Name: Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup whole milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes); ¾ cup cornstarch (or substitute with potato starch/tapioca starch); 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil); ¾ teaspoon salt; ¾ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 green onion, finely chopped for garnish; ½ cup Japanese mayonnaise (or substitute with regular mayonnaise); ¼ cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tablespoons sriracha (add more for extra spiciness)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 12 reviews

If you’re craving something that’s crunchy, creamy, and bursting with bold flavors, then this Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Perfectly crispy shrimp are coated in a luscious, tangy sweet chili mayo sauce with just a mild kick of spice that keeps you coming back for more. What’s truly amazing about this dish is how simple the steps are and how quickly you can get it from the kitchen to your table—ready in just about 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or a cozy night in, this dish never disappoints, promising a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows a white marbled surface with ten glass bowls and measuring cups arranged neatly. The largest bowl at the bottom center holds raw peeled shrimp with a grayish-pink color. Above it, there are two measuring cups, one with white liquid and the other with light yellow oil. On the right side, there are eight smaller glass bowls arranged in two vertical rows: the left row contains a pile of white powder (flour or cornstarch), salt, and a beige powder (likely garlic powder); the right row holds a creamy light yellow sauce at the bottom, followed by two reddish sauces, chopped green onions, and a small bowl of black pepper. The glass bowls and cups are clear, creating a clean and organized look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Getting your ingredients ready for this recipe is a breeze, but each one plays a crucial role in making your Bang Bang Shrimp absolutely unforgettable. From the tender shrimp soaking up a little buttermilk goodness, to the spicy, creamy sauce that brings everything together, every ingredient adds a splash of flavor, texture, or color that elevates the dish.

1 lb Jumbo Shrimp: Peeled and deveined for the perfect tender bite without any fuss.
1 cup buttermilk: This tenderizes the shrimp and adds a subtle tang; you can substitute with whole milk and lemon juice if needed.
¾ cup cornstarch: Provides that irresistible crispy coating when fried; potato or tapioca starch works too.
1 cup vegetable oil: Neutral in flavor, ideal for frying the shrimp to a golden brown crisp.
¾ teaspoon salt: A pinch to enhance all the natural flavors.
¾ teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory depth to the shrimp crust.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Gives a gentle background kick that balances the richness.
1 green onion: Finely chopped for a fresh, colorful garnish that adds brightness.
½ cup Japanese mayonnaise: Creamy and slightly sweet; regular mayo works too.
¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Brings the perfect blend of sweetness and mild heat.
2 tablespoons sriracha: Adds that signature spicy punch—you can adjust the heat to taste!

How to Make Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Tenderize the Shrimp

Start by placing your peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp into a medium bowl. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step is key because it tenderizes the shrimp, ensuring they stay juicy on the inside when fried and absorb a subtle tang that complements the sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are soaking, whisk together the Bang Bang Sauce in a small bowl. Combine Japanese mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the heart of the dish—balancing sweetness, creaminess, and a kick of spice that brings the crispy shrimp alive.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Into a shallow dish, mix cornstarch with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture. This coating is critical to achieving that iconic crunchy texture that makes this recipe so addictive.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat your vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully fry the shrimp in batches—avoid overcrowding—to maintain the oil temperature. Each side cooks quickly, roughly 1.5 minutes, until the shrimp turn a gorgeous golden brown. Use a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil and keep them crisp.

Step 5: Toss with the Sauce and Garnish

Transfer your crispy shrimp to a large bowl and pour the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over the top. Gently toss until every shrimp is evenly coated in that luscious sauce. Finish by sprinkling chopped green onions for a burst of freshness and color. Now, it’s time to dig in!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

A close-up of a white plate with a blue curved design near the edge, holding several pieces of shrimp covered in a thick, shiny orange sauce. The shrimp are garnished with small chopped green onions scattered on top. In the foreground, a pair of black chopsticks held by a woman's hand lifts one shrimp piece, showing the texture of the sauce and the bright green onion on it. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

A sprinkle of finely chopped green onions is classic, but feel free to add extra zing with a slice of lime, some toasted sesame seeds, or even a handful of chopped cilantro for an herbal brightness that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.

Side Dishes

Bang Bang Shrimp pairs so well with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the extra sauce. For a lighter option, try fresh cucumber salad or crunchy coleslaw, which add textural contrast and balance the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

This Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is not just an appetizer or snack—it can star in tacos wrapped in soft tortillas with shredded lettuce, or even atop a vibrant Asian-inspired salad for a meal that’s visually stunning and deeply satisfying. Don’t be shy to get creative and serve it to impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extras, store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This way, the shrimp stays crispy longer, and the sauce keeps its fresh tang.

Freezing

While fried shrimp are best enjoyed fresh for the ultimate crunch, you can freeze uncooked coated shrimp on a baking sheet before frying. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready, fry directly from frozen, adjusting the cooking time slightly.

Reheating

To revive leftovers, reheat shrimp in a hot skillet or oven rather than the microwave to maintain crispiness. A quick 5-minute bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit usually does the trick perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly before soaking in buttermilk to avoid excess moisture, which can affect crispiness.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

Yes! You can opt to air fry the shrimp instead of deep frying to reduce oil use, and use light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the sauce for a lighter but still delicious version.

Can I adjust the spice level?

Definitely. The amount of sriracha can be dialed back or increased to suit your heat preference. You can also experiment with milder chili sauces if you want just a gentle warmth.

What should I serve with these shrimp for a full meal?

Consider pairing them with steamed rice, a green veggie like bok choy or broccoli, and maybe a refreshing Asian-style cucumber salad to create a balanced and satisfying dinner.

How long can leftovers be kept?

Stored properly in the fridge, the leftover shrimp and sauce should be good for up to 2 days. For best quality, enjoy them as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like sinking your teeth into these crispy, saucy bites of magic that this Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe delivers. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a quick weeknight treat or a fun party appetizer. I can’t wait for you to try it yourself—once you do, it’ll probably become one of your favorites to make over and over again!

Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need