Bang Bang Shrimp Delight Recipe

Quick & Zesty Bang Bang Shrimp Delight Recipe You’ll Love

Crunch meets zesty magic in this bang bang shrimp delight that sparks serious flavor excitement.

Imagine a dish that dances between crispy textures and bold, tangy sensations.

Seafood lovers will recognize this crowd-pleasing starter as a true culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Each bite promises a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and savory notes that tantalize your taste buds.

Light, crispy coating envelops succulent seafood in a way that makes every morsel irresistible.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-style appetizer that brings restaurant-quality excitement to your kitchen.

The secret lies in crafting a harmonious blend of ingredients that sing with vibrant, unexpected flavor profiles.

You can want to dive right into this mouthwatering creation that turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

What Makes Bang Bang Shrimp Delight a Bold Favorite

  • The Bang Bang Sauce delivers a creamy, spicy kick that transforms ordinary shrimp into an extraordinary taste experience, blending tangy and zesty notes that dance on your palate.
  • The buttermilk marinade and cornstarch coating create an incredibly crunchy exterior while keeping the shrimp inside tender and juicy, ensuring a delightful textural contrast in every bite.
  • This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal solution for busy home cooks craving restaurant-quality seafood without complex preparation or extensive cooking skills.
  • The vibrant colors, bold flavors, and shareable nature of these shrimp make them a crowd-pleasing option for gatherings, game nights, or casual dinner parties that will impress your guests.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Delight

Main Ingredients:

Seafood:
  • Shrimp: Fresh, plump protein that creates the star of the dish, best when large and deveined.
Coating Ingredients:
  • Cornstarch, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Crispy, spicy coating that provides crunch and bold flavor, look for fresh ground spices.
Sauce Ingredients:
  • Mayonnaise, Sweet Chili Sauce, Sriracha, Honey: Creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce that brings exciting flavor layers, balance is key.
Liquid Ingredients:
  • Buttermilk: Tenderizes shrimp and helps coating stick, full-fat version provides best results.
  • Vegetable Oil: High-heat neutral oil perfect for deep frying, choose fresh oil with high smoke point.
Garnish Ingredients:
  • Fresh Parsley, Chili Flakes: Bright, colorful finishing touches that add visual appeal and extra heat, use fresh herbs when possible.

How to Prepare Bang Bang Shrimp Delight

Step 1: Craft the Zesty Sauce

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Mayonnaise
  • Sriracha sauce
  • Sweet chili sauce
  • Rice vinegar
  • Honey

Blend until smooth and creamy. If not using immediately, store in the refrigerator to let flavors mingle and intensify.

Step 2: Prepare Cooking Oil

Select a wide, deep pot and pour vegetable oil to a depth of 2 inches. Heat the oil to 375 degrees Fahrenheit using a cooking thermometer for precise temperature.

Step 3: Soak Shrimp in Buttermilk Bath

Place fresh shrimp in a large bowl and completely cover with buttermilk. Ensure each shrimp is generously coated. Let the shrimp rest and absorb the tangy liquid while the oil heats up.

Step 4: Create Crispy Coating Mixture

In a separate large bowl, combine:
  • Cornstarch
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Whisk ingredients until well integrated and smooth.

Step 5: Coat and Chill Shrimp

Drain shrimp from buttermilk, gently pat dry with paper towels. Roll each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage. Arrange coated shrimp on a clean plate. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to help coating adhere during frying.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower shrimp into hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp. Drain on paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Step 7: Toss and Serve

Transfer warm shrimp to a mixing bowl. Pour prepared sauce over shrimp and gently toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and red chili flakes. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.

Cooking Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Delight Perfection

  • Chill for Crispy Coating: Refrigerate coated shrimp for 20-30 minutes to help the cornstarch adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
  • Check Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain 375°F for perfectly golden and crispy shrimp without greasy results.
  • Pat Shrimp Dry: Remove excess moisture from shrimp before marinating to ensure a more even and crispier coating.
  • Avoid Overcrowding: Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent lowering oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
  • Serve Immediately: Toss warm shrimp in Bang Bang Sauce right before serving to maintain maximum crispiness and flavor.

Storage Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Delight

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Avoid using the microwave to maintain crispy texture.
  • Discard: If shrimp smells fishy or looks discolored, throw it away to prevent foodborne illness.

What to Pair with Bang Bang Shrimp Delight

  • Enhance Zesty Flavors: Pair this bang bang shrimp with a crisp, cold Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the spicy sauce and complements the shrimp's delicate texture.
  • Cool Down the Heat: Serve with a refreshing cucumber and mint salad to balance the spicy cayenne pepper and provide a light, cooling contrast to the fried shrimp.
  • Crunch and Comfort: Accompany the dish with garlic parmesan fries or a light coleslaw that adds extra crunch and helps neutralize the spicy bang bang sauce.
  • Tropical Beverage Boost: Enjoy with a chilled coconut mojito that brings tropical sweetness and refreshing notes to match the shrimp's vibrant flavor profile.

