Name: Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup whole milk and 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes); 3/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch/tapioca starch); 3/4 tsp salt; 3/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying); 1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise (or substitute with regular mayo); 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spiciness); 1 green onion (finely chopped)

If you love a dish that's bursting with flavor and texture, then this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine golden, crunchy shrimp enveloped in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce—all ready in just 26 minutes!

A close-up view showing black chopsticks holding one orange shrimp coated in a thick, glossy sauce with small red flecks, garnished with thinly sliced green onions. Below, there is a white plate with a blue design holding several more shrimp covered in the same sauce and green onion pieces. The background is a white marbled texture. The 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 Mayo Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Whenever I’m craving something crispy and flavorful but don’t want to spend forever cooking, this Bang Bang Shrimp hits the spot every single time. It's my go-to appetizer when friends come over, and it never disappoints!

Speedy and Simple: Ready in just 26 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Perfectly Crispy: The cornstarch coating fries up super crunchy without feeling greasy.
Balanced Flavors: Creamy mayo, sweet chili, and sriracha give you that irresistible sweet, tangy, and spicy combo.
Versatile: Great as an appetizer, snack, or even served over rice for a quick meal.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When gathering ingredients for this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, quality shrimp really make a difference. Fresh jumbo shrimp ensure great texture, and don’t skip soaking them in buttermilk—it tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick better. Let me walk you through some key ingredients and why they’re essential.

Flat lay of peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp, a small white bowl of fresh buttermilk, a small white bowl of fine cornstarch powder, a small white bowl of golden vegetable oil, a small white bowl of smooth Japanese mayonnaise, a small white bowl of glossy sweet chili sauce, a small white bowl of bright red sriracha sauce, one whole green onion with vibrant green stalks and white bulb placed gently beside the bowls, sprinkled salt crystals and whole black peppercorns artistically scattered near the plain white ceramic bowls, all ingredients fresh and natural, perfectly balanced and symmetrical arrangement 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: Bigger shrimp hold up nicely to frying and get beautifully crispy without drying out.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes shrimp and adds subtle tanginess; a simple milk-and-lemon-juice substitute works too.
Cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy coating that fries up golden and keeps oil absorption low.
Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil with high smoke point ensures perfect frying without overpowering flavors.
Japanese Mayonnaise: Creamier and less tart than regular mayo, but you can sub with what you have.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds just the right amount of sweetness with a kick, balancing the spicy mayo.
Sriracha: Brings heat and depth; adjust the amount to your preferred spice level.
Green Onion: Fresh, mild onion flavor adds a burst of color and freshness as garnish.
Salt, Garlic Powder & Black Pepper: Essential for flavoring the crispy coating, making every bite deliciously seasoned.

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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

One of the best things about this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own! Whether you want to dial up the heat, lighten it up, or even switch up the cooking method, there’s plenty of room to personalize this crowd-pleasing dish.

Gluten-Free Version: I love swapping cornstarch for tapioca starch and using gluten-free sweet chili sauce to make this dish safe for gluten-sensitive friends without sacrificing crispiness or flavor.
Air Fryer Alternative: For a lighter spin, air frying the coated shrimp at 400 degrees F for 8-10 minutes (flipping halfway) works beautifully. The shrimp stay crispy yet avoid excess oil—perfect for when I want faster cleanup!
Adjusting the Spice: If you're like me and enjoy a bold kick, adding a bit more sriracha to the sauce amps up the heat perfectly. Or, if you prefer mild, simply reduce it for a gentler, sweeter flavor.
Seasonal Twists: Try tossing in finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil along with the green onions for a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up this crispy delight.

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

The image shows four steps of making crispy shrimp with sauce. In the top left, pale orange shrimp are frying in bubbling golden oil inside a dark pan. In the top right, the cooked shrimp, golden and slightly crispy, are drying on a black metal rack. The bottom left shows cooked shrimp covered in thick, creamy, light orange sauce in a clear glass bowl. The bottom right zooms in on shrimp coated evenly with the same creamy sauce, being stirred with a dark spatula. The background shows a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Tenderize the Shrimp with a Buttermilk Soak

Begin by placing 1 pound of peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp into a medium bowl. Pour over 1 cup of buttermilk (or your milk and lemon juice mixture) and let the shrimp soak for 10 minutes. This step gently tenderizes the shrimp, ensuring they stay juicy inside once fried. You’ll notice the shrimp feel a little softer and plumper after soaking—just the right texture to look for!

