If you’re craving a snack that’s crispy, creamy, and kicks with just the right amount of heat, you’ve got to try this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe. It’s quick to make and absolutely addictive—perfect when you want a flavorful appetizer without any fuss.

A close-up view shows a piece of orange-glazed shrimp held by a pair of black chopsticks, garnished with small green onion slices on top. Below, a white plate with a blue brushstroke design holds a pile of shrimp coated in the same shiny orange sauce, each piece showing a plump texture. The background is a white marbled surface with hints of a green garnish blurred in the distance. 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 remember the first time I made this Bang Bang shrimp—it was love at first bite! The shrimp get perfectly crispy on the outside while staying tender inside, all smothered in a creamy and tangy spicy mayo sauce that’s pure magic.

Ready in under 30 minutes: Ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
Customizable spice level: Adjust the sriracha to your heat preference.
Easy ingredient swaps: Use store-bought buttermilk alternatives or regular mayo if needed.
Perfect appetizer or snack: Great for sharing or enjoying solo.

Ingredients & Why They Work

When shopping for this recipe, fresh jumbo shrimp are key—they cook quickly and stay tender. Also, using Japanese mayonnaise really ups the creaminess and adds a subtle sweetness, but regular mayo works fine too if that’s what you have on hand.

Flat lay of peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp arranged neatly, a small white bowl of creamy Japanese mayonnaise, a small white bowl of bright red sweet chili sauce, a small white bowl of vibrant orange sriracha, a small white bowl of creamy buttermilk, a simple mound of fine white cornstarch, a single fresh green onion with bright green stalk and white bulb, a few scattered grains of coarse salt, a small pinch of light golden garlic powder, and a few whole black peppercorns all 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: Larger size keeps them tender and juicy once fried.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the shrimp for a juicy bite; easily mimicked with milk and lemon juice.
Cornstarch: Creates that signature crispy coating that clings perfectly.
Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil ideal for frying at the right temperature without burning.
Salt, Garlic Powder & Black Pepper: Simple seasonings to boost flavor in the coating.
Japanese Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and slight sweetness—key for the sauce.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings that perfect balance of sweet and tang with a mild kick.
Sriracha: Gives the spicy mayo its signature zing; adjust based on heat preference.
Green Onion: Fresh garnish that adds a nice pop of color and mild onion flavor.

📝

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 easily it adapts to your taste and kitchen setup. Whether you want to dial up the heat, keep it family-friendly, or make it healthier, there’s always a way to make it your own!

Less Spicy Version: If you're not a fan of heat, simply reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce. I find cutting back the sriracha lets the sweet chili sauce shine, making the dish more approachable for kids or spice-sensitive friends.
Air Fryer Friendly: For an easier cleanup and a lighter option, air frying works beautifully. Just coat the shrimp as usual, give them a light spray of oil, and air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway. The shrimp still get that wonderful crisp without deep frying!
Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: Want your shrimp ultra-crispy? Dip the shrimp back into the buttermilk after the first cornstarch coating, then dredge again. I tried this for a game day party, and the extra crunch had everyone reaching for seconds.
Dairy-Free Swap: If you’re avoiding dairy, you can substitute the buttermilk marinade with a mixture of coconut milk and lemon juice. The shrimp stay tender, and the slight sweetness adds an interesting twist.
Serving Options: For a heartier meal, serve these crispy bites over steamed rice or a crisp salad. One time, I paired them with avocado and cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast that balanced the spicy mayo perfectly.

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

The image shows four stages of cooking shrimp. The top left part shows nine pieces of shrimp frying in hot oil inside a dark pan, with bubbles around each shrimp indicating cooking. The top right section shows the cooked shrimp placed on a black cooling rack, each shrimp having a golden brown crispy texture. The bottom left part shows a close view of the cooked shrimp in a white bowl, covered in a creamy light orange sauce with some small specks. The bottom right section shows shrimp in the same white bowl fully mixed with the sauce, looking coated and creamy. The background in all parts is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Tenderize the Shrimp

Start by placing 1 pound of peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp into a medium bowl, then pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, no worries—just mix 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to sour. Let the shrimp soak for 10 minutes; this tenderizes them, giving you that juicy, melt-in-your-mouth texture later on.

