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Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Category: Food That Makes People Think You've Got Life Figured Out

This dish features large shrimp marinated in buttermilk, coated with a seasoned flour mix, and panko breadcrumbs for a crisp exterior. Fried until golden, the shrimp are then drizzled or tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. The result is a perfect balance of crunch and tangy heat with a touch of sweetness, ideal as an Asian-inspired appetizer.

For added texture, crushed cornflakes can be mixed with panko crumbs. The heat level of the sauce is easily adjusted by varying the sriracha amount. Alternatively, chicken tenders can replace shrimp for a different offering without losing the signature crispiness and sauce flavor.

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Lili Clark smiling at the camera.
Created By Lili Clark
Updated on Tue, 10 Mar 2026 00:15:33 GMT
A white plate with a bowl of crispy bang bang shrimp. Save
A white plate with a bowl of crispy bang bang shrimp. | lilicooks.com

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp is a perfect appetizer for those nights when you crave something crunchy with a spicy kick. The shrimp are coated in a light and crispy panko crust and paired with a creamy, tangy sauce that wakes up your taste buds. This dish comes together quickly and makes entertaining feel effortless.

I first made this dish for a weekend gathering and it disappeared within minutes. Now it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser at every party.

Ingredients

  • One pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: make sure they are fresh or properly thawed for the best texture
  • One cup buttermilk: this tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick better
  • One cup all-purpose flour: the base of the breading mixture
  • One teaspoon paprika: adds a smoky depth try to use sweet or smoked paprika for richer flavor
  • One teaspoon garlic powder: an easy way to infuse savory notes without chopping fresh garlic
  • One teaspoon onion powder: balances flavors and adds mild sweetness
  • Half teaspoon salt and quarter teaspoon black pepper: essential seasoning to bring everything together
  • Half cup panko breadcrumbs: these create the signature crunch look for Japanese-style panko for lightest coating
  • Vegetable oil for frying: choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola or sunflower
  • For the Bang Bang sauce: combine half cup mayonnaise, quarter cup sweet chili sauce, one tablespoon sriracha (adjust to your heat preference), and one teaspoon lime juice for a tangy balance

Step-by-Step Instructions

Make the Bang Bang sauce:
Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice thoroughly in a bowl. Set it aside so the flavors meld.
Marinate the shrimp:
Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp in a large bowl and let them soak for around 15 minutes. This step helps keep the shrimp juicy and tender.
Prepare the dry coating:
In a shallow dish, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk lightly to mix evenly.
Coat the shrimp:
Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge in the seasoned flour, dip again in buttermilk, then press into the panko breadcrumbs until generously coated.
Fry the shrimp:
Heat about one inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches for about two to three minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve:
Drizzle the shrimp with the Bang Bang sauce or toss them gently in the sauce for a full coating before serving. Enjoy right away for the best crunch.
A bowl of crispy bang bang shrimp. Save
A bowl of crispy bang bang shrimp. | lilicooks.com

One of my favorite things about this dish is the crunchy panko coating which is light but unbelievably crispy. It reminds me of the time I made this for a midsummer get-together and ended up making double batches because everyone kept coming back for more.

Storage Tips

If you have leftovers, keep the shrimp separate from the sauce and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in a hot oven or toaster oven to restore crispiness rather than microwaving which makes it soggy. The sauce can be stored covered in the fridge for up to three days.

Ingredient Substitutions

Try chicken tenders instead of shrimp for a fun variation that works just as well with the Bang Bang sauce. Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce. If you do not have buttermilk, mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for five minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this with a crisp green salad or steamed jasmine rice for a quick meal. Add a squeeze of fresh lime on top just before serving to brighten the flavors. Offer extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Recipe FAQs

→ What gives the shrimp its crispy texture?

The shrimp is coated in a mixture of seasoned flour and panko breadcrumbs, which when fried in hot oil, creates a crunchy exterior.

→ How is the Bang Bang sauce prepared?

It's made by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until smooth, combining creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

→ Can this dish be made less spicy?

Yes, the heat can be toned down by reducing the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce.

→ Is there an alternative to shrimp for this dish?

Chicken tenders can be used instead, providing a similar crispy texture and flavor when coated and cooked the same way.

→ How can I add extra crunch to the coating?

Adding crushed cornflakes to the panko breadcrumb mixture enhances the crunchiness of the coating.

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

Crunchy shrimp coated in panko crumbs and tossed in a zesty Bang Bang sauce with a hint of heat.

Preparation Time
15 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Overall Time
25 min
Created By: Lili Clark

Category: Snacks

Skill Level: Moderate

Cuisine Type: Asian

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

→ Shrimp and Marinade

01 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
02 1 cup buttermilk

→ Breading

03 1 cup all-purpose flour
04 1 tsp paprika
05 1 tsp garlic powder
06 1 tsp onion powder
07 ½ tsp salt
08 ¼ tsp black pepper
09 ½ cup panko breadcrumbs

→ Frying

10 Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 inch in skillet)

→ Bang Bang Sauce

11 ½ cup mayonnaise
12 ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
13 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
14 1 tsp lime juice

Steps

Step 01

In a large bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Whisk until smooth and set aside.

Step 02

Place shrimp in a separate bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Let marinate for 15 minutes.

Step 03

In a shallow dish, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

Step 04

Remove shrimp from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, dip back into buttermilk, then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.

Step 05

Heat vegetable oil in a skillet to about 1 inch depth over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 06

Drizzle shrimp with Bang Bang sauce or toss shrimp in the sauce for full coating prior to plating.

Tips

  1. For extra crunch, add crushed cornflakes to the panko breadcrumb mixture.
  2. Chicken tenders can substitute shrimp for a variation.
  3. Adjust the sriracha quantity to modify the heat level of the sauce.

Required Tools

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Shallow dish for breading
  • Large skillet
  • Paper towels for draining

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains shellfish, gluten, and eggs (in mayonnaise)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Fats: 18 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Proteins: 25 g