Unlock the Secret to Perfect Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp: A Sweet, Spicy, and Crispy Delight!
If you’ve ever dined at Bonefish Grill, you’re likely familiar with their legendary Bang Bang Shrimp. This iconic appetizer has captivated taste buds worldwide with its perfect blend of crispy texture, succulent shrimp, and a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that’s utterly addictive. It’s not just a dish; it’s an experience – one that consistently leaves you craving more, often leading to orders of a second helping or even making it your main entree. This homemade version captures all the magic of the original, allowing you to recreate that restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen.
Imagine perfectly fried shrimp, golden brown and impossibly crispy, each bite offering a satisfying crunch. These delectable morsels are then generously coated in a velvety smooth, vibrant sauce that perfectly balances the sweetness of chili with a fiery kick of sriracha, all mellowed by a rich mayonnaise base. Served traditionally on a bed of crisp lettuce, which cleverly soaks up every drop of that incredible sauce, this dish is a symphony of flavors and textures. Whether you’re planning a dinner party, looking for a show-stopping appetizer, or simply want to treat yourself to an extraordinary meal, this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is guaranteed to impress.
What is Bang Bang Shrimp? The Flavor Profile Explained
At its core, Bang Bang Shrimp is a dish featuring plump, crispy fried shrimp generously coated in a signature sweet and spicy cream sauce. Originating from the popular Bonefish Grill restaurant chain, it quickly became a sensation due to its unique combination of textures and flavors. The “bang” in its name refers to the explosive burst of flavor you get with every bite – a delightful interplay between the heat of sriracha and the luscious sweetness of Asian sweet chili sauce, all bound together by a smooth, rich mayonnaise. It’s a dish that successfully bridges the gap between a casual bite and a gourmet experience, making it a universally loved option for both appetizers and main courses.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe:
- Versatility for Any Meal: This isn’t just an appetizer; it’s a culinary chameleon. While perfect for kicking off a meal, its hearty nature and rich flavors make it an excellent choice for a light lunch or a satisfying main entree. Pair it with a simple side, and you have a complete, mouth-watering dish that caters to various dining occasions.
- Creative Serving Options: Beyond serving it on its own, this Bang Bang Shrimp opens up a world of creative possibilities. Transform it into incredibly flavorful tacos with warm tortillas and your favorite toppings, or use it as a topping for a vibrant salad. The only limit is your imagination!
- Effortlessly Delicious & Crispy: You might be surprised at how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality results at home. With just a few straightforward steps, you’ll produce shrimp that are consistently crispy on the outside and wonderfully tender and juicy on the inside, all while being packed with an explosion of flavor.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: This recipe proves that you don’t need a long list of exotic ingredients to create something truly spectacular. A handful of pantry staples come together to deliver a dish bursting with complex flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Crafting the Iconic Bang Bang Sauce: Simple & Flavorful
The heart of any great Bang Bang Shrimp dish lies in its irresistible sauce. This creamy concoction is remarkably simple to prepare, requiring just three key ingredients that, when combined, create a symphony of sweet, spicy, and tangy notes:
- Mayonnaise: Forms the rich and creamy base of the sauce, providing a smooth texture and helping to mellow the other flavors. Use good quality mayo for the best results.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds a delightful sweetness and a mild, fruity chili flavor that is characteristic of Asian cuisine. This balances the heat and adds depth.
- Sriracha: The star for heat! Sriracha provides that essential spicy kick that gives Bang Bang Shrimp its “bang.” You can adjust the amount to suit your preferred spice level.
These three ingredients are simply whisked together, creating a harmonious blend that coats the crispy shrimp perfectly. The beauty of this sauce is its adaptability; feel free to tweak the ratios of sweet chili sauce and sriracha until it hits your personal sweet spot of flavor and spice.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp: A Step-by-Step Guide
You’ll be delighted by how easy it is to bring this Bonefish Grill favorite to your own table. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the simple steps:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Start with fresh or thawed peeled and deveined shrimp. Soaking the shrimp in buttermilk for about 10 minutes not only tenderizes them but also helps the cornstarch adhere better, ensuring a truly crispy coating. This brief marinade is a game-changer for texture.
- Drain Excess Buttermilk: After marinating, remove the shrimp from the buttermilk. It’s crucial to shake off any excess liquid to prevent a soggy coating and ensure maximum crispiness during frying.
- Coat with Cornstarch: In a shallow dish, thoroughly coat each shrimp with cornstarch. This is the secret to achieving that wonderfully light and crispy exterior. Ensure all sides are covered for an even fry.
- Fry to Golden Perfection: Heat your oil to the recommended temperature (ideally 375°F/190°C). Fry the cornstarch-coated shrimp for approximately 1 minute per side, or until they turn golden brown and are cooked through. Shrimp cook very quickly, so be careful not to overcook them, as this can make them tough.
