If you are craving an appetizer that is bursting with flavor and a delightful crunch, this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is just what you need. It brings together crispy, golden shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce, making every bite an explosion of textures and tastes that is hard to resist. Whether you’re serving it as a starter for friends or craving a fun weeknight treat, this dish promises satisfaction and a little bit of zing that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe keeps things straightforward with simple yet essential ingredients. Each element plays a vital role, from the crisp panko breadcrumbs that provide the perfect crunch to the sweet chili and sriracha sauce blend that gives the dish its signature fiery-sweet kick.
- Plain or Greek yogurt: Acts as a creamy, tangy base that balances the spiciness of the sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: Adds a lovely sweetness with just a hint of heat.
- Sriracha sauce: Packs in spicy flavor and heat; adjust according to your preference.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally and rounds out the flavors.
- Large raw peeled and deveined shrimp: The star of the dish, perfectly tender when cooked.
- Cornstarch: Helps to give the coating a light, crispy texture.
- All-purpose flour: Works with cornstarch to create a base for the shrimp coating.
- Salt, garlic powder, and pepper: Basic seasonings that add depth and enhance flavor.
- Eggs: Bind the flour mixture and panko breadcrumbs for a solid coating.
- Panko breadcrumbs: Provide an extra crispy, airy crust that makes the shrimp irresistible.
- Cooking oil: For frying the shrimp to a perfect golden brown.
- Sliced green onions (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish that adds a subtle oniony crunch.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing the yogurt, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This creamy, spicy sauce is the flavor powerhouse of the dish, wrapping your shrimp in a luscious coat. Whisk these ingredients together until fully combined, then set aside while you get your shrimp ready.
Step 2: Prep the Shrimp
Rinse the shrimp under cold running water to clean them, then pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry shrimp means better coating and crispiness once fried, so don’t skip this step.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Arrange three shallow bowls for an efficient breading process: one with the combined cornstarch, flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper; one with beaten eggs; and the last filled with panko breadcrumbs. This three-step setup ensures your shrimp get a perfect, crunchy crust.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Work in small batches to coat each shrimp by first dredging it in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then dipping it into the eggs to bind the moisture, and finally pressing it into the panko breadcrumbs for that irresistible crunch.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
Pour about ¼ cup of cooking oil into a frying pan and heat it until it shimmers, approximately 375 degrees. You’ll know the oil is ready when a drop of water placed into it sizzles immediately.
Step 6: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil and fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and become opaque inside. Frying in batches ensures the oil temperature stays consistent for the crispiest shrimp.
Step 7: Drain and Toss in Sauce
Remove the cooked shrimp and drain on paper towels to soak up excess oil. While still warm, immediately toss them gently in the prepared yogurt sauce until each piece is beautifully coated with that bold, creamy flavor we love in the Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkling of sliced green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh, crisp contrast to the creamy shrimp. The bright green slices also bring a mild bite, perfectly balancing the rich sauce.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or a light Asian-inspired slaw. The rice soaks up the sauce beautifully, while a crunchy slaw adds freshness and complements the heat with its cool crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the bang bang shrimp on lettuce cups as mini tacos, or pile them on top of a hearty salad with avocado and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing meal. You can even use this recipe as a dazzling appetizer on a party platter with dipping sauces for everyone to enjoy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep the shrimp separate from the sauce if you want to maintain the crispiness; toss together just before serving.
Freezing
While this recipe is best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, you can freeze cooked shrimp if necessary. Freeze the fried shrimp on a baking sheet first, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last up to 1 month but reheat with care to avoid sogginess.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat to restore their crunch without drying them out. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the coating soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I make this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this dish adaptable for gluten sensitivities.
Is it possible to bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake the coated shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. While not quite as crispy as frying, it’s a lighter alternative that still tastes fantastic.
How spicy is this recipe?
The heat level is moderate, thanks to the sriracha and sweet chili sauce combination. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha, tailoring it perfectly to your preference.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Definitely! The sauce can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better as the flavors meld together, making your Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe even more effortless to prepare.
What shrimp size works best for this recipe?
Large shrimp (about 31-40 count per pound) work best because they maintain a tender bite without being too small or too tough. Using fresh or thawed shrimp ensures the best texture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a well-executed Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe — it’s crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet all at once, making it a crowd-pleaser every time. I can’t wait for you to give this recipe a try and watch it quickly become a new favorite in your recipe rotation, perfect for sharing or indulging on your own.
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 34 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful appetizer featuring crunchy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy yogurt-based sauce with sweet chili, sriracha, and honey. Perfect as a snack or party favorite, this dish combines the satisfying texture of panko-crusted shrimp with a tangy, slightly sweet and spicy coating.
Ingredients
For the Sauce
- 1 cup plain or Greek yogurt
- 4 Tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (plus more to taste)
- 2 teaspoons honey (to taste)
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large raw peeled and deveined shrimp (with or without tails)
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 2–3 large eggs (beaten)
- 1 ¼ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup cooking oil
Garnish (optional)
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine the yogurt, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl and whisk until fully blended. Set this sauce aside to be used later with the shrimp.
- Prepare the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure they crisp up during frying.
- Set Up Breading Stations: Arrange three shallow bowls—mix cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and pepper in the first; whisk eggs in the second; and place panko breadcrumbs in the third.
- Coat the Shrimp: In small batches, dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat in the panko breadcrumbs evenly.
- Heat the Oil: Pour ¼ cup cooking oil into a frying pan and heat it over medium-high until it reaches approximately 375°F or is shimmering and sizzles a drop of water.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the coated shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn golden brown and are opaque inside, working in batches as needed.
- Drain the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the pan and drain on paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
- Toss with Sauce: While still hot, gently toss the fried shrimp in the prepared yogurt sauce until well coated.
- Serve: Plate the shrimp immediately and garnish with sliced green onions if desired. Serve warm for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Make sure the shrimp are fully dry before breading to ensure a crispy coating.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Use a thermometer if possible to keep the oil at the right temperature for frying.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying, as this lowers the oil temperature and results in less crispy shrimp.
- Leftover shrimp should be stored in an airtight container and are best eaten within 1 day.
