Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe (Bonefish Grill Style)
The crispy bang bang shrimp recipe is a quick fix when you’re craving that sweet heat and crunchy bite. Inspired by the Bonefish Grill favorite, this version gives you the same golden coating and creamy chili sauce all made in your own kitchen with everyday ingredients. No deep fryer needed.
Serve it over lettuce, tuck it into tacos, or pair it with rice it works any way you plate it. And if you’re in the mood for something chilled and fruity afterward, try this smooth chokecherry pudding recipe. Both are simple, satisfying, and made to impress without the extra effort.
What Is Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?
The bang bang shrimp recipe is a crispy shrimp dish tossed in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. It became popular at Bonefish Grill, where it’s served as an appetizer over lettuce and topped with green onions.
At home, it’s made by coating shrimp in a flour and cornstarch mix, frying them until golden, and then tossing them in a sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The result is crunchy shrimp with a smooth, flavorful coating ready in under 30 minutes.
Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
To make a crispy and creamy bang bang shrimp recipe at home, you only need a handful of simple ingredients. Each one plays a role in getting the right balance of flavor, crunch, and heat just like the original from Bonefish Grill.
Shrimp: This is the main part of the dish. Raw shrimp hold their shape and texture better during frying. Peeled and deveined shrimp are easier to coat and cook evenly.
Cornstarch: It gives the shrimp a thin, crisp coating that fries up golden without feeling heavy. Unlike flour alone, cornstarch keeps the outside light and crunchy.
Salt: Salt adds flavor right from the start. It brings out the natural taste of the shrimp and makes the coating more balanced.
Black Pepper: It gives a mild warmth to the coating and adds just enough sharpness to cut through the creamy sauce later.
Vegetable Oil: Used for frying, this oil helps cook the shrimp fast and evenly. A neutral oil works best so it doesn’t affect the flavor.
Mayonnaise: This is the base of the sauce. It makes the coating creamy and helps the sauce stick to the shrimp without sliding off.
Thai Hot Pepper Sauce: This adds heat to the dish. It gives the sauce that slight burn that balances out the sweetness and creaminess.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: It brings in the sweet, tangy flavor that makes the bang bang shrimp recipe stand out. It softens the heat and blends everything together.
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- 1 mixing bowl
- 1 frwing pan
- 1 tongs or slotted spoon
- 1 paper towel or wire rack
- small whisk or spoon for sauce
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb shrimp cleaned, deveined, shells off
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Thai hot pepper sauce
- 3 tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
Instructions
Prepare the shrimp:
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix cornstarch with salt and black pepper. Coat each shrimp evenly.
Heat the oil:
- In a large pan, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a bit of cornstarch sizzles on contact.
Fry the shrimp:
- Fry the coated shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Make the sauce:
- In a separate bowl, stir together mayonnaise, Thai hot pepper sauce, and sweet chili sauce until smooth.
Toss and serve:
- While the shrimp are still hot, gently toss them in the sauce until coated. Serve immediately to keep the crisp texture.
Notes
- Use raw shrimp for the best texture. Pre-cooked shrimp will not crisp properly.
- You can adjust the heat by adding more or less hot pepper sauce.
- Serve over shredded lettuce, in tacos, or with rice.
- Best enjoyed fresh sauce and shrimp can be stored separately and combined just before serving
What’s in Each Serving of Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Every serving of this bang bang shrimp recipe packs flavor, but it’s helpful to know what’s inside. Here’s a basic nutritional breakdown based on a typical portion size, so you can keep track without any guesswork
| Nutrient | Amount (Per Serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420 |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Total Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.5g |
| Cholesterol | 160mg |
| Sodium | 710mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
| Fiber | 0g |
Why I Love This Recipe
This bang bang shrimp recipe is quick, crispy, and full of flavor. It doesn’t need a long list of ingredients or complicated steps. The shrimp fry up golden every time, and the sauce sticks just right creamy with a little heat and sweetness.
What I like most is how easy it is to serve. I can toss it over rice, wrap it in tortillas, or just enjoy it on its own. It works for a fast dinner or something a little special without extra work. And no matter how often I make it, it always disappears fast.
It also saves well if I keep the shrimp and sauce apart. I can reheat this bang bang shrimp recipe the next day without losing the crunch. That makes it a smart choice when I want something quick, fresh, and ready to go.