- Mix the Sauce: While the shrimp are frying or just before, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a large bowl. Whisk until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
- Toss and Serve: Immediately after frying, transfer the hot, crispy shrimp into the bowl with the prepared sauce. Toss gently to ensure every piece of shrimp is evenly coated in the delicious, creamy mixture. Serve immediately on a bed of fresh lettuce to complete the classic presentation.
Tips for Maximum Crispiness: Enjoying Your Bang Bang Shrimp at Its Best
One of the hallmarks of great Bang Bang Shrimp is its incredible crispiness. To truly enjoy this dish, I highly recommend serving and consuming it immediately after tossing it in the sauce. The warm, fried shrimp and the cool, creamy sauce create a delightful contrast in temperature and texture that is best experienced fresh. While the sauce can certainly be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator, coating the shrimp should always be the last step before serving to preserve that irresistible crunch.
For best results, ensure your frying oil is at the correct temperature (around 375°F/190°C). Frying in small batches also helps maintain oil temperature and prevents the shrimp from steaming instead of crisping. A quick dip in a buttermilk bath before coating with cornstarch helps create an even, clingy coating that fries up beautifully. Don’t crowd the pan!
Delicious Substitutions: Beyond Shrimp
Absolutely! While shrimp is the traditional choice, the versatile Bang Bang sauce pairs wonderfully with other proteins and even vegetables, making this recipe easily adaptable to dietary preferences or whatever you have on hand.
- Bang Bang Chicken: Cut chicken breast or thighs into bite-sized pieces, coat them in cornstarch (you might need a little flour mixed in too), and fry until golden and cooked through. The rich sauce perfectly complements the chicken.
- Bang Bang Cauliflower: For a fantastic vegetarian option, break a head of cauliflower into florets, coat them with cornstarch, and either deep-fry or air-fry until tender-crisp. The texture and flavor are surprisingly similar to the original, making it a popular plant-based alternative.
- Other Options: Feel free to experiment with firm white fish, tofu cubes, or even sliced bell peppers for a lighter, quick-fried vegetable version.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp: Complete Your Meal
Bang Bang Shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served with a variety of sides to create a complete and satisfying meal. Here are some of my top recommendations:
- Fresh Green Salad: A large, crisp green salad provides a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, spicy shrimp. The cool lettuce also perfectly complements the warm shrimp and soaks up any extra sauce.
- Fluffy White Rice: Simple steamed jasmine or basmati rice is an excellent choice. Its neutral flavor and soft texture make it ideal for soaking up the delicious sauce and balancing the spiciness.
- Creamy Mashed Potatoes: For a comforting and hearty side, creamy mashed potatoes provide a wonderful base. The sauce mingles beautifully with the potatoes, creating a truly decadent experience.
- Noodles: Toss with some lightly cooked noodles, like ramen or rice noodles, for a more substantial meal resembling a stir-fry.
- Asian-inspired Slaw: A crunchy slaw with a sesame-ginger dressing would add another layer of texture and flavor.
Adjusting the Spice Level: Customize Your Bang Bang Sauce
This recipe, as written, leans towards a wonderfully spicy kick, which is how many enjoy their Bang Bang Shrimp. However, the beauty of homemade cooking is the ability to tailor it to your exact preferences! If you find the sriracha too intense, you can easily reduce the amount and increase the sweet chili sauce for a milder, sweeter flavor profile. Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust as you go. Start with a smaller amount of sriracha, mix, taste, and then add more if you desire extra heat. You can also add a touch of honey or maple syrup for extra sweetness if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Bang Bang Shrimp
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp in an Air Fryer?
Yes, absolutely! For a healthier, less oily version, you can definitely use an air fryer. After coating the shrimp in cornstarch, lightly spray them with oil (or use an oil mister). Place them in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it. Air fry at 375-400°F (190-200°C) for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer model and shrimp size.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
Baking is another alternative for a lighter option. After coating the shrimp in cornstarch, arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until cooked through and slightly golden. While it won’t be as intensely crispy as deep-fried, it’s still delicious!
Can I prepare Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?
While the sauce can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator, it’s best to fry the shrimp and toss them with the sauce just before serving to maintain optimal crispiness. If you have leftovers, the shrimp will lose some of their crispness, but they will still be flavorful.
How do I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp?
Store any leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, you can warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or in a microwave, but be aware that the shrimp will not be as crispy as freshly made.
More Delicious Appetizers You’ll Enjoy:
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Fried Deviled Eggs
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Queso Dip
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Chicken Avocado Eggrolls
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Buffalo Shrimp
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Crab Stuffed Peppers
Ready to see this amazing recipe in action? Watch the full tutorial video down below or on my YouTube channel for a visual guide to making the best Bang Bang Shrimp!
Bang Bang Shrimp
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Ingredients
- 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 3 tbsp sriracha
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- oil, for frying
Instructions
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In a large bowl, combine the shrimp and buttermilk, set aside.
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In a separate bowl, combine the mayo, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce.
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Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk and shake off any excess buttermilk.
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Coat the shrimp with the cornstarch on all sides.
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Fry the shrimp for 1 minute.
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Coat the shrimp with the mayo sauce and serve immediately.
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Video
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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