There's something irresistible about the creamy, spicy kick in the Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe that makes it a definite crowd-pleaser. With a simple sauce and crispy-fried shrimp, this dish brings exciting flavors that you can whip up in under 30 minutes!

A white bowl filled with bright orange fried shrimp coated in a shiny sauce, piled high in the center. On the top right side of the bowl, there is a layer of chopped coleslaw with white, purple, and orange pieces, adding a fresh, crunchy texture. Small green scallion slices are sprinkled on top of the shrimp, giving a pop of color and freshness. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, highlighting the vibrant colors of the food. 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 Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first tried this Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe when I was feeling adventurous and craving that tangy, sweet heat from my favorite restaurant. The best part? It’s shockingly easy to make, and you get that crispy, spicy, creamy combo in every bite, just like the original.

Authentic Flavor: The sauce perfectly balances sweetness, spice, and tang, just like the original Bang Bang Shrimp you love.
Quick and Easy: Takes about 20 minutes from start to finish — perfect for busy nights or last-minute guests.
Crispy Texture: Coating shrimp in cornstarch before frying gives that satisfying crunch without being heavy or greasy.
Versatile Dish: Serve as an appetizer, over rice, or in tacos. You can even tweak the spice level to fit your mood.

A close-up of a single orange-colored shrimp coated in a shiny, thick sauce being held by light brown wooden chopsticks. The shrimp shows a bumpy texture from the sauce with tiny green herb bits on it. The background is filled with more shrimp in the same sauce, slightly blurred. All is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe plays a key role in replicating that signature taste and texture. From the creamy mayo base to the sweet heat of Thai chili sauce, these components come together for a flavor-packed dish. Don’t overlook quality shrimp and fresh buttermilk—their freshness really makes a difference.

Flat lay of raw, pink shelled and deveined shrimp, a small bowl of creamy white mayonnaise, a small bowl of glossy bright red Thai sweet chili sauce, a tiny bowl of deep orange Sriracha, a fresh whole white egg with a clean shell, a small bowl of smooth white buttermilk, a small bowl filled with fine pale yellow cornstarch, and a small bowl of clear vegetable oil, all arranged in perfect symmetry on simple white ceramic bowls 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 awthu7i m7354615311229779997

Mayonnaise: Provides a creamy base that balances the sweet and spicy sauce perfectly.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings sweetness with a subtle kick, key for that unique Bang Bang flavor.
Sriracha: Adds heat and depth; adjust amount to your preferred spice level.
Shrimp (raw, shelled, and deveined): Look for fresh or properly thawed shrimp for the best texture and taste.
Buttermilk: Helps coat the shrimp, tenderizing it and ensuring the cornstarch sticks well.
Cornstarch: Creates a light, crisp coating that fries up beautifully without heaviness.
Vegetable Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point for frying; this keeps shrimp crispy without burning.

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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 my favorite parts about this Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want it extra spicy or prefer a lighter sauce, it adapts wonderfully. I often swap out the mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a tangy twist or add a squeeze of lime juice for fresh brightness.

Variation: I once made a lower-calorie version by baking the shrimp coated with cornstarch and spraying lightly with oil — the results were still crunchy and delicious, plus healthier.
Spice Level: Feel free to dial up or down the Sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce for your heat preference.
Dipping Sauce Option: Keep some sauce on the side for dipping extra crispy shrimp bites — it’s a hit with guests.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Whisk Together That Perfect Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a small bowl. This creamy, tangy sauce is the heart of the dish, so taste and adjust the spice here. I like to make this first and pop it in the fridge while prepping shrimp so the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 2: Soak the Shrimp in Buttermilk

Place your raw, shelled, and deveined shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk, stirring to coat evenly. Let them soak for a few minutes—this tenderizes the shrimp and helps the cornstarch stick better. When you remove them, give a little shake so excess buttermilk drips off; too much moisture can mean soggy fries.

Step 3: Coat Shrimp with Cornstarch

Spread cornstarch on a plate or shallow dish, then press each shrimp into the starch, coating evenly. I prefer cornstarch over flour here for a lighter, crunchier crust. Make sure every nook of shrimp is coated without clumps—this step locks in that crispiness you want when frying.

Step 4: Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat about 2 to 3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F (190°C). Fry shrimp in batches for just 1-2 minutes per side until they’re lightly golden and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan—giving them space ensures even cooking. Let fried shrimp rest on a wire rack to stay crisp before tossing in sauce.

Step 5: Toss and Serve Immediately

Once all shrimp are fried, toss them gently with the prepared sauce so every piece is coated evenly. Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and crispy. Trust me, once you try this fresh, you’ll never want pre-made frozen versions again.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to truly fantastic Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe lies in balance—especially the frying and sauce coating. Here are a few hard-earned tips that help my shrimp come out restaurant-quality every time:

Oil Temperature Matters: Using a thermometer to keep the oil at 375°F helps shrimp crisp up quickly without soaking up excess oil.
Don’t Skip the Buttermilk Soak: It tenderizes the shrimp and ensures the coating sticks for maximum crunch.
Toss Shrimp Right After Frying: Coat them immediately with sauce so the heat helps the sauce cling without making the batter soggy.
Use a Wire Rack to Drain: Letting shrimp rest on a rack keeps them crispy instead of steaming on paper towels.

How to Serve Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle chopped green onions and a little fresh cilantro on top—they add brightness and a pop of color that complements the rich sauce. A wedge of lime on the side is also great for squeezing over, especially if you like a bit of citrus tang cutting through the creaminess.

Side Dishes

This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed jasmine rice or fried rice to soak up that delicious sauce. For a crispy contrast, serve with a cool cucumber salad or crunchy slaw to balance the heat and creaminess.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love serving the shrimp in mini lettuce cups or on crispy wonton chips for a fun appetizer. Skewering shrimp as bite-sized kabobs with dipping sauce on the side also makes for a playful presentation that's perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover fried shrimp separately from the sauce in airtight containers in the fridge. This way, the shrimp stays crispier overnight, and you can toss them with fresh sauce right before serving again. It’s best eaten within 1-2 days for optimum freshness.

Freezing

While I don't recommend freezing fried shrimp with sauce, you can freeze the raw shrimp after coating them in cornstarch. Flash freeze on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you're ready, fry straight from frozen for a quick treat.

Reheating

To keep the shrimp crispy when reheating, I like to warm them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes on a wire rack. Avoid microwaving if possible—it makes them soggy. Once hot, toss with fresh bang bang sauce and dig in.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for the Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

Yes! Frozen shrimp works well, but be sure to thaw and pat them dry thoroughly to avoid splattering and soggy coating during frying.

How spicy is this Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?

The recipe has a mild to medium heat thanks to the Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha, but you can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha depending on your preference.

Can I bake instead of fry the shrimp?

Absolutely! Baking is a lighter alternative. Coat shrimp in cornstarch, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 425°F on a wire rack for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.

What should I serve with Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp?

Rice dishes, crunchy slaws, or fresh salads complement the spicy and creamy shrimp wonderfully. You can also serve it in lettuce wraps or tacos for a fun twist.

Final Thoughts

I genuinely enjoy making this Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe whenever I want an impressive appetizer or a quick dinner that feels indulgent yet simple. Sharing it with friends always gets so many compliments, because it nails that perfect blend of crispy, creamy, and spicy every single time. Give it a try – I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!