Bang Bang Shrimp Bites 🌶️🍤🥢🔥 Crispy, Creamy, and Irresistibly Sweet-Heat With a Chili-Lime Kick

This is everything you want in a spicy shrimp appetizer: crispy bites of golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy, mildly spicy “bang bang” sauce.

Serve them over cucumber rounds, lettuce cups, or crispy wonton chips for maximum crunch and contrast.

Ingredients (Makes 15–20 bites)

For the shrimp

• 1 lb small or medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk + splash of lemon)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• Salt and pepper
• Oil for frying

For the bang bang sauce

• ¼ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1–2 tsp sriracha (adjust to heat)
• 1 tsp lime juice or rice vinegar
• Optional: ½ tsp honey or sugar for balance

For serving

• Cucumber rounds, mini lettuce leaves, or crispy wonton chips
• Chopped scallions or cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Optional: sesame seeds or chili flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Make the sauce
Whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Taste and adjust heat/sweetness. Chill until ready to use.

Step 2: Prep the shrimp
Soak shrimp in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes. Mix cornstarch, flour, salt, and pepper in a shallow bowl. Dredge shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.

Step 3: Fry until golden
Heat 2–3 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.

Step 4: Toss in sauce
Toss hot shrimp in the bang bang sauce until lightly coated. Work in batches if needed to keep it crispy.

Step 5: Assemble and serve
Place 1–2 shrimp on each cucumber slice, chip, or lettuce cup. Top with herbs, sesame, or a squeeze of lime.

Flavor Variations

• Add grated garlic or ginger to the sauce for depth
• Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier base
• Try baked shrimp or air-fried for a lighter version
• Serve in mini tortillas or sliders for party-style builds
• Swap shrimp for crispy tofu or cauliflower for a veg option

Pro Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the fryer — shrimp need space to stay crisp
• Chill the sauce while you fry — cold sauce + hot shrimp = max contrast
• If air-frying, spritz shrimp with oil and cook at 400°F for 6–8 minutes
• Serve immediately for the best crunch-to-cream ratio

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp Bites are crispy, spicy, and absolutely addictive — perfect for parties, game days, or any night you want bold flavor with a little crunch and a lot of crave.

Fry it. Sauce it. Bite into the heat. 🌶️🍤🥢🔥

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