Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is the kind of dish that blends crowd-pleasing crunch with an irresistible spicy-sweet glaze. Originally made famous by restaurant chains like Bonefish Grill, this dish has made its way into home kitchens for good reason—it’s quick to make, has a bold flavor profile, and satisfies every craving for crispy, creamy, and spicy in one bite. Each shrimp is perfectly fried to golden-brown perfection and then tossed in a signature sauce made with mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili that clings to every curve of the shrimp.

What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. It can be served as a party appetizer, tucked into tacos, or enjoyed over a bed of fresh greens for a light meal. The combination of textures—the crunch of the shrimp, the creaminess of the sauce, and the crisp lettuce—is nothing short of sensational. Plus, it’s easy to adjust the spice level, making it friendly for both heat lovers and milder palates alike. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself, Bang Bang Shrimp brings restaurant-quality flavor to your home table.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1/2 cup buttermilk

• 1 cup cornstarch

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1 tbsp sriracha

• 1 tsp honey

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Oil for frying

• Chopped green onions, for garnish

• Lettuce or shredded cabbage, for serving

Directions:

1. In a bowl, toss shrimp with buttermilk and let it sit for 10 minutes.

2. Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.

3. Dredge shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off the excess.

4. Fry shrimp in batches until golden and crispy, about 2–3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels.

5. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, salt, and pepper.

6. Toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce until fully coated.

7. Serve over shredded lettuce or cabbage and garnish with chopped green onions.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 365 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

All About Bang Bang Shrimp: A Flavor-Packed Favorite That’s Taking Home Kitchens by Storm

Bang Bang Shrimp is not just a recipe—it’s a sensation. From viral food trends to restaurant menus, this crave-worthy dish has earned a cult following for a reason. With its golden, ultra-crispy shrimp and that iconic creamy chili sauce, Bang Bang Shrimp hits the perfect balance between indulgence and bold, zesty flavor. It’s sweet, spicy, crunchy, and creamy—all in one bite. Whether you’re looking for a show-stopping appetizer, a quick weeknight dinner, or a dish that delivers restaurant-style flair at home, Bang Bang Shrimp is an unbeatable choice.

The Origins: Where Bang Bang Shrimp Comes From

While the dish has become wildly popular in home kitchens, it rose to fame thanks to Bonefish Grill, a restaurant chain known for its bold seafood creations. Their signature appetizer became a customer favorite almost instantly, sparking countless copycat versions. The original was served over a bed of lettuce and garnished with green onions—a simple presentation that let the shrimp and sauce shine. Its appeal was universal: approachable ingredients, quick prep, and flavors that linger long after the last bite.

What really made Bang Bang Shrimp stand out was its ability to deliver layers of taste and texture with minimal effort. Today, it’s not just an appetizer; it’s evolved into wraps, tacos, rice bowls, and more.

Why This Recipe is the Best Version

This homemade version doesn’t just replicate the restaurant favorite—it elevates it. Instead of deep-frying in a heavy batter, this recipe uses buttermilk and cornstarch for a lighter, crisper texture that still brings that satisfying crunch. The sauce is a refined balance of mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of honey, creating a flavor profile that’s creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet all at once. You get the same addictive taste with full control over ingredients and heat level.

Another reason this version wins? It’s quick. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a plateful of golden shrimp that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive party snack. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and avoids the cost and additives often found in restaurant versions.

Healthier Than You Think (Yes, Really!)

Let’s talk about the nutritional upside. While Bang Bang Shrimp may sound indulgent, you have complete control over how light or rich you want the dish to be. The use of cornstarch instead of flour or tempura batter keeps it lighter. You can even opt to air-fry or bake the shrimp instead of pan-frying to cut down on oil.

The shrimp itself is packed with lean protein and essential nutrients like selenium, vitamin B12, iodine, and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a smart choice for a balanced meal. Pair it with a salad, quinoa, or steamed veggies for a well-rounded plate.

Want to go even healthier? You can sub in Greek yogurt for mayo in the sauce, add shredded carrots or cabbage for crunch, and serve everything in lettuce wraps or rice bowls.

Flexible, Family-Friendly, and Crowd-Pleasing

One of the best things about Bang Bang Shrimp is how adaptable it is. Turn it into a full meal by serving it over jasmine rice or inside warm tortillas for shrimp tacos. Make it into sliders with soft buns, or pile it onto a bed of greens for a hearty salad with a kick.

It also works beautifully as a make-ahead dish. You can prep the shrimp and sauce separately and fry right before serving. And since the spice level is totally customizable, it can be made kid-friendly by dialing back the sriracha or adding a dash of lime juice for brightness instead.

Hosting a game day or a casual dinner party? Double the recipe and serve as skewers with dipping sauce. You’ll be the star of the table.

The Texture + Flavor Combo That Keeps You Coming Back

Bang Bang Shrimp is all about contrast—and that’s what makes it irresistible. The shrimp is light yet crunchy, the sauce is cool but fiery, and the combination is magic. It’s one of those dishes that people remember and request again and again.

Each bite offers the umami richness of the sauce, the delicate sweetness of the shrimp, and the crispy finish that creates that perfect bite. It satisfies every flavor craving in one go—savory, sweet, spicy, creamy, and a touch of tang from the chili sauce.

Perfect for Any Season or Occasion

This dish is incredibly versatile in terms of seasonality. Serve it chilled during summer months over a fresh slaw or salad, or enjoy it warm in the colder months with rice or steamed vegetables. Its bright, spicy notes also make it a welcome addition to spring brunches and holiday appetizer trays.

Date night? Impress with this plated elegantly over microgreens or arugula. Feeding a group? Load up a tray with Bang Bang Shrimp skewers and watch them disappear. Whether it’s a dinner-for-one or a weekend feast, it fits effortlessly into your menu.

Why You’ll Love Making This at Home

• It’s fast. 30 minutes from prep to plate.
• It’s customizable. Adjust the spice, sweetness, and texture to your preference.
• It’s better than takeout. You control the quality and freshness of ingredients.
• It’s freezer-friendly. Store leftover cooked shrimp and reheat for a quick snack.
• It’s fun. Whether cooking solo or with the family, this is a dish that brings excitement back into the kitchen.

Conclusion: Your New Go-To Shrimp Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp has earned its place as one of the most popular shrimp recipes for good reason. It delivers restaurant-level flavor, looks amazing on the plate, and is ridiculously easy to make at home. Whether you’re a spice-lover, a seafood fan, or someone who just wants to impress guests with minimal effort, this recipe checks every box.

With its crave-worthy taste, perfect texture, and incredible versatility, this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is the kind of dish that turns first-timers into repeat-makers. So go ahead—bookmark it, share it, and make it your own signature shrimp dish.