Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Zesty Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe: A Spicy Seafood Delight

Crispy, zesty bang bang shrimp dance across your plate with a spicy kick that’ll make taste buds jump for joy.

Crunchy panko coating creates the perfect textural contrast against a creamy, tangy sauce.

Each bite promises a delightful explosion of flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Southern coastal restaurants inspired this crowd-pleasing appetizer that’s surprisingly simple to whip up at home.

Quick kitchen magic turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish everyone will devour.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and these addictive little morsels.

You can absolutely nail this recipe and become the snack hero among friends.

Dive into this irresistible shrimp experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Easy Bang Bang Shrimp: Bold and Simple

  • Home cooks can adjust the spice level of the bang bang sauce by modifying sriracha quantities, making it perfect for different taste preferences and family members.
  • The three-step coating process (flour, egg, panko) guarantees a beautifully crunchy exterior that elevates ordinary shrimp into a restaurant-quality appetizer or main dish.
  • This versatile recipe works wonderfully for casual gatherings, game day parties, or a delightful weeknight dinner that will impress both adults and kids with its bold, tangy flavors.

Ingredients for Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that serves as the star protein of this crispy appetizer.
Coating Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a light base layer for the breading process.
  • Eggs: Helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the shrimp.
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Provides a crispy and crunchy exterior for the shrimp.
Sauce and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise, Sriracha, Honey: Combine to create a creamy, spicy, and sweet bang bang sauce.
  • Cooking Oil: Allows for deep frying and achieving a golden brown color on the shrimp.
Finishing Ingredient:
  • Paper Towels: Used for draining excess oil from the fried shrimp.

How to Cook Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare Shrimp

Gently rinse the shrimp under cool running water and carefully pat them completely dry using paper towels.

This helps ensure a crispy coating when cooking.

Step 2: Create Breading Station

Set up three shallow dishes for your breading process:
  • Flour for initial coating
  • Beaten eggs for binding
  • Panko breadcrumbs for final crispy layer

Step 3: Coat Shrimp Thoroughly

Dredge each shrimp carefully through the stations:
  • First roll in flour, shaking off excess
  • Dip completely in beaten eggs
  • Roll generously in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help crumbs stick

Step 4: Fry Shrimp to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Carefully place breaded shrimp into hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Ensure shrimp are cooked through but not overdone.

Step 5: Whip Up Spicy Sweet Sauce

In a mixing bowl, combine:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Honey

Stir ingredients until well blended, creating a creamy and tangy sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove fried shrimp from skillet and drain briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Toss shrimp gently in prepared sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Serve immediately while still warm and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Every Time

  • Ensure shrimp are thoroughly dried with paper towels to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
  • Maintain medium-high heat around 350°F to get perfectly golden, crispy exterior without burning the panko coating.
  • Dredge shrimp gently through flour, egg, and panko, pressing breadcrumbs lightly to create an even, thick coating that adheres well.
  • Modify sriracha quantity based on personal heat preference, adding more or less to create mild or fiery bang bang sauce.
  • Select fresh, deveined shrimp for best texture and flavor, avoiding frozen options that might release excess water during cooking.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp

  • Transfer leftover shrimp to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep sauce separate to prevent sogginess.
  • Wrap cooled shrimp tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month, avoiding sauce contact.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Spread shrimp on a baking sheet, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
  • Quickly reheat shrimp in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to maintain crispiness.

Ideal Pairings with Bang Bang Shrimp

  • Crisp Chardonnay Companion: Pair the bang bang shrimp with a cold, crisp Chardonnay that balances the spicy sauce's heat and complements the shrimp's delicate flavor.
  • Refreshing Citrus Spritzer: Create a zesty lemon-lime spritzer with sparkling water and fresh citrus juice to cut through the rich, creamy sauce and cleanse the palate.
  • Asian-Inspired Slaw Sidekick: Serve a light, tangy Asian coleslaw with cabbage, carrots, and a rice vinegar dressing to provide a crunchy, cool contrast to the spicy, crispy shrimp.
  • Cooling Cucumber Salad: Prepare a simple cucumber salad with rice vinegar, sesame oil, and fresh herbs to offer a refreshing side that neutralizes the sriracha's heat.

