The aroma of sizzling shrimp fills the kitchen, instantly transporting me to my favorite seaside eatery. Today, I’m thrilled to share my Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe, a real crowd-pleaser that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors. With just a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep time, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up for any gathering or casual night in. Imagine serving these crispy delights as an appetizer, destined to impress friends and family alike, whether they’re game day snacks or a delightful addition to your dinner table. Are you ready to dive into a world of crispy goodness? Let’s get cooking!

Why is Bang Bang Shrimp a Must-Try?

Irresistible Flavor: Enjoy the satisfying combination of sweet and spicy in every bite, making it hard to stop at just one.

Quick to Prepare: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have this delightful appetizer on the table in no time.

Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for parties, game days, or just a casual night in; this recipe always garners rave reviews from friends and family.

Versatile Options: Try it with chicken for a fun twist, or go healthier with an air-fried version! If you enjoy savory recipes, check out my Apple Cider Chicken for another flavor-packed dish.

Perfect Texture: The crispy coating combined with tender shrimp delivers a satisfying crunch that will leave your taste buds dancing.

Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients

For the Shrimp

Raw Shrimp – Select deveined and peeled for easy preparation.
Whole Milk – Provides moisture and ensures a tender shrimp inside.
Sour Cream – Adds creaminess and tang to the batter.
Lemon Juice – Brightens flavors for a fresh taste.

For the Coating

All-Purpose Flour – The primary crunchy coating for the shrimp.
Corn Starch – Incorporates extra crispiness, making your bang bang shrimp recipe truly standout.
Salt – Enhances the overall flavor profile.
Ground Black Pepper – Adds a subtle kick to the mix.
Paprika – Offers a hint of smokiness and vibrant color.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

Mayonnaise – Creates a creamy base for the sauce.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce – Adds the essential sweet and spicy kick.
Garlic (minced) – Deepens the flavor richness in the sauce.
Sriracha – Infuses heat and a touch of zest to the bang bang sauce.

For Frying

Oil (Canola, Olive, or Avocado) – Choose oil with a high smoke point for optimal frying results.

Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Milk Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together ½ cup whole milk, ¼ cup sour cream, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until creamy and well combined. This mixture will ensure your shrimp stay moist on the inside. Dredge the cleaned, deveined shrimp in this mixture, allowing them to soak for about 5 minutes while you set up the next step.

Step 2: Make Flour Mixture
In another bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon paprika until well-blended. This flour mixture will provide the crispy coating for your Bang Bang Shrimp. Take the soaked shrimp and generously coat them in the flour mixture, ensuring every inch is covered to create that satisfying crunch.

Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, pour in enough oil to reach 1-1½ inches high and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 325°F, checking with an oil thermometer. This temperature is ideal for frying and will create a crispy exterior for your shrimp. You’ll know the oil is ready when it shimmers and a small drop of batter sizzles upon contact.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil, frying them in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each batch for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the shrimp halfway through cooking. Once done, transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, keeping them warm in the oven set at 250°F if needed.

Step 5: Add Bang Bang Sauce
Once all the shrimp are fried, combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon Sriracha in a large bowl. Gently toss the crispy shrimp in this delicious Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated, ensuring each piece gets that signature sweet and spicy flavor infusion.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the coated Bang Bang Shrimp to a serving platter, garnishing with chopped green onions if desired. These crispy delights are best served immediately, but you can keep leftovers in the fridge for up to three days. Enjoy them as an appetizer over a bed of sliced cabbage or alongside steamed rice for a complete meal experience!

What to Serve with Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp?

Imagine setting the stage for a meal that sings with flavor and excitement, allowing those crispy delights to shine as the star!

Veggie Spring Rolls: These crisp, light bites bring freshness to your meal and complement the rich, sweet heat of the shrimp.
Creamy Coconut Rice: The subtle sweetness of coconut pairs perfectly with the spicy bang bang sauce, creating a tropical escape.
Coleslaw: A refreshing crunch from cabbage and carrots gives a cooling contrast that enhances the crispy texture of the shrimp.
Garlic Noodles: Indulge in tender noodles smothered in garlic sauce for a savory balance. They soak up the flavors beautifully!
Mango Salsa: This vibrant topping offers a burst of freshness and sweetness that cuts through the richness of the dish.

For a delightful finale, consider serving your meal with a chilled Pineapple Mojito. The minty freshness and zesty citrus will elevate the entire dining experience, leaving everyone craving another round!

