If you love a crunchy bite that's bursting with creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors, this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Ready in under 30 minutes, it's the perfect quick treat to impress your friends or just indulge yourself at home.

A close-up of a white plate filled with shrimp covered in a thick, glossy orange sauce, sprinkled with chopped green onions. The shrimp are plump and coated evenly with the sauce, giving a shiny, smooth texture. A pair of dark chopsticks hold one shrimp in the foreground, showing the bright orange color and fresh green onion garnish. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with soft natural light highlighting the sauce's shine. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Sauce Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Sauce Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Sauce Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can't get enough of this bang bang shrimp! The crispy fried exterior paired with that creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce is pure magic every single time.

Quick and Easy: Ready from start to finish in just 26 minutes — perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Crisp Perfection: The cornstarch coating fries up beautifully crunchy without being greasy.
Flavor Explosion: Sweet chili meets spicy sriracha and creamy mayo for a sauce that truly pops.
Versatile Dish: Serve as an addictive appetizer or a main course that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Gathering the right ingredients makes all the difference here. I always use jumbo shrimp for that satisfying size and texture, and if you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries—you can easily whip up a quick substitute. Let’s dive into the essentials that make this dish shine.

Flat lay of peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp arranged neatly, a small bowl of fresh buttermilk, a small bowl of fine white cornstarch, a small bowl of golden vegetable oil, a small heap of coarse salt crystals, a small mound of light brown garlic powder, a small pile of whole black peppercorns, a single fresh green onion with vibrant green stalk and white bulb, a small bowl of creamy pale Japanese mayonnaise, a small bowl of bright red sweet chili sauce, a small bowl of deep red sriracha sauce, all placed on simple white ceramic bowls, arranged symmetrically with perfect proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jumbo Shrimp: They stay tender and juicy inside the crispy coating — plus, they’re easy to eat finger-food style.
Buttermilk: Adds moisture and helps tenderize the shrimp; if you don’t have it, whole milk with a splash of lemon juice works great.
Cornstarch: Creates a light and super crispy crust when frying—potato or tapioca starch are fine substitutes too.
Vegetable Oil: Choose a neutral oil with a high smoke point for perfect frying.
Salt, Garlic Powder & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Japanese Mayonnaise: Its creaminess and slight sweetness complement the sweet chili and spice perfectly—you can also use regular mayo if needed.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Offers that signature sweet-tangy kick.
Sriracha: Adds a smoky heat; adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want it.
Green Onion: Fresh garnish that adds color and a mild onion crunch.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

This Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Sauce Recipe is wonderfully versatile, so feel free to make it your own! Whether you want to turn down the heat, swap ingredients for dietary needs, or add a twist for seasonal flair, there’s plenty of room to customize without losing that perfect crispy, creamy bite.

Air Fryer Friendly: If you’re leaning towards a lighter version, air frying the shrimp at 400 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes (flipping halfway) keeps them crisp and delicious with less oil. I’ve done this on busy weeknights, and it saves cleanup time too!
Spice Level Swap: Want it milder? Simply reduce the sriracha or substitute it with a sweet chili sauce that’s less fiery. I like starting with 1 tablespoon sriracha when serving it to guests sensitive to spice.
Gluten-Free Version: Using certified gluten-free cornstarch or potato starch, along with gluten-free mayo and chili sauce, keeps this recipe totally safe for gluten-sensitive friends without losing crunch or flavor. It’s always a hit at my family gatherings!
Fresh Herb Kick: Beyond green onions, try adding fresh cilantro or basil for a vibrant herbal note. This little tweak adds an extra layer of freshness that pairs amazingly with the creamy sauce.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Sauce Recipe

The image shows four steps of making crispy shrimp. The top left shows golden brown shrimp frying in hot oil inside a black pan, with bubbles around them. The top right shows the cooked shrimp with light crispy texture, resting on a black wire rack on a white marbled surface. The bottom left displays the cooked shrimp covered and layered with a thick, creamy orange sauce in a clear glass bowl, while the bottom right shows the shrimp being mixed with the creamy sauce, coating each piece in the thick orange layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Tenderize Your Shrimp

Start by combining your peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp with the buttermilk in a medium bowl. Let them soak for 10 minutes—this little soak adds moisture and tenderness, making the shrimp succulent inside while preparing them for that crispy coating later. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries! Use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before adding the shrimp.

