Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp coated in creamy spicy sauce, garnished with scallions and served in a white bowl with lemon wedge on a neutral stone surface.
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Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Bang bang shrimp is one of the most popular seafood appetizers in the United States, thanks to the well-loved dish originally introduced at Bonefish Grill. This crispy shrimp recipe quickly gained fame for its perfect balance of textures and flavors: crunchy golden brown shrimp tossed in a creamy spicy sauce known as bang bang sauce. Whether you’ve tried bonefish grill bang bang shrimp at the restaurant or are searching for a copycat version you can make at home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.

We’ll cover the history of the dish, the secrets behind its signature sauce, different cooking methods such as fryer and air fryer, and even variations like bang bang shrimp tacos or using frozen shrimp. You’ll learn how to coat the shrimp properly, avoid soggy shrimp, and whip up a batch that tastes just like the restaurant favorite.

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang bang shrimp is a shrimp dish made famous by Bonefish Grill. The appetizer features tender shrimp coated in a creamy spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce. The name “bang bang” refers to the bold, sweet, and spicy flavors that hit your palate at once.

This crispy shrimp recipe involves dredging peeled and deveined raw shrimp in buttermilk, breading them with cornstarch or panko, and then cooking them until golden brown. Once fried, the shrimp are tossed in the bang bang sauce and garnished with scallion or other toppings before serving.

It’s a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, main dish, or even tucked into tacos with fried rice on the side.

History of Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp

Bonefish Grill introduced bang bang shrimp as a signature appetizer, and it became an instant classic. The combination of crispy shrimp and creamy spicy sauce was unique at the time. Diners loved the dish so much that it inspired countless copycat recipes, with home cooks experimenting to replicate the exact flavor of the bonefish grill bang bang shrimp.

Over time, bang bang shrimp grew beyond the restaurant menu. You’ll now find it on social media food blogs, cooking shows, and even variations like bang bang chicken. The sauce itself, often made with mae ploy sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha, became iconic and easy to recreate with ingredients from local grocery stores.

Ingredients for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

To make authentic bang bang shrimp at home, you’ll need a few essential items:

For the Shrimp:

  • Raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

  • Buttermilk

  • Cornstarch, panko, or breadcrumb

  • Canola, vegetable oil, or peanut oil for frying

  • Paper towel lined plate for draining

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • Mayonnaise or mayo

  • Sweet chili sauce (Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce recommended)

  • Sriracha or another spicy sauce

  • Small bowl for mixing

  • Whisk to combine ingredients

Garnishes and Extras:

  • Scallion, diced for garnish

  • Optional sides like fried rice, tacos, or fresh greens

These ingredients are easy to find at most grocery stores, and the sauce can be found premade, though making it at home gives you better control over flavor.

Preparing the Shrimp

Step 1: Clean and Marinate

Start with peeled and deveined raw shrimp. Place the shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk. This step not only tenderizes but also helps the breading stick.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, shaking off any excess buttermilk. Dredge each shrimp in cornstarch or a mix of cornstarch and panko for an extra crispy texture.

Step 3: Fry Shrimp in Batches

Heat oil in a fryer or large skillet to 375°F, using a thermometer to check that the oil is hot enough. Fry shrimp in batches—about 6 to 8 shrimp at a time—to avoid soggy shrimp. Cook the shrimp until golden brown and crispy, then remove shrimp and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.

Cooking Methods: Fryer vs. Air Fryer

Traditional Fryer Method

The fryer method uses canola or peanut oil heated in a large pot. This method ensures perfectly crispy shrimp every time. Fry the shrimp until golden brown, and drain them before tossing in the bang bang sauce.

Air Fryer Method

For a lighter version, the air fryer is a fantastic alternative. Dredge the shrimp in breadcrumb or panko after soaking in buttermilk, then place them on a baking sheet or directly into the air fryer basket. Cook the shrimp in batches at 400°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway. This method creates crispy shrimp without deep frying.

Making the Bang Bang Sauce

The sauce is what truly makes bang bang shrimp irresistible. It’s coated in a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce made with three simple ingredients:

  • Mayonnaise

  • Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce

  • Sriracha

To prepare, combine mayonnaise, sweet thai chili sauce, and sriracha in a medium bowl. Whisk until smooth. Adjust spiciness by adding more or less sriracha. This creamy spicy sauce is versatile and can be used on shrimp, chicken, or even as a dipping sauce for fries.

Tossing the Shrimp in Sauce

Once you’ve cooked the shrimp, place the cooked shrimp in a large bowl. Sauce and toss the shrimp until evenly coated in the creamy spicy sauce. Be careful not to add sauce too early—wait until the shrimp are golden brown and drained of oil, otherwise you risk soggy shrimp.

Serving Ideas

Appetizer

Bang bang shrimp makes a fantastic appetizer, served in a small bowl with garnish.

Main Dish

As a main dish, serve bang bang shrimp with fried rice, noodles, or a fresh salad.

Tacos

For bang bang shrimp tacos, place tender shrimp coated in a creamy spicy sauce into soft tortillas, and garnish with scallion, lettuce, or cabbage.

Party Platter

Cook the shrimp in batches and serve on a large platter with dipping sauce on the side.

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Creating a copycat bang bang shrimp recipe at home means replicating the exact texture and flavor of bonefish grill bang bang shrimp. The process includes:

  1. Marinating shrimp in buttermilk.

  2. Dredging with cornstarch or breadcrumb.

  3. Frying shrimp until golden brown.

  4. Tossing in the iconic bang bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.

This copycat recipe delivers the same crunch and flavor you’d expect from the restaurant version.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Shrimp

  • Always fry the shrimp in hot oil; use a thermometer to make sure the oil is hot.

  • Fry shrimp in batches to avoid crowding.

  • Remove shrimp quickly once golden brown to avoid overcooking.

  • Drain on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil.

  • Toss in sauce only when ready to serve.

Variations of Bang Bang Shrimp

  • Bang bang chicken: Use chicken instead of shrimp for a poultry twist.

  • Boom boom shrimp: A similar dish often compared to bang bang shrimp, featuring a spicy sauce variation.

  • Frozen shrimp: Use frozen shrimp if fresh isn’t available. Just thaw and pat dry before coating.

  • Shrimp in air fryer: Healthier cooking method with less oil.

  • Shrimp with breadcrumb: Using breadcrumb or panko creates extra crunch.

Craving a vibrant and customizable seafood dish? Dive into this lively Seafood Salad di Mare recipe!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well as long as you thaw and dry it before coating.

Can I bake instead of fry?

Yes, place shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F until golden brown.

What oil is best for frying shrimp?

Peanut oil or canola oil works best for frying shrimp because they heat well and make the shrimp crispy.

Is bang bang shrimp spicy?

The sauce is sweet and spicy, but you can adjust the sriracha level to your preference.

Conclusion

Bang bang shrimp is more than just an appetizer—it’s a dish that combines crispy textures, bold flavors, and a creamy spicy sauce that keeps people coming back for more. Originally made famous by bonefish grill bang bang shrimp, this recipe can easily be recreated at home with a copycat method using buttermilk, cornstarch, and the iconic sauce made from mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce.

Whether you fry shrimp in a traditional fryer, try an air fryer for a healthier version, or experiment with variations like bang bang shrimp tacos or boom boom shrimp, this shrimp recipe is sure to impress. With the right preparation, you’ll avoid soggy shrimp and achieve perfectly golden brown crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce every time.

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