Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

Name: Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 cup buttermilk; 3/4 cup cornstarch; 1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tbsp sriracha; Vegetable oil for frying

Published: December 26, 2025

by kaeli

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: This dish takes only 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Irresistibly Flavorful: The combination of creamy mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha creates a deliciously addictive sauce.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, side dish, or even as a main course with rice or noodles.
Crispy Texture: The cornstarch coating ensures each shrimp is perfectly crispy and golden brown.
Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to suit your taste preferences, making it as mild or spicy as you like.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp, you’ll need some essential tools that help streamline the cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large skillet or heavy-bottom pan
Medium bowl
Small bowl
Whisk
Wire rack or paper towel-lined plate

Importance of Each Tool

Large skillet or heavy-bottom pan: Ensures even heating while frying shrimp, resulting in perfectly crispy bites.
Medium bowl: Ideal for soaking shrimp in buttermilk to enhance flavor and tenderness.
Whisk: Helps combine dry ingredients thoroughly for an even coating on the shrimp.

Ingredients

For this delicious Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp, gather the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp

1 lb Jumbo Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
1 cup buttermilk (or sub with 1 cup whole milk and 1 tbsp lemon juice)
3/4 cup cornstarch (or substitute with potato starch/tapioca starch)
1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 green onion (finely chopped for garnish)

For the Sauce

1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise (or substitute with normal mayo)
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tbsp sriracha (add more if you like it spicier)

How to Make Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Soak the Shrimp

In a medium bowl with peeled and deveined shrimp, add buttermilk. Let this sit for 10 minutes to tenderize the shrimp.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine all Bang Bang Sauce ingredients as listed. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a shallow bowl or baking sheet, whisk together cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

Coat each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture by dredging it on both sides until evenly covered.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

In a large skillet or heavy-bottom pan, heat oil on medium heat or at 350 degrees F. Once hot enough, fry shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 1.5 minutes per side. Avoid overcrowding to ensure crispiness.

Step 6: Drain Excess Oil

Remove cooked shrimp and set them aside on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Step 7: Toss with Sauce

Transfer crispy shrimp to a large bowl. Pour prepared sauce over top and gently toss to mix everything well.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with finely chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp!

How to Serve Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

Serving Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp can elevate your dining experience. This dish is versatile and pairs well with various sides and garnishes to enhance its flavor and presentation.

As a Standalone Appetizer

Serve the shrimp hot for the best texture and flavor.
Pair it with toothpicks for easy serving at parties or gatherings.

With Fresh Salads

Complement the shrimp with a light green salad.
A citrus vinaigrette can balance the richness of the shrimp.

Over Rice or Noodles

Serve the shrimp over jasmine rice or noodles for a heartier meal.
Drizzle extra sauce on top for added flavor.

In Tacos

Use soft tortillas to create bang bang shrimp tacos.
Top with cabbage slaw and avocado for crunch and creaminess.

On Sliders

Make mini sliders using slider buns and add crispy bang bang shrimp.
Garnish with spicy mayo and pickles for an extra kick.

How to Perfect Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

To ensure your Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.

Use fresh shrimp: Fresh jumbo shrimp will provide better flavor and texture than frozen ones.
Don’t skip buttermilk: Soaking shrimp in buttermilk tenderizes them, making them more flavorful.
Monitor oil temperature: Ensure the oil is at the right temperature (350°F) before frying; this helps achieve that crispy coating.
Fry in batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain even cooking and crispiness.
Toss gently: When mixing the shrimp with sauce, toss them gently to keep them crispy.
Serve immediately: For the best taste, serve your bang bang shrimp right after cooking.

Best Side Dishes for Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with your Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

Coconut Rice: This subtly sweet rice complements the spicy shrimp perfectly.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw adds freshness and texture, balancing the richness of the dish.
Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a nutritious side that contrasts well with the fried shrimp.
Garlic Noodles: Flavorful garlic noodles create a delicious base when topped with bang bang shrimp.
Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad can cool down the heat from the dish while adding crunch.
Fried Rice: A savory fried rice makes for a hearty addition, soaking up any extra sauce beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp can be simple, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

Skipping the Buttermilk: Not marinating the shrimp in buttermilk can lead to less tender shrimp. This step helps infuse flavor and moisture.
Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can cause them to steam rather than fry, resulting in soggy shrimp. Work in batches for the best crispiness.
Not Preheating the Oil: Failing to heat the oil properly may lead to greasy shrimp. Make sure the oil reaches 350°F before adding your shrimp.
Ignoring Cooking Time: Overcooking shrimp makes them tough and chewy. Fry each side for about 1.5 minutes until golden brown.
Forgetting to Toss with Sauce: Not mixing the sauce with your shrimp before serving can result in uneven flavors. Gently toss them together for a perfect balance.

Refrigerator Storage

Store your leftover Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
To maintain crispiness, consider separating the shrimp from the sauce before storing.

Freezing Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

You can freeze cooked shrimp for up to 3 months if stored properly in a freezer-safe container or bag.
Ensure that they are well-sealed to prevent freezer burn.

Reheating Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spread the shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until crispy.
Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warmed through; this method may not keep them crispy.
Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, tossing occasionally until warmed through and crispy again.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp?

Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy sweet chili mayo sauce, perfect as an appetizer or side dish.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating in buttermilk.

How spicy is Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on how much sriracha you add. Start with 2 tablespoons and adjust according to your taste preference.

Can I make Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the shrimp. Fry just before serving for maximum crispiness.

Final Thoughts

This Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that everyone will love. It’s versatile; you can customize it by adding more or less spice or even experimenting with different dipping sauces. Don’t hesitate to try this dish for your next gathering or cozy dinner at home!

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