bag to fry fresh later. The sauce freezes well in a separate container for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer the oven or air fryer set to 350ºF to gently crisp the shrimp back up, about 5-7 minutes. Microwaving is quicker but can make them a bit soggy. If the sauce is separate, toss after reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp straight from the freezer?

It’s best to defrost shrimp fully before cooking to ensure even frying and a good crispy coating. Running them under cold water for a few minutes or letting them soak in cool water works perfectly.
What’s the difference between using cornstarch and flour?

Cornstarch creates a lighter, super crispy crust because it absorbs less oil and crisps up better than flour. Flour can make the coating heavier and softer.
Can I bake instead of frying?

You can bake, but expect less crunch. For best texture, fry the shrimp. If baking, coat thoroughly with cornstarch and bake at a high temperature on a greased rack so they crisp up on all sides.
How do I control the spice level?

Adjust the amount of Sriracha in the sauce—start small, taste as you go. The Thai sweet chili sauce adds sweetness to balance heat, making it adaptable.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want to impress but keep things easy. The combo of crunchy shrimp and creamy, spicy sauce hits all the right notes, and it always gets devoured fast. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and don’t be surprised if it turns into a family favorite real quick!