This homemade Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, also called Firecracker Shrimp, is lightly fried, drenched in a sweet and spicy sauce, and seriously addictive. Serve it up as an appetizer, on tacos, or over rice bowls. This dish does the most with very little effort!
While you're here be sure to checkout this Shrimp Brochette recipe and these delicious Shrimp Spring Rolls!
Ingredients for Firecracker Shrimp
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Here is what you need to make this easy and delicious fried shrimp recipe:
- Large shrimp: you can use frozen shrimp, just make sure it is fully thawed out.
- Cornstarch and flour: all purpose flour and cornstarch are combined with water and seasoning.
- Seasonings: adding Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika to season the shrimp and the breading mixture creates a flavorful fried shrimp!
- Bang Bang Sauce: for the firecracker shrimp sauce you will need mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce as the main ingredients.
Bang Bang Sauce
This homemade Bang Bang sauce recipe is a mixture of creamy mayonnaise, tangy sweet chili sauce, and a touch of sriracha for the perfect kick.
It’s a must-have dipping sauce for crispy shrimp, seafood, chicken, or even tacos. You can whip up this easy firecracker shrimp sauce in just minutes with pantry staples. Whether you're making a copycat Bang Bang Shrimp or adding flavor to your favorite dishes, this sauce brings bold flavor every time.
How to make Bang Bang Shrimp
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Here are step-by-step instructions with photos of how to make this bang bang shrimp recipe:
- Step 1: Combine cornstarch and flour with water and seasonings.
- Step 2: Fry the shrimp on each side for 2-3 minutes.
- Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce.
- Step 4: Dip the fried shrimp in the bang bang sauce.
Recipe Variations
- Shrimp tacos: add your firecracker shrimp to tortilla shells with your favorite toppings.
- Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl: you can eat this shrimp over a bed of rice with cucumbers and avocado.
- Bang Bang Chicken: The same sauce works beautifully for boneless chicken tenders, wings, or nuggets.
- Vegan Bang Bang Cauliflower: Use bite-sized cauliflower florets, coat them in batter, bake or air fry, and toss them in the Bang Bang sauce for a vegan, plant-based twist.
Expert Tips
- Pat the shrimp dry: Before seasoning or dredging, make sure the shrimp are completely dry. This helps the coating stick better and results in a crispier finish when fried.
- Fry in small batches: don't overcrowd the pan, it will make the oil temperature drop which will result in soggy shrimp.
- Toss it in the bang bang sauce before serving: add the shrimp to the sauce just before you get ready to serve.
- Cool on a rack: once the shrimp is done frying, add it too a cooling rack to drain excess grease. This will help it stay crispy.
FAQs
Yes, simply coat the seasoned shrimp in cornstarch and spray with a cooking oil.
You can make it as spicy or mild as you like by adding the sriracha for a touch of heat.
Yep! Just mix everything together and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
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📖 Recipe
Ingredients
For the shrimp:
- 1 lb Large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¼ cup Water
- ¼ cup Cornstarch
- ¼ cup All purpose flour
- ½ tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- Oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce (aka Firecracker Sauce):
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Sweet chili sauce
- 2 teaspoons Sriracha adjust depending on your spice level
- 1 teaspoon Honey optional for added sweetness
- 1 teaspoon Rice vinegar optional to add some tang
Instructions
- Start by patting the shrimp dry. Then season with Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix the cornstarch, flour, and water together in a bowl, and season with the same seasonings
- Stir the breading mixture until it is fully combined, (it should be fairly thick, and not too watery). Now add the shrimp into the cornstarch flour mixture and make sure they are fully coated.
- Heat your oil in a deep skillet to 350°F and fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy. Remove the shrimp and place it on a cooling rack to drain excess grease (or a bed of paper towels).
- To make the sauce, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar in a bowl. Stir it until it is fully combined.
- Once shrimp has cooled slightly, toss it in the Bang Bang sauce until fully coated. Serve immediately and enjoy!
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