Bang Bang Shrimp Crispy: 25 Min Flavor Burst

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Bang Bang Shrimp Crispy has become my absolute go-to for impressing guests, and honestly, for treating myself! I remember the first time I tried it at a restaurant – that perfect crunch followed by the creamy, spicy sauce was a revelation. I knew I had to recreate that magic at home. This crispy bang bang shrimp recipe is my answer, delivering that irresistible sweet and spicy kick with an amazing crunch every single time. If you’ve ever wondered how to make crispy bang bang shrimp that rivals your favorite takeout, you’re in the right place. Get ready for a flavor explosion! Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

This recipe is a winner for so many reasons. Get ready to fall in love with this easy dish!

Incredible Taste: You get that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory with every bite.
Quick Prep: It’s ready in about 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Family Favorite: Even picky eaters adore this flavorful shrimp.
Budget-Friendly: Making it at home is much cheaper than ordering out.
Satisfying Crunch: It delivers that wonderfully bang bang shrimp crunchy texture you crave.
Versatile: Serve it as an appetizer, on tacos, or over rice for a complete meal.
Deliciously Crunchy: You’ll achieve that sought-after bang bang shrimp crunchy coating that stays crisp.
Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level to your preference.

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients

Gathering these simple ingredients is your first step towards the best crispy bang bang shrimp you’ll ever make. The magic is in the details, like using both flour and cornstarch for that ultimate crunch – that’s key for a truly bang bang shrimp coating crispy. We start with 1 lb shrimp, deveined and peeled, ensuring every bite is tender and perfect. For the coating, you’ll need 1 cup buttermilk to help the dredge stick, and a mixture of 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper for flavor and that essential crispiness. And for that signature sauce, we’ll combine 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Finally, a sprinkle of 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped, adds a fresh finish.

How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Making this restaurant-style dish at home is surprisingly simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to achieve that perfect crunch. This is truly an easy crispy bang bang shrimp preparation.

Step 1: Get your dredging station ready! In a shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper. This dry mix is crucial for that amazing coating. In a second bowl, pour in 1 cup buttermilk – this is what helps the coating adhere beautifully.
Step 2: Now for the shrimp! Take your 1 lb shrimp, deveined and peeled, and dip each one into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Then, transfer the wet shrimp to the flour mixture. Press gently to make sure the coating sticks all over. This is how you get that fantastic texture. Place the coated shrimp on a wire rack to prepare for frying. This step ensures you’re on your way to easy crispy bang bang shrimp.
Step 3: Heat about 2-3 inches of oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You want the oil nice and hot, but not smoking. Carefully add the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan – this is key for achieving that desired bang bang shrimp crunchy texture. Fry for about 2 minutes per side, or until they’re a beautiful golden brown and perfectly crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
Step 4: While the shrimp are draining, whip up the signature sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice until it’s smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust sriracha for more heat or honey for more sweetness.
Step 5: Gently toss the freshly fried, crispy shrimp in the prepared bang bang sauce until each piece is beautifully coated. For the final touch, garnish with 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped, and serve immediately. Enjoy your incredibly easy crispy bang bang shrimp!

Pro Tips for the Best Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Want to elevate your homemade shrimp game? I’ve got a few tricks up my sleeve for achieving that perfect crunch every time. These bang bang shrimp crispy coating tips will make all the difference!

Always fry in oil that’s at the correct temperature (around 350°F/175°C). Too low and the shrimp get greasy; too high and they burn before cooking through.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy shrimp instead of crispy ones. Work in batches!
Drain the fried shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet, not directly on paper towels. This allows air to circulate, keeping the bottoms crispy.
Make sure the shrimp are completely dry before dredging. Any excess moisture can cause the coating to clump or become gummy.

What’s the secret to perfect Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp?

The real secret to that amazing, bang bang shrimp crunchy texture lies in the double dredge and the oil temperature. Using both flour and cornstarch in the coating mix is crucial for maximum crispiness, and frying at the right heat prevents sogginess. For more insights on achieving perfect frying temperatures, check out this guide on frying temperatures.

Can I make Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?

To maintain that perfect crisp, I recommend coating the shrimp ahead of time and refrigerating them on a rack. Fry them just before serving. The sauce can also be made a day in advance and stored separately in the fridge. You might also find this tip for making ahead helpful for other recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp?

The most common pitfall is ending up with a soggy coating. This often happens if you overcrowd the pan or fry at too low a temperature. To avoid soggy shrimp, ensure your oil is hot enough and fry in small batches. If you find yourself asking, “Why is my bang bang shrimp not crispy?”, it’s usually due to these frying basics.

Best Ways to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

This dish is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for so many occasions! As a standout bang bang shrimp appetizer crispy, it’s always a crowd-pleaser at parties or game nights. I love serving it on a platter with a sprinkle of extra green onions. For a more substantial meal, toss the shrimp with the sauce and serve them over fluffy jasmine rice or quinoa. They also make fantastic tacos or a topping for a fresh salad. The combination of the crunchy shrimp and that signature creamy, spicy sauce is just unbeatable, making these crispy shrimp with bang bang sauce a true delight no matter how you serve them.

Nutrition Facts for Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Here’s a look at the nutritional breakdown per serving for this delightful crispy bang bang shrimp treat. It’s always good to know what you’re enjoying!

Calories: 345 kcal
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 2 g
Protein: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 720 mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

How to Store and Reheat Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Even though this dish is best enjoyed fresh, I know life gets busy, so knowing how to store and reheat your homemade crispy bang bang shrimp is super helpful. To keep that coating as crisp as possible, it’s best to store the fried shrimp and the sauce separately. Let the fried shrimp cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the cooled, un-sauced shrimp in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy your crispy bang bang shrimp at home again, reheating is key! For the best crisp, I recommend a quick stint in the air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes, or in a hot oven at 425°F (220°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, as it tends to make the coating soggy. For more tips on reheating, you can check out this guide on reheating fried foods.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

What is crispy bang bang shrimp?

Crispy bang bang shrimp refers to succulent shrimp that are coated in a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture, then fried until golden and crunchy. They are then tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, honey, and sriracha. It’s a popular appetizer known for its addictive flavor and texture contrast.

Can I make homemade crispy bang bang shrimp?

Absolutely! Making this dish at home is not only rewarding but also quite straightforward. My recipe provides all the steps to achieve that perfect, restaurant-quality crunch and flavor right in your own kitchen. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy this popular dish without leaving the house. If you’re looking for other easy recipes, consider this Greek chili chicken.

What are the best shrimp to use for crispy bang bang shrimp?

For the best results with your crispy bang bang shrimp, I recommend using medium to large shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. This saves you prep time and ensures a tender bite. Make sure they are patted dry before coating to help the dredge adhere properly for maximum crispiness.

Why is my bang bang shrimp not crispy?

If your shrimp aren’t crispy, it’s usually due to a few common issues. Ensure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F/175°C) before frying, and don’t overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature. Also, make sure the shrimp are well-coated and fried until golden brown. Patting them dry before coating also plays a huge role in achieving that desirable crunch.

Variations of Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp You Can Try

While the classic fried version is incredible, I love experimenting with this dish! If you’re looking for a lighter option, my air fryer crispy bang bang shrimp is fantastic. You’ll get a great crunch with less oil. For another healthier twist, try oven baked crispy bang bang shrimp; just spread them on a baking sheet and bake until golden. Of course, the traditional deep fried crispy bang bang shrimp offers that ultimate, authentic texture. You can also play with the sauce – add some chili garlic sauce for extra heat or a touch of lime zest for brightness!