Step 2: Whip Up That Flavorful Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are soaking, combine ½ cup Japanese mayonnaise (or regular mayo), ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons sriracha in a small bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. This sauce is the magic touch—creamy, tangy, sweet, with just the right kick of spice.

Step 3: Prepare the Crispy Coating

Next, in a shallow bowl or baking sheet, whisk together ¾ cup cornstarch, ¾ teaspoon salt, ¾ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. This mixture will give your shrimp that irresistibly crispy texture with a subtle seasoning boost.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp Evenly

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off, then dredge each shrimp thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, coating on both sides. This dry coating is key to crispiness, so don’t rush it!

Step 5: Heat the Oil to Perfection

In a large 10-inch skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, pour in 1 cup vegetable oil and heat over medium until it reaches 350°F. Use a digital instant-read thermometer for accuracy—this temperature is perfect for frying without greasy shrimp.

Step 6: Fry Until Golden and Crispy

Working in batches and careful not to overcrowd the pan, fry the shrimp for about 1.5 minutes per side. Look for that gorgeous golden brown color and a crisp exterior. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature and makes shrimp less crispy, so patience is key here!

Step 7: Drain and Toss with Sauce

Remove fried shrimp and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Then, transfer the warm shrimp to a large bowl, pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over, and gently toss until each piece is evenly coated in that creamy, spicy goodness.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve Immediately

Finish off by sprinkling finely chopped green onions over the shrimp. Serve right away for the best texture and flavor — crispy, tender shrimp with that addictive bang bang sauce. It’s truly a crowd pleaser every time!

Top Tip

Getting the perfect crispy texture and balanced spicy mayo coating can make all the difference in this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe. Here are some tried-and-true tips to ensure your shrimp come out tender inside with an irresistible crunch outside.

Marinate for Tenderness: Letting the shrimp rest in buttermilk for 10 minutes really softens them and helps the coating stick better. I always skip this step at my own risk!
Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping your oil steady at 350°F is key. I learned to use a thermometer after the shrimp turned soggy in cooler oil. This keeps them crispy and golden.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to avoid dropping the oil temperature and steaming them instead of frying. This simple trick guarantees crunch every time.
Toss While Warm: Coat your fried shrimp in the bang bang sauce right away while they’re warm. The sauce clings beautifully and gives that creamy, spicy kick we all crave.

How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe

A white shallow bowl filled with round pieces of shrimp covered in a thick, shiny, orange sauce that looks creamy and slightly textured. The shrimp are layered unevenly, stacked in the center, and topped with small rings of bright green onion scattered across the dish. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface with a blurred round glass bowl of green salad in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

Finely chopped green onions are a classic garnish to add a mild oniony crunch and a pop of color. For extra zing, sprinkle a little toasted sesame seeds or a few thin slices of fresh jalapeño if you like more heat. A squeeze of fresh lime juice over the top just before serving brightens all the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy white rice to help soak up that luscious spicy mayo sauce. For a refreshing contrast, serve alongside a crunchy Asian slaw or a crisp cucumber salad drizzled with rice vinegar. These sides add lightness and texture to balance the rich shrimp perfectly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crispy bang bang shrimp in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Refrigerate for up to 2 days for the best taste and texture. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked shrimp before tossing in sauce — arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer bags. They keep well for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, bake the shrimp on a wire rack in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 5-7 minutes to crisp them back up without drying them out. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the crispy coating soggy. After reheating, toss with fresh bang bang sauce and garnish again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating and coating to ensure the coating sticks well and the shrimp fry up crispy.

What if I don’t have Japanese mayonnaise?

No worries! Regular mayonnaise works perfectly fine as a substitute and still gives you that creamy base for the bang bang sauce.

How can I make this recipe less spicy?

Simply reduce or omit the sriracha in the sauce. You can adjust the sweetness or add a little extra sweet chili sauce to keep things balanced but milder.

Can I prepare this in an air fryer?

Yes! Coat the shrimp as usual, spray lightly with oil, then air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through to ensure even crisping.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with Spicy Mayo Recipe is one of those dishes that brings everyone to the table with its bright flavors and addictive crunch. Whether you’re serving it as a fun appetizer for friends or a quick snack on a weeknight, it’s simple to make and satisfying to eat. I hope these tips and serving ideas inspire you to enjoy this recipe again and again, turning it into a new favorite in your home kitchen. Happy cooking and even happier eating!