Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Creamy Sauce

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful appetizer featuring perfectly fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce. Featuring a satisfying crunch and bold flavors, it’s ideal as a starter or a finger-food favorite at gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers irresistible texture with golden, crispy shrimp coated in a rich, creamy sauce that balances heat, sweetness, and tanginess. The prep is straightforward, and the results are restaurant-quality without the fuss. Ideal for parties, date nights, or a quick indulgent dinner starter, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1½ lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce

• 1–2 tsp Sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)

• ¼ cup cornstarch

• ¼ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• Vegetable oil for frying

• Chopped green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish

Recipe Card

Servings: 4 as an appetizer
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Directions

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth; set aside.

2. Pat shrimp dry, then season with salt and pepper. Toss shrimp in cornstarch until lightly coated, shaking off excess.

3. In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil to 350 °F.

4. Fry shrimp in batches, cooking 2–3 minutes per side or until golden and crisp. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.

5. Place fried shrimp in a large bowl, drizzle with sauce, and gently toss to coat evenly.

6. Arrange shrimp on a serving platter, garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This makes about 4 appetizer servings. Prep takes approximately 15 minutes and cooking around 10 minutes, making it suitable for a fast, satisfying snack or party dish.

Variations

– Extra spicy: use more Sriracha or swap for sambal oelek for added heat.
– Tangy twist: stir in a teaspoon of rice vinegar or lime juice into the sauce.
– Lightened-up version: air-fry the shrimp at 400 °F for 8–10 minutes, tossing halfway through.
– Gluten-free option: substitute cornstarch with gluten-free all-purpose flour and verify your chili sauce is gluten-free.

Storage / reheating

Store leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in a 350 °F oven or air fryer for 3–4 minutes to retain crispness. Sauce can be served cold or quickly warmed.

FAQs

What size shrimp should I use for the best texture?

Large shrimp (about 16–20 count per pound) work well here; they hold up in frying and deliver a satisfying bite.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

Yes, coat shrimp and bake at 425 °F on a parchment-lined sheet for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.

How do I ensure the sauce coats evenly?

Add shrimp while still hot and toss gently but thoroughly so the sauce clings to the surface.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare the sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Bring it to room temperature before tossing with the shrimp.

What can I serve alongside this dish?

Serve with fresh lime wedges, a crisp green salad, or steamed rice for a more substantial meal.

Is this dish kid‑friendly?

It can be mild if you reduce or omit Sriracha. Increase spice later for adult servings.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes—the frying can be done in batches while keeping finished shrimp warm in a low oven.

Does the sauce stay creamy after refrigeration?

Yes, though it might thicken; just stir in a teaspoon of water or a few drops of lime juice before serving.

Can I use a store-bought bang bang sauce?

You can, but homemade sauce is quick, taste-savvy, and lets you control spice level and flavors.

How crispy will the shrimp stay?

If served immediately, shrimp will remain crisp. Reheating in the oven or air fryer helps revive crunch if stored.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Creamy Sauce is a quick and satisfying recipe that brings a little luxury to your table. With its combination of crunch and bold flavor, it’s a memorable appetizer or snack that looks stunning, tastes indulgent, and can be on your plate in under half an hour. Let me know when you’re ready to continue to the next recipe!

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