This homemade Bang Bang Shrimp is crispy and saucy at the same time. This shrimp can be served so many ways, but it’s especially satisfying as Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos drizzled with the bang bang sauce.

Watch the video tutorial and see how easy it is to recreate this restaurant favorite.

Bang bang shrimp tacos drizzled with bang bang sauce

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This recipe will elevate your taco Tuesdays. If you love tacos as much as we do, be sure to add our famous Fish Tacos to your rotation. You can also change things up with Taco Salad or even Taco Soup!

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Video

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What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp was made popular by Bonefish Grill. They are also called Dynamite Shrimp which was made popular by Cheesecake Factory restaurant.

The shrimp are battered and fried until extra crispy then tossed in a sweet and spicy creamy sauce. It’s just three ingredients for this easy and tasty sauce: mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha hot chili sauce. We can’t help but add a little extra hot sauce for more heat.

Bang Bang Shrimp tossed with Bang bang sauce in a bowl

Ingredients

The key to making great bang bang shrimp is in dredging with corn starch. It makes the crispiest exterior that stays crispy even after adding the sauce. It’s pretty fantastic!

  • Shrimp – we use large 21-25 count raw shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed. Prep is much faster and easier if you get pre-peeled shrimp.
  • Marinade – Combine buttermilk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder to form a flavorful marinade. The buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp, adds flavor, and helps the corn starch stick to the shrimp to form a crust.
  • Corn Starch – creates a golden color and extreme crunchiness.
  • Oil – fry the shrimp in 1 to 1 1/2 inches of high heat oil such as peanut oil or canola oil.
  • Bang Bang Sauce – made of just 3 ingredients: mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha
Ingredients with shrimp, buttermilk, corn starch and seasonings

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

  1. Bang Bang Sauce – Combine mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
  2. Marinate – combine marinade ingredients and pour over shrimp. Stir and let sit while you heat the oil to 375˚F on a clip-on pot thermometer.
  3. Dredge – Remove shrimp from marinade one at a time, letting excess drip off. Dip in corn starch, tapping off the excess.
  4. Fry – Once all shrimp are breaded, fry in 3 batches for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Use a strainer to transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. Add Sauce – Transfer warm shrimp to a mixing bowl and drizzle with half of the sauce.
  6. Make Tacos – toast corn tortillas, add toppings, shrimp and drizzle with remaining sauce. Serve with fresh lime wedges to squeeze over the top.
How to make Bang Bang Shrimp

Pro Tip: Use a clip-on pot thermometer to keep the temperature of the oil steady at 375˚F and be sure to bring the oil back to temperature before adding the next batch. If the oil cools too much, the shrimp will absorb more oil, if it gets too hot, the shrimp may burn.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

People have gotten so creative with Bang Bang Shrimp over the years, serving it as a starter or main course.

  • Appetizer – garnish with chives and serve right out of the bowl with toothpicks.
  • Tacos – we love this option because the shrimp already come with a creamy sauce you can drizzle over the assembled tacos.
  • Pasta – toss the saucy shrimp with your favorite pasta. Try adding a squeeze of lime juice over the dish as we did with tacos.
  • Rice Bowls – Serve shrimp over a bowl of cooked white rice, add the same toppings as for tacos, and drizzle with sauce.
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos served on a platter

Pro Tip: To make it easy to drizzle sauce over tacos, transfer it to a ziploc bag and seal. Snip off the tip of the bag with scissors then drizzle sauce over tacos.

Up close juicy bang bang shrimp on a taco

The combination of flavors and textures in Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is ‘dynamite’ and you’ll fall in love with the bang bang sauce.

More Asian Recipes

If you love to recreate your favorite Asian takeout recipes, then you won’t want to miss these recipes:

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos (Dynamite Shrimp)

4.99 from 242 votes
Bang Bang Shrimp served as tacos
Bang Bang Shrimp are crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy. They are so satisfying served as Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos drizzled with that famous sauce.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes

Ingredients 

Servings: 8 tacos (or 12 smaller tacos)

Bang Bang Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 3/4 cup corn starch
  • Peanut oil or Canola oil for frying shrimp

Sauce Ingredients

Taco Toppings:

  • 8 to 12 Small White Corn Tortillas, or Hard Taco Shells
  • 3 cups Purple or Green Cabbage, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, coarsely chopped

Instructions

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp:

  • In a small bowl, stir together Bang Bang Sauce ingredients and set aside.
  • Make the marinade by combining buttermilk, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder. Pour over peeled and deviled shrimp and stir to coat. Set aside while you start preheating your oil.
  • Remove shrimp from the marinade one at a time, letting excess marinade drip off. Dip both sides in cornstarch until fully coated, tap off the excess and arrange breaded shrimp on a platter.
  • Heat 1 1/2” of oil in a dutch oven or pot to 375˚F. Fry shrimp in 3 batches, cooking for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, crispy and cooked through (turn halfway if needed). Use a strainer to transfer shrimp to rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes.
  • Transfer shrimp to a bowl and drizzle half of the sauce over warm shrimp. Toss gently until shrimp are coated and rest for 10 minutes to absorb the sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:

  • Lightly toast corn tortillas on a griddle, skillet for 30 seconds per side, or over a gas flame if you want some charring.
  • Add desired taco toppings, top with 2-3 shrimp per taco and drizzle with remaining sauce.
  • Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.

