There are recipes that impress, and then there are recipes that become unforgettable favorites. Bang Bang Shrimp is one of those dishes that checks every box. Imagine crispy, golden-brown shrimp — hot from the fryer — tossed in a luscious honey-sriracha sauce that’s the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy. The first bite delivers crunch, followed by juicy shrimp, and then the addictive kick of the sauce.

This dish is a weeknight lifesaver when you’re craving takeout but want something fresher, lighter, and made at home. It’s also a guaranteed hit for game nights, potlucks, or even a casual date night. In just 25 minutes, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy appetizer (or main dish) that makes everyone ask for seconds.

Whether you’ve searched for an easy bang bang shrimp recipe, the best way to make bang bang shrimp at home, or just stumbled here craving something crunchy and bold — you’re in the right place.

What Makes This So Irresistible

• ✅ Quick & easy — just 25 minutes from start to finish.
• ✅ Restaurant-style flavor at home (better than Bonefish Grill’s famous shrimp).
• ✅ Perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy.
• ✅ Crowd-pleaser — a hit at parties, game nights, or family dinners.
• ✅ Customizable — adjust spice levels or make it gluten-free with simple swaps.

Ingredients for Honey Bang Bang Shrimp

Shrimp

• 1 lb shrimp, deveined and peeled
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon freshly ground peppercorns

Honey-Sriracha Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped (for garnish)

👉 Tips: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the sriracha or add more honey for extra sweetness.

How to Make Honey Bang Bang Shrimp – Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare the Coating

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour the buttermilk into another bowl.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres. Place the coated shrimp on a wire rack while you heat the oil.

Step 3: Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, honey, sriracha, and lemon juice until smooth. Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until fully coated.

👉 Garnish with chopped green onion and serve immediately!

Pro Tips & Cooking Secrets for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp

Getting restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp at home isn’t hard — but a few pro tips will make all the difference.

1. Dry the shrimp well before coating – excess moisture prevents the coating from sticking and reduces crispiness.
2. Double coat for extra crunch – after the first flour dredge, dip in buttermilk again and coat once more with flour mixture.
3. Use cornstarch in the coating – it lightens the flour mix and creates a crispier crust.
4. Don’t overcrowd the pan – frying too many shrimp at once lowers the oil temperature, making them soggy.
5. Maintain oil at 350°F – use a thermometer for consistent results. If oil is too cool, shrimp absorb grease; too hot, and they burn.
6. Season the flour coating generously – the spice layer is your flavor foundation before sauce is added.
7. Make the sauce just before serving – this keeps it fresh and tangy.
8. Toss shrimp in sauce right before serving – if you let them sit, the coating gets soggy.
9. Air fryer alternative – spray coated shrimp lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
10. Bake for a lighter version – place coated shrimp on a baking sheet, spray with cooking oil, and bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes.

Variations & Substitutions

Bang Bang Shrimp is wonderfully versatile. Try these swaps to customize it:

• Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp: Replace all-purpose flour with rice flour and use gluten-free cornstarch.
• Low-Carb/Keto Version: Swap flour and cornstarch for almond flour and crushed pork rinds.
• Extra Spicy: Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the flour coating.
• Mild Version: Reduce sriracha and add more honey for a sweeter glaze.
• Dairy-Free: Replace buttermilk with a mixture of almond milk + 1 tsp lemon juice.
• Bang Bang Chicken: Use bite-sized chicken breast pieces instead of shrimp.
• Vegetarian Twist: Substitute cauliflower florets for shrimp (Bang Bang Cauliflower).

Best Ways to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

This dish is versatile enough for appetizers, mains, or party platters. Here are my favorite serving ideas:

• 🍤 As an appetizer – serve in a large platter with toothpicks for dipping.
• 🍜 Over rice or noodles – a full meal with jasmine rice or lo mein.
• 🌮 Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos – stuff in warm tortillas with shredded cabbage and drizzle with extra sauce.
• 🥗 On a salad – crispy shrimp on a bed of fresh greens with a tangy Asian vinaigrette.
• 🍺 With drinks – pairs perfectly with sparkling water with lime or any drink you like.
• 🍱 Party-style – serve in lettuce cups for a light, fun finger food option.

Nutritional Information for Bang Bang Shrimp (per serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 345 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 180 mg
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Sugar: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g

👉 While this isn’t a low-calorie dish, it’s much healthier than deep-fried takeout versions, especially if you bake or air fry the shrimp.

Storage & Reheating Guide

• Refrigeration: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep sauce separate when possible.
• Freezing: Best not to freeze after saucing — but you can freeze the fried shrimp (without sauce) for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer.
• Reheating: Avoid microwaving (makes shrimp rubbery). Instead, reheat in an oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or air fry for 5 minutes.
• Make-ahead Tip: You can fry shrimp 2 hours ahead, store at room temp, and re-crisp in the oven just before tossing in sauce.

FAQs – Common Questions Answered

1. What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
   Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy fried shrimp dish tossed in a sweet, spicy, and creamy honey-sriracha sauce.
2. Is Bang Bang Shrimp spicy?
   It has a mild-to-medium heat level, but you can adjust the spiciness by changing the amount of sriracha.
3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before coating for best results.
4. Can I air fry Bang Bang Shrimp?
   Absolutely! Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping once.
5. What’s the best oil for frying?
   Canola, peanut, or vegetable oil — all with high smoke points.
6. How do I keep shrimp crispy after saucing?
   Toss in sauce right before serving and don’t let it sit too long.
7. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, up to 3 days in advance. Store in the fridge in a sealed container.
8. How many shrimp are in 1 lb?
   Usually about 16–20 large shrimp.
9. Is Bang Bang Shrimp the same as Bonefish Grill’s version?
   This is a homemade copycat, but even better since you can adjust spice and sweetness.
10. Can I serve Bang Bang Shrimp cold?
    It’s best hot and crispy, but cold leftovers can be enjoyed in salads.
11. Can I use a different protein?
    Yes! Chicken, scallops, or even tofu work well.
12. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
    Yes, just reduce or omit sriracha for a milder sauce.
13. Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp without mayonnaise?
    Try substituting Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
14. What sides go with Bang Bang Shrimp?
    Steamed rice, Asian slaw, or stir-fried vegetables.
15. How long does it take to make Bang Bang Shrimp?
    Only about 25 minutes total — quick enough for weeknights.

More Tasty Ideas to Explore

If you love this crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, try these:

• Best Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole
• BBQ Chicken Quesadilla – Easy 20-Minute Recipe
• Florida Shrimp Pie Recipe – Easy Seafood Dinner Idea
• Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – Best Seafood Recipe

Your Turn in the Kitchen

Now you know how to make the best Bang Bang Shrimp recipe at home — crispy, crunchy shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy honey-sriracha sauce that’s downright addictive.

👉 I’d love to hear from you:

• What’s your favorite twist on Bang Bang Shrimp?
• Do you prefer it spicier or sweeter?

Leave a comment below and don’t forget to share this recipe with friends who love shrimp as much as you do.

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