The Ultimate Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp Copycat Recipe: Crispy, Creamy, & Spicy
Craving the iconic Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp? This beloved chain restaurant appetizer has captivated palates with its irresistibly crispy texture and an unforgettable creamy, sweet, and spicy chili sauce. We’re thrilled to share what we believe is the ultimate Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, designed to bring that authentic restaurant experience right into your home kitchen. What makes this recipe truly special? It comes from a former employee of the very chain restaurant, offering insider tips to achieve that perfectly balanced, mouth-watering flavor profile and signature crispy coating!
Our kitchen is always bustling with shrimp recipes! While we adore our creamy Shrimp Dip, the delightful Olive Garden Shrimp Appetizer, and our go-to Shrimp Fried Rice, this Bang Bang Shrimp holds a special place. If you’re exploring other shrimp dishes, you might also love these Shrimp Stuffed Shells or another Bonefish Grill-inspired creation, the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.
What is Bang Bang Shrimp? The Iconic Appetizer Unveiled
At its heart, Bang Bang Shrimp is an American Chinese fusion dish that has taken the culinary world by storm. It features succulent shrimp, lightly breaded and perfectly fried, then generously tossed in a signature spicy-sweet chili sauce. This unique sauce is a creamy blend of mayonnaise, fiery sriracha, and a touch of Thai sweet chili sauce. The genius of the sauce lies in its balance: the creamy mayonnaise mellows the heat from the sriracha and chili, creating a flavor that has a delightful kick without being overwhelmingly spicy. It’s a mild, perfectly balanced spice that even kids can enjoy, making it a family favorite!
While Bonefish Grill made this dish famous, it’s so popular that you’ll find variations under different names at other restaurants – for example, Cheesecake Factory calls theirs “Dynamite Shrimp.” Recently, during a visit to The Hook Seafood and Oyster House, we encountered their version, and it quickly disappeared from the table, reminding us just how universally loved this appetizer is. It was that experience that reignited our craving for the classic Bonefish Grill version, prompting us to perfect this copycat recipe for all to enjoy.
This authentic recipe takes inspiration directly from a former Bonefish Grill team member. The secret lies in a brief buttermilk marinade, which tenderizes the shrimp and helps the breading adhere perfectly. The shrimp are then breaded and deep-fried to golden perfection. The magic happens when the warm, crispy shrimp are immediately tossed in the creamy, spicy sauce, allowing the sauce to seep into the coating, creating that irresistible creamy-crispy texture. The key is to make the bang bang sauce a little spicier than your usual preference, as its heat will balance beautifully once mixed with the fried shrimp. This detailed method ensures you achieve a true restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp experience every time.
Essential Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients: Simple Yet Flavorful
Crafting this copycat Bang Bang Shrimp is surprisingly straightforward, thanks to its simple ingredient list. Most of what you need, especially for the irresistible Bang Bang sauce, can be easily found at your local grocery store. The beauty of shrimp is how quickly it thaws and cooks, making this dish a fantastic option for a quick appetizer or a weeknight meal.
- Shrimp: We recommend using medium-sized raw shrimp (38-45 count), peeled, deveined, and with tails removed for convenience. While pre-peeled and deveined shrimp will significantly cut down on prep time, you can certainly clean them yourself. Always thaw frozen shrimp in cold water before you begin cooking. Any small to medium shrimp will work beautifully for this recipe.
- Buttermilk: This unsung hero acts as both a marinade and a tenderizer. Its mild acidity gently breaks down the shrimp’s proteins, resulting in a more tender bite. Crucially, buttermilk also helps the cornstarch breading adhere better, creating a superior, crispier crust. Remember, a short soak is all you need; avoid prolonged marination as the acidity can start to cook the delicate shrimp.
- Cornstarch: A staple in Chinese cuisine, cornstarch is key to achieving that incredibly light and crispy coating on the shrimp. It creates a delicate yet effective breading that fries up perfectly in minutes.
- Oil for Frying: Choose a mildly flavored oil with a high smoke point, capable of tolerating temperatures around 375°F. We typically use 2-3 cups of sunflower oil, but peanut oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil are excellent alternatives. Ensure you pour about 2 inches of oil into a deep pot and preheat it evenly over medium heat.
- Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce: This is where the magic truly happens, and it’s surprisingly simple to prepare! You’ll need just a few key ingredients: creamy mayonnaise, a generous amount of sriracha for that signature kick, a pinch of sea salt to enhance flavors, and your favorite Thai sweet chili sauce. For an authentic taste, we highly recommend the Mae Ploy brand.
