Listen up, fellow foodies! If you’re like me and can’t resist the perfect combo of crispy fried shrimp smothered in that sweet-spicy-creamy sauce you’re in the right place. I’ve eaten my way through countless restaurants to bring you the absolute best spots to get your bang bang shrimp fix. Let’s dive right in!
The OG King: Bonefish Grill
Y’all, let’s be real – Bonefish Grill is where it all started. They’ve been serving this heavenly appetizer since the 90s, and lemme tell you, nobody does it quite like them. Here’s why they’re still the GOAT:
- Premium shrimp that’s never frozen
- Super light, crispy coating that’ll make you weak in the knees
- That perfectly balanced sauce (sweet but not too sweet, spicy but won’t kill ya)
- Fresh-cooked every single time
- Gorgeous plating with those fancy green onions on top
Other Restaurants Serving Bang Bang Shrimp
I’ve done the legwork (and gained a few pounds) trying bang bang shrimp at different spots. Here’s where else you can get your fix:
Chain Restaurants:
- Red Lobster – Their version is pretty close to Bonefish’s original
- Chili’s – Serves it as an entree with rice (pro tip: ask for extra sauce!)
- Yard House – They call it “boom boom shrimp” (cute, right?)
- Applebee’s – Known as “sriracha shrimp” here
- The Cheesecake Factory – More Thai-inspired, but still delish
- Joe’s Crab Shack – They do a “bangin shrimp” with thicker sauce
- Ruby Tuesday – Goes the Thai route with sweet chili sauce
- Outback Steakhouse – Does a weird but tasty thing with fries
Pro Tips for Ordering
Take it from someone who’s probably eaten their weight in bang bang shrimp
- Size matters – Ask about portion sizes. Some places give you enough to feed an army
- Sauce on the side for takeout (nobody likes soggy shrimp!)
- Skip the fork – use your hands for maximum sauce coverage
- Get extra sauce (trust me on this one)
- Pair it with something cold and refreshing to balance the heat
Make It at Home (When You’re Broke)
Look, I get it – eating out gets expensive. Here’s my simplified recipe for when you’re craving bang bang shrimp but your wallet’s saying “nah”
What You’ll Need:
- Shrimp (duh)
- Flour
- Egg
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Veggie oil
- Mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Garlic powder
- Green onions
Quick Steps:
- Mix the sauce stuff together
- Bread those shrimpies (flour → egg → panko)
- Fry ’em up till golden
- Toss in sauce
- Stuff face
Fun Facts You Didn’t Ask For
- The name comes from the “bang” sound of dipping and the “bang” of flavor hitting your taste buds
- Most versions aren’t super spicy (but you can always ask for extra heat)
- You can make it gluten-free using rice flour
- It ain’t healthy, but who cares when it tastes this good?
The Bottom Line
While lots of places serve bang bang shrimp these days, Bonefish Grill still wears the crown. But honestly? Any of these spots will satisfy your craving. Just remember – sharing is optional (I never do).
Now if you’ll excuse me, all this writing about bang bang shrimp has made me hungry. I’m off to get some for myself!
What’s your fave place to get bang bang shrimp? Drop a comment below – I’m always looking for new spots to try!
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, chili sauce, and Sriracha until smooth.
- Marinate shrimp: In a large bowl, combine and whisk the buttermilk, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Add the shrimp and stir to coat.
- Heat oil: In a heavy-bottomed pan, add 2 to 3 inches of oil. Heat over medium heat until the temperature reaches 375°F on a digital thermometer.
- Dredge in cornstarch: In a shallow bowl, add the cornstarch. Using tongs, remove 1 shrimp from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off, and coat each side in cornstarch.
- Fry shrimp: Add them in batches to the oil and fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side, until cooked through and light brown. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Return oil temperature to 375°F and repeat with remaining pieces.
- Coat with sauce: Place in a serving bowl and add sauce. Toss to coat. Serve warm.
- Don’t skip the cornstarch. It gives the shrimp the crispiest exterior, it’s so good!
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: This will cause the temperature of the pan to drop and you will end up with soggy, oily shrimp.
- Use a clip-on thermometer: The oil temperature needs to be at 375 degrees F each time you add shrimp to the pan. If they absorb too much oil they will be soggy, if it’s too hot, they will burn.
- Less spicy: To make the sauce a little sweeter, add 1 teaspoon of honey or maple syrup.
- Extra spice or tang: Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce. To make it a little tart, add a dash of lemon juice.
- Dipping sauce: Make sauce ahead of time and store in refrigerator then remember to reserve some extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping!
Serve as an appetizer or as a main with a side of rice or steamed vegetables. Bang bang shrimp also pairs well with fried rice and chow mein. Tuck the shrimp into a lettuce wrap, add to a salad or shrimp bowl or wrap in a tortilla if you would like.
- Store: These bang bang shrimp are best enjoyed right away, but can be stored if you have leftovers. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat on a baking sheet in the oven at 350°F. You could also reheat the shrimp by adding a small amount of oil to a pan over medium high heat, adding shrimp and heating for a few minutes. Toss with extra sauce!
Copycat Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp
This recipe for bang bang shrimp is totally addictive! With crunchy breading and a creamy, sweet yet spicy sauce, this copycat recipe from Bonefish Grill is mouthwatering and an easy shrimp recipe to recreate at home.
If I am making this or my coconut shrimp for a homemade appetizer to serve at a party, I always plan on making a double batch! For dinner, I turn it into a main dish and make bang bang shrimp pasta or bang bang shrimp tacos.
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Shrimp: You will need one pound, peeled and deveined, and tails removed.
- Buttermilk: You can make your own buttermilk by combining ½ cup of whole milk with ½ tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp, so don’t skip it!
- Seasonings: Onion powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Oil: For frying, canola oil or peanut oil both work.
- Cornstarch: Gives your shrimp a golden color and helps them stay crispy when frying.
- Mayonnaise: Full-fat mayo for the best creamy texture, although in a pinch you could use sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Thai sweet chili sauce: Your preferred brand.
- Sriracha: To taste, use more if you like extra heat.
How to Make Authentic Bang Bang Shrimp at Home | The Real Recipe
FAQ
Which restaurant is known for Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp® lives in our head rent-free Bang Bang Shrimp® is just $7 with any food or beverage purchase, Wednesdays at Bonefish Grill. Dine-in only. Prices, products, and participation vary by location.
What’s the difference between boom boom shrimp and Bang Bang Shrimp?
While both Boom Boom Shrimp and Bang Bang Shrimp feature crispy, fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, they differ slightly in their sauce composition.
Who does Bang Bang Shrimp?
If you’ve never had the Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish Grill, let me tell you about their most popular appetizer–at least in my family’s opinion. It’s tender shrimp coated in crispy breadcrumbs and a sweet and spicy, creamy sauce with just the right amount of chili heat. That’s where it gets the name “Bang Bang.”
Does Walmart sell bang bang sauce?
Product details. This is a 2-pack of Burman’s Bang Bang Stir Fry Sauce. Each bottle contains 14.5 oz of sauce, perfect for adding a flavorful kick to your stir-fry dishes. The sauce is made with a blend of spices and ingredients that create a unique and delicious taste.