If you love crispy fried shrimp with a creamy sweet-and-spicy kick, this Bang Bang Popcorn Shrimp recipe is about to become your new obsession. These bite-sized shrimp are coated in a light, crunchy breading and tossed in a homemade bang bang sauce made with mayo, sweet chili sauce, and just the right amount of heat.
This easy popcorn shrimp recipe comes together in about 30 minutes and tastes just like your favorite restaurant appetizer — but fresher, crispier, and made right in your own kitchen. Serve it as a party snack, game day appetizer, or even turn it into a full dinner with rice bowls or tacos.
Bang Bang Popcorn Shrimp
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Deep skillet, Dutch oven, or heavy-bottomed pot (for frying)
- Kitchen thermometer (to monitor oil temperature)
- Slotted spoon or spider strainer
- Paper towels or wire cooling rack
- Tongs
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb raw shrimp peeled, deveined, tails removed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying vegetable or canola
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tbsp sriracha adjust heat
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
Garnish (Optional but cute)
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
Soak the Shrimp
- Place shrimp in buttermilk and let soak for 10–15 minutes.
- This keeps them tender and helps the coating stick.
Make the Coating
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Heat the Oil
- Heat 2–3 inches of oil in a deep pan to 350°F (175°C).
Coat the Shrimp
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk, let excess drip off, and toss in flour mixture.
- Press coating on firmly for extra crunch.
Fry
- Fry in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Do not overcrowd the pan.
- Drain on paper towels.
Make the Sauce
- Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar/lime.
Toss & Serve
- Lightly toss shrimp in sauce right before serving — or drizzle over top to keep maximum crispiness.
Notes
- Use raw shrimp, not pre-cooked. Raw shrimp will stay juicy and tender after frying, while pre-cooked shrimp can turn rubbery.
- Cornstarch is key for extra crispy shrimp. The combination of flour and cornstarch creates that light, crunchy coating you expect from restaurant-style bang bang shrimp.
- Keep oil at 350°F (175°C). If the oil temperature drops too low, the popcorn shrimp can absorb excess oil and lose crispiness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in small batches so each shrimp gets evenly golden and crispy.
- Toss in sauce right before serving. For maximum crunch, drizzle the bang bang sauce on top instead of fully coating the shrimp ahead of time.
- Adjust the heat level. Add more or less sriracha depending on how spicy you like your bang bang sauce.
- Air fryer option available. This recipe works beautifully in the air fryer for a lighter, lower-calorie version of crispy popcorn shrimp.
- Make it a meal. Serve over jasmine rice, in lettuce wraps, inside tacos, or as a party appetizer with extra bang bang sauce for dipping.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Popcorn Shrimp
What is bang bang shrimp made of?
Bang bang shrimp is typically made with crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The combination creates a sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor that pairs perfectly with crunchy shrimp.
Can I make bang bang popcorn shrimp in the air fryer?
Yes! Bang bang popcorn shrimp can be made in the air fryer for a lighter version. Simply spray the coated shrimp lightly with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Is bang bang shrimp very spicy?
Bang bang shrimp has mild to medium heat depending on how much sriracha you use. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less hot sauce to the bang bang sauce.
What can I serve with bang bang popcorn shrimp?
Bang bang popcorn shrimp pairs well with jasmine rice, coleslaw, fries, tacos, lettuce wraps, or a simple cucumber salad. It also works great as a party appetizer with extra sauce for dipping.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works perfectly. Just make sure to thaw completely and pat dry before coating to ensure the breading sticks properly and fries up crispy.
How do I keep popcorn shrimp crispy after frying?
To keep popcorn shrimp crispy, place them on a wire rack instead of stacking them on paper towels. Toss in the bang bang sauce right before serving to maintain maximum crunch.
🍤 Love Shrimp? Try These Sugar Cloud Baking Favorites
If you’re obsessed with bold, flavor-packed shrimp recipes, don’t stop here. These reader-favorite seafood dishes are perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you’re craving something a little extra:
- 👉 Shrimp Fritters with Lime Aioli – Crispy golden shrimp fritters served with a bright, zesty lime aioli dipping sauce.
- 👉 Creamy Hurry Curry Shrimp Skillet (Old-School Fast Dinner) – A quick, creamy curry shrimp recipe that’s packed with flavor and perfect for busy nights.
- 👉 Pineapple Shrimp Biryani with Pineapple Mint Raita & Coconut Lime Chutney – A vibrant, tropical twist on shrimp biryani with layered sweet and savory flavors.
- 👉 Garlic Butter Cajun Seafood Boil (Restaurant-Style at Home) – A bold, buttery Cajun seafood boil loaded with shrimp and classic Southern flavor.
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