Step 2: Whisk Up That Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp soak, mix together the sauce in a small bowl. Combine Japanese mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This sauce is the magic that coats the crispy shrimp with a creamy, sweet, and spicy kick. Set it aside so the flavors meld nicely while you prep the coating and fry the shrimp.

Step 3: Prep the Crispy Coating

In a shallow dish or baking sheet, whisk cornstarch with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This dry dredge is what will give your shrimp that irresistible crunch. Make sure the seasoning is evenly mixed for consistent flavor on every piece.

Step 4: Coat Each Shrimp Thoroughly

Take each shrimp from the buttermilk bath and dredge it in the cornstarch mixture, coating well on both sides. The cornstarch sticks to the moisture from the buttermilk, creating that crisp crust when fried. Be sure not to shake off too much—the more even the coating, the better the texture!

Step 5: Heat and Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat 1 cup of vegetable oil over medium heat in a 10-inch skillet, warming it to 350 degrees F—it’s best to use a digital instant-read thermometer here for accuracy. Fry the shrimp in small batches so the oil temperature stays steady, about 1.5 minutes per side, until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and are perfectly crispy. Overcrowding the pan will drop the temperature and result in soggy shrimp, so patience pays off here.

Step 6: Drain and Toss in Sauce

Remove the fried shrimp and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil—this keeps them from getting greasy and maintains maximum crunch. Then, transfer them to a large bowl and pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over. Gently toss so every crispy shrimp is coated in that creamy, tangy, spicy goodness without losing any crunch.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finish by sprinkling finely chopped green onions over the shrimp. This adds a fresh, bright bite that complements the sauce beautifully. Serve these Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp right away for the best texture and enjoy every addictive mouthful!

Top Tip

Mastering the art of perfect crispy shrimp with a spicy, creamy sauce can make all the difference. Here are some key tips I’ve picked up that truly elevate this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Sauce Recipe.

Maintain Oil Temperature: I always use a thermometer to keep the oil steady at 350 degrees F. This ensures the shrimp get crispy without absorbing too much oil or becoming greasy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying shrimp in small batches is a game changer. Overcrowding drops the oil temperature and leads to soggy shrimp, something I learned the hard way!
Coat Evenly with Cornstarch: Dredging each shrimp thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture gives that addictive crunchy crust every time.
Toss Just Before Serving: I always toss the shrimp gently with the Bang Bang sauce right before plating to keep the crispiness intact and the sauce fresh and flavorful.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Sauce Recipe

A white plate with a blue pattern on one side holds about nine pieces of battered shrimp coated in a bright orange creamy sauce with small red specks. The shrimp are piled in the center, each piece fully covered and shiny with the sauce, giving a smooth and creamy texture. Scattered on top and between the shrimp pieces are thin, round slices of bright green spring onions, adding color contrast. The background shows a blurred bowl of green salad and a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a pop of color and fresh flavor, sprinkle the shrimp with finely chopped green onions as suggested. You can also add a few sprigs of cilantro or some thinly sliced red chili for extra heat and visual appeal. A light squeeze of lime over the top just before serving adds a refreshing zing that brightens the dish beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve your crispy Bang Bang Shrimp alongside simple steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up that delicious sauce. A crunchy Asian-style slaw with cabbage and carrots provides a cool contrast. For something heartier, garlic fried rice or a fresh cucumber salad pairs wonderfully with the shrimp’s bold flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the fried shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay good for up to 2 days, but expect some crispiness loss if mixed with sauce in the fridge.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked shrimp without sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for about 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat (see below) before tossing with freshly made Bang Bang sauce.

Reheating

To keep your Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp crispy, reheat in a hot oven at 375 degrees F for about 5 minutes on a wire rack to let air circulate. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain that perfect crunch. After reheating, drizzle with the sauce and serve fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating and coating to ensure the coating sticks well and the shrimp fry up crispy.

How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?

The sauce has a nice kick thanks to sriracha, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha according to your spice preference.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use certified gluten-free cornstarch (or potato/tapioca starch), and make sure to pick gluten-free versions of mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce.

Can I air fry the shrimp instead of deep frying?

Yes, you can! Air fry the coated shrimp at 400 degrees F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy. This is a great way to reduce oil usage while still enjoying that satisfying crunch.

Final Thoughts

Cooking the Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Sauce Recipe is such a joy because it’s quick, satisfying, and packs so much flavor. Whether you’re whipping it up for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this dish never fails to delight. Remember, the key is in fresh ingredients, maintaining that perfect oil temperature, and serving immediately to enjoy all the crispy goodness. Happy cooking and enjoy every bite!