Bang Bang Shrimp: 10 Minute Flavor Explosion

Oh, that moment when you get that plate of Bang Bang Shrimp, right? That creamy, sweet, and just-spicy-enough magic that makes you want to lick the plate clean? For years, I dreamed of recreating that exact restaurant experience at home, especially for those special date nights or when we had friends over. And guess what? I finally cracked the code! This recipe is a total Bonefish copycat, bringing that addictive creamy, spicy shrimp goodness straight to your kitchen. Honestly, food has always been my way of connecting with people, of creating those little pockets of joy, and this Bang Bang Shrimp is definitely one of those dishes that just brings smiles all around. Get ready to wow your taste buds!

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Seriously, you’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons:

• Crazy Easy to Make: Even if you’re new to cooking, you can totally nail this. The sauce comes together in minutes, and cooking the shrimp is a breeze!
• That Irresistible Flavor: It’s the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy – just like you remember from your favorite restaurant, but better because you made it!
• So Versatile: Serve it as a fancy appetizer for a party, a romantic main course for date night with some rice, or even over a salad. It just works!
• Impress Your Guests: Whip this up and watch everyone’s eyes light up. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels totally restaurant-worthy.

Mastering the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

Alright, let’s dive into what makes these shrimp *sing*. It’s all about a few key things – the right ingredients, that magical sauce, and getting the shrimp cooked just so. Don’t worry, it’s not rocket science! We’re going for that irresistible restaurant taste, and I promise, it’s totally doable in your own kitchen. Think of it as making a little bit of restaurant magic happen right here at home.

Essential Ingredients for Authentic Bang Bang Shrimp

Okay, so to get that true Bang Bang Shrimp flavor, you really want to grab these specific things. First off, make sure you have about a pound of large shrimp, and get them peeled and deveined – no one wants to be doing that part when they’re hungry! For the coating, we’re using a simple mix of 1/2 cup all-purpose flour and 1/4 cup cornstarch. Don’t forget a pinch of salt and pepper in there too. The real stars, besides the shrimp themselves, are for that amazing sauce: 1/2 cup of really good mayonnaise (the full-fat kind works best, trust me!), 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce – this is key for that sweet heat, and then 2 tablespoons of sriracha for a little kick. Oh, and a teaspoon of honey, a splash of rice vinegar for tang, a tiny bit of sesame oil for that nutty aroma, and just a whisper of garlic powder. That’s pretty much it!

Crafting the Signature Creamy Spicy Shrimp Sauce

Now, about that sauce – this is literally where the magic happens! It’s so easy, you’ll probably want to make extra just for dipping. All you do is grab a medium bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (you can totaly add more if you’re feeling brave!), the honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and that little bit of garlic powder. Just whisk it all up until it’s super smooth and creamy. Taste it! Does it need a little more sweet? Add a touch more honey. Want it spicier? A bit more sriracha. It’s your sauce, make it sing!

Choosing Your Cooking Method: Air Fryer vs. Frying

So, you’ve got two awesome ways to get these shrimp perfectly cooked. If you’re team less mess and a bit healthier, dive into the “air fryer shrimp” method! Just preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and give the basket a quick spray. You’ll toss your floured shrimp in and air fry them for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden and delicious. Now, if you’re craving that classic, super-crispy crunch, classic frying is your friend. Get about 2 inches of vegetable oil going in a pot until it hits 350°F (175°C). Fry those shrimp in batches for just 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Both ways are fantastic, it just depends on what you’re in the mood for!

Step-by-Step Guide to Delicious Bang Bang Shrimp

Alright, let’s get cooking! Making this Bang Bang Shrimp at home is totally doable and honestly, super fun. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have that amazing restaurant-quality dish in no time. We’re going to get that sauce mixed up, the shrimp prepped, and then choose your favorite cooking adventure!

1. First things first, let’s get that coating ready. Grab a shallow dish and whisk together the 1/2 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of cornstarch, and that pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a good mix so it’s all combined.
2. Now, for the star of the show – the sauce! In a medium bowl, we’re going to whisk together the 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, that sweet chili sauce, your sriracha (add more if you like it fiery!), the honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and the garlic powder. Whisk it all up until it’s perfectly smooth and creamy. Taste it and adjust if needed – maybe a little more sweet or spicy? You got it!
3. Next, pat your shrimp completely dry with some paper towels. This is a super important step, trust me, it helps the coating stick better!
4. Now, choose your cooking adventure! If you’re frying: Get about 2 inches of vegetable oil going in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. You want it to reach 350°F (175°C).
5. For the air fryer crew: Go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and give that basket a light spray with cooking spray.
6. Toss those lovely dry shrimp into the flour mixture you made earlier. Give them a good toss to coat, and then gently shake off any extra flour.
7. If you fried: Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil, working in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pot. Fry them for just 2-3 minutes, flipping them over, until they’re perfectly golden brown and cooked. Use a slotted spoon to lift them out and place them on paper towels to drain.
8. If you air fried: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they look golden and are cooked through.
9. Once your shrimp are beautifully cooked and golden, pop them into a clean bowl. Now, drizzle about half of that amazing Bang Bang sauce over them and gently toss everything together until each shrimp is coated in that creamy, dreamy sauce.
10. Serve them up right away! Pile them onto a plate, maybe drizzle a little extra sauce on top if you’re feeling it, and sprinkle with some chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Tips for Success with Bang Bang Shrimp

Though this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is pretty foolproof, a few little tricks can really elevate it from great to absolutely unforgettable. You know, like those little details Catherine always talks about that make such a difference. First, and this is a big one: really, *really* pat those shrimp dry before you coat them! If they’re wet, the coating won’t stick, and we want every speck of that deliciousness clinging on. Also, a pet peeve of mine is overcrowding the pan or the air fryer basket. If you cram too many shrimp in there, they’ll steam instead of crisping up. Work in batches, and you’ll be rewarded with perfectly cooked shrimp every single time. And honestly, try to serve them right away. That crispy coating and creamy sauce are pure magic when they’re fresh and hot!

Serving and Storing Your Bang Bang Shrimp

Okay, so you’ve made this incredible Bang Bang Shrimp – what do you do with it now? I love serving it hot, right after tossing it in that luscious sauce. A shower of chopped fresh parsley or some thinly sliced green onions on top adds a beautiful pop of color and a hint of freshness that’s just *chef’s kiss*. It’s fantastic on its own as an appetizer, or you can serve it over fluffy steamed rice for a more complete meal. If, by some miracle, you have leftovers (ha!), just pop them into an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, I find giving them a quick spin in the air fryer at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes gets them nicely warmed through without getting soggy. You could also use a skillet on medium heat, tossing them gently.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp

Nutritional Information for Bang Bang Shrimp

Just a heads-up, the nutritional info below is an estimate, because, you know, cooking is a bit of an art and we all use slightly different ingredients! But this gives you a really good idea of what you’re working with per serving. It’s pretty balanced for such a decadent-tasting dish!

• Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of the recipe without extra sauce)
• Calories: ~350
• Protein: ~18g
• Fat: ~20g
• Sugar: ~15g
• Sodium: ~600mg
• Carbohydrates: ~25g

Share Your Bang Bang Shrimp Creation

I’d absolutely love to hear how your Bang Bang Shrimp turned out! Did you try it in the air fryer or go for the classic fry? Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or even tag me on social media with your amazing creation. Seeing your kitchen magic makes my day!

Print