Seafood
Bonefish Grill Inspired Bang Bang Shrimp
Crisp, lightly breaded shrimp tossed in a creamy sweet-chile sauce, finished with scallions and served over shredded lettuce.
Inspired by Bonefish Grill
Prep
25 min
Cook
15 min
Serves
4 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Method
Recipe notes
A cornstarch-forward dredge creates a thin, crisp shell that stands up briefly to the creamy sauce. Toss only at serving time and use a light coating rather than drowning the shrimp.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate cooked shrimp within 2 hours for up to 2 days and keep sauce separate when possible. Reheat unsauced shrimp in a 400 F oven or air fryer until 165 F; sauced leftovers will not regain the original crispness.
Make-ahead tips
Mix sauce and dry dredge up to 3 days ahead. Peel shrimp and shred lettuce 1 day ahead, keeping both cold and dry; coat and fry only just before serving.
What to serve with it
- - Steamed jasmine rice
- - Cucumber slaw
- - Roasted green beans
Equipment needed
- - Heavy pot or Dutch oven
- - Deep-fry thermometer
- - Wire rack and sheet pan
Difficulty explained
The coating is simple, but safe oil management and the quick sauce toss demand attention for crisp, properly cooked shrimp.
Nutrition estimate
Calories
520
Protein
34g
Carbs
43g
Fat
23g
Sat. fat
4g
Fiber
2g
Sugar
10g
Sodium
1050mg
Estimated nutrition per serving. Values are approximate and can change materially with brands, substitutions, optional toppings, portion size, and cooking method.
Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Milk plus lemon juice
For each cup, combine 1 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and rest for 5 minutes.
Plain Greek yogurt
Replace up to half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour
Use a commercial cup-for-cup blend that includes xanthan gum.
Type the ingredient you're missing — we'll find what you can use instead.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Wet shrimp or heavy buttermilk drips create gummy patches instead of a light coating.
- Crowding the oil drops its temperature and makes the breading greasy or prone to falling off.
- Saucing too early softens the crust, so toss only the portion that will be eaten immediately.
Nutrition Context
- Shrimp provides lean protein, while frying and mayonnaise-based sauce contribute much of the fat and overall energy.
- Serving the shrimp over plenty of shredded vegetables and using sauce lightly keeps the appetizer bright rather than overly heavy.
FAQ
How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp?
One tablespoon sriracha gives moderate warmth. Start with half for mild sauce or add more after tasting.
Why did the coating fall off?
Drain excess buttermilk, press on the dredge, and avoid moving shrimp during the first moments of frying.
Can I air fry the shrimp?
Yes. Coat with oil spray and cook in one layer, turning once, until crisp and 145 F.
Can I make it ahead?
Prepare sauce and dredge ahead, but fry and toss the shrimp immediately before serving.
What can replace buttermilk?
Stir one teaspoon lemon juice into one cup milk and let it stand 5 minutes before using.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include Steamed jasmine rice; Cucumber slaw; Roasted green beans. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.