How to Store Bang Bang Shrimp
To keep the shrimp crispy and the sauce fresh, store both parts of the bang bang shrimp recipe separately. This method keeps the texture right and helps avoid sogginess when reheating.
Cool the shrimp completely: Let the fried shrimp sit at room temperature until no steam remains. Storing them hot will trap moisture and make them soggy.
Use an airtight container: Place the shrimp in a shallow, sealed container. A layer of paper towel at the bottom can help absorb any extra oil.
Refrigerate within 2 hours: Don’t leave cooked shrimp out for too long. Place the container in the fridge once the shrimp are fully cooled.
Keep the sauce separate: Store the sauce in its own jar or small container. Mixing it in early will soften the coating.
Don’t freeze the shrimp: Freezing after frying will ruin the texture. The coating becomes soft and won’t crisp again.
Reheat in a pan or oven: Use low heat to warm the shrimp until lightly crisp. Skip the microwave it makes the coating soft and steamy.
Toss with sauce before serving: Add the cold sauce to the hot shrimp just before eating. This keeps the balance of crisp and creamy.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
The bang bang shrimp recipe is bold, creamy, and crispy, so it works best with sides that don’t fight for attention. The right side dish keeps the plate balanced and makes the shrimp stand out. These options are easy to prepare, and they pair well without changing the flavor of the dish.
1- Rice
Steamed rice is soft, plain, and great for soaking up the sauce. It keeps the meal light and balanced.You don’t need to season it heavily. Even leftover rice from the night before can be warmed and used with this dish
2- Noodles
Basic garlic noodles or lo mein work well. They’re mild and help turn the shrimp into a full meal.You don’t need to season it heavily. Even leftover rice from the night before can be warmed and used with this dish
3- Lettuce
Crisp lettuce or shredded cabbage gives a cool crunch. It cuts the richness of the shrimp and adds freshness.A handful of chopped greens makes it feel light and fresh without any extra cooking.
4- Tortillas
Soft tortillas turn the shrimp into tacos. Just add slaw or a spoon of sauce for a quick, fun option. It’s a quick way to turn this into a handheld meal. It’s also great for kids.
5- Cucumber Salad
Cucumber is naturally cool and watery, so it cuts through the spicy-sweet sauce in the bang bang shrimp recipe. Cool and crisp, this salad balances the heat. It’s easy to make and keeps the dish feeling light.
6- Roasted Veggies
Simple roasted vegetables like broccoli or peppers bring color and warmth without clashing with the shrimp’s flavorThey stay firm and light, and they don’t distract from the main dish.
Alternative Cooking Method
If you don’t want to deep-fry, there are a few other ways to cook shrimp for this bang bang shrimp recipe. Each method changes the texture slightly but still works well with the sauce.
1- Pan-Frying
Use a shallow pan with a small amount of oil. Cook the shrimp on medium heat until both sides are golden. This method keeps the outside crisp with less oil than deep-frying.
2- Air Fryer
Spray the shrimp lightly with oil and cook in a single layer at 375°F. Flip once halfway through. They come out light and crisp without the mess of frying.
3- Oven-Baked
Place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray lightly with oil and bake at 400°F until golden. They won’t be as crunchy but still taste great once tossed in the sauce.
Each of these methods lets you enjoy the same bold flavor with a little less cleanup or oil. Choose what works best for your kitchen
Final Thoughts on Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
The bang bang shrimp recipe is simple, fast, and full of bold flavor. With its crispy texture and creamy, sweet heat, it works for busy nights or when you want to serve something a little special without extra prep.
It’s easy to pair with rice, lettuce, or noodles and still tastes great the next day if stored right. No matter how you serve it, it holds up every time.
If you enjoy meals that are easy to make but still taste fresh and complete, this shrimp recipe is one you’ll want to keep on hand.
FAQs About Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
1- What is in Bonefish Bang Bang sauce?
Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha.
2- What is in Bang Bang Shrimp?
Crispy fried shrimp tossed in creamy, spicy-sweet sauce.
3- What’s the difference between Bang Bang Shrimp and Boom Boom Shrimp?
Bang Bang is sweeter and creamier; Boom Boom has more heat and garlic.
4- What are the ingredients in Bang Bang sauce?
Mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and hot pepper sauce.
5- Who made the original Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bonefish Grill made it popular as a signature appetizer.
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