Notes

The nutrition label (fat content and overall calories) is only an estimate since it’s difficult to gauge oil absorption for shrimp.

Nutrition Per Serving

362kcal Calories30g Carbs14g Protein21g Fat4g Saturated Fat1g Trans Fat150mg Cholesterol744mg Sodium242mg Potassium3g Fiber6g Sugar571IU Vitamin A25mg Vitamin C140mg Calcium2mg Iron
Nutrition Facts
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos (Dynamite Shrimp)
Amount per Serving
Calories
362
% Daily Value*
Fat
 
21
g
32
%
Saturated Fat
 
4
g
25
%
Trans Fat
 
1
g
Cholesterol
 
150
mg
50
%
Sodium
 
744
mg
32
%
Potassium
 
242
mg
7
%
Carbohydrates
 
30
g
10
%
Fiber
 
3
g
13
%
Sugar
 
6
g
7
%
Protein
 
14
g
28
%
Vitamin A
 
571
IU
11
%
Vitamin C
 
25
mg
30
%
Calcium
 
140
mg
14
%
Iron
 
2
mg
11
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keyword: bang bang shrimp, bang bang shrimp tacos, dynamite shrimp
Skill Level: Easy/Medium
Cost to Make: $$
Calories: 362
Natasha's Kitchen Cookbook
4.99 from 242 votes (150 ratings without comment)

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




Comments

  • AndreaG
    October 5, 2021

    Super tasty. The cornstarch makes it perfectly crunchy and the sauces are delicious. And course, tacoifying it is the best way to enjoy. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  • Arielle Lewis
    September 27, 2021

    I can’t wait to make this tomorrow! Quick question; is it 362 calories per taco? Was having trouble with the serving size amount if I wanted to eat 3.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 27, 2021

      Hi Arielle, that’s right that is about per taco depending on how big you make them.

      Reply

  • Krolik
    September 19, 2021

    I made this tonight. My family said that this was the best shrimp recipe ever!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 19, 2021

      That’s wonderful feedback, thanks a lot for your review!

      Reply

  • Teresa
    September 17, 2021

    Hello,

    What can I use besides buttermilk? I have a dairy allergy in the house… Can’t wait to try them though

    Thank you!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 18, 2021

      Hi Teresa, I wish I had a better answer for you, but I haven’t tried any dairy-free substitute to advise. Maybe someone else here can share what they’ve tried?

      Reply

  • Malu
    September 14, 2021

    I made this today and I loved the combination of textures and flavors. I did not have sriracha and instead used a local coconut hot sauce (also used Japanese mayo) and the sauce still turned out great. I was afraid the shrimp would get soggy, so I only slathered the sauce when I assembled the taco. Lastly, I used whole wheat tortilla and still thoroughly enjoyed it. Am now thinking to make a vegetarian version using oyster mushrooms instead of shrimp. Thanks, as always, for coming up with tasty and easy to prepare recipes!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 14, 2021

      Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Malu! I’m so glad you enjoyed it!

      Reply

  • Shock
    September 5, 2021

    We made this for the first time tonight and it is soooo delicious. The combination of Thai Sweet Chili Sauce and Sriracha Saice is just right for my wife. I like things a little more spicy and add later for my taste! The shrimp is very crunchy and good. Overall, a do over for us!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      September 5, 2021

      Thanks for sharing that with us, I’m happy to have read your good comments and feedback! Glad you and your family enjoyed this recipe.

      Reply

  • Alicia
    September 2, 2021

    Hey there! I am planning to try out this recipe. Any suggestions if I’d substitute the shrimp with chicken?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      September 2, 2021

      Hi Alicia! I bet this could work with chicken. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.

      Reply

  • Justina Wiebe
    August 20, 2021

    What could I use instead of the buttermilk?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 21, 2021

      Hi Justina, if you don’t have buttermilk on hand you can make your own! We do this if we ever run out. Combine the milk or cream and some lemon, let stand 5-10 minutes, and use it in the recipe.

      Reply

  • Lyndsi
    August 19, 2021

    Hi,

    Is the estimated calories just for the shrimp or the shells and toppings as well?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 19, 2021

      Hi Lyndsi, that is per one small taco.

