If you’ve ever tried the famous Bang Bang Shrimp from PF Chang’s or Bonefish Grill, you already know why this dish has a cult following. Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy, slightly sweet sauce—it’s the kind of appetizer that steals the spotlight every single time.

The good news? You don’t need to head to a restaurant to enjoy it. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe at home in under 30 minutes. Even better, you can customize the spice level, choose between frying or air frying, and make it as healthy (or indulgent) as you like.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to recreate Bang Bang Shrimp at home:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled & deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk (for marinade)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
• Oil for frying (or spray oil for air fryer)

For the Sauce (Bang Bang Sauce):

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional for sweetness)

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1: Prep the Shrimp

• Rinse and pat dry the shrimp with paper towels.
• Place them in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes.

2: Make the Coating

• In another bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
• Set up a dredging station: shrimp → flour mix → buttermilk dip → panko breadcrumbs.

3: Fry (or Air Fry)

Deep Frying:

• Heat oil to 375°F (190°C).
• Fry shrimp in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
• Place on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Air Frying (Healthier Option):

• Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
• Arrange shrimp in a single layer, spray lightly with oil.
• Cook for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.

4: Make the Sauce

• In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, and honey.
• Adjust sweetness/spice to your preference.

Step 5: Toss & Serve

• Place crispy shrimp in a bowl.
• Drizzle sauce over the top and gently toss to coat.
• Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds.

🍽 Serving Suggestions

Bang Bang Shrimp is incredibly versatile. Try serving it:

• As an appetizer with lettuce wraps
• Over steamed jasmine rice for a quick dinner
• Inside tacos with slaw and lime
• As a topping for Asian-inspired salads

Pair it with a refreshing cocktail like a Kentucky Mule (Sponsored) for the ultimate combo.

🔄 Variations & Substitutions

• Lighter Version: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo in the sauce.
• Extra Spicy: Add chili flakes or double the sriracha.
• Gluten-Free: Swap flour for rice flour and use gluten-free panko.
• Keto-Friendly: Replace panko with crushed pork rinds.

🥗 Nutrition Information (per serving)

• Calories: ~350
• Protein: 22g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 1g

(Nutrition will vary depending on frying vs air frying.)

FAQs About Bang Bang Shrimp

Q: Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely. Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Q: What’s the best oil for frying?
Peanut oil or canola oil gives the crispiest results.

Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes—skip the buttermilk and use a cornstarch slurry instead.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a crispy, creamy, spicy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe that tastes just like the restaurant version (maybe even better). With its irresistible crunch and signature sauce, this dish will quickly become a family favorite.

Serve it as a party appetizer, weeknight dinner, or holiday special—it never disappoints.