The first time I tasted Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill, I was blown away by the harmony of flavors—the perfect blend of creaminess and a spicy kick that danced on my palate. As I savored each bite, I couldn’t shake the thought: why not recreate this magic at home? After experimenting in my kitchen, I finally cracked the code, crafting a Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe that’s just as delicious and utterly satisfying.
On a busy weeknight or when I’m hosting friends, this recipe has become my go-to dish. It pairs perfectly with a light salad or steamed rice, and the crunchy exterior of the shrimp combined with the creamy sauce leaves everyone craving more. Plus, it takes just 30 minutes from start to finish!
Join me as I guide you through each step, revealing my tips and tricks to elevate this beloved classic into your home kitchen. Trust me, once you serve these flavorful shrimp, you’ll be asked for the recipe!
Why is this Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe irresistible?
Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you’ll have a mouthwatering dish ready to enjoy!
Crowd-pleaser: This recipe is perfect for gatherings—its flavor and crunch appeal to everyone.
Homemade Flavor: Skip the restaurant and savor the authentic taste of Bonefish Grill right from your kitchen.
Versatile Pairing: Serve these shrimp over a fresh salad or alongside fluffy rice for a complete meal.
Spicy and Creamy: The delectable mix of sweet chili and sriracha creates a sauce that is both bold and comforting.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with this amazing dish that everyone will love!
Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients
Get ready for some flavor-packed shrimp!
For the Shrimp
- Medium shrimp – peeled and deveined for that tender bite.
- Buttermilk – helps tenderize the shrimp while adding a subtle tang.
For the Coating
- Cornstarch – creates a crispy exterior that’s simply irresistible.
- Sunflower oil – ideal for frying, providing a light taste without interfering with the shrimp’s flavor.
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise – brings creaminess to the sauce, enhancing depth of flavor.
- Sweet chili sauce – adds a delightful sweetness that balances the heat.
- Sriracha – gives that essential spicy kick to elevate your Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe.
- Sea salt – enhances all the flavors, ensuring each bite is perfectly seasoned.
Once you gather these ingredients, you’re just moments away from recreating that delicious Bonefish Grill experience right in your own home!
How to Make Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp
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Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sea salt. This creamy and spicy sauce will be your flavorful finish—cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to toss the shrimp.
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Marinate the Shrimp: In another bowl, soak the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for about 10 minutes. This step ensures your shrimp are tender and flavorful, with a hint of tanginess.
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Heat the Oil: Preheat your Dutch oven with sunflower oil over medium heat, aiming for 375°F. Make sure there are 2-3 inches of oil—this will help achieve that perfect crispy texture.
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Coat the Shrimp: Drain the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off. Then, dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess. Work in small batches—this keeps them crunchy!
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Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil, frying until they float and turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
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Toss in Sauce: While the shrimp are still warm, gently toss them in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. This allows each piece to soak in that glorious flavor!
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Serve: Arrange the shrimp over a bed of fresh lettuce and garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor—a delightful presentation for your plate!
Optional: Serve with lemon wedges for a zesty touch!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp?
Elevate your dinner table with delightful sides that harmonize beautifully with these crispy, spicy shrimp!
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Crunchy Asian Slaw: A fresh, tangy slaw adds a delightful crunch that balances the rich, creamy sauce. The bright flavors will leave your taste buds dancing.
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Jasmine Rice: Fluffy jasmine rice provides a neutral base that soaks up the bold Bang Bang sauce. It’s a comforting complement that brings your meal together perfectly.
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Coconut Rice: The subtly sweet coconut flavor enhances the shrimp’s spicy kick, creating an exotic pairing that’s both unique and incredibly satisfying.
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Garlic Noodles: These buttery, garlicky noodles offer a comforting backdrop to the crunchy shrimp, ensuring every bite is a perfect blend of flavors.
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Steamed Broccoli: Fresh, vibrantly green broccoli adds a pop of color and a healthy crunch to the plate. It’s a simple way to incorporate some greens into your meal.
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Chilled Cucumber Salad: The coolness of cucumbers offers a refreshing contrast to the warm, spicy shrimp. Tossed with a tangy dressing, it’s a crisp and zesty addition.
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Mango Salsa: Sweet and spicy salsa brightens up your dish, introducing a lovely fruity element that echoes the shrimp’s flavor profile.
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Sparkling White Wine: A chilled glass of sparkling white wine enhances the dining experience with its effervescence, perfectly complementing the flavor-packed shrimp.
