What Makes This bang bang shrimp appetizer So Good
I used to think the best bang bang shrimp appetizer was something you could only get at a restaurant. Then I made it at home. Spoiler alert: my version is better, cheaper, and you don’t have to wear pants.
This copycat recipe is the stuff of legends, a crispy, creamy, spicy flavor bomb that will legitimately ruin all other appetizers for you. It’s the hero your party spread deserves. Forget waiting for a table; your kitchen is the new hotspot.
What’s not to love?
It’s the ultimate textural party. You get the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried shrimp giving way to a tender, juicy interior. Then, the sauce hits you.
It’s this magical, creamy, sweet, and spicy concoction that coats every single bite. It’s nostalgic in that “fancy restaurant treat” kind of way but so unbelievably simple to master. Are you ready to become the person everyone begs to bring an appetizer?
This is your ticket.
Bang Bang Shrimp Appetizer
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Toss the shrimp in buttermilk and let marinate for 10–15 minutes for extra juiciness.
- In a bowl, whisk together cornstarch, flour, paprika, and garlic powder to create the dredge.
- Drain shrimp from buttermilk and coat thoroughly in the flour mixture for maximum crunch.
- Heat oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden. Do not overcrowd.
- In a separate bowl, whisk mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth.
- Drain fried shrimp on a rack, then toss in bang bang sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!Table of Contents
Ingredients
Gathering your squad for this bang bang shrimp appetizer is half the fun. The lineup is simple, but a few key players make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to create this iconic dish right in your own kitchen.
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch (for that insane crispiness)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Oil for frying (avocado or canola work great)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust for your heat preference)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the shrimp.
Toss your shrimp in the buttermilk and let them hang out for 10-15 minutes. This step is non-negotiable for supremely juicy shrimp.
- Create the dredge. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, flour, paprika, and garlic powder.
The cornstarch is your secret weapon for a super crispy, light coating.
- Coat the shrimp. Drain the shrimp from the buttermilk, then dredge each one thoroughly in the flour mixture. Make sure they’re fully coated for maximum crunch.
- Fry to perfection.
Heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) and fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Don’t crowd the pan, or they’ll steam instead of fry.
- Whisk the sauce. While the shrimp fry, whisk together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar.
Taste it and do a little happy dance.
- Toss and serve. Drain the fried shrimp on a wire rack, then immediately toss them in a bowl with the bang bang sauce. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
Devour.
Storage Instructions
This bang bang shrimp appetizer is best served immediately. However, if you have leftovers (a rare occurrence), let them cool completely before storing. Place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
To reheat, use an air fryer or oven to bring back the crispiness; the microwave will make them soggy. I don’t recommend freezing them after they’re sauced, as the texture will suffer.
Why You’ll Love This bang bang shrimp appetizer
- Total Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a guaranteed hit at parties, game days, or any gathering. It disappears faster than you can make it.
- Surprisingly Simple: The ingredient list looks long, but the process is straightforward and comes together in under 30 minutes.
- Restaurant-Quality at Home: You get that luxurious, “treat yourself” feel without the hefty price tag or the need to put on real pants.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the buttermilk soak. This is what ensures your shrimp stay moist and tender inside the crispy shell.
Don’t be lazy.
- Overcrowding the frying pot. This drops the oil temp and leads to greasy, soggy shrimp. Fry in batches, people. Patience is a virtue.
- Drowning them in sauce. Toss gently to coat, don’t pour and stir.
You want saucy shrimp, not shrimp soup.
Alternatives and Variations
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! For a gluten-free bang bang shrimp appetizer, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 GF baking flour. To make it keto-friendly, use a pork rind and Parmesan cheese crust instead of the flour and cornstarch.
For a lighter version, you can air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 8-10 minutes. If you’re not a mayo person, Greek yogurt makes a great tangy substitute in the sauce.
FAQs
Can I freeze this bang bang shrimp appetizer?
I only recommend freezing the shrimp before they are cooked and sauced. After breading, flash-freeze them on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag.
Fry from frozen, adding an extra minute or two. Do not freeze after saucing.
What’s the best substitute for sweet chili sauce?
In a pinch, you can mix apricot preserves with a dash of rice vinegar and a pinch of red pepper flakes. It won’t be identical, but it’ll get you close on the sweet-spicy flavor profile.
How long does it stay fresh?
The sauced shrimp are best eaten immediately.
If you must store them, they’ll keep in the fridge for 1-2 days, but the coating will lose its signature crispness.
Is this kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Just dial back the Sriracha in the sauce to eliminate the heat. The sweet and creamy elements are usually a huge hit with kids.
Can I prep it ahead of time?
You can bread the shrimp and keep them refrigerated on a parchment-lined tray for a few hours before frying.
Whisk the sauce together and store it separately in the fridge. Combine right before serving.
Final Thoughts
This bang bang shrimp appetizer recipe is a true game-changer for your entertaining repertoire. It’s the perfect blend of crispy, creamy, spicy, and sweet that keeps people coming back for more.
I promise it’s easier than it looks and so worth the effort. Give it a try this weekend and tag me in your photos! I love seeing your creations.
Now go forth and conquer the appetizer table.