Variations on Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

  • Gluten-Free Crispy Shrimp: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free cornmeal. Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the original recipe's crunch.
  • Baked Lighter Option: Skip frying and bake shrimp on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F for 10-12 minutes. Spray with olive oil cooking spray to achieve a golden exterior without deep-frying.
  • Dairy-Free Spicy Sauce: Swap mayonnaise with cashew cream or vegan mayo. Add extra sriracha for heat and maple syrup instead of honey to create a creamy, tangy sauce suitable for dairy-free diets.
  • Air Fryer Quick Version: Cook breaded shrimp in air fryer at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, turning halfway. Provides a crispy texture with minimal oil and faster preparation compared to traditional skillet method.

FAQs

  • What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

Large, fresh shrimp work perfectly. Jumbo or extra-large shrimp with the tail off are ideal for even cooking and easier eating.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make the entire dish gluten-free without changing the taste.

  • How spicy is the bang bang sauce?

The sauce has a mild to medium heat level from sriracha. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste preferences.

  • Is deep-frying the only way to cook these shrimp?

While deep-frying gives the best crispy texture, you can also air fry or bake the shrimp at 400°F for a slightly healthier version that still provides a crunchy coating.

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Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe


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4.6 from 15 reviews

  • Total Time: 19 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Bang Bang Shrimp brings zesty Thai-inspired flavors to your dinner table with crispy, spicy shrimp coated in a creamy, tangy sauce. Crunchy breading and a perfect balance of heat make this dish irresistible for seafood enthusiasts seeking a quick, mouthwatering meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (454 grams)

Coating Ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (120 grams)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (100 grams)
  • 2 large eggs

Sauce and Seasoning:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (120 milliliters)
  • 3 tablespoons sriracha sauce (45 milliliters)
  • 2 tablespoons honey (30 milliliters)

Instructions

  1. Gently cleanse the shrimp under cool running water, then thoroughly blot away excess moisture with clean paper towels.
  2. Arrange three separate shallow containers: first with flour, second with whisked eggs, third with crispy panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Meticulously dredge each shrimp in flour, ensuring complete coverage, then delicately submerge in beaten eggs, finally roll in panko for a crunchy exterior.
  4. Warm vegetable oil in a heavy skillet to 375°F, creating a sizzling cooking surface.
  5. Carefully lower breaded shrimp into hot oil, cooking approximately 2-3 minutes until achieving a rich golden-brown color, turning once midway for even crispness.
  6. Transfer fried shrimp onto absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil, allowing brief drainage.
  7. Whisk together creamy mayonnaise, fiery sriracha, and sweet honey in a mixing bowl to create a vibrant, tangy sauce.
  8. Gently toss crisp shrimp in prepared sauce just before serving, ensuring each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor impact.

Notes

  • Pat shrimp completely dry to ensure crispy, golden exterior and prevent oil splattering during frying.
  • Use fresh, high-quality shrimp for the best flavor and texture in this quick appetizer.
  • Adjust sriracha sauce quantity to control spice level, making it mild or extra hot based on personal preference.
  • For gluten-free version, replace wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Dinner
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Food Educator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipe development, Nutritional analysis and meal planning, Culinary education and workshop facilitation, Content writing with a focus on healthy living​

Education

Diploma in Culinary Arts, Mt. San Jacinto College, CA
Focus: Comprehensive culinary training with an emphasis on sustainable cooking practices.

Certificate in Nutrition and Healthy Living, Cornell University (Online Program)
Focus: Understanding the principles of nutrition to create balanced and health-conscious recipes.


Clara lives where fresh ideas and fresh ingredients meet. She pairs her culinary know-how with her passion for healthy, planet-friendly cooking.
For Clara, good food should taste great, nourish your body, and feel easy to make. Her recipes highlight whole foods, colorful produce, and a deep respect for seasonal eating.

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