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Lemon Sorbet: Finish your meal on a sweet note with a refreshing lemon sorbet. Its citrusy brightness cleanses the palate after the spicy shrimp, rounding out your culinary adventure.
Expert Tips for Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp
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Perfectly Marinated: Let the shrimp soak in buttermilk for the full 10 minutes to ensure they are tender and packed with flavor.
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Crispy Coating: Make sure to coat the shrimp evenly with cornstarch, shaking off any excess. This helps achieve that irresistible crunch.
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Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 375°F. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb more oil and won’t be crispy.
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Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying. Cooking in small batches will keep the oil temperature steady and ensure even frying.
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Warm Toss: Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce immediately after frying while they’re warm. This allows the shrimp to absorb more of that delicious Bang Bang sauce.
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Serving Presentation: Serve the shrimp over lettuce and garnish with green onions for a beautiful and appetizing presentation that highlights your Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe!
How to Store and Freeze Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp
Room Temperature: Enjoy your shrimp immediately for the best flavor and texture; they should not sit out for more than 2 hours.
Fridge: Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain crispiness.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the cooled, fried shrimp on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. They can be kept for up to 2 months.
Reheating: To revive your Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp, heat in a preheated oven at 375°F until warmed through for about 10-15 minutes.
Make Ahead Options
These Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts looking to save time. You can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 3 days in advance; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and flavorful. For the shrimp, marinate them in buttermilk up to 24 hours ahead—this ensures they remain tender and juicy before frying. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply coat the shrimp in cornstarch and fry them for about 2-3 minutes. Toss them in the sauce while still warm, and you’ll have a delicious restaurant-quality meal that’s sure to impress, all with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Variations
Embrace your culinary creativity and try these delicious twists on this beloved dish!
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Gluten-Free: Replace cornstarch with a gluten-free flour blend for a crispy coating without gluten.
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Spicy Cajun: Add a teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the cornstarch for a fiery, flavorful kick.
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Sweet & Tangy: Blend in a tablespoon of honey or agave with the sauce for a touch of sweetness that balances the heat.
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Coconut Crunch: Incorporate shredded coconut into the cornstarch for a tropical twist with extra crunch.
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Oven-Baked: For a healthier version, coat the shrimp, then bake at 400°F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
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Zesty Lemon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the Bang Bang sauce for an invigorating citrus burst.
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Pineapple Salsa: Top with a homemade pineapple salsa for a refreshing contrast that brings joy to each bite.
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Veggie Delight: Swap shrimp for bite-sized pieces of cauliflower or zucchini for a vegetarian-friendly option that everyone will love.
Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing shrimp, go for medium-sized shrimp that are firm and slightly translucent. Avoid any that have dark spots all over or a strong fishy smell. Fresh shrimp should smell like the ocean, with no off-putting odors—this will ensure your dish is as delicious as possible.
How should I store leftover Bang Bang shrimp?
Very! Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, place them in an oven preheated to 375°F for about 10 minutes to help regain their crispiness, ensuring every bite tastes fresh!
Can I freeze Bang Bang shrimp? If so, how?
Absolutely! To freeze your Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp, allow the fried shrimp to cool completely. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet, and freeze them until solid—about 1 hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can be enjoyed for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, bake them in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
What should I do if my shrimp aren’t crispy?
If your shrimp end up a bit soggy, it could be due to the oil temperature being too low. Always use a thermometer to keep the oil at 375°F. Frying in small batches is also essential! If they start looking too dark, it’s a sign that your oil might be too hot. Monitor closely for perfectly crispy shrimp each time!
Are there any dietary considerations I should know about?
Absolutely! This recipe contains shellfish, which can be an allergen for some people. If you’re serving guests, always check for shellfish allergies. Additionally, the sauce contains mayonnaise, which may not be suitable for those who are vegan or avoiding dairy. You can substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative for a dairy-free option!
Can I substitute the buttermilk if I don’t have any?
Very! If you’re out of buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute. Simply combine 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for about 5-10 minutes. This will create a similar tangy flavor that works perfectly for marinating your shrimp, helping them stay tender and juicy.
Irresistible Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe from Bonefish Grill
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sea salt. Cover and refrigerate until ready.
- In another bowl, soak the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for about 10 minutes.
- Preheat your Dutch oven with sunflower oil over medium heat, aiming for 375°F.
- Drain the shrimp from the buttermilk and dredge each shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil, frying until they float and turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Transfer the cooked shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels.
- While the shrimp are still warm, gently toss them in the prepared Bang Bang sauce.
- Arrange the shrimp over a bed of fresh lettuce and garnish with chopped green onions.