If you’re craving something crispy, creamy, and with just the perfect kick of heat, then you’re going to love this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe. It’s one of those quick dishes that feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes—trust me, it’ll be your new go-to appetizer or weeknight treat!

A close-up view of a white plate with a blue pattern at the bottom holding a pile of small shrimp coated in a shiny, thick orange sauce. On top of the shrimp are bright green chopped scallions, which add a fresh look. A pair of black chopsticks is holding one shrimp in the center of the image, highlighting the texture of the sauce and the shrimp. The background shows a white marbled surface with a blurred green bowl in the corner. 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

I honestly can’t get enough of how perfectly crispy these shrimp turn out, especially when smothered in that creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy mayo sauce. Every bite is an explosion of textures and flavors that feels so satisfying.

Super Quick: Ready in just 26 minutes from start to finish—perfect when you want something impressive but fast.
Crisp Perfection: The cornstarch coating fries up golden and crunchy every time, locking in juicy shrimp inside.
Flavor Powerhouse: The bang bang sauce mixes sweet chili, sriracha, and mayo for a creamy, tangy, spicy combo you won’t stop craving.
Easy to Customize: Adjust the heat with more or less sriracha, and feel free to swap ingredients to fit what you have on hand.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you start, a quick heads-up: fresh jumbo shrimp make all the difference here—they crisp up beautifully and hold the sauce well. Also, if you can find Japanese mayonnaise, grab it! It adds a little extra creaminess that’s truly next level. But no worries if not, regular mayo works just fine.

Flat lay of a small pile of raw jumbo shrimp, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy Japanese mayonnaise, a small white ceramic bowl of bright red sweet chili sauce, a small white ceramic bowl of vibrant orange sriracha, a small white ceramic bowl of pale buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white cornstarch, a single fresh green onion with green stalks and white bulb, a small white ceramic bowl of golden vegetable oil, and three whole uncracked brown eggs, all arranged in perfect symmetry, 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: Peeled and deveined shrimp cook quickly and get beautifully crispy with the coating.
Buttermilk: This tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick; you can make a quick substitute with milk and lemon juice.
Cornstarch: Creates that ultra-crispy coating; potato or tapioca starch work too if you prefer.
Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil with a high smoke point helps achieve that perfect golden fry without burning.
Salt, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper: These simple seasonings build flavor right into the crispy coating.
Japanese Mayonnaise: Adds a silky texture and richness to the sauce; regular mayo is a good backup.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives the sauce a sweet tanginess balanced by gentle heat.
Sriracha: Adds that spicy punch you expect in bang bang sauce—adjust to your heat preference.
Green Onion: Freshly chopped for a crisp, bright garnish that finishes the dish beautifully.

📝

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

The beauty of this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe is how easy it is to tailor it to your tastes or dietary needs. Whether you want to dial up the heat, keep it mild, or make it lighter, there are simple swaps and tweaks that work wonders.

Variation: For a lighter option, I love air frying the shrimp at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. It keeps them crispy without the extra oil.
Spice Level: Feel free to adjust the sriracha in the sauce. I sometimes add an extra tablespoon for a bold kick or tone it down to just one tablespoon when I’m serving guests who prefer mild heat.
Dairy-Free Version: Swap Japanese or regular mayo with a vegan mayo and use a plant-based milk with lemon juice for marinating. The coating still crisps up beautifully!
Seasonal Twist: In warmer months, adding chopped fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime after tossing in the sauce adds a fresh brightness that pairs amazingly with the sweet chili.

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

The image shows four parts of cooking shrimp. The top left part has several shrimps frying in bubbling oil inside a dark pan, with the shrimp light golden and pink in color. The top right part shows the cooked shrimps placed on a black cooling rack, dry and lightly browned. The bottom left part displays cooked shrimps in a clear bowl covered with creamy orange sauce that has specks of spices. The bottom right part shows a close-up of the shrimps being mixed with the sauce in the same clear bowl, making the shrimp fully covered in the sauce, showing a creamy texture and orange-pink tones. The background for all parts is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp to Tender Perfection

Start by combining your peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp with buttermilk in a medium bowl. If you don’t have buttermilk, just mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, let it sit for 5 minutes, and use that instead. Let the shrimp soak here for 10 minutes. This quick marinade not only tenderizes the shrimp but also ensures every bite has a subtle tang that makes the final dish extra flavorful.

