Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

I’ve ordered Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer at several restaurants, but I never realized how easy it is to make at home. The shrimp are coated in a light, crispy batter and tossed in a sweet, creamy, and slightly spicy sauce that is delicious. It is restaurant-quality, yet simple enough for a weeknight. Serve it on its own or over a bowl of rice for a complete meal. Try this crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe for your next date night.

Ingredients

• 12-14 jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¾ cup cornstarch
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• ½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp Sriracha (or more for heat)
• Green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)

Click on the images for the direct link to the ingredients:

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Instructions

In a bowl, combine the shrimp with the buttermilk. Cover and let marinate for at least 10 minutes (up to 30 for more flavor and tenderness).

In another bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper until well combined.

In a small bowl, mix the Kewpie mayo, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth. Set aside.

Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Dredge in the dry coating mix, pressing gently to ensure an even layer.

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches, about 2 minutes per side, until golden and crispy.

Transfer cooked shrimp to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and stay crispy.

While still hot, lightly toss the shrimp in the bang bang sauce

Garnish with sliced green onions.

Cooking Tips

• Pat the shrimp dry before marinating in buttermilk so the coating adheres better.
• Don’t skip the buttermilk marinade—it helps tenderize the shrimp.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan, as it will lower the oil temperature and make the shrimp soggy.
• Toss the shrimp in the sauce just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.
• Add a splash of vinegar to lemon juice for a more complex flavor profile.

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Storage Tips

Keep the sauce separate from the shrimp to prevent it from getting soggy.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–8 minutes until crispy.

If you enjoyed this bang bang shrimp recipe, you might also like my shrimp and mango salsa recipe.