Bang Bang Shrimp is the best crispy and spicy appetizer. It features tender shrimp coated in a crunchy breading and tossed in a chili sauce. This dish offers a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave your taste buds tingling.

Why Marci Loves This Recipe

• This works as a great appetizer or even dinner wrapped in lettuce!
• LOADED with flavor.
• Great for entertaining guests.
• Relatively quick cook time once in the skillet.

Ingredients Needed For Bang Bang Shrimp

• 1 c buttermilk (If no buttermilk on hand, mix together 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice)
• ¾ c flour
• ½ c cornstarch
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 2 cups plain panko crumbs
• 1 ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 ½ tsp garlic salt
• 1 tsp dried basil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled, deveined and tail off
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Sweet Chili Sauce Recipe

• ½ c mayo
• 4 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 tsp rice vinegar

How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

In a large bowl mix together the panko, onion powder, garlic salt, basil, oregano, salt and pepper.

In a separate medium size bowl, mix together the buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, sriracha and set aside.

Heat a skillet up with about ½” of vegetable oil. You want the skillet over medium-high heat so that it crisps the panko coating as soon as the shrimp is placed into the skillet.

Begin by dipping a shrimp into the buttermilk mixture. Using a fork, remove any excess batter off.

Immediately place into the panko mixture, ensuring to coat very well.

Place into the skillet. You’ll need to work in batches and be sure not to overcrowd the skillet.

Allow each shrimp to cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown, flip and allow to cook halfway through.

Remove the shrimp as soon as both sides are golden brown. Set on a paper towel to drain and repeat the process until all the shrimp has been used.

For the chili sauce, combine all the ingredients into a bowl and whisk until combined.

Once the shrimp has all cooked, you can either toss the shrimp to coat in the bowl, serve the sauce as a side to dunk in or pour over your serving platter. The option is up to you!

Ways to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

• As an appetizer with dipping sauce on the side
• Over a bed of lettuce as a salad
• Topped on tacos or sliders for a tasty twist
• As a main dish with rice or noodles
• On skewers for a fun and easy-to-eat option at parties

Tips and Tricks for Making Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

• Ensure your shrimp are dry before coating them to achieve a crispy texture.
• Use a high-temperature oil for frying, such as peanut or canola oil, to prevent the breading from becoming soggy.
• Don't overcrowd the frying pan or fryer to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Coat the shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce just before serving to maintain the crunchiness of the breading. Letting the shrimp sit in the sauce will cause the shrimp to lose its crispiness. 
• Customize the spice level of the sauce to suit your preference by adjusting the amount of chili sauce or hot sauce used.

How to Store Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp

To store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp, make sure it has cooled to room temperature. Then, transfer the shrimp to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.

If there is any remaining sauce, it's best to store it separately in a small container.

Store the leftover shrimp in the refrigerator and eat within 2-3 days.

When reheating, you can gently warm the shrimp in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at a low temperature to maintain its crispy texture.

Remember not to overheat to avoid drying out the shrimp or making the breading soggy.

FAQs about Bang Bang Shrimp

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw and pat them dry before coating and frying.

Q: Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

Q: Can I use other types of seafood for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use other types of seafood such as scallops or calamari for Bang Bang-style dishes. Adjust the cooking time accordingly depending on the type of seafood used.

Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?

A: Yes, you can make this dish gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour mix for the breading and a gluten-free mayonnaise for the sauce.

Q: Is it safe to reheat leftovers in the microwave?

A: Yes, you can safely reheat leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in the microwave. Just be sure to cover it with a damp paper towel to retain moisture while heating. You can also add a splash of water or extra sauce to prevent it from drying out. Remember not to overheat as this can lead to a rubbery texture.