Bang Bang Shrimp without Buttermilk? While buttermilk is highly recommended for tenderness and breading adhesion, if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice (let it sit for 5-10 minutes to “curdle”). Alternatively, some recipes skip the buttermilk entirely and rely solely on cornstarch, though the texture might vary slightly.
How To Make The Best Bang Bang Shrimp: Step-by-Step
The secret to achieving perfectly crispy Bang Bang Shrimp lies in a few crucial steps: the brief buttermilk soak, thorough dredging in cornstarch, and careful temperature control during frying. We highly recommend using a clip-on pot thermometer to maintain a steady oil temperature of 375°F. This prevents the shrimp from becoming greasy (if the oil is too cold) or burning (if it’s too hot). For deep frying, a sturdy deep pot or Dutch oven works best, and a slotted spoon or spider strainer will make removing the shrimp a breeze.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sea salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and well-combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap to prevent oxidation and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the cleaned shrimp in another small bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Allow the shrimp to marinate for a minimum of 10 minutes. During this time, you can begin heating your oil to 350-375°F in your Dutch oven or deep pot.
- Breading the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off thoroughly. Excess moisture can cause the cornstarch to clump. Next, dredge each shrimp generously in cornstarch, shaking off any superfluous starch. This step is vital not only for a crisp coating but also to keep your frying oil cleaner.
- Fry in Batches: Once your oil reaches the ideal temperature, carefully fry the shrimp in small batches of 6-8 pieces at a time. Frying in small quantities prevents the oil temperature from dropping too drastically and ensures each shrimp cooks evenly. It typically takes about 2-3 minutes for the shrimp to turn golden brown and float to the surface. Avoid coating too many shrimp at once, as the cornstarch can absorb into the shrimp and compromise the crispness if left sitting too long before frying.
- Drain Excess Oil: As each batch finishes frying, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help absorb any excess oil, keeping your shrimp wonderfully crispy, not soggy.
- Toss with Sauce While Warm: Immediately transfer the warm, fried shrimp to a large mixing bowl. Add the prepared Bang Bang sauce and toss gently with a rubber spatula until all the shrimp are thoroughly coated. Tossing the shrimp while they are still warm is key; it allows the sauce to meld beautifully with the crispy coating, creating that signature creamy-crispy texture.
Breading Tip: For an even quicker and cleaner breading process, place the cornstarch in a large zip-top bag, add your drained shrimp, seal the bag, and shake vigorously until all the shrimp are coated!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp: Versatile and Delicious
Bang Bang Shrimp is incredibly versatile! While it shines as a standalone appetizer, its signature sauce can elevate a variety of dishes. Many creative cooks have adapted this recipe into everything from chicken or salmon entrées to unique rice bowls and even healthier air-fried shrimp salads. It effortlessly transitions from a crowd-pleasing starter to a satisfying main course. For a classic appetizer presentation, arrange the sauced shrimp over a bed of crisp green leaf lettuce and garnish with thinly sliced chives or green onions for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
- Make it Healthier/Keto-Friendly: For a gluten-free and Keto-friendly option, consider breading the shrimp with a mixture of almond flour and grated parmesan cheese before frying or air frying.
- Chicken and Shrimp Combo: Why choose one when you can have both? Prepare this dish with a combination of crispy chicken and shrimp. You might need to double the sauce recipe to adequately coat everything. Serve it over a bowl of fluffy brown rice, add your favorite salad or taco toppings, and drizzle with extra Bang Bang sauce for a complete meal.
- Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl: Transform this appetizer into a vibrant and filling entree salad bowl. Start with a base of crisp romaine lettuce, then add refreshing cucumbers, diced tomatoes, thinly sliced scallions, creamy avocados, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. You can even use a coleslaw cabbage blend as your base, turning it into a fantastic, flavorful filling for tacos!
- Creative Pairings: The Bang Bang sauce is so good it can be drizzled over pizza, used in sandwiches, or paired with almost any fried food for an extra kick. It’s particularly delightful with a generous side of crispy French Fries!
- Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Create sensational tacos by filling soft flour or corn tortillas with the sauced shrimp. A squeeze of fresh lime juice, shredded cabbage or lettuce, a sprinkle of diced tomato, and fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley are all you need for an explosion of flavor.
