The Best Baked Bang Bang Shrimp (A Crispy, Creamy Masterpiece!)

Hello, my friends, and get ready for a recipe that is a true explosion of flavor! If you’ve ever had the iconic Bang Bang Shrimp from a restaurant, you know how unbelievably addictive that crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy combination is. Well, today, I’m going to show you how to make an even better, healthier version at home. This Baked Bang Bang Shrimp is an absolute showstopper!

We take plump, juicy shrimp, coat them in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture, and bake them to a perfect golden-brown crisp. Then, these incredible little bites are drizzled with a luscious, homemade bang bang sauce that is the perfect harmony of creamy, sweet, and spicy. It’s a restaurant-copycat recipe that is so easy to make, and baking the shrimp instead of frying makes it a lighter appetizer or main course that you can feel great about.

Why You’ll Be Absolutely Obsessed With This Recipe

This is guaranteed to be your new favorite way to eat shrimp. Here’s why it’s so spectacular:

• Incredibly Crispy, Without Frying: Tossing the panko with a little oil before baking is the secret to getting a super crispy, golden-brown crust in the oven, no deep fryer required!
• The Perfect Bang Bang Sauce: Our homemade sauce is the star of the show! It’s creamy, sweet, spicy, and tangy, and it’s so easy to whisk together while the shrimp bakes.
• A True Crowd-Pleasing Appetizer: A big platter of this crispy, saucy shrimp is one of the most popular and requested appetizers for any party, game day, or gathering.
• Quick, Easy, and Impressive: This dish looks and tastes like a gourmet restaurant appetizer, but it’s so simple to prepare and is ready in about 30 minutes.

Gather Your Simple, Flavorful Ingredients: What You’ll Need

This impressive dish comes together with just a handful of powerful, easy-to-find ingredients.

For the Shrimp:

• 2 cups panko bread crumbs
• 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 lb. raw shrimp, peeled and deveined

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 4 Tbsp. mayonnaise
• 4 Tbsp. sweet chili sauce
• 2 Tbsp. sriracha
• Juice of 2 limes
• 2 tsp. honey
• Freshly chopped cilantro, for garnish

Crafting Your Bang Bang Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s get breading! The key to a crispy bake is the pre-toasted panko.

1. Prep the Oven and Panko: First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, stir together the panko bread crumbs, olive oil, and garlic powder. Season the mixture generously with salt and pepper. This step ensures the panko gets extra toasty and golden in the oven.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station: You’ll need two more shallow bowls. Whisk the eggs in one bowl, and place the flour in the third. Now you have your three-step station: flour, eggs, and the panko mixture.
3. Bread the Shrimp: Pat your shrimp completely dry with a paper towel. Working with one shrimp at a time, first dip it into the flour to coat, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any excess drip off. Finally, press the shrimp firmly into the panko mixture, making sure it’s completely and generously coated. Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet.

1. Bake to Crispy Perfection: Bake the shrimp for 13 to 15 minutes, until they are golden brown, crispy, and the shrimp inside is pink and cooked through.
2. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the shrimp are baking, whip up your delicious sauce. In a medium bowl, simply whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey. Season with a pinch of salt.

1. Serve and Garnish: Arrange the hot, crispy shrimp on a platter. You can either toss them in the sauce, or for the crispiest result, drizzle the bang bang sauce generously over the top. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately.

Wise Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp

• Panko is a Must: For the ultimate crispy texture, you must use panko bread crumbs. Regular bread crumbs will result in a much softer, less crunchy coating.
• The Oil-Toast Technique: Tossing the panko with oil before breading is a brilliant trick that helps it “fry” in the oven, giving you a beautiful golden color and a superior crunch.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Place the breaded shrimp in a single layer on the baking sheet with a little space between each one. This allows the hot air to circulate and ensures they get crispy all around.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: The bang bang sauce is easily customizable. Love it spicy? Add more sriracha. Prefer it sweeter? Add a little more honey or sweet chili sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Baked Bang Bang Shrimp

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! The air fryer is fantastic for this. After breading, arrange the shrimp in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store the shrimp and the sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and re-crisp the shrimp, the best method is to pop them in an air fryer or a hot oven for a few minutes.

What should I serve these with?
They are a perfect appetizer on their own, but they are also incredible in tacos, on top of a salad, or served in a bowl with rice and veggies.

Conclusion

This Baked Bang Bang Shrimp is a truly addictive and delicious recipe that will have everyone reaching for more. It’s a healthier, easier, and even tastier way to enjoy a restaurant favorite at home. I hope you love this incredible dish!