Step 2: Whip Up the Creamy Bang Bang Sauce

While your shrimp soak, mix together the sauce to save time. In a small bowl, whisk ½ cup Japanese mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons sriracha until smooth and creamy. Set aside to let the flavors meld. Pro tip: Taste the sauce and adjust the sriracha if you want it spicier or milder.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Coating Blend

In a shallow dish or a large baking sheet, combine ¾ cup cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Whisk these together thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating mix. This blend is the secret to that addictive crispy texture that clings perfectly to each shrimp.

Step 4: Dredge Each Shrimp Evenly

One by one, take shrimp out of the buttermilk and dredge them in the cornstarch mixture, making sure to cover both sides completely. Shake off any excess coating so the shrimp fry up light and airy, not clumpy. This step sets you up nicely for that signature crunch.

Step 5: Heat Oil to the Perfect Frying Temperature

In a large 10-inch skillet or heavy-bottom pan, pour in 1 cup of vegetable oil and heat on medium until it reaches 350 degrees F. Using a digital instant-read thermometer here is a game changer to ensure the shrimp fry correctly. When the oil is hot enough, you should see it shimmer slightly but not smoke.

Step 6: Fry Shrimp in Batches to Golden Perfection

Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding. Carefully add shrimp to the hot oil and cook for about 1.5 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become beautifully crispy. If the oil temperature drops, the shrimp won’t crisp properly, so don’t rush this step! Once cooked, transfer shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 7: Toss Shrimp in the Spicy Bang Bang Sauce

Place all the crispy shrimp into a large bowl. Pour your prepared Bang Bang sauce over the top and gently toss to coat every piece evenly. The sauce is creamy, tangy, with just the right touch of sweet chili and spice—it’s irresistible!

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finish by sprinkling finely chopped green onion over your shrimp for a fresh pop of color and flavor. Serve these freshly sauced Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp immediately to enjoy their perfect crunch and creamy spice. Trust me, they disappear fast around here!

Top Tip

These tips come straight from my kitchen to yours, designed to help you nail the perfect crispy texture and flavor every single time with this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe.

Oil Temperature Matters: Using a thermometer to keep your oil around 350 degrees F ensures the shrimp fry up crispy without soaking up too much oil. I’ve noticed that going too low makes the coating soggy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying shrimp in batches is crucial. Overcrowding drops the oil temperature and leads to less crispy shrimp, which I learned the hard way on my first try.
Buttermilk Soak: Letting the shrimp soak in buttermilk for 10 minutes tenderizes and adds a subtle tang, improving the overall bite and helping the cornstarch coating stick better.
Adjust Sauce to Taste: Personalize the sauce by tweaking the sriracha amount. I like just enough for a gentle kick, but if you love heat, feel free to add more!

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe

A white bowl holds a pile of golden-orange shrimp pieces covered in a shiny, creamy sauce that looks smooth with tiny red chili bits. The shrimp are stacked in layers with the sauce evenly coating each piece, giving a glossy texture. On top are small, fresh, bright green onion slices scattered around, adding a pop of color to the warm orange tones. The background shows a soft white marbled surface, and there is a blurred woman's hand in the back holding dark chopsticks near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

The finely chopped green onions sprinkled on top add a fresh pop of color and mild onion flavor that balances the creamy and spicy sauce perfectly. For a little extra zing, try adding a squeeze of fresh lime or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds—they elevate the dish beautifully!

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, serve with a crisp Asian-style slaw or fragrant jasmine rice. Steamed or sautéed veggies like snap peas, bok choy, or broccoli also work great for a balanced plate. If you want something more casual, classic fries or sweet potato wedges are tasty companions to these crispy shrimp bites.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp can keep well for up to 2 days, but be aware that they won’t be as crispy after refrigeration.

Freezing

To freeze, place fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to 1 month frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat the shrimp in an oven or air fryer at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes to regain some crispiness. Avoid the microwave—it tends to make the coating soggy. Toss with the sauce fresh just before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes! Just be sure to thaw and pat the shrimp completely dry before soaking in buttermilk. This helps the coating stick and prevents sogginess.

How spicy is this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe?

The spiciness is moderate thanks to the 2 tablespoons of sriracha in the sauce. You can adjust it to your liking—add more for extra heat or less for a milder flavor.

What can I substitute for Japanese mayonnaise?

Regular mayonnaise works perfectly fine as a substitute. Japanese mayo tends to be a bit sweeter and creamier, but your sauce will still be delicious without it.

Is this recipe gluten free?

It can be! Just use potato or tapioca starch instead of cornstarch and make sure to use a gluten-free sweet chili sauce.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe is one of those dishes that’s quick to whip up but packs a serious punch of flavor and texture. Whether you’re serving it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun snack, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe arsenal. Enjoy every crispy, saucy bite and don’t be afraid to make it your own by adjusting the spice and garnishes. Happy cooking!