I just made this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe, and I am obsessed! It’s the perfect combination of crispy, juicy shrimp and a creamy sauce that has just the right amount of sweet and spicy kick.

I was amazed at how simple it was to get that restaurant-quality crunch right in my own kitchen using the oven.

This recipe is a total showstopper, whether you serve it as an appetizer or the main course. It’s so good, I had to share it right away.

Ingredients

Here is the list of ingredients you’ll need to create this amazing dish. Using the right components is key to getting that perfect texture and flavor.

For the Shrimp

1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined: To save time, I suggest buying shrimp that are already peeled and deveined. Medium to large shrimp work best as they remain juicy after baking.
1 cup all-purpose flour: This is the first step in our dredging process to help the egg and breadcrumbs stick.
2 large eggs: Whisked eggs act as the binder that holds the crispy panko coating onto the shrimp.
2 cups panko bread crumbs: Panko is a must for that signature airy, super-crispy texture. Regular breadcrumbs won’t give you the same crunch.
2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil: Tossing the panko with a bit of oil helps it get golden brown and crisp in the oven.
1 tsp. garlic powder: This adds a subtle savory flavor to the shrimp coating that complements the sauce perfectly.
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: To season the breadcrumb mixture to your liking.
Freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish: This adds a pop of color and a fresh, bright flavor that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

For the Bang Bang Sauce

4 tbsp. mayonnaise: This creates the creamy, rich base of the sauce. For the best flavor, use a good-quality, full-fat mayo.
4 tbsp. sweet chili sauce: This is the star ingredient, providing the perfect balance of sweetness and gentle heat.
2 tbsp. Sriracha: To add that signature spicy kick. Feel free to adjust the amount based on your personal heat preference.
Juice of 2 limes: Fresh lime juice adds essential acidity and tang, brightening up the sauce and balancing the creaminess.
2 tsp. honey: A touch of honey enhances the sweetness and helps balance the spice from the Sriracha.
Kosher salt: Just a pinch to bring all the flavors together.

Note: This recipe makes enough for about 4 servings.

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to adapt. Here are a few ideas to put your own spin on it.

Make it in the Air Fryer: For an even quicker cooking time and extra crispy shrimp, you can easily adapt this recipe for the air fryer. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Lighter Sauce: If you’re not a fan of mayonnaise, you can substitute it with an equal amount of plain Greek yogurt. This will create a tangier, lighter sauce that’s still wonderfully creamy.
Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Adjust the Spice: The heat level is totally up to you. If you love spice, add an extra tablespoon of Sriracha. If you prefer it milder, start with just one tablespoon and add more to taste.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment You Need

Three Shallow Bowls: For setting up your dredging station for flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs.
Large Baking Sheet: To bake the shrimp in a single layer for even crispiness.
Parchment Paper: To line the baking sheet, preventing the shrimp from sticking and making cleanup a breeze.
Tongs: Useful for dipping the shrimp in the coatings to keep your fingers clean.
Medium Bowl: For whisking together the delicious Bang Bang sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

This recipe comes together in just a few straightforward steps. From coating the shrimp to whipping up the sauce, the process is simple and fun. You’ll start by creating a crispy coating for the shrimp, baking them to golden perfection, and then tossing them in the iconic creamy and spicy sauce.

Prepare the Shrimp and Breading Station

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Next, set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls. Place the flour in the first bowl. In the second, whisk the two eggs. In the third bowl, stir together the panko bread crumbs, olive oil, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Pat your shrimp dry before starting.

Coat the Shrimp

Using tongs, take one shrimp at a time and dip it first into the flour, making sure it’s lightly coated on all sides. Shake off any excess. Next, dip the floured shrimp into the whisked eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, press the shrimp into the panko mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered with the crispy crumbs. Place the coated shrimp in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Shrimp and Make the Sauce

Once all the shrimp are coated, bake them for 13 to 15 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. While the shrimp are in the oven, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, lime juice, and honey. Season with a pinch of salt and taste to see if you’d like more spice or sweetness.

Combine and Serve

When the shrimp are perfectly crispy, remove them from the oven. You can either drizzle the sauce over the shrimp directly on the baking sheet or transfer the warm shrimp to the bowl with the sauce and gently toss to coat. Garnish generously with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately while they are still warm and crunchy.

Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe 2 — Credit IG: seafood.world66

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

I’ve made this dish a few times, and here are my personal tips for making it absolutely perfect every time.

I can’t stress this enough: use panko breadcrumbs! The first time I tried a similar recipe, I used regular breadcrumbs, and the result was just not the same. Panko creates a light, airy, and incredibly crispy coating that makes all the difference.
Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet. I make sure to leave a little space between each shrimp. This allows the hot air to circulate around them, ensuring every single one gets uniformly crispy and golden.
I recommend tossing the shrimp with the sauce right before serving. If they sit in the sauce for too long, the crispy coating will start to get soggy. The magic of this dish is that contrast between the crunchy shrimp and the creamy sauce.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

These shrimp are incredibly versatile and can be served in many delicious ways. For a classic appetizer, pile them high on a platter and garnish with extra cilantro and maybe some sliced green onions or sesame seeds. You can also serve them on a bed of shredded lettuce for a restaurant-style presentation. To turn this into a main course, make Bang Bang Shrimp tacos by filling warm tortillas with the shrimp and topping them with a simple slaw and a squeeze of lime.

Nutritional Information

Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for one serving of this recipe.

Calories: 553 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fat: 28g

Make Ahead and Storage

This recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but here are some guidelines if you have leftovers.

To store, place any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for up to one day. Keep in mind that the breading will soften once refrigerated. To reheat, I suggest using an air fryer or oven at 375°F for a few minutes to help them crisp up again, though they won’t be as crunchy as when freshly made. I would not recommend freezing the cooked shrimp, as the texture of the breading and sauce will not hold up well upon thawing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This recipe is a keeper for so many reasons, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home too.

Restaurant-Quality at Home: You can recreate the famous appetizer from your favorite restaurant in your own kitchen for a fraction of the price. It’s surprisingly simple to achieve that perfect crispy texture and addictive sauce.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute party appetizer that is sure to impress.
Baked, Not Fried: This version gives you all the crunch of deep-fried shrimp without the hassle and extra oil. Baking the shrimp makes the process cleaner, easier, and a little bit lighter.
The Sauce is Irresistible: The Bang Bang sauce is the true star. It’s the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and spicy, and it’s so good you’ll want to put it on everything.