Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp – The Best Crispy Shrimp Recipe (30 Min)

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp is the ultimate way to bring restaurant flavor home. If you’ve ever had the iconic version at Bonefish Grill, you know it’s love at first bite. These golden shrimp, tossed in a creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce, vanish within minutes of hitting the table. The best part? You can make this crispy, saucy favorite at home in under 30 minutes—no reservations needed.

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Crispy copycat bang bang shrimp on plate with chili mayo sauce

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Creamy, spicy, crunchy shrimp coated in a sweet and tangy Bang Bang sauce—this copycat version brings the restaurant favorite right to your kitchen.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Seafood
Cuisine: American
Calories: 420

Ingredients
  

Shrimp
  • 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
Breading & Frying
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp sriracha
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 eggs eggs beaten
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying
Garnish
  • green onions chopped
  • sesame seeds

Equipment

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Frying Pan
  • Slotted Spoon

Method
 

  1. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Whisk until smooth. Set aside.
  2. Season shrimp with salt and pepper.
  3. In one bowl, whisk eggs. In another, mix flour and cornstarch.
  4. Dredge shrimp in egg, then flour‑cornstarch mixture, pressing to coat well.
  5. Heat oil in pan over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Use slotted spoon to transfer to paper towels.
  6. In a clean bowl, toss fried shrimp with prepared sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Notes

You can bake shrimp at 200 °C (400 °F) for 10–12 minutes instead of frying to make it lighter. Adjust spice by adding more or less sriracha.

What Is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular American appetizer featuring lightly breaded shrimp, fried until golden, and tossed in a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. It’s crispy, spicy, and just a little sweet—an unforgettable combination that’s taken social media by storm.

This copycat version brings the flavor home using everyday ingredients and three simple steps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make restaurant-style Bang Bang Shrimp at home.

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb medium raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or 1 egg, beaten)
  • ¾ cup cornstarch (or panko for extra crunch)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Vegetable oil for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ¼ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • (Optional: 1 tsp lime juice or ½ tsp garlic powder)
 Ingredients for copycat bang bang shrimp recipe
You probably already have everything you need

Want a healthier twist? Try air-frying instead of deep-frying!

How to Make Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

This version comes together in 3 simple steps.

Step 1: Coat the Shrimp

Rinse and dry the shrimp with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Dip them in buttermilk or beaten egg, then dredge in cornstarch (or panko) until fully coated.

Step 2: Cook Until Crispy

  • Fry Method: Heat oil to 375°Cook the shrimp in small batches, frying each side for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
  • Air Fryer Method: Spray breaded shrimp lightly with oil. Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
 Crispy shrimp cooking in air fryer for bang bang recipe
Fry or air fry—your choice for that golden crunch

Step 3: Make and Toss in Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk mayo, chili sauce, and sriracha until fully combined. Once the shrimp are slightly cooled, toss them in the sauce or drizzle over top just before serving.

Creamy bang bang sauce drizzled over crispy shrimp
The key to this copycat shrimp recipe? That sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe

ReasonBenefit
Restaurant QualityTastes just like the original
Quick to MakeReady in under 30 minutes
Flexible Cooking StyleFry, bake, or air-fry
Budget-FriendlyNo need to dine out
Crowd-PleaserAlways a hit at parties or game nights

Serving Ideas for Bang Bang Shrim

Bang Bang Shrimp isn’t just for appetizers. Here’s how to enjoy it:

  • On a bed of shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • In soft tacos with slaw and avocado
  • Over jasmine rice or garlic noodles
  • On skewers for party appetizers
  • In wraps or sliders with pickles and greens

Craving a chicken version?
Try our Bang Bang Chicken Recipe

Storage & Reheating Tips

Storage:

  • Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Store sauce and shrimp separately for best texture

Reheat:

  • Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes
  • Avoid the microwave—it will turn the shrimp soggy

Make It Healthier (Optional Swaps)

  • Use air fryer instead of frying
  • Light mayo or Greek yogurt instead of full-fat
  • Try gluten-free panko or almond flour
  • Serve in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option

Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

NutrientApprox. Value
Calories~320 kcal
Protein~20g
Fat~22g
Carbs~12g
Sugar~5g

Based on 1 serving (¼ of recipe) using light mayo and air fryer method.

FAQs About Bang Bang Shrimp

What’s Bang Bang Shrimp sauce made of?

A mix of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, sometimes with garlic or lime.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just make sure to thaw and dry them completely before coating.

Is Bang Bang Shrimp spicy?

It has a mild to medium heat. Reduce the sriracha if you prefer less spice.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use egg or plant-based milk instead of buttermilk and vegan mayo.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free cornstarch or almond flour for coating, and make sure your sauces are certified GF.

Final Thoughts on Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp proves that restaurant-quality flavor doesn’t have to come with a reservation or a big bill. With just a few pantry staples and under 30 minutes, you can recreate this crispy, creamy, spicy favorite right in your own kitchen.

Whether you’re serving it as a party appetizer, stuffing it into tacos, or layering it over rice, this bold, flavorful shrimp dish is guaranteed to impress. The sweet chili and sriracha sauce combination brings just the right amount of kick, while the golden coating adds irresistible crunch.

So the next time you’re craving something bold and crave-worthy, skip the takeout and whip up this bang bang shrimp recipe instead. Trust us—your kitchen is about to become everyone’s new favorite spot for spicy comfort food.

Looking for more saucy, crowd-pleasing recipes?
Don’t miss our Bang Bang Chicken and Bang Bang Salmon Bites!

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