Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe – Easy Restaurant Style at Home

Bang Bang Shrimp originated from the creative kitchens of popular chain restaurants but has since become a beloved dish that home cooks everywhere want to master. This Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp recipe captures everything that makes the original so addictive – from the golden, crispy exterior to the creamy, flavor-packed sauce that brings just enough heat to keep things interesting.

The secret to restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp at home lies in understanding the technique behind achieving that perfect crispy texture while keeping the shrimp tender and succulent inside. The signature sauce, with its creamy base and carefully balanced spices, transforms ordinary fried shrimp into something truly special. This recipe breaks down every step to ensure your homemade version rivals any restaurant, giving you the confidence to impress family and friends with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients List

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined, tails removed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour blend if needed)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup buttermilk (substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice)
• Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise (use vegan mayo for dairy-free option)
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon honey (use maple syrup for vegan option)
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Garnish:

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
• Fresh cilantro leaves

Timing

This Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp recipe requires approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 12 minutes
Total time: 27 minutes

For efficient meal preparation, start by making the sauce first – it actually improves in flavor as it sits, allowing all the ingredients to meld together beautifully. While the oil heats, you can prepare the shrimp coating and get everything ready for frying. The actual frying process moves quickly, so having all components prepped beforehand ensures smooth execution and perfectly timed results.

How to Make It

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey, and garlic powder in a medium bowl until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the heat level with additional sriracha if desired. Set aside to let the flavors develop while you prepare the shrimp. The sauce should have a beautiful coral color and a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk until evenly distributed – the cornstarch is crucial for achieving that extra-crispy texture that makes restaurant-style shrimp so irresistible. Pour buttermilk into another shallow dish. Pat the shrimp completely dry with paper towels, as any excess moisture will prevent proper coating adhesion.

3. Heat the Oil

Pour oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet until it reaches about 2 inches deep. Heat to 350°F (175°C) using a thermometer for accuracy. Maintaining proper oil temperature is essential – too hot and the coating burns before the shrimp cooks through; too cool and you’ll end up with greasy, soggy results.

4. Coat the Shrimp

Working with one shrimp at a time, dip into buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well. Place coated shrimp on a wire rack while you finish the remaining pieces. This two-step process creates layers that result in maximum crispiness.

5. Fry to Golden Perfection

Carefully lower 6-8 shrimp into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy, turning once halfway through. The shrimp should float to the surface when properly cooked. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining shrimp.

6. Toss and Serve

While the shrimp are still warm, gently toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. The contrast between the hot, crispy shrimp and the cool, creamy sauce creates the perfect temperature balance. Transfer to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro leaves for that authentic restaurant presentation.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp (serves 4 as an appetizer) contains approximately:

• Calories: 385
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 680mg

Shrimp provides excellent lean protein along with beneficial omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, an important antioxidant mineral. While this is an indulgent dish due to the frying method and creamy sauce, it offers substantial protein content that can help with satiety. The dish also contains vitamin B12, zinc, and iron from the shrimp.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

Transform this indulgent Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp into a lighter option without sacrificing flavor. For a baked version, toss coated shrimp with cooking spray and bake at 425°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping once. This reduces the oil content significantly while maintaining much of the crispy texture.

Create a lighter sauce by substituting Greek yogurt for half the mayonnaise, which adds protein while reducing calories. For gluten-free needs, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and ensure your sweet chili sauce is gluten-free certified.

Make it dairy-free by using plant-based milk with lemon juice instead of buttermilk and vegan mayonnaise for the sauce. For a lower-sodium version, reduce the salt in the coating and choose a low-sodium sweet chili sauce. You can also air-fry the coated shrimp at 400°F for 6-8 minutes for a crispy result with minimal oil.

Serving Suggestions

Present your Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp on a large platter garnished with fresh herbs and lime wedges for an impressive appetizer spread. Serve alongside crispy wonton chips or lettuce cups for guests who want to make wraps. The dish pairs beautifully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice as a main course.

For beverages, consider pairing with crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which complement the spicy-sweet flavors without overwhelming the delicate shrimp. Asian-inspired cocktails or cold beer also work wonderfully. Serve 6-8 pieces per person as an appetizer, or 10-12 pieces as a main course portion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Temperature control remains the biggest challenge when making Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp. Using oil that’s too hot will burn the coating before the shrimp cooks through, while oil that’s too cool creates greasy, heavy results. Always use a thermometer and adjust heat as needed to maintain 350°F.

Don’t skip patting the shrimp dry – excess moisture prevents proper coating adhesion and creates steam that makes the coating soggy. Avoid overcrowding the pan during frying, which drops the oil temperature and results in uneven cooking. Work in small batches for consistent results.

Resist the urge to flip the shrimp too frequently while frying. Let them cook undisturbed for 1-2 minutes before turning once. Finally, don’t sauce the shrimp too far in advance – the coating will lose its crispiness. Toss with sauce just before serving for optimal texture.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftover Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container, though the coating will soften considerably. For best results, store the fried shrimp and sauce separately, combining just before serving.

Reheat in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispiness, avoiding the microwave which will make the coating soggy. The Bang Bang sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to one week and can be used as a dipping sauce for other fried foods or vegetables.

For make-ahead preparation, you can coat the raw shrimp up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate on a wire rack. The sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and actually improves in flavor. Avoid freezing the completed dish, as the texture suffers significantly upon thawing.

Conclusion

This Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp recipe proves that restaurant-quality dishes are absolutely achievable in your home kitchen. The combination of perfectly seasoned, crispy-fried shrimp with that signature creamy, spicy sauce creates a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply craving that restaurant experience at home, this recipe delivers all the flavor and satisfaction of the original with the added bonus of customizing it to your taste preferences.

Don’t be intimidated by the frying process – with proper temperature control and attention to detail, you’ll achieve professional results that rival any restaurant. Give this recipe a try and discover just how satisfying it is to recreate your favorite restaurant dishes at home. Share your variations and cooking experiences – every cook brings their own special touch to make a recipe truly their own.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them very dry before coating. Excess moisture from frozen shrimp can prevent proper coating adhesion, so spending extra time drying them is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture.

How can I make the sauce less spicy for sensitive palates?
Reduce the sriracha to just ½ teaspoon and increase the sweet chili sauce slightly to maintain the sauce consistency. You can also add an extra teaspoon of honey to balance any remaining heat with sweetness. Always taste as you adjust!

What’s the best oil temperature for frying, and how do I maintain it?
Maintain oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) throughout the frying process. The temperature will drop when you add shrimp, so work in small batches and allow the oil to return to temperature between batches. A candy or deep-fry thermometer is essential for consistent results.

Can I prepare any components ahead of time for entertaining?
The Bang Bang sauce actually tastes better when made a day ahead, allowing flavors to meld. You can also coat the raw shrimp up to 2 hours in advance and refrigerate them on a wire rack. However, fry the shrimp just before serving for optimal crispiness.

What are good side dishes to serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
This dish pairs wonderfully with coconut rice, Asian-style coleslaw, or steamed vegetables like bok choy or broccoli. For appetizer presentations, serve with lettuce cups for wrapping or alongside crispy wonton chips for extra texture contrast.

How do I know when the shrimp are properly cooked?
Properly cooked shrimp will be golden brown, float to the surface of the oil, and feel firm to the touch. The internal temperature should reach 145°F, but visual cues are usually sufficient – they’ll curl into a C-shape and turn opaque throughout when done.

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