Why You’ll Love this Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp
If you’ve ever craved that perfect combination of crispy, spicy, and creamy in one mouthwatering bite, this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe will make your taste buds dance. I’m talking about succulent shrimp with a light, crispy cornstarch coating that gives way to tender seafood underneath. Heaven.
What makes this copycat recipe so special? It’s the sauce—that magical blend of creamy mayonnaise with sweet Thai chili sauce and just enough hot chili drops to wake up your palate without overwhelming it. The balance is truly perfect.
And can we talk about versatility? Serve these as an appetizer, toss them in a taco, or crown a fresh salad. Ready in minutes, yet impressive enough for guests. Who needs restaurant prices when the homemade version tastes even better?
What Ingredients are in Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp?
If you’ve ever tasted the famous Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill, you know it’s utterly addictive. The perfect combination of crispy shrimp with a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce makes this appetizer absolutely irresistible.
The good news? You can recreate this restaurant favorite at home with just a handful of simple ingredients. Who needs to go out when you can make this copycat version right in your kitchen?
- 1 pound shrimp, shelled and deveined (smaller shrimp work best)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 3-5 drops hot chili sauce
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup cornstarch (for coating)
- Oil for deep frying
- Lettuce leaves (for serving)
- Chopped scallions (for garnish)
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters. Look for fresh or frozen shrimp that’s already deveined to save time. The Thai sweet chili sauce can be found in the international aisle of most grocery stores, and it provides that perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of heat. For the hot chili sauce, a little goes a long way—you might want to start with fewer drops and adjust to your heat preference. Remember, the magic of Bang Bang Shrimp lies in that perfect sauce coating, so don’t skimp on the mayo or chili sauces.
How to Make this Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp
Making Bang Bang Shrimp is surprisingly simple, though the results are absolutely restaurant-worthy. Start by preparing your sauce—a mouthwatering blend of 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce, and just 3-5 drops of hot chili sauce. This combination creates that perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy that makes Bang Bang Shrimp so addictive. Mix these ingredients together in a bowl until smooth and set aside while you work on the shrimp.
Next, take 1 pound of shelled and deveined shrimp (smaller ones work best for this recipe) and coat them thoroughly in 1/2 to 3/4 cup of cornstarch. The cornstarch is the secret to achieving that perfectly light, crispy exterior that shatters when you bite into it. Deep fry these coated little gems until they turn a beautiful light golden brown. After frying, drain them well on paper towels to remove excess oil—nobody wants soggy shrimp, right?
For the best results, consider cooking your shrimp in a quality cast iron cookware that provides even heat distribution and excellent heat retention. Once drained, toss the warm shrimp in your prepared sauce, making sure each piece gets evenly coated. For an elegant presentation that mimics the restaurant version, serve your Bang Bang Shrimp in a lettuce-lined bowl and sprinkle with freshly chopped scallions. The bright green garnish adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor that cuts through the richness of the dish.
Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp Substitutions and Variations
Flexibility makes this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe truly adaptable for any kitchen situation or dietary need. Can’t find Thai sweet chili sauce? No problem—substitute with a mixture of honey and sriracha for that perfect sweet-heat balance. For a lighter version, I recommend air-frying instead of deep-frying, or try baking at 400°F for 10-12 minutes.
Mayonnaise can be swapped with Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed sauce. Dietary restrictions? Gluten-free cornstarch works perfectly, or try rice flour for an even crispier coating. The sauce itself welcomes customization too—add a squeeze of lime, a dash of fish sauce, or minced garlic for depth.
Vegetarians might enjoy this same treatment on cauliflower florets. Crispy, saucy, irresistible. Just like the original, but uniquely yours.
What to Serve with Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp
Harmony between your Bang Bang Shrimp and accompanying sides creates a meal that’s greater than the sum of its parts. I’m a firm believer that the right pairings can elevate this spicy-sweet appetizer to main course status.
Rice makes an ideal foundation—jasmine or coconut varieties complement the sauce beautifully. For something lighter, try serving over mixed greens with a simple vinaigrette.
Cucumber salad with rice vinegar offers a revitalizing contrast to the creamy heat.
Need vegetables? Steamed broccoli or sautéed bok choy provide the perfect balance. And don’t overlook a cold beer or crisp white wine to cool things down between bites.
For a complete Asian-inspired feast, add spring rolls or pot stickers on the side. Who needs restaurant dining when you’ve got this combo at home?
Final Thoughts
Why has Bang Bang Shrimp captured the hearts of home cooks everywhere? I think it’s that perfect balance of crispy texture, succulent shrimp, and that irresistible sauce—sweet, spicy, and creamy all at once. There’s something magical about recreating restaurant favorites at home, especially when they turn out this delicious.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. Serve it as an appetizer, add it to tacos, or make it the star of your dinner. The simplicity of the ingredients belies the complex flavors you’ll achieve. And honestly, who doesn’t enjoy the little dance of excitement that happens when you take that first bite?