Quick Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe: 40 Min

There’s something so satisfying about recreating a favorite restaurant dish right in your own kitchen, isn’t there? And when it comes to those dishes that just hit all the right flavor notes – you know, that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, spicy, and a little bit crunchy – well, those are the gold stars. That’s exactly why I’m obsessed with this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. I spent ages trying to nail that restaurant-quality crunch and that signature sauce at home, and trust me, this version is the real deal. It’s ridiculously quick too – we’re talking under 40 minutes from start to finish. It’s become my go-to when I need a fast weeknight dinner or even just a really impressive appetizer that tastes like you slaved away for hours. My kids devoured it the first time I made it, which, if you have teenagers, is practically a miracle!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

• Speedy Weeknight Savior: Seriously, from start to finish, it’s done in just 40 minutes! Perfect for those busy evenings.
• Flavor Explosion: Get ready for that irresistible combo of sweet chili, tangy lime, and a kick of sriracha in every bite.
• Amazing Texture: The shrimp gets perfectly crispy, which is just *chef’s kiss* when tossed in that creamy sauce.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: Forget pricey takeout! You can totally nail that craveable, creamy, spicy shrimp dish yourself.

Ingredients for Your Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup low fat buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
• 1/2 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons sliced green onions
• 1 teaspoon chili oil
• Steamed jasmine rice

Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Okay, let’s get cooking! First things first, grab a medium bowl and whisk together that low-fat buttermilk with one tablespoon of sriracha. Don’t be shy! Then, toss in your peeled and deveined shrimp, making sure every single one gets a good coating. Let them hang out and soak up all those flavors for about 20 minutes. This is where the magic starts!

While your shrimp are chilling, it’s time to whip up that dreamy sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the light mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, the remaining two tablespoons of sriracha (yes, more heat!), and that fresh lemon juice. Whisk it all together until it’s super smooth and luscious. Pop that in the fridge to keep it nice and cool until we’re ready to drizzle.

Now, let’s get your dredging station ready. In a shallow dish – a pie plate works great – mix up the cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, and sea salt. This is what’s going to give us that amazing crispy coating, so make sure it’s all well combined.

Time to heat up the oil! Pour about 3 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet or a heavy pot. We’re aiming for a nice, steady 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, don’t worry. A good test is to drop a tiny bit of the cornstarch mixture in; if it sizzles happily, you’re good to go.

Okay, shrimp time! Take them out of the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. Now, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan (this is key for crispiness!), dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, and then gently shake off any extra bits. Pro tip: Pop the coated shrimp on a plate for about 5 minutes before frying. This really helps them get extra crispy!

Carefully place your coated shrimp into the hot oil, again, doing this in batches. Fry them for just about 2 to 3 minutes per side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden brown color and that irresistible crunch. Once they’re perfectly cooked, scoop them out with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels.

The grand finale! While the shrimp are still warm and wonderfully crispy, gently toss them in that glorious Bang Bang sauce we made earlier. Make sure every single shrimp is coated in that creamy, spicy goodness. You can find more amazing shrimp recipes here if you’re feeling inspired, or check out this garlic butter shrimp for a different vibe.

Serve these beauties immediately over a bed of fluffy steamed jasmine rice. Garnish with those fresh sliced green onions and a little drizzle of chili oil for an extra pop of flavor and color. Enjoy every single bite!

What to Serve with Your Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

This Bang Bang Shrimp is so good on its own, but it’s even better with the right company! Here are a few things I love serving alongside it:

Fluffy Steamed Jasmine Rice: Seriously, this is a must. The rice soaks up all that extra Bang Bang sauce, and it’s just the perfect base for those crispy shrimp. Plus, it’s a great way to stretch this meal a bit further.

Asian Edamame Salad: For something fresh and vibrant, a cool edamame salad like this one is fantastic. It adds a nice crunch and a little bit of green goodness that balances out the richness of the shrimp.

Vietnamese Spring Roll Salad: If you want something lighter but still packed with flavor, a Vietnamese-style spring roll salad is amazing. It’s got all those fresh herbs and veggies that cut through the sweetness and spice of the Bang Bang sauce beautifully. You can find a great one here.

Storing and Reheating Your Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

So, you managed to save some of this amazing Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp? Lucky you! The best way to keep leftovers is to store the sauced shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. If you can, keep any extra sauce separate. I find that the sauce can make the shrimp a little soggy if they sit in it too long, even in the fridge.

Now, reheating is CRUCIAL if you want to get that crispiness back. Please, please, please don’t just zap it in the microwave – you’ll end up with sad, limp shrimp. Your best bet is to pop them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at around 375°F for about 5-8 minutes, or until they’re heated through and starting to crisp up again. An air fryer works wonders too!

For meal prep, I like to make the shrimp and sauce separately. Then, right before serving, I reheat the shrimp until crispy and toss them with a bit of the sauce. It takes an extra couple of minutes, but oh-so-worth-it!

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Got questions about making this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe? I totally get it! Here are a few things folks often ask?

Can I make this less spicy?

Absolutely! If you’re not a fan of too much heat, you can totally dial it back. For less spicy Bang Bang shrimp, just reduce the amount of sriracha in both the buttermilk marinade and the sauce. You could even swap one tablespoon of sriracha in the sauce for a bit more sweet chili sauce or a dash of ketchup for sweetness and skip the chili oil garnish if you want to be extra careful. It’ll still be delicious!

Can I bake or air fry instead of frying?

Yes, you can definitely bake or air fry this! While frying gives you that ultimate crispiness, baking or air frying is a healthier option. For baking, spread the coated shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden. An air fryer is even better for crispiness – air fry at 390°F (200°C) for about 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until crispy. You can find other air fryer shrimp ideas, like these air fryer salmon bites, that totally work!

What kind of shrimp is best for this recipe?

For this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, I really recommend using large shrimp. They’re easier to handle when dredging and frying, and they give you a satisfying bite. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined, of course! You can buy them fresh or frozen (just thaw them completely before starting) – either works as long as they’re a nice large size.

Before You Go

I really hope you give this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe a try! It’s such a fun, flavorful dish that always impresses. Let me know in the comments how it turns out for you, or even better, leave a star rating! Find more delicious ideas on Pinterest and happy cooking!

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