Ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe | Easy Sweet & Spicy Appetizer

Bang Bang Shrimp has become one of the most loved appetizers in restaurants, but the good news is you can easily recreate it at home! This ultimate crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe brings together the perfect crunch of golden-fried shrimp and a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that will make everyone ask for seconds. Whether you’re cooking for a weekend treat, a party snack, or a family dinner, this easy step-by-step cooking guide will walk you through the process.

Shrimp is naturally quick to cook, making this a great homemade recipe for when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, you’ll get all the restaurant-style flavors right at home, with the option to make it healthier by baking or air-frying instead of deep-frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something irresistible about crispy shrimp coated in a creamy sauce with just the right balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe checks all the boxes for flavor, texture, and presentation.

• Crispy Perfection: The cornstarch coating ensures that the shrimp stays crunchy, even after being tossed in the sauce.

• Restaurant-Style at Home: You’ll enjoy the same flavors you love from popular chain restaurants but in a fresher, homemade way.

• Quick & Easy: With less than 30 minutes of active cooking time, this is one of the most convenient yet impressive appetizers you can serve.

• Versatile: Serve it as a starter, add it to tacos, or toss it over rice bowls for a full meal.

This recipe is also crowd-pleasing kids love the creamy sauce (you can tone down the spice), while adults appreciate the bold kick of chili. It’s the kind of dish that turns an ordinary night into something special.

What Makes It Healthy & Special

While fried shrimp might not seem like the healthiest choice, this recipe gives you plenty of flexibility to make it lighter without sacrificing taste. Instead of deep-frying, you can bake or air-fry the shrimp for a lower-oil version. Shrimp itself is a lean protein that’s low in calories but rich in nutrients like selenium, iodine, and vitamin B12.

Another special feature is the homemade Bang Bang Sauce by making it yourself, you can control the sugar, mayo, and spice levels. Want it lighter? Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise. Want it spicier? Add more sriracha or crushed chili flakes.

This recipe celebrates balance: crispy yet creamy, indulgent yet adjustable to be more health-conscious, and always bursting with flavor.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 lb (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup (120 g) cornstarch (or potato starch)

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)

• 2 large eggs, beaten

For the Bang Bang Sauce

• ½ cup (120 g) mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)

• ¼ cup (60 g) sweet chili sauce

• 2 tbsp (30 g) sriracha (adjust to taste)

• 1 tbsp (12 g) honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

• 1 tsp lime juice (for brightness)

• 2 cups (480 ml) vegetable oil (or avocado oil for healthier frying)

Optional Garnishes

• 2 tbsp (15 g) chopped green onions

• 1 tbsp (8 g) toasted sesame seeds

• Fresh cilantro leaves for freshness

Substitution Ideas:

• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of cornstarch for extra crunch.

• Replace shrimp with chicken bites or cauliflower for variations.

• Swap mayo with low-fat yogurt for a lighter sauce.

Instructions / Method

Preparing the Shrimp

1. Clean the shrimp by peeling and deveining them. Pat them dry with paper towels moisture will prevent crispiness.

2. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

3. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Adjust spiciness to taste. Set aside.

Coating & Frying Shrimp

4. Place beaten eggs in one bowl and cornstarch in another.

5. Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch. Shake off excess.

6. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 175°C (350°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy.

7. Fry shrimp in small batches (about 2-3 minutes per side) until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.

8. Place fried shrimp on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.

Tossing Shrimp in Sauce

9. While still warm, gently toss shrimp in the Bang Bang Sauce until evenly coated.

10. For extra crunch, drizzle sauce over shrimp instead of tossing all at once.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crunch

11. Always pat shrimp dry before coating to avoid sogginess.

12. Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature.

13. Double-coat shrimp (egg → cornstarch → egg → cornstarch) for extra crispy texture.

Troubleshooting

14. If shrimp turns soggy → your oil wasn’t hot enough.

15. If sauce feels too thick → thin with 1 tsp water or lime juice.

16. If too spicy → add extra mayo or honey to balance.

Storage and Reheating

17. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

18. Reheat in an air fryer at 180°C (350°F) for 4-5 minutes to bring back crispiness.

19. Avoid microwaving this makes shrimp rubbery.

Serving Suggestions

20. Serve hot, topped with green onions and sesame seeds.

21. Pair with rice bowls, tacos, or fresh salad.

22. Make-ahead option: Prepare shrimp and sauce separately, then toss just before serving.

Recipe Information Box

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Cuisine: Fusion / Asian-American

Notes / Tips

Variations

• Spicy: Add crushed chili flakes or extra sriracha.

• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch and gluten-free chili sauce.

• Vegan: Replace shrimp with cauliflower or tofu.

• Protein Add-ins: Use chicken bites or fish fillets.

Substitutions

• Oil: Use avocado oil or canola oil instead of vegetable oil.

• Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo.

• Coating Options: Try panko crumbs for extra crunch.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerate sauce separately for up to 1 week.

• Fried shrimp can be stored for 2 days; reheat in oven/air fryer.

• Avoid freezing after tossing in sauce.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Soggy shrimp: Oil temp too low.

• Overly spicy sauce: Add extra mayo or yogurt.

• Shrimp too chewy: Overcooked stick to 2-3 minutes per side.

Tools & Equipment

• 12-inch deep skillet or wok

• Cooking thermometer

• Wire rack for draining

• Mixing bowls & whisk

Serving Ideas

• In tacos with shredded cabbage and lime crema.

• Over rice bowls with stir-fried veggies.

• As a party appetizer with toothpicks.

• With garlic bread and fresh salad.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 410 kcal

• Protein: 26 g

• Carbohydrates: 28 g

• Fat: 20 g

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sodium: 820 mg

Conclusion

This Ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is the kind of dish that makes everyone smile crispy, saucy, and loaded with flavor. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for parties.

Ultimate Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe | Easy Sweet & Spicy Appetizer

Crispy golden shrimp tossed in creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Easy recipe with step-by-step cooking for beginners. Restaurant-style taste in a homemade, healthier way. Perfect for weeknights, parties, or game-day snacks. Versatile: serve in bowls, tacos, or as a fun appetizer.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Appetizers, Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• For the Shrimp
• 1 lb 450 g large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup 120 g cornstarch (or potato starch)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika optional, for color
• 2 large eggs beaten
• For the Bang Bang Sauce
• ½ cup 120 g mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
• ¼ cup 60 g sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp 30 g sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp 12 g honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tsp lime juice for brightness
• For Frying
• 2 cups 480 ml vegetable oil (or avocado oil for healthier frying)
• Optional Garnishes
• 2 tbsp 15 g chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp 8 g toasted sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro leaves for freshness
• Substitution Ideas:
• Use panko breadcrumbs instead of cornstarch for extra crunch.
• Replace shrimp with chicken bites or cauliflower for variations.
• Swap mayo with low-fat yogurt for a lighter sauce.

Method

 

1. Preparing the Shrimp
2. Clean the shrimp by peeling and deveining them. Pat them dry with paper towels moisture will prevent crispiness.
3. Season lightly with salt, pepper, and paprika for flavor.
4. Making the Bang Bang Sauce
5. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Adjust spiciness to taste. Set aside.
6. Coating & Frying Shrimp
7. Place beaten eggs in one bowl and cornstarch in another.
8. Dip each shrimp into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with cornstarch. Shake off excess.
9. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 175°C (350°F). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
10. Fry shrimp in small batches (about 2-3 minutes per side) until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan.
11. Place fried shrimp on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
12. Tossing Shrimp in Sauce
13. While still warm, gently toss shrimp in the Bang Bang Sauce until evenly coated.
14. For extra crunch, drizzle sauce over shrimp instead of tossing all at once.

Notes

Variations

• Spicy: Add crushed chili flakes or extra sriracha.
• Gluten-Free: Use cornstarch and gluten-free chili sauce.
• Vegan: Replace shrimp with cauliflower or tofu.
• Protein Add-ins: Use chicken bites or fish fillets.

Substitutions

• Oil: Use avocado oil or canola oil instead of vegetable oil.
• Dairy-Free: Use vegan mayo.
• Coating Options: Try panko crumbs for extra crunch.

Make-Ahead & Storage

• Refrigerate sauce separately for up to 1 week.
• Fried shrimp can be stored for 2 days; reheat in oven/air fryer.
• Avoid freezing after tossing in sauce.

Troubleshooting & Common Mistakes

• Soggy shrimp: Oil temp too low.
• Overly spicy sauce: Add extra mayo or yogurt.
• Shrimp too chewy: Overcooked stick to 2-3 minutes per side.

Tools & Equipment

• 12-inch deep skillet or wok
• Cooking thermometer
• Wire rack for draining
• Mixing bowls & whisk

Serving Ideas

• In tacos with shredded cabbage and lime crema.
• Over rice bowls with stir-fried veggies.
• As a party appetizer with toothpicks.
• With garlic bread and fresh salad.