WHAT’S FOR DINNER?
Bang Bang Shrimp
Array/5
COOK TIME
15 min
TOTAL TIME
25 min
SERVINGS
4-6 servings
Making homemade Bang Bang Shrimp is one of those recipes that feels fancy but is super easy to make! This easy shrimp recipe features crispy popcorn shrimp tossed in a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that’s perfect for a fun dinner or an easy appetizer that can be served in so many different ways!
If you’ve ever had Bang Bang Shrimp, then you already know, it’s one of those recipes. Crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy sauce that’s honestly addictive. I had it again last week and couldn’t stop thinking about it afterwards. It’s meant to be shared, but let’s be real, I could easily eat the entire appetizer myself. It’s that good.
What Is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp originally became popular thanks to the chain restaurant Bonefish Grill, where it’s served as a starter and quickly became an overnight sensation. I mean who can resist crispy, juicy shrimp tossed in a creamy mayo-based sauce with Thai sweet chili and just enough heat to keep things interesting. Traditionally, you bread and fry the shrimp from scratch, which is delicious but not always doable on a busy weeknight.
That’s where this version comes in! This is my easy weeknight take using frozen popcorn shrimp and a few shortcuts to make life simpler while keeping the same flavor. I toss the shrimp in the air fryer until crispy, then mix up a quick bang bang sauce while they cook. The whole thing comes together in about 20 minutes, and I usually serve it with frozen fried rice to make it a full meal. It’s quick, it’s satisfying, and this restaurant copycat totally hits the spot!
And if you love easy shrimp recipes, you should check out Corn Shrimp Chowder, Shrimp Pastries, or this Creamy Shrimp and Spinach Dip!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Popcorn Shrimp – Using frozen popcorn shrimp keeps things quick and easy while still giving you that crispy texture that holds up perfectly to the sauce. I love using the air fryer to cook them for extra crunch.
Mayonnaise – This is the creamy base of the bang bang sauce. It helps mellow out the heat and gives that rich, smooth texture that coats the shrimp well.
Sweet Thai Chili Sauce – Adds the signature sweet and spicy kick to the sauce. It’s a must for that classic bang bang flavor and you can usually find it in the international aisle at most grocery stores.
Hot Sauce – Just a few drops adds the perfect amount of heat. You can use your favorite kind here. Go mild or wild depending on your spice tolerance!
Red Pepper Flakes – Totally optional, but I love the extra bit of heat and texture and color they bring to the sauce. Sprinkle them in if you want more of a kick!
Step By Step Instructions
Cook the shrimp: Prepare the popcorn shrimp according to the package directions. You can bake them in the oven or cook them in the air fryer for extra crispiness. If using the air fryer, set it to 400°F and cook for about 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway through until golden brown and crispy.
Make the bang bang sauce: While the shrimp is cooking, grab a medium-sized bowl and add the mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, and a few drops of your favorite hot sauce. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy. If you like a little more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Coat the shrimp: Once the shrimp are cooked and crispy, transfer them to the bowl with the sauce. Gently toss until all the shrimp are evenly coated with the bang bang sauce. Be careful not to break the crispy coating while mixing.
Serve and enjoy: Serve the bang bang shrimp right away while they’re hot and crispy. They’re delicious on their own or over fried rice for a quick weeknight meal.
Expert Tips
Let the shrimp sit for a minute or two after air frying so the coating sets and stays extra crispy when tossed in the sauce.
For the best texture, don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Give the shrimp space to crisp up evenly.
If you’re using the oven, place the shrimp on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to get better airflow and crispness.
Use a spatula or toss gently with a spoon to coat the shrimp without crushing the crispy breading.
Taste the sauce before adding it to the shrimp as you can always add more heat or sweetness to your liking before it goes on.Serve immediately after tossing so the shrimp keep that crispy texture.
Ways To Customize
Swap the mayo for Greek yogurt if you want a lighter sauce with a tangy twist.
Add a splash of lime juice to the bang bang sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Mix a spoonful of sriracha into the sauce for a deep, garlicky heat.
Use coconut shrimp instead of popcorn shrimp for a slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with the sweet chili sauce.
Drizzle the bang bang sauce over grilled chicken or salmon for a twist on the original shrimp version.
Add chopped cilantro, green onion, or crushed peanuts on top for extra texture and freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve over frozen or homemade fried rice for a quick and satisfying takeout-style dinner at home.
Pile the saucy shrimp into lettuce cups for a light, crunchy appetizer or lunch.
Spoon over steamed white rice or jasmine rice for a simple, flavorful meal.
Toss with cooked noodles and a handful of green onions for a bang bang shrimp noodle bowl.
Stuff into warm tortillas with shredded cabbage for spicy shrimp tacos.
Add on top of a big green salad to turn it into a tasty main course.
Serve as a party appetizer with toothpicks and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions.
Storage Instructions
Storing: Once the shrimp is coated in the bang bang sauce, it’s best enjoyed right away for that crispy texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The sauce can be made ahead and kept separately in the fridge for up to 5 days. This recipe isn’t ideal for freezing because the coated shrimp loses its crispy texture and the mayonnaise-based sauce can separate when thawed.
Reheating: Reheat leftover shrimp in the air fryer or oven at 375°F for a few minutes to bring back some crispiness, though it won’t be quite the same. The sauce may soften the coating, so for the best texture, store the sauce and shrimp separately and toss just before serving.
FAQ
Do I need to thaw the frozen popcorn shrimp before cooking?
No thawing needed! Cook the shrimp straight from frozen following the package or air fryer instructions for best results.
Can I use a different frozen shrimp product, like tempura shrimp or coconut shrimp?
Yes, both work well and add their own twist to the dish, just keep the sauce the same and cook the shrimp as directed on the package.
What brand of sweet Thai chili sauce do you recommend?
Mae Ploy is a favorite for flavor and consistency, but any store-brand sweet chili sauce will work just fine for this recipe.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! You can mix the sauce up to 5 days ahead and store it in the fridge. Just give it a stir before using since it may settle.
How do I keep the shrimp from getting soggy once it’s coated in the sauce?
Toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving, and make sure they’ve cooled for a minute or two after cooking to help the breading hold up.
Is this a good meal prep option?
Unfortunately, no. The shrimp are best fresh. But you can prep the sauce in advance and quickly cook the shrimp when you’re ready to eat.
More Easy Appetizer Recipes
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Bang Bang Shrimp
This recipe is the easy weeknight version that we have come to love. It’s super simple, uses a lot of frozen shortcuts and is delicious.
Ingredients
1 box frozen popcorn shrimp
1 cup mayonaise
1/2 cup Sweet Thai Chili sauce
2–3 drops hot sauce (more to taste)
red pepper flakes (if desired)
Instructions
- Cook popcorn shrimp according to box instructions. Remove from oven and set aside.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonaise, chili sause, hot sauce and red pepper flakes. (Use as much hot sauce and red pepper flakes as you wish, I’m a spice wimp so I go light) Stir until all combined.
- Add cooked popcorn shrimp the the bowl with the mixed sauce and stir again until all the shrimps are well coated.
- Serve with fried rice or any other rice of your choosing! Enjoy!
Notes
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2 Responses
I never knew this was so easy to make! Great shortcuts.
I love a good shortcut for an easy dinner. So glad you liked it!