There’s nothing quite like the thrill of digging into a platter of Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp — from the first spicy, crispy bite to that last swipe of irresistible sauce. This dish takes everything you love about classic shrimp appetizers and turns up the flavor dial, hitting you with creamy sweetness, just the right kick of heat, and a crunch that practically begs to be shared. Whether you’re planning a date night, family dinner, or show-stopping party snack, this easy recipe is about to become your new kitchen hero.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and a splash of your favorite Asian condiments, you can whip up Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp any night of the week! Every ingredient shines: the shrimp delivers tender bite, the cornstarch ensures a crispy crust, and that homemade sauce is what pulls it all together. Here is exactly what you need and why it matters.
- Shrimp: Use 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp for quick prep and perfectly tender morsels every time.
- Cornstarch: At ½ cup, this creates the essential crunchy coating when frying or air frying.
- Salt: Just ½ teaspoon helps the shrimp’s natural flavor pop without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: Also ½ teaspoon, bringing subtle heat and balance to the breading.
- Oil: For frying (or spritzing shrimp if you’re using the air fryer) to get that classic golden finish.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base (½ cup) of your luscious Bang Bang sauce; opt for full-fat for richness.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: A quarter cup adds delightful sweetness and a gentle heat.
- Sriracha: Adjust 1–2 tablespoons to taste for the perfect spicy punch.
- Honey or Sugar: Just 1 tablespoon for a subtle lift and balance in the sauce.
- Rice Vinegar or Lime Juice: 1 teaspoon provides acidity that keeps your sauce fresh and bright.
How to Make Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp
Step 1: Coat the Shrimp
Start by patting your shrimp completely dry with paper towels — this helps the coating stick and ensures they’ll fry up crisp and beautiful. Toss the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl, making sure each piece is evenly coated. If you love super-crisp results, don’t be shy about tossing everything with your hands to press the cornstarch on!
Step 2: Cook the Shrimp
Now it’s showtime! For deep-frying, heat your oil to 350°F in a sturdy skillet or pot. Fry shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden and curl up tightly — you’re looking for a shatteringly crisp exterior. For air frying, arrange coated shrimp on your air fryer tray, give them a generous oil spray, and bake at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes. Shake them halfway through so every nook and cranny gets crispy. Either technique yields restaurant-level results.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp are cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha (to taste), honey (or sugar), and rice vinegar (or lime juice) in a medium bowl. This is the moment where the Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp magic happens. Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired — add more sriracha if you like it fiery or a squeeze extra citrus for zip.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
As soon as your shrimp are fresh out of the fryer or air fryer, place them in a large bowl and pour over the creamy Bang Bang sauce. Toss gently, just enough to coat. Serve immediately for that signature contrast of crunchy and creamy that makes this dish irresistible. Don’t wait — you want the shrimp hot and the coating at peak crispness!
How to Serve Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp
Garnishes
Finish your Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp with a handful of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for color, crunch, and a lively pop of flavor. A wedge of lime or a dusting of fresh cilantro adds brightness that’s always welcome. Let your presentation shine, because the eyes do half the tasting!
Side Dishes
This shrimp absolutely loves to be the star atop a fluffy bed of jasmine rice or lightly garlicky fried rice. For a lighter meal, turn it into a refreshing salad with crisp greens. If you’re serving a crowd, try pairing with crunchy slaw, cucumber salad, or even seasoned fries for a playful fusion feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Kick things up a notch by tucking Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp into warm tacos or cool, crisp lettuce wraps for an unforgettable hand-held treat. Skewer them onto toothpicks for an easy party appetizer, or scatter them over an Asian-inspired grain bowl with pickled veggies. The sauce is so versatile, you’ll want to drizzle any that’s left over everything in sight!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (hard to believe!), store the Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. For best texture, store sauce and shrimp separately if possible, and only combine just before serving to keep things from getting soggy.
Freezing
While breaded shrimp can be frozen, the signature crunch is best enjoyed right after cooking. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the cooked, un-sauced shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a bag for up to 2 months. Whip up fresh sauce and toss after reheating for the freshest flavor and texture.
Reheating
To bring leftover Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp back to life, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes until crisp and warmed through. Avoid the microwave, as it will make the coating soggy. Toss with fresh sauce just before serving for best results.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before dredging, so the cornstarch adheres and everything crisps up nicely during cooking.
Is there a substitute for sweet chili sauce?
If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, mix together some honey or sugar with a splash of sriracha, rice vinegar, and a pinch of chili flakes. It won’t be identical, but you’ll still get that sweet-spicy balance.
Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just give it a quick whisk before tossing with your shrimp, and you’re ready for instant flavor.
What’s the best way to keep Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp crispy?
Wait to toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until everyone is ready to eat. The hot shrimp and cool, creamy sauce create that signature contrast, so resisting the urge to combine ahead of time is key for crispiness.
Is this recipe very spicy?
Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp is meant to have a pleasant kick, but you control the heat! Start with less sriracha and add more to taste. For extra-mild, try reducing or omitting the sriracha and letting family or guests add their own heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something fun, bold, and unforgettable, give Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp a spot in your weekly rotation. It’s a conversation starter, a comfort food, and a guaranteed way to impress everyone at your table. I can’t wait for you to taste just how easy and rewarding it is to make this crowd-pleaser at home!