      Reply

    • Sherri
      August 25, 2021

      Hi Natasha,
      Could these shrimp be air fried?

      Reply

      • Natasha's Kitchen
        August 25, 2021

        Hi Sherri, I haven’t tried making air fryer bang bang shrimp so I don’t have specific instructions for it. If you do an experiment, please share with us how it goes!

        Reply

        • Elissa
          September 18, 2021

          I tried to air fry a couple shrimp but the corn starch didn’t crisp up so I brushed them with some oil which was ok. Then I pan fried the rest but just used less oil and they were fabulous !

          Reply

          • Natashas Kitchen
            September 18, 2021

            Thank you so much for sharing that with us.

  • Ann Krotec
    August 5, 2021

    I made this for dinner and was delicious. However, a lot of the cornstarch fell off of the shrimp. The oil was hot enough when I dropped the first batch, so I’m not sure what I did wrong. The batter didn’t brown either. I did not have a thermometer.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      August 6, 2021

      Hi Ann, it could be that the oil needed to be hotter, or if you add too many at a time, it can cool the oil down too quickly and they won’t brown properly.

      Reply

  • Helen
    August 1, 2021

    These tacos were absolutely delicious. The sauce is scrumptious. Definitely adding this into my weeknight lineup.

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      August 2, 2021

      Aren’t they the best? I’m so happy you enjoyed these tacos, Helen!

      Reply

  • Tara
    July 30, 2021

    These were absolute perfection. My husband LOVED them. Can’t wait t make again! 🙂

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 30, 2021

      Aren’t they so delicious! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe, Tara!

      Reply

  • Lisa Prigmore
    July 15, 2021

    Oh.My.Gosh my mouth is sooo happy! I made this tonight, followed your super directions and BOOM!! Easy peasy, so delicious and your video was absolutely 💯spot on…they were crunchy even after tossing the shrimp in the sauce!! It’s my Q&E go to book of dinners now. Thank you!!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 16, 2021

      I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Lisa!

      Reply

  • Lynn in NC
    July 15, 2021

    Hello – you got us through the pandemic with your incredible recipes. Now, I’m planning for a beach dinner with 8 (hungry) people. Do you think 2 per person is enough? And, question 2, what sides would you serve with bang bang shrimp? Thanks again so much. Many of my friends are now huge Natasha fans:)

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 16, 2021

      Hi Lynn, if you have sides, two should be enough per person. You can serve them with corn on the cob, rice, salad, or salsa, and I hope you love this recipe!

      Reply

  • John Wilson
    July 14, 2021

    What a great recipe!! My question is how long will the sauce stay good in the refrigerator?

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      July 14, 2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it, John! The sauce will be good for a few days!

      Reply

  • Nhu
    July 7, 2021

    Love your recipe but the website needs improvement. It keeps refreshing. I cant read the recipe or click on the videos at all. Its been 10’.

    Reply

    • Natasha
      July 7, 2021

      Hi, I am not able to replicate that experience. Maybe check your internet connection?

      Reply

  • Jenna
    June 30, 2021

    I cannot wait to try this recipe! I created a Pinterest “Natasha’s recipes” board, because every single one of your recipes that I have made has been delicious! 😊

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 30, 2021

      Wow, that is awesome! Thanks for your good comments and review. I hope you’ll love every recipe that you will try, Jenna.

      Reply

  • Zoie Penick
    June 28, 2021

    Hi Natasha! My sister and I made this recipe for dinner today. Our family loved it and us loved it! It’s definitely our new favorite recipe to make and eat, by you. The sauce was so good 😋Thanks for the recipe Natasha!

    Reply

    • Natasha's Kitchen
      June 28, 2021

      Hi Zoie, that’s awesome feedback. Thank you for sharing that with us!

      Reply

  • Patty graham
    June 26, 2021

    Oh my, I made these last night for dinner. They were amazing. I didn’t have cabbage so I just shredded some lettuce. I’ll try them next time with cabbage. These will be a regular for us. We made pigs of ourselves and I ate 3 and hubby ate 4. These were the best shrimp ever. Thanks for the recipe, patty💕

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 26, 2021

      I’m so glad you both enjoyed this recipe, Patty! It sounds like you have a new favorite!

      Reply

  • Ashley
    June 23, 2021

    Delicious! I added a little bit of sesame oil to the sauce, and extra sriracha because I like spicy 😅. I only had enough shrimp for 4 small tacos (2 for me, and 2 for my husband) so I made sweet potato fries and broccoli as side dishes. Will definitely make this recipe again!

    Reply

    • Natashas Kitchen
      June 23, 2021

      I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Ashley!

      Reply

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