The Ultimate Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

vIf you have ever stepped foot into a Bonefish Grill, you know that the Bang Bang Shrimp is more than just an appetizer; it is a cultural phenomenon. There is something irresistible about the combination of crispy, cornstarch-dusted fried shrimp and that signature creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce. It is the kind of dish that disappears from the table in seconds. But what if you could recreate that exact magic in your own kitchen? Today, we are diving deep into the secrets of making the perfect homemade Bang Bang Shrimp that tastes just like the restaurant version—if not better.

Why This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is the Best

Many recipes claim to be “copycats,” but they often miss the mark on the texture of the shrimp or the balance of the sauce. This recipe focuses on the two pillars of great Bang Bang Shrimp: the crunch and the glaze. By using cornstarch instead of a heavy flour batter, we achieve a light, airy crispness that doesn’t get soggy the moment the sauce hits it. Furthermore, the sauce ratio provided here perfectly balances the cooling effect of mayonnaise with the zing of Thai sweet chili sauce and the kick of hot sauce.

Ingredients You Will Need

To get started, gather these simple yet effective ingredients. Quality matters, especially when it comes to the seafood!

• – 1 lb shrimp: Shelled and deveined. Small to medium-sized shrimp are preferred as they provide the perfect bite-sized “pop.”
• – 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This serves as the creamy base for our signature glaze.
• – 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce: This adds the necessary sugar and a hint of garlic/pepper flavor.
• – 3-5 drops hot chili sauce: Adjust this based on your spice tolerance (Sriracha works beautifully here).
• – 1/2 to 3/4 cup cornstarch: This is the secret to the light, crispy coating that makes the shrimp so addictive.
• – Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable or canola oil.
• – Lettuce: Shredded iceberg or butter lettuce for serving.
• – Chopped scallions: For that final fresh, oniony bite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Signature Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and hot chili sauce. Taste it! If you want it spicier, add an extra drop of hot sauce. Set this aside so the flavors can meld while you prep the shrimp.
2. Coat the Shrimp: Ensure your shrimp are patted dry with paper towels. Toss the shrimp in a bowl with the cornstarch until every piece is thoroughly and evenly coated. Shake off any excess cornstarch.
3. The Deep Fry: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F. Carefully drop the shrimp into the hot oil in batches. Do not overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2–3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
4. Drain and Cool: Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Toss in Sauce: While the shrimp are still warm, transfer them to a clean bowl and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss gently to ensure every shrimp is drenched in the glossy glaze.
6. Garnish and Serve: Arrange a bed of shredded lettuce on a platter. Pile the shrimp on top and garnish generously with chopped scallions. Serve immediately!

Pro Tips for Extra Crispy Shrimp

The biggest challenge with fried shrimp is keeping them crispy once the sauce is applied. Here are a few expert cooking tips to ensure success:

Dry Your Shrimp: If the shrimp are wet when you put them in cornstarch, the coating will become gummy rather than crispy. Use paper towels to get them as dry as possible.

Maintain Oil Temperature: If the oil is too cold, the shrimp will absorb the grease and become heavy. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked. Using a thermometer is highly recommended.

Sauce at the Last Minute: To prevent the breading from softening, don’t toss the shrimp in the sauce until you are literally ready to put the plate on the table.

Variations of the Recipe

While the classic Bonefish Grill style is hard to beat, you can certainly put your own spin on it:

• Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: For a healthier version, spray the cornstarch-coated shrimp with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Bang Bang Chicken: Not a fan of seafood? This exact same method and sauce work perfectly with bite-sized pieces of chicken breast.
• Bang Bang Tacos: Serve the saucy shrimp inside warm corn tortillas with a bit of cabbage slaw and lime juice for a fusion dinner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce actually tastes better if it sits in the fridge for an hour or two. Just keep it in an airtight container.

What is the best type of shrimp to use?
We recommend “small” or “medium” shrimp (usually 41/50 count). They have more surface area for the crispy coating and sauce compared to jumbo shrimp.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
As long as your Thai sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free, this recipe is naturally gluten-free because it uses cornstarch instead of flour!

Conclusion: The Perfect Party Appetizer

Whether you are hosting a game day party, a family dinner, or just craving a restaurant-quality meal at home, this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe never fails to impress. It’s spicy, creamy, crunchy, and absolutely delicious. Once you see how easy it is to make at home, you might never order it at the restaurant again!