Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Featuring succulent shrimp coated in a perfectly crunchy panko crust, this dish is tossed in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that creates an unforgettable flavor explosion. Whether you are hosting a casual game night, looking for a quick weeknight dinner, or need a show-stopping dish for a potluck, this recipe delivers every time. It is quick, easy, and sure to become a family favorite in your household.

To make the best Bang Bang Shrimp, you will need fresh, high-quality shrimp and a few pantry staples. The secret is in the Old Bay-infused panko breadcrumbs and the signature creamy sauce.

• 1 lb. shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper powder
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
• 1 large egg, beaten
• Oil for frying
• Chopped cilantro for garnishing
• Bang Bang Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 Tbsp sriracha, 2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce

Adjust these ingredients based on your personal preferences or dietary needs to customize your dish.

• If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or omit it entirely.
• For a lighter version, you can air fry the shrimp at 400F for 8-10 minutes instead of deep frying.
• Ensure your shrimp are patted very dry before dipping so the flour coating adheres properly.
• If you do not have Old Bay, a mix of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder works well as a substitute.
• Use jumbo or large shrimp for the best meat-to-breading ratio.

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

In a large bowl, season your peeled and deveined shrimp with salt and pepper, tossing gently to ensure an even coating.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Arrange three separate shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with the beaten egg, and one with the panko bread crumbs mixed with the Old Bay seasoning.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Dredge each shrimp in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the egg wash, then press firmly into the panko mixture. Repeat the process a second time for each shrimp to create an extra-crunchy layer, then let them rest for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Fry to Perfection

Heat oil in a pan to approximately 375 F. Fry 9-10 shrimp at a time on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crisp. Do not overcrowd the pan, as this lowers the oil temperature and leads to greasy shrimp.

Step 5: Prepare the Sauce

While the shrimp drain on paper towels, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Garnish the hot crispy shrimp with fresh cilantro. You can serve the sauce on the side for dipping or pour it directly over the shrimp and toss until well-coated.

Bang Bang Shrimp is incredibly versatile. Try these serving ideas for a complete meal:

• Serve over a bed of crisp lettuce or shredded cabbage for a fresh appetizer.
• Pair with steamed jasmine rice and stir-fried broccoli for a delicious dinner.
• Serve inside flour tortillas with slaw to create fun Bang Bang Shrimp tacos.
• Offer a side of cooling cucumber salad to balance the heat of the sauce.

Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For the best texture, reheat them in an air fryer or a conventional oven at 375 F until hot and crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it will cause the breading to become soft and soggy.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce and bread the shrimp ahead of time, but it is best to fry them right before you plan to eat them to ensure maximum crispiness.

Can I freeze this recipe?

We recommend freezing the shrimp after breading but before frying. Flash freeze them on a baking sheet before moving to a freezer bag; fry from frozen adding a minute or two to the cooking time.

What can I serve with this recipe?

This dish pairs perfectly with rice, quinoa, fresh green salads, or even as a flavorful topping for rice bowls.

How do I keep this recipe from drying out?

Focus on maintaining your oil temperature at 375 F and removing the shrimp as soon as they turn golden brown. Watching them closely is the best way to keep the meat tender.

If you enjoyed this crispy shrimp dish, you will love these other family favorites:

• Try our Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp for a quicker weeknight option.
• Our Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders are perfect for picky eaters.
• Pair your shrimp with a side of Creamy Coleslaw to cut through the spice.
• Check out our Quick Vegetable Stir-Fry for a healthy meal addition.

Bang Bang Shrimp is a fantastic way to elevate a simple protein into something truly exciting. With its perfect balance of crunchy breading, tender shrimp, and that iconic sweet and spicy sauce, it hits all the right notes for any occasion. Whether you are a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding. Gather your ingredients, get your frying pan ready, and enjoy this restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Do not forget to share this recipe with friends and family who love a good savory treat!

Easy Bang Bang Shrimp

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Bang Bang Shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer that brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Featuring succulent, perfectly deveined shrimp coated in a crunchy panko crust, this dish is tossed in a signature creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce. It is a quick and addictive dish that works perfectly as an appetizer, a salad topper, or a main course, making it a reliable staple for your next gathering or weeknight dinner.

• Author: Clarice
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Pescatarian

Ingredients

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1 lb. shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
0.5 tsp salt
0.5 tsp black pepper powder
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
1 large egg, beaten
Oil for frying
Chopped cilantro for garnishing
0.5 cup mayonnaise
1 Tbsp sriracha
2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce

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Instructions

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce to create the Bang Bang sauce and set aside.
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
Place the flour in one shallow bowl, the beaten egg in another, and the panko bread crumbs mixed with Old Bay seasoning in a third.
Coat each shrimp in flour, shaking off excess, dip into the beaten egg, then press firmly into the panko mixture.
Heat oil in a deep pan to 350F.
Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Drain on paper towels and toss immediately with the Bang Bang sauce.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro.

Notes

If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or omit it entirely. For an extra crispy crust, ensure the shrimp are thoroughly patted dry before dredging. Store any leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.