Expert Tips for Making Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Don’t Over-Marinate: Shrimp is delicate. Marinating in buttermilk for more than an hour can make it tough or chewy, as the acid can begin to “cook” the shrimp. Stick to 10-30 minutes for optimal results.
- Drain Excess Buttermilk: Before dredging, ensure you drip off any excess buttermilk from the shrimp. This prevents the cornstarch from clumping and ensures an even, crispy coating.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: A consistent oil temperature of 350-375°F is critical for golden, crispy shrimp. Too low, and the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become soggy; too high, and they’ll burn before cooking through. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will drop the oil temperature.
- Toss Warm: Always toss the freshly fried, warm shrimp with the Bang Bang sauce immediately. The heat helps the sauce meld into the coating, creating that signature creamy yet crispy texture.
- Store Sauce Properly: Mayonnaise can oxidize when exposed to air, so always keep your prepared Bang Bang sauce refrigerated and tightly covered with plastic wrap until ready to use.
- Choose Pre-Prepped Shrimp for Speed: To significantly reduce your prep time, opt for shrimp that are already peeled, deveined, and have their tails removed. Frozen shrimp come in various convenient forms, making your cooking process much smoother.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp
Here are answers to some common questions about making this popular shrimp appetizer:
- Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp in an air fryer? Yes! For a healthier alternative, you can air-fry the shrimp. After breading, spray them lightly with cooking oil and air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. The crispiness will be slightly different from deep-fried, but still delicious.
- How far in advance can I make the Bang Bang sauce? The sauce can be made up to 2-3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep even quicker!
- What if I don’t like spicy food? You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste until you reach your preferred heat level. The sweet chili sauce provides a mild warmth that is generally well-tolerated.
- Can I use frozen shrimp directly? No, it’s essential to thaw your frozen shrimp completely before marinating and breading. Thawing ensures even cooking and prevents excess water from making your breading soggy.
- How do I store and reheat leftover Bang Bang Shrimp? Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, spread them on a baking sheet and warm in an oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes until heated through and crispy again. The sauce might not be as vibrant, but the taste will still be great!
This is truly one of our favorite easy shrimp recipes, guaranteed to impress! If you try this Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp copycat, please take a moment to rate the recipe and leave a comment below to share your feedback. We love hearing from you!
More Asian-Inspired Recipes To Make at Home:
If you’re a fan of Chinese and other Asian-inspired cuisine, you’ll love this collection of recipes that bring your favorite take-out flavors right into your home kitchen!
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Shrimp Fried Rice
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Hibachi Teriyaki Chicken Fried Rice Recipe
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Chinese Fried Rice Recipe
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Kani Salad
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Vegetable Lo Mein (Take-Out Copycat)
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Chicken Lo Mein
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Panda Express Orange Chicken Recipe (Video)
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General Tso’s Chicken
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Chinese Chicken Fingers
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Chinese Egg Roll Recipe
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Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry
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Sweet and Sour Meatballs
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Bang Bang Shrimp
Equipment
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1 Dutch oven pot (for deep frying)
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1 slotted spoon
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1 dinner plate lined with paper towels
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2 mixing bowls (for marinating and dredging)
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
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8 oz medium shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
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1 cup buttermilk
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1 cup cornstarch
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2 cups sunflower oil (for deep frying)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce (I used the Mae Ploy brand)
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2 1/2 Tbsp sriracha
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1/4 tsp sea salt
Instructions
Directions:
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Make Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and salt. Whisk thoroughly until smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate until it’s time to use. -
Marinate and Preheat: In a separate small bowl, marinate the cleaned shrimp in buttermilk for at least 10 minutes. While the shrimp marinates, begin preheating about 2-3 inches of oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot over medium heat to a steady 375°F. -
Prepare for Breading: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off thoroughly. It’s crucial that the shrimp are not overly wet. -
Dredge in Cornstarch: Dredge the shrimp into the cornstarch, ensuring they are fully coated, then shake off any excess starch. Arrange 6-8 shrimp on a cutting board, ready for frying in small batches. -
Deep Fry: Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they float to the top and turn a beautiful golden brown. -
Drain and Sauce: Transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to briefly drain any excess oil. Immediately transfer the warm shrimp to a large mixing bowl, add the prepared Bang Bang sauce, and toss to coat thoroughly. -
Serve: Arrange the sauced shrimp over a bed of fresh lettuce and garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a perfect finish. Enjoy!
Nutrition per serving