Step 2: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp relax in their bath, whisk together the creamy magic: Japanese mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This sauce strikes the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy. Set it aside—you’ll want it ready to drench your crispy shrimp as soon as they’re cooked.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Coating

In a shallow bowl or baking sheet, mix cornstarch with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper until evenly combined. This simple but flavorful coating is key to making your shrimp perfectly crispy every time. Make sure to whisk well so the seasoning is distributed evenly.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp Thoroughly

Take each shrimp from the marinade and dredge them through the cornstarch mixture, coating both sides generously. The coating should cling well, creating a crispy shell once fried. Be thorough but gentle, so the coating stays intact during cooking.

Step 5: Heat the Oil to the Perfect Temperature

Pour 1 cup of vegetable oil into a large 10-inch skillet or heavy-bottom pan and heat it over medium heat. Use a digital thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 350 degrees Fahrenheit. If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dipping a bit of the coating into the oil—the coating should sizzle gently, signaling it’s ready for frying.

Step 6: Fry the Shrimp to Golden Crispy Perfection

Fry the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the shrimp soggy. Cook each batch for about 1.5 minutes on each side until they turn a beautiful golden brown and feel crispy to the touch. Remember, don’t overcook—the shrimp should be tender inside with a satisfyingly crisp outside.

Step 7: Drain and Maintain That Crispiness

Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This little step goes a long way in keeping your shrimp light and crispy, instead of greasy.

Step 8: Toss and Coat in the Irresistible Bang Bang Sauce

Place the drained shrimp in a large bowl, then pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over them. Gently toss the shrimp so the sauce coats every crispy piece just right—creamy, tangy, and with a spicy kick.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finish by sprinkling finely chopped green onions over the sauced shrimp for a fresh crunch and pop of color. Serve immediately while everything is hot and crispy—this dish is best enjoyed right away before the sauce has a chance to soften the coating.

Top Tip

Getting your Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp just right is easier when you keep a few simple tips in mind. These little insights can make all the difference between good and unforgettable!

Perfect Coating: I always make sure the shrimp are thoroughly coated in the starch mixture. It’s the key to that incredible crunch you crave.
Oil Temperature Matters: Heating the oil to a steady 350°F ensures the shrimp cook quickly and don’t soak up too much oil, keeping them light and crispy.
Batch Frying: Frying shrimp in small batches prevents overcrowding, so each piece crisps up beautifully instead of steaming in the pan.
Serve Immediately: Tossing the shrimp with the spicy mayo just before serving keeps the coating crisp and the sauce fresh and flavorful.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with golden-orange pieces of fried shrimp covered in a creamy, shiny sauce. The shrimp are coated in a thick layer of sauce that looks smooth with some small bits inside. On top of the shrimp, there are small slices of fresh green onions sprinkled around. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface, and a blurred small glass bowl of green vegetables is visible in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate the look and flavor, sprinkle finely chopped green onions on top as the recipe suggests. You can also add a few sesame seeds for extra crunch or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to give the dish a vibrant, tangy kick.

Side Dishes

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp pairs wonderfully with light and fresh sides. Try a crisp green salad with a citrus vinaigrette, steamed jasmine rice, or even crunchy Asian slaw for a bit of freshness. For a heartier meal, garlic fried rice or crunchy spring rolls complement the shrimp perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (though they rarely last long!), store the crispy shrimp separately from the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days but are best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

You can freeze uncooked coated shrimp before frying. Lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer into a freezer-safe bag. When ready, fry directly from frozen. The cooked shrimp with sauce don’t freeze well since the sauce affects the crunch.

Reheating

To reheat and revive the crispiness, place leftover shrimp on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy and the shrimp rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Just use cornstarch, potato starch, or tapioca starch as the coating as written—and check your sweet chili sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free. This keeps everything crispy and safe for gluten-sensitive diners.

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

The spice level is moderate with 2 tablespoons of sriracha, but you can easily adjust it up or down to your preference—less for mild, more if you love heat!

Can I air fry the shrimp instead of deep frying?

Yes, you can! Air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. It’s a healthier alternative while still achieving good crispiness.

Why do you soak the shrimp in buttermilk?

Soaking the shrimp in buttermilk tenderizes them and enhances the flavor, giving you that juicy, succulent bite inside the crispy coating.

Final Thoughts

Making Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe at home is a joyous experience—quick, satisfying, and full of bold flavors that wake up your taste buds. I love how this appetizer doubles as a main dish for a casual dinner or party snack. Give it a try, and soon you’ll find it’s one of those irresistible recipes you’ll return to again and again!