Bang Bang Shrimp

My Bang Bang shrimp recipe features breaded shrimp fried until golden and served with a sweet and spicy dipping sauce. It’s WAY better than Bonefish with multiple cooking options.

Table of Contents

1. Ingredients needed
2. How to make bang bang shrimp
3. Arman’s recipe tips
4. Storage instructions
5. Frequently asked questions
6. More must-try shrimp recipes
7. Bang Bang Shrimp (Recipe Card)

Bang bang fried shrimp is THE #1 appetizer at Bonefish Grill. It’s composed of breaded shrimp fried until golden brown and served with a creamy, spicy, sweet sauce like my spicy mayo. Because my family is obsessed with it, I’ve created a homemade version that tastes even better!

It’s crispy and crunchy outside with juicy shrimp in the middle. It’s fabulous as a fun appetizer, but it also works as a main dish. I prefer deep frying the shrimp, but I’ve also tested it in the oven and air fryer.

If you love crispy seafood like us, try my crispy calamari recipe, coconut shrimp, and fried octopus next.

Ingredients needed

• Shrimp. I prefer large or jumbo shrimp as they’re less likely to get overcooked when fried. Opt for the easy-peel and deveined shrimp, or devein it yourself. 
• Lemon juice and heavy cream. When combined, the result is a thick, tangy buttermilk to dredge the shrimp. 
• Flour. For the breading. You can also use blanched almond flour. I tested the recipe with cornstarch, but it made the shrimp too gummy, and the breading slid right off. 
• Bread crumbs. For the classic crunch. Use panko breadcrumbs for a finer, crispier bite. 
• Salt and black pepper. To taste.
• Oil. Opt for oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil. 
• Bang bang sauce. A simple combination of mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and vinegar.

How to make bang bang shrimp

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Step 3- Fry. Add the breaded shrimp to a pot of hot oil and fry until golden brown. Toss the shrimp in the sauce and serve. 

Arman’s recipe tips

• Use frozen shrimp. Let the shrimp thaw overnight or submerge them in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Then, drain the water and pat them VERY dry before using. 
• Give the ‘buttermilk’ 5 minutes to set so the cream has time to become acidic and thicken up. 
• Transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. 

Storage instructions

To store: Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three days. The sauce will keep longer, closer to one week. 

To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe container and store it in the freezer for up to two months. 

Reheating: Bake or air fry the shrimp at 300F until warm or reheat in a skillet until fully cooked. 

Frequently asked questions

More must-try shrimp recipes

• Coconut shrimp
• Honey walnut shrimp
• Air fryer shrimp
• Blackened shrimp

If you tried this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe or any other recipe on my website, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.