Easy Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

Easy Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp delivers crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce that’s bold yet perfectly balanced. This quick 22-minute recipe transforms simple pantry ingredients into a restaurant-style seafood dish right at home. With its crunchy coating and silky chili mayo glaze, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Weeknight-Friendly – Ready in just 22 minutes.
• Crispy Yet Tender – Light cornstarch coating creates delicate crunch.
• Creamy Sweet Heat – Chili sauce and Sriracha balance richness and spice.
• Customizable Spice Level – Easily adjust heat to preference.
• Restaurant-Style at Home – Better texture and fresher flavor than takeout.
• Versatile Serving Options – Works as a main dish or appetizer.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – Provides tender, quick-cooking protein.
• ½ cup cornstarch (or flour) – Creates a crisp, light coating (cornstarch gives extra crunch).
• ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances shrimp’s natural flavor.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds mild warmth.
• 2 tablespoons vegetable or olive oil – For shallow pan-frying.
• ½ cup mayonnaise – Creamy base for signature Bang Bang sauce.
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – Adds sweetness and mild heat.
• 1–2 tablespoons Sriracha – Provides adjustable spice.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Adds savory depth.
• 2 green onions, sliced – Fresh garnish and flavor contrast.
• Sesame seeds (optional) – Adds subtle nuttiness and texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Coat the Shrimp

Place cornstarch (or flour) in a shallow bowl. Lightly dredge each shrimp, shaking off excess coating for an even crust.

Heat the Oil

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.

Cook the Shrimp

Place shrimp in a single layer in the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and opaque. Avoid overcrowding; cook in batches if needed.

Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and garlic powder until smooth and creamy.

Combine Shrimp and Sauce

Return shrimp to the skillet over low heat. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to coat evenly.

Warm and Serve

Allow sauce to warm slightly without overcooking the shrimp. Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.

Recipe Notes & Tips

• Pat Shrimp Dry Thoroughly – Ensures crisp coating.
• Use Cornstarch for Extra Crunch – Produces lighter texture than flour.
• Avoid Overcrowding – Prevents steaming instead of searing.
• Adjust Sauce to Taste – Add honey for sweetness or extra Sriracha for heat.
• Toss Off Direct Heat – Prevents overcooking once shrimp are done.
• Serve Immediately – Best texture while freshly coated.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 320 kcal per serving
• Carbohydrates: 18g (approximate)
• Protein: 24g (approximate)
• Fat: 18g (approximate)

Perfect Pairings

• Steamed Jasmine Rice – Absorbs extra sauce beautifully.
• Garlic Noodles – Complements creamy heat.
• Fresh Cucumber Salad – Balances richness with freshness.
• Lightly Steamed Broccoli – Adds color and nutrition.

Ideal Occasions

• Quick Weeknight Dinners – Fast yet impressive.
• Game Day Appetizer Spread – Crowd favorite.
• Casual Entertaining – Elegant but simple.
• Seafood Night at Home – Comforting and flavorful.

Storage & Serving Tips

• Best Served Fresh – Maintains crisp texture.
• Reheat Gently in Skillet – Over low heat to avoid rubbery shrimp.
• Avoid Microwaving – May soften coating.
• Serve Over Rice for Leftovers – Helps maintain texture and moisture.

Creative Variations to Try

• Air Fryer Version – Lightly spray shrimp and air fry at 400°F for 6–8 minutes.
• Extra Spicy – Add chili oil or crushed red pepper.
• Healthier Swap – Use Greek yogurt for part of the mayonnaise.
• Add Vegetables – Toss with snap peas or bell peppers.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Shrimp Not Crispy – Oil wasn’t hot enough.
• Shrimp Overcooked – Cook only until opaque and curled.
• Sauce Too Thick – Add a teaspoon of water or lime juice.
• Too Spicy – Increase sweet chili sauce or add a touch of honey.

Why This Recipe Works

Bang Bang Shrimp works because it balances texture and flavor chemistry. The cornstarch coating forms a crisp exterior through rapid surface dehydration in hot oil. Shrimp cook quickly due to their high protein density, requiring minimal time to remain tender. The sauce combines fat from mayonnaise with sugar and acidity from sweet chili sauce and Sriracha, creating a stable emulsion that clings to each shrimp. Garlic powder enhances umami depth without overpowering the delicate seafood. At 320 calories per serving, it delivers bold flavor while remaining relatively moderate for a creamy seafood dish.

Final Thoughts

Easy Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp brings restaurant-quality flavor into your kitchen in under 25 minutes. Crispy, creamy, and perfectly balanced between sweet and heat, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll turn to again and again. Whether served as a main course or appetizer, it’s guaranteed to impress with minimal effort.