Name: Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup whole milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice, rested for 5 minutes); 3/4 cup cornstarch (or substitute with potato starch or tapioca starch); 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil, for frying); 1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise (or substitute with regular mayonnaise); 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for desired spiciness); 1 green onion (finely chopped for garnish)

If you're craving something that’s crisp, creamy, and just a little spicy, then this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is going to be your new favorite. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again for gatherings or a quick snack.

The image shows a white plate with blue decoration, filled with several pieces of shrimp coated in a thick, bright orange sauce that has a smooth, slightly shiny texture. Each shrimp is covered evenly with the sauce and has small green onion slices sprinkled on top for garnish, adding a fresh green contrast. In the foreground, a pair of black chopsticks hold one piece of shrimp close to the camera, showing the shiny sauce and small bits of chopped green onion clearly. The background surface is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely love making this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp whenever friends come over because it’s quick, fuss-free, and delivers that perfect balance of crunchy shrimp with a sauce that’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and packs just the right spicy punch.

Super Quick to Make: You can have this appetizer ready in just 26 minutes, making it perfect for last-minute entertaining or a speedy treat.
Irresistibly Crispy: The cornstarch coating fries up beautifully crisp without being greasy when you keep the oil at the right temperature.
Flavorful Bang Bang Sauce: Creamy and tangy with a sweet chili kick, it coats every shrimp perfectly for addictive flavor.
Easy Ingredient Swaps: Simple substitutions like using regular mayo or homemade buttermilk make this recipe adaptable and accessible.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before we dive in, make sure to grab jumbo shrimp that are peeled and deveined for the best texture and convenience. I also love using Japanese mayonnaise for its creaminess, but regular mayo works great too if that’s what you have on hand. Here’s a quick look at what we’ll be tossing into this tasty recipe:

Flat lay of peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp, a small white bowl of buttermilk, a small white bowl filled with cornstarch, a small white bowl of vegetable oil, a whole green onion with fresh green stalks and white bulb, a small white bowl of Japanese mayonnaise, a small white bowl of sweet chili sauce, a small white bowl of bright red sriracha sauce, scattered coarse salt crystals and whole black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jumbo shrimp: The star of the dish, they’re large enough to stay juicy inside while getting super crispy outside.
Buttermilk: Used to tenderize and lightly flavor the shrimp before frying; you can easily substitute with milk plus lemon juice.
Cornstarch: Creates that unbeatable crispy coating—potato starch or tapioca starch work here too.
Salt, garlic powder, black pepper: Simple seasonings that build a well-rounded flavor in the coating.
Vegetable oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying so the shrimp crisp up perfectly without burning.
Japanese mayonnaise: Adds creamy richness and a hint of umami in the Bang Bang sauce; regular mayo is a good stand-in.
Sweet chili sauce: Provides the sweet and tangy base for the sauce that defines this recipe's signature flavor.
Sriracha: Brings the spicy kick—adjust to suit your heat preference.
Green onion: Fresh, finely chopped garnish that adds a mild oniony brightness and pretty color.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to tweak it to match your taste buds or dietary needs. Whether you want to dial up the heat, swap ingredients, or try a healthier twist, this recipe welcomes personalization with open arms.

Air Fryer Variation: I love using my air fryer to make this dish lighter without losing that satisfying crunch. Simply air fry the coated shrimp at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a crispy bang bang shrimp without the extra oil.
Spice it Up or Tone it Down: Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to suit your preference. I usually start with 2 tablespoons, but if you’re a fan of fiery flavors, add more. For a milder version, cut back or omit altogether—it’s still deliciously creamy and flavorful.
Dairy-Free Twist: If you want to skip the buttermilk, substitute with whole milk and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using. This little trick adds that same tenderizing effect without needing buttermilk on hand.
Garnish Upgrade: Besides green onions, sometimes I sprinkle a touch of toasted sesame seeds or fresh cilantro for extra freshness and crunch. It brightens up each bite and adds a lovely aroma.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

The image shows four steps of making fried shrimp covered in sauce. The top left shows shrimp frying in oil inside a pan, the shrimp are light golden with some pink on them and surrounded by bubbles in hot oil. The top right shows the shrimp after frying, on a black cooling rack, and they are golden with a crispy look. The bottom left shows cooked shrimp in a clear bowl with thick, creamy, light orange sauce poured over them. The bottom right is a close-up of shrimp being mixed in the same creamy sauce inside the clear bowl, with the sauce sticking well to the shrimp. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp for Tenderness

Start by placing your peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp into a medium bowl. Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk (or your homemade buttermilk substitute) and let them marinate for 10 minutes. This soak tenderizes the shrimp and adds a subtle tang that makes every bite flavorful and juicy. You’ll notice the shrimp almost glisten after soaking—perfect for the coating step coming next.

