Bang Bang Shrimp

What is bang bang shrimp?

We're cooking up some homemade bang bang shrimp today, my friends. It's been made famous as Bonefish Grill bang bang shrimp where they serve it up over a plate of greens, though I've seen with other names like "Firecracker Shrimp" or "boom boom shrimp".

Same thing, really. But if you haven't heard of it...

Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp is a dish of grilled or fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce that is primarily made from mayo and chili sauce. It's an addictive dish, one you're sure to love, particularly if you're a spicy food lover like I am. It is mostly served as an appetizer, though I see it increasingly served as tacos, as the star of a pasta dish and more.

There are two main components to making the perfect homemade bang bang shrimp: The bang bang sauce and the shrimp.

Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients

For the sauce:

• Mayonnaise
• Chili-garlic sauce
• Sriracha
• Honey
• Cayenne (or use smoked paprika for a milder version)
• Lemon juice
• Salt and pepper - to taste

For the shrimp:

• Shrimp - peeled and deveined
• Buttermilk (or use milk)
• Cornstarch
• Cayenne pepper (use smoked paprika for a milder version, or use both!)
• Salt and pepper - to taste
• Vegetable oil - for frying
• Garnishes - Fresh chopped parsley, spicy chili flakes

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Make the sauce. Add all of the bang bang sauce ingredients to a small bowl - mayo, chili-garlic sauce, sriracha, honey, lemon juice, cayenne and some salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. 

Heat the oil to 375°F. Do not let the oil boil. If you do not have a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil, test the oil with a tiny drop of flour. It will immediately sizzle up.

Soak the shrimp. Add the shrimp and buttermilk to a large bowl. Soak for a few minutes while the oil is heating.

Whisk the cornstarch mixture. Whisk together the cornstarch, cayenne (or paprika) and a bit of salt and pepper into a separate medium bowl.

Coat the shrimp. Remove the shrimp and shake off any excess buttermilk. Coat the shrimp in the seasoned cornstarch mixture.

Cook the shrimp. Fry the shrimp for 1 minute per side, or until they are cooked through and golden brown. Remove and drain the shrimp on paper towels on a plate or baking sheet.

Make them saucy. Toss the shrimp with the bang bang sauce then garnish with fresh parsley or green onions and spicy chili flakes. Try with fresh squeezed lime juice!

Boom! That's it, my friends.  Or should I say "Bang!" Easy enough, isn't it? I hope your family loves it. The sauce is crazy easy to make, and the shrimp only requires a bit of frying. Toss it all together and bang! It's ready to serve.

Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp Serving Suggestions

• Appetizer. Serve bang bang shrimp over spinach or other leafy greens as a simple appetizer or as the starter for your main course.
• Over Rice. Make it a meal by serving the shrimp over steamed rice or cauliflower rice.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta. Toss the cooked shrimp with your favorite noodles for a quick and easy pasta dinner.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos. Serve your homemade bang bang shrimp over warmed tortillas with a few of your favorite toppings, like sliced avocado or chopped tomato.

Storage

Bang bang shrimp best enjoyed fresh. When stored in the fridge, the breading around the shrimp tends to get soggy from the sauce. While you can keep bang bang shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for 48 hours, it's really best when served fresh!

Try Some of My Other Popular Shrimp Recipes

• Shrimp Po' Boy Sandwich
• Blackened Shrimp
• Shrimp Etouffee
• Shrimp Creole
• Spicy Cajun Shrimp
• Shrimp and Red Bean Chili
• Shrimp in Fiery Chipotle-Tequila Sauce (from my cookbook! “The Spicy Food Lovers’ Cookbook“)
• Grilled Buffalo Shrimp
• Shrimp Ceviche
• Aguachile (Mexican Shrimp Ceviche)

Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.