Craving that crispy, saucy bang bang shrimp from Bonefish Grill?
You can make them at home in minutes, and they taste just as good. Maybe better, since it comes out fresh and hot from your own kitchen.
Grab a pound of shrimp and read on. The recipe below makes it simple.
Let’s get into it!
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
It is a crispy fried shrimp dish coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce.
Bonefish Grill made it famous as an appetizer. This version skips the deep fryer and the long wait at the restaurant.
It uses simple pantry items and a quick-fry method that keeps it light. The sauce comes together in one bowl, and no complicated steps to follow.
You get that same punchy, craveable flavor at home, fresher and cheaper, in just minutes.
Ingredients Needed
The beauty of this recipe is how few things you actually need. Most of these items are probably sitting in your kitchen right now.
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup cornstarch, for that crisp coating
- 1 large egg, beaten
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Oil, for frying
For the bang bang sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha, adjust to your heat level
- 1 tablespoon honey
For serving:
- Chopped green onions
- Lettuce leaves or rice
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp?
Making these shrimp at home is easy.
The whole thing comes to four simple steps, and none of them take long. Mix the sauce, coat the shrimp, fry until crisp, then toss and serve.
Step 1: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce
Start with the sauce so the flavors can settle. Grab a small bowl and add the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey.
Whisk it all until smooth and glossy. If you want more heat, then add another splash of sriracha.
Set the bowl aside while you prep the shrimp.
Step 2: Prep and Coat the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel, since wet shrimp will not crisp up.
Season them with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Dip each one in the beaten egg, then roll it in cornstarch. Make sure every piece gets a light, even coat for that signature crunch.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden and Crispy
Heat about an inch of oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat and test it with one shrimp first, as it should sizzle right away.
Fry the shrimp in small batches for two to three minutes.
Flip them once. Pull them out when golden and crisp, then drain on a paper towel. Avoid overcooking it.
Step 4: Toss and Serve
Move the hot shrimp into a clean, dry bowl. Spoon the bang bang sauce over the top.
Toss gently until each piece gets coated, but do not drown them. Scatter chopped green onions on top for color and bite.
Serve right away over rice or crisp lettuce while still warm.
Copycat Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp Version
Want it to taste like the Bonefish Grill plate? Just a few changes required.
The restaurant soaks its shrimp in buttermilk for about ten minutes before breading, which tenderizes them and helps the coating stick.
Bonefish also uses smaller shrimp, not jumbo ones, so the sauce coats every bite.
Some say the true sauce uses Thai sweet chili sauce plus garlic chili sauce instead of sriracha, but sriracha gets you close. The rest stays the same.
Crispy Cooking Variations
If you do not have a deep fryer, no problem, you can still get great shrimp three different ways. Pick the method that fits your kitchen and your mood.
1. Air Fryer Version
The air fryer gives you crunch with hardly any oil. It runs hot and fast, so keep an eye on it.
Oil spray method
Coat each shrimp in cornstarch first, then mist them lightly with cooking spray. The thin layer of oil is what helps them brown and turn golden.
Temperature and timing
Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the shrimp for about 8 to 10 minutes. Flip them halfway through. Always lay them in one single layer, never stacked on top of each other.
Crispiness tips
Do not crowd the basket, since hot air needs room to reach every piece. Shake the basket once during cooking for an even, golden finish.
2. Oven-Baked Version
Baking is the hands-off option. It takes a little longer, but it frees you up while it cooks.
Baking sheet setup
Heat the oven to 400°F, coat the shrimp in cornstarch, and arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Spray the tops with oil so they crisp instead of drying out.
Panko enhancement option
Want extra crunch? Press panko breadcrumbs onto each shrimp right after the cornstarch coating. The crumbs bake up crisp and golden.
3. Classic Deep-Fried Version
This is the closest you get to the restaurant texture. It takes more oil, but the payoff is worth it.
Best crunch results
Heat 2 to 3 inches of oil to 375°F and fry in small batches for 3 to 5 minutes until lightly browned. Crowding the pan drops the oil temperature and leaves the shrimp soggy.
Oil selection tips
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like canola or vegetable oil. Skip olive oil, since it burns too fast at frying heat and can turn the coating bitter and dark.
Storage and Reheating
It tastes best fresh, right out of the pan.
Let the shrimp cool completely to room temperature, then move them to an airtight container. They will hold in the fridge for up to four days.
For reheating, skip the microwave, as it softens the coating and makes it rubbery.
Instead, spread the shrimp on a parchment-lined tray and warm them in a 350°F oven or air fryer for 5 to 10 minutes, until heated through.
Store the sauce separately and toss right before serving.
Final Thoughts
Bang bang shrimp is one of those dishes that looks fancy but comes together in minutes.
Now it’s your turn. Grab a pound of shrimp this week and give it a shot. Once you nail it, try the sauce on chicken or fries too.
Happy cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why Do They Call it Bang Bang Shrimp?
The name comes from bang bang chicken, a spicy Sichuan street food. Bonefish Grill added the dish in 2007.
2. Is Bang Bang Sauce the Same as Yum Yum Sauce?
No. Bang Bang sauce uses sweet chili and sriracha for a spicy kick, while Yum Yum sauce leans creamy with ketchup and paprika.
3. Is Bang Bang Shrimp Healthy?
It is fried and mayo-based, so it runs high in fat. One serving has about 455 calories. Bake it for a lighter option.