Step 2: Whip Up That Lip-Smacking Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are marinating, mix together the sauce. Combine ½ cup of Japanese mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons of sriracha in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy, then set aside. This sauce is the soul of the dish—creamy, a little sweet, with just the right amount of spicy kick to make you want more.

Step 3: Create a Flavorful, Crispy Coating

In a shallow bowl or on a baking sheet, whisk together ¾ cup cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This simple yet flavorful coating is the key to achieving that addictive crispiness. Make sure it’s evenly mixed to give each shrimp the perfect crunch and seasoning.

Step 4: Coat Every Piece Like a Pro

Take the shrimp out of the buttermilk—letting excess drip off—and dredge each one thoroughly in your cornstarch mixture, coating both sides evenly. This step is all about coverage: the more evenly coated, the crispier your shrimp will be once fried. Lay them out ready for their hot oil bath.

Step 5: Heat Oil to the Perfect Frying Temperature

Pour 1 cup of vegetable oil into a large 10-inch skillet or a heavy-bottomed pan and heat over medium until it reaches about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a digital thermometer to check—the right temperature keeps the shrimp crispy without burning or becoming greasy. You’ll see little shimmering ripples on the surface when the oil is ready.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp to Golden Perfection

Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, fry the shrimp for about 1.5 minutes on each side. Keep a close eye—the coating should turn golden brown and crispy while the shrimp cooks through quickly. The aroma at this point is irresistible. Remove them with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 7: Toss, Garnish, and Serve with a Smile

Once all shrimp are cooked, place them in a large bowl and pour the Bang Bang Sauce over the top. Gently toss until every piece is luxuriously coated. Finish by sprinkling finely chopped green onions on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of crispy, creamy, tangy, and spicy in each bite.

Top Tip

These tips will help you get perfectly crispy shrimp coated with that creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce every single time. Trust me, little adjustments can make a huge difference in texture and flavor!

Maintain the Oil Temperature: I always use a digital thermometer to keep the oil right around 350°F. If it drops too low, the shrimp soak up oil and get soggy; too hot and the coating burns before the shrimp cook through.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature and to ensure every shrimp crisps up perfectly. It’s worth the extra batches for the best crunch!
Drain on a Wire Rack: Instead of paper towels alone, placing shrimp on a wire rack lets excess oil drip away and air circulate—helping them stay crisp longer.
Toss Gently with Sauce: After frying, toss the shrimp gently with the Bang Bang sauce so you don’t break the crispy coating but still get every bite coated in that flavorful kick.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

A white bowl with a blue pattern around the edge holds a pile of golden-orange fried shrimp pieces covered in a thick, shiny sauce. The shrimp are chunky and irregular in shape, each coated evenly in the glossy sauce that shows small red pepper flakes. Small bright green slices of green onions are sprinkled on top, adding contrast to the warm tones of the dish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface with a blurred background, and a pair of dark chopsticks is faintly visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

While the finely chopped green onions add a fresh and vibrant pop, feel free to experiment with toasted sesame seeds for a nutty crunch or a sprinkle of cilantro to brighten the dish. A wedge of lime on the side also pairs beautifully, letting you add a hint of citrus zing.

Side Dishes

For a well-rounded meal or party platter, these crispy shrimp go great alongside steamed jasmine rice, crunchy Asian slaw, or even some simple garlic butter noodles. If you want to keep things light, try pairing them with a cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil for refreshing contrast.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve crispiness, keep the sauce separate and toss the shrimp in it only when ready to serve.

Freezing

While I recommend enjoying this recipe fresh, you can freeze uncooked breaded shrimp (before frying) in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Fry from frozen, adding extra frying time.

Reheating

To reheat without losing crispiness, pop the shrimp in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating and coating them. This helps achieve that perfect crispiness when fried.

How spicy is the sauce, and can I adjust it?

The sauce has a nice balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy from the sriracha. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha to suit your taste.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No worries! Simply use 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, let it sit for 5 minutes to thicken and slightly acidify, then use it just like buttermilk.

Can I air fry the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes! For a healthier option, air fry the coated shrimp at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden brown.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and downright addictive appetizer, this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe will not disappoint. The combination of crunchy shrimp and luscious sauce hits all the right flavor notes every time—and it’s ready in just 26 minutes! Whether you're serving it at a party or craving a tasty snack, these shrimp bring warmth and excitement to your table. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!