Variations for Bang Bang Shrimp Delight

  • Spicy Thai Shrimp Remix: Replace buttermilk with coconut milk and add lemongrass and ginger to the cornstarch coating for an authentic Southeast Asian flavor profile.
  • Crispy Cajun Seafood Spin: Swap cayenne with Cajun seasoning blend, use buttermilk with hot sauce, and serve over dirty rice for a Louisiana-inspired version.
  • Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Incorporate dried oregano and za'atar into the coating, use Greek yogurt instead of buttermilk, and finish with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh herbs.
  • Air Fryer Light Version: Skip deep frying and cook shrimp in an air fryer at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, creating a healthier alternative with equally crispy results.

Bang Bang Shrimp Delight Questions You Might Have

  • What makes Bang Bang Shrimp special?

The combination of crispy fried shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce creates an irresistible flavor explosion that’s both crunchy and tangy.

  • Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the sauce and marinate the shrimp in advance, but fry the shrimp just before serving to maintain their crispy texture and prevent sogginess.

  • How do I know the oil is hot enough for frying?

Use a cooking thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 375 degrees F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of bread into the oil – it should sizzle and brown quickly.

  • What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?

Serve over rice, with a side of coleslaw, or as an appetizer with extra sauce for dipping. It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables.

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Bang Bang Shrimp Delight Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp Delight Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Bang bang shrimp recipe tantalizes taste buds with crispy, spicy goodness straight from coastal kitchens. Creamy, zesty sauce and perfectly fried shrimp promise a mouthwatering experience you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Protein:

  • 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

Coating and Seasoning:

  • ¾ cup cornstarch
  • ½ cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil (enough for frying)

Sauce and Garnish:

  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • ¼ cup chili-garlic sauce
  • 2 teaspoons sriracha
  • 1 tablespoon pure honey
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Chopped parsley (for garnish)
  • Chili flakes (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Whisk together the vibrant sauce ingredients in a petite mixing bowl, blending until smooth. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and intensify if not using immediately.
  2. Warm vegetable oil in a spacious pot, bringing the temperature to a precise 375 degrees fahrenheit for optimal frying conditions.
  3. Submerge fresh shrimp in buttermilk, ensuring each morsel is completely enveloped. Let the crustaceans luxuriate in the tangy marinade while oil reaches the perfect temperature.
  4. Craft a crispy coating by combining cornstarch, cayenne, salt, and pepper in a separate vessel. Gently drain shrimp, patting away excess buttermilk, then meticulously dust each piece with the seasoned cornstarch mixture.
  5. Transfer coated shrimp to a chilled plate, allowing the breading to set and adhere firmly. Refrigerate for 20-30 minutes to guarantee a crunchy exterior.
  6. Carefully lower marinated shrimp into sizzling oil, frying until they transform into golden-brown delicacies. Cook approximately 1-2 minutes per side, ensuring complete doneness.
  7. Rescue crispy shrimp from oil and rest on absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess grease.
  8. Lovingly toss warm shrimp in prepared bang bang sauce, coating each piece generously. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and fiery chili flakes for a final flourish.
  9. Serve immediately, presenting a tantalizing dish bursting with texture and flavor.

Notes

  • This crispy, spicy shrimp dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your home kitchen with minimal cooking experience required.
  • Marinating shrimp in buttermilk ensures tender, juicy meat that stays moist during high-heat frying.
  • Chilling coated shrimp before frying helps create an extra crispy, golden exterior that locks in delicious flavor.
  • Bang Bang Sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making meal prep easier.
  • Use a reliable thermometer to maintain precise oil temperature, preventing soggy or burnt shrimp.
  • Fresh, high-quality shrimp and vegetable oil at the correct temperature are key to achieving perfect texture and taste.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Asian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 18g
  • Cholesterol: 200mg
Isabella Rossi

Isabella Rossi

Founder & Culinary Content Creator

Expertise

Recipe Development​, Traditional Irish and European Cuisines, Food Styling and Photography, Culinary Education​

Education

Dublin Institute of Technology (DIT) – School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology

  • Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern cooking techniques, kitchen management, and menu development.​

Ballymaloe Cookery School

  • Program: 12-Week Certificate Course
  • Focus: Intensive, hands-on experience emphasizing farm-to-table cooking and sustainable practices.​

Liam is the voice behind many of Craft Meats’ most flavorful features. With roots in Dublin’s smoky barbecue scene and a culinary degree from the Dublin Institute of Technology, he brings time-tested cooking techniques to life. 

His training at Ballymaloe Cookery School sharpened his farm-to-table approach, giving him a deep respect for every ingredient he writes about.

He’s not about overcomplicating the process, just helping you cook meat that’s worth talking about. When he’s not writing or grilling, he’s out foraging or nerding out on regional spice blends to add to his next recipe.

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