Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp: Crispy Flavor Explosion
There’s nothing quite like the crunch of crispy shrimp tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce to kick your taste buds into high gear! My Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp is a flavor explosion that’s crispy, savory, fresh, and loaded with protein—350 calories worth of pure deliciousness. I whipped up this recipe on a particularly busy weeknight when I needed something quick yet satisfying for my family. With these succulent shrimp on the table, I knew I could serve up a meal that everyone would love without spending hours in the kitchen.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this dish; it was a rainy Friday evening, and my teenagers were bickering over what to have for dinner. As I plated the bang bang shrimp, my daughter exclaimed, “Wow, Mom! It smells amazing!” The twist that sets this recipe apart from others is the use of sriracha-infused mayonnaise that adds just the right amount of zing. When I served them up, my son polished off his portion and looked straight at me with wide eyes, asking for seconds—an undeniable sign that I’d hit a home run!
Ingredients for the Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp
Each ingredient in this dish plays an essential role in flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Provides the main protein with a sweet, tender bite.
1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates a crispy coating that enhances texture.
1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tang that tenderizes the shrimp.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors within the dish.
1 teaspoon black pepper: Introduces a hint of warmth and depth to the batter.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base of the sauce, adding richness.
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a gentle heat to the sauce.
1 teaspoon Sriracha (adjust to taste): Delivers a spicy kick that elevates the flavor profile.
2 tablespoons green onions (sliced): Offers a fresh, crisp garnish that brightens the dish.
1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and visual appeal to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend starting with the shrimp preparation to ensure they are ready to fry while you whip up the sauce, making everything come together seamlessly.
Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper until well mixed. Dip each peeled and deveined shrimp into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off before dredging it in the flour mixture. This double-dipping technique helps achieve that satisfying crispy texture. Make sure each shrimp is well-coated in flour for maximum crunchiness when fried.
Step 2: Heat about an inch of oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches around 350°F. Carefully add the shrimp in batches—be sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain the oil’s temperature and achieve even cooking. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy with no pink remaining. I like to use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, letting any excess oil drain back into the pan.
Step 3: While the shrimp are frying, grab another bowl and whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth and creamy. Adjust the Sriracha according to your spice preference; my family enjoys a bit more heat, so I often add a dash extra! This sauce is what makes Bang Bang shrimp stand out, so take your time blending it for an even consistency.
Step 4: Once all the shrimp are fried and crispy, toss them in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until they are generously coated. This step is best done in a large mixing bowl to ensure every piece gets that flavorful glaze. The sauce clings beautifully when done right, making each bite deliciously rich.
Step 5: Finally, garnish your dish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal before serving. A sprinkle of these fresh toppings not only elevates the presentation but also adds a nice crunch! Enjoy your Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp with your favorite side or on its own as a flavorful protein-packed treat.
What to Serve with Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp
This dish is already incredibly filling and balanced, but these sides add extra variety and nutrition to round out your meal perfectly.
Crispy Asian Slaw: This vibrant slaw combines shredded cabbage, carrots, and red bell pepper, all tossed in a light sesame dressing. The crunch of the vegetables contrasts beautifully with the crispy shrimp and complements the sweet and spicy notes of the Bang Bang sauce. Packed with fiber and vitamins A and C, it’s a refreshing way to boost your meal’s nutritional profile, making it a perfect addition to our dinner table on busy weeknights.
Coconut Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice cooked in coconut milk brings a subtle sweetness that pairs nicely with the spicy shrimp. The creamy texture of the rice balances the crispiness of the shrimp while echoing some of the Asian flavors present in the dish. Plus, this side adds an extra 4 grams of protein per serving, providing a satisfying carbohydrate source that’s a staple in our family meal prep.
Avocado Cilantro Dip: Creamy avocado blended with fresh cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt creates a delicious dip that adds healthy fats and richness to your plate. The coolness of the dip complements the heat from the Bang Bang shrimp while also providing about 3 grams of protein per serving. My kids love it as a dipping option, making it an easy way for them to enjoy their veggies on taco or seafood nights.
Sweet Potato Fries: Oven-baked sweet potato fries seasoned with paprika and garlic powder offer a sweet contrast to the savory shrimp. The slight crispiness adds texture while still being nutrient-dense, delivering vitamins A and C along with about 2 grams of protein per serving. We often make these fries as a weekend treat; they disappear quickly during family movie nights!
Storage & Serving Tips
To store your Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp for meal prep, place the crispy shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. The Bang Bang sauce should be stored separately in another airtight container to maintain its creamy texture, and this can last for about a week. For the garnishes, keep the sliced green onions and sesame seeds in individual small containers to prevent them from getting soggy.
When reheating, avoid the microwave as it makes the shrimp soft and disappointing. Instead, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the shrimp on a baking sheet for about 6–8 minutes until they’re hot and regain some of their crispiness. Reheat the Bang Bang sauce on the stovetop over low heat for about 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently to ensure it doesn’t separate. The garnishes should be added fresh after reheating to maintain their crunch.
Pro tip: To batch cook this recipe for the week, consider doubling the ingredients and prepping everything on Sunday. Portion out servings into containers so family members can self-assemble their bowls throughout the week. For variety, you can swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu, and you could add extra veggies like bell peppers or avocado for more nutrients. To keep your shrimp crispy during meal prep storage, store them separately from any sauces or toppings until you’re ready to eat.
Conclusion
Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp has become a recipe I make at least once a week because it’s genuinely easy, incredibly satisfying, and delivers 350 calories per serving without tasting like diet food. The buttermilk in the batter gives the shrimp an irresistible crispiness that sets it apart from typical shrimp dishes. Give this one a try this week. I promise it’ll become a regular rotation meal in your house too.
Quick & Easy Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
Method
- In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and black pepper. Dip each shrimp in buttermilk and then dredge in the flour mixture.
- Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth.
- Toss the fried shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds before serving.