How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Shrimp

Refrigerator: Keep leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To maintain crispiness, avoid stacking the shrimp too tightly.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet for 1-2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 2 months.

Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.

Thawing: If frozen, thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for best results.

Expert Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Perfectly Crispy: Maintain the oil temperature at 325°F for that ultra-crispy coating; too low and your shrimp may absorb excess oil, resulting in sogginess.

Batch Cooking: Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding, ensuring each piece gets even cooking and remains crisp.

Avoid Rubberiness: Use large or jumbo shrimp; smaller ones cook too quickly and can turn rubbery, ruining your bang bang shrimp experience.

Draining Oil: After frying, drain shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil; this keeps your appetizer light and crispy, enhancing the overall flavor.

Sauce Balance: Adjust Sriracha based on your heat preference; for a milder flavor, reduce the amount while still enjoying the sweetness of the Thai chili sauce.

Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Variations

Feel free to unleash your creativity and tailor this recipe to your taste buds, making it truly your own!

Crispy Bang Bang Chicken: Swap shrimp for chicken tenders; cook until golden for a delightful twist.
Air-Fried Delight: Lightly spray coated shrimp with oil and air-fry for a healthier option, bringing all the crispiness with less oil.
Spicy Mango Twist: Add diced fresh mango to the bang bang sauce for a fruity and tropical flair that brightens each bite.
Coconut Crush: Incorporate shredded coconut into the flour mixture for an inviting crunch that adds a touch of sweetness.
Gluten-Free Choice: Replace regular flour with gluten-free flour or almond flour, ensuring everyone can join in on the crispy goodness.
Herbed Upgrade: Mix in fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley into your bang bang sauce for an extra burst of freshness.
Zesty Lime: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice in the milk mixture for a tangy, zesty edge that enhances the flavors of your shrimp.
Extra Heat: For those who love spice, increase the Sriracha in the sauce or sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for that fiery kick.

These variations not only create exciting new ways to enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp but also make it a versatile dish perfect for every occasion. Enjoy this crispy delight with a side of Baked Sweet Potatoes for a deliciously well-rounded meal.

Make Ahead Options

These Bang Bang Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the milk mixture (½ cup whole milk, ¼ cup sour cream, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice) and refrigerate it up to 24 hours in advance to save time on busy nights. Additionally, you can coat the shrimp in the flour and cornstarch mixture (up to 3 days in advance) and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. To finish, when you’re ready to serve, simply fry the shrimp as instructed and toss them in the bang bang sauce. This way, you’ll have delicious, crispy Bang Bang Shrimp ready in no time, bringing restaurant-quality results to your home kitchen!

Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe FAQs

How do I choose the right shrimp for this bang bang shrimp recipe?
Absolutely! Look for raw shrimp that are deveined and peeled to save time during preparation. Opt for large or jumbo shrimp to ensure they remain tender after frying; smaller shrimp can easily overcook and become rubbery. Fresh shrimp should have a slightly salty, briny smell and should be firm to the touch, avoiding any dark spots or unusual odors for the best dining experience.

How should I store leftover bang bang shrimp?
To keep your leftover Bang Bang Shrimp fresh, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I recommend avoiding the microwave as it tends to make the shrimp soggy. Instead, preheat your oven to 375°F and bake them for about 10-12 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again.

Can I freeze my bang bang shrimp?
Very! To freeze your cooked Bang Bang Shrimp, first arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours. This prevents them from sticking together. Then, you can transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They will keep well for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What can I do if my bang bang shrimp coating is soggy?
Ah, the perfect crunch is key! If your coating becomes soggy, it might be due to low oil temperature while frying. Ensure your oil reaches 325°F for optimal crispiness. If you do end up with soggy shrimp, you can reheat them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, which can help restore some of the texture. In the future, make sure to drain them well on paper towels post-frying to remove any excess oil.

Are there any dietary considerations to keep in mind for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, be mindful of the ingredients. This recipe involves shrimp, dairy (in the form of mayonnaise and sour cream), and gluten (from the flour). For gluten-free options, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blends. If there are seafood allergies, feel free to try this recipe using chicken tenders or opt for an air-fried version with a light spray of oil!

Can I make a healthier version of bang bang shrimp?
The more the merrier! You can certainly lighten things up by air-frying instead of deep-frying. Simply spray your coated shrimp lightly with cooking oil and preheat your air fryer. Cook them at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes or until they’re golden and crispy. This way, you’ll cut back on oil while still enjoying that delicious bang bang flavor.