Bang Bang Shrimp is the best crunchy appetizer with a little kick! Bake it for a lower-calorie version with the same zesty dipping sauce!

I always keep a few shrimp recipes on deck for Fish Fridays in Lent and warm summer nights. These Baked Bang Bang Shrimp are a zesty Asian-inspired appetizer or a crunchy main dish with a little spice and tons of flavor!

BAKED BANG BANG SHRIMP
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I first made a batch of 40 shrimp, and my kids and I devoured every single one! Thank goodness I still had batter leftover and some more shrimp in the freezer because we made bang bang shrimp tacos the next night. This recipe is THAT good.

The succulent shrimp are coated in a simple Panko breadcrumb and buttermilk crust, but the bang bang shrimp sauce truly makes the dish. It’s the perfect creamy combination of sweet and spicy with sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, honey, and mayonnaise.

If you love a fresh, no-cook shrimp appetizer, this shrimp ceviche is the move. Bright citrus marinade, crisp veggies, and creamy avocado – it’s the perfect lighter option alongside the bold flavors of bang bang shrimp.

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

One of our favorite restaurants is Bonefish Grill – and to be honest, it’s mostly because of this yummy bang bang shrimp appetizer! They have tons of tasty fish dishes, but I can’t leave the building without ordering this one.

The bang bang shrimp at Bonefish Grill is deep-fried shrimp that’s smothered in a spicy and sweet sauce. I ditch a few of the calories for this yummy shrimp appetizer by baking instead of frying!

Have a date night at home this weekend with this restaurant-quality copycat bang bang shrimp! You only need a few ingredients and less than half an hour. If you want the full effect, serve it over a bed of lettuce drizzled with creamy chili sauce.

Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients

SHRIMP: Fresh or previously frozen shrimp work for this bang bang shrimp recipe. Make sure they’re cleaned and deveined before you start. I also like to remove the tails for easier eating.

HOT SAUCE: I use Frank’s Red Hot sauce in the shrimp batter and the Thai sweet chili sauce. I love the tangy spice it adds to both!

SWEET CHILI SAUCE: This copycat bang bang shrimp is perfected with creamy, sweet, and spicy dipping sauce! The sweet chili sauce mixed with mayo, honey, and the hot sauce gives it the perfect pale color with a little heat and a little zest.

The classic coating of buttermilk, flour, cornstarch, egg, and Panko breadcrumbs sticks to the shrimp perfectly! No lost crust in the sweet and spicy dipping sauce this time.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

First, mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper together in a bowl. Add some Panko breadcrumbs to a second mixing bowl. You’ll use the breadcrumbs later.
Then, add the hot sauce, egg, and buttermilk to the dry ingredients and whisk until the batter is super smooth.
Now, add the shrimp to the batter and toss well. You want every shrimp to be totally coated in the batter.
Next, dredge each shrimp in the breadcrumbs, pressing the shrimp gently into the bowl. You may need to add more breadcrumbs to the bowl to coat all the shrimp.
Once coated, spread the shrimp out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake until golden brown. Flip them halfway through cooking for an even bake.
While the shrimp bake, mix together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey.
Once the cooking time is up, remove the shrimp from your oven and you’re ready to eat!
Serve the shrimp drizzled with the sweet chili sauce or with a bowl to dip yourself! I like to sprinkle a little chopped parsley or green onion on top too.

If you want to drizzle the shrimp in the sauce but it’s a little too thick, thin it with a teaspoon of water at a time until it’s a perfect consistency.

What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp

This delicious appetizer can also easily be a main dish! Add a bed of Asian slaw for a tangy side dish to perfectly complement the spicy baked shrimp.

Need more appetizers for your Asian-inspired night? You can never go wrong with a crispy spring roll or simple wonton soup.

Turn your leftover into bang bang shrimp pasta with a little extra sauce and some penne noodles. Or toss them in a basic lo mein for a twist on your favorite noodle dish!

More Yummy Appetizer Recipes

Tools used to make this Baked Bang Bang Shrimp recipe

Baking sheet: When you’re baking shrimp, you want a sturdy lipped baking sheet to distribute the heat evenly. Once the shrimp are fully pink, they’re done!

Mixing bowls: Set up all your stations with your batter, breadcrumbs, and shrimp before you start. Put the mixing bowls in order so it’s quick to dip, dredge, and bake without a mess.

*This post originally posted on 02/14/2013.