Hey there, fellow food lovers! I’ve been getting tons of questions about Bang Bang Shrimp lately, especially about its spiciness level As someone who’s made and eaten this dish countless times (and maybe burned my tongue once or twice ), I’m here to give you the real scoop on this popular appetizer
The Quick Answer
Bang Bang Shrimp has a moderate spice level that most people can handle. It’s what I’d call “cozy-spicy” – you’ll definitely feel a warm kick, but it won’t have you running for a glass of milk! The heat comes from a creamy sauce that perfectly balances sweet and spicy flavors.
Breaking Down the Heat: What Makes It Spicy?
The signature Bang Bang sauce is where all the magic happens. Here’s what gives it that kick:
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides a mild, sweet heat
- Sriracha: Adds the main spicy punch
- Mayonnaise: Helps tame the heat with its creaminess
- Honey: Balances everything with sweetness
Spice Level Comparison
To help you understand just how spicy Bang Bang Shrimp is here’s a helpful comparison
| Food Item | Spice Level |
|---|---|
| Bang Bang Shrimp | ️ ️ (Moderate) |
| Mild Buffalo Wings | ️ (Mild) |
| Jalapeño Poppers | ️ ️ (Moderate) |
| Hot Buffalo Wings | ️ ️ ️ (Hot) |
Can I Adjust the Spiciness?
Heck yeah! Whether you’re making it at home or ordering at a restaurant here are some ways to control the heat
To Make It Spicier:
- Add extra Sriracha
- Include a pinch of cayenne pepper
- Throw in some red pepper flakes
To Make It Milder:
- Use less Sriracha
- Ask for sauce on the side
- Add extra mayo to the sauce
- Request a “mild” version at restaurants
Kid-Friendly Options
If you’re wondering whether your kiddos can handle Bang Bang Shrimp, here’s my honest take: it really depends on your child’s spice tolerance. Some tips for making it more kid-friendly:
- Serve the sauce on the side
- Make a separate batch with minimal spice
- Have some plain fried shrimp ready as backup
- Keep milk or yogurt handy to cool things down
My Personal Experience
Look, I gotta tell ya – the first time I made Bang Bang Shrimp at home, I went a bit crazy with the Sriracha (okay, maybe way too crazy ). My family still teases me about how red my face got! But that’s the beauty of making it yourself – you can learn from my mistakes and adjust the spice to your liking.
Pro Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
- Temperature Matters: Serve it hot! The spiciness actually feels different when the dish is cold
- Coating is Key: Use cornstarch instead of regular flour for the perfect crispy texture
- Don’t Skip the Garnish: Green onions and lettuce leaves aren’t just for looks – they help balance the heat
- Sauce Consistency: The sauce should be creamy but not too thick – thin it with a touch of water if needed
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp
Need something to complement those spicy bites? Here are my fave pairings:
- Steamed rice (helps tame the heat)
- Fresh coleslaw
- Crispy french fries
- Garden salad with ranch dressing
- Cold beer (for us grown-ups!)
The Bottom Line
Bang Bang Shrimp isn’t gonna set your mouth on fire, but it’s definitely got enough kick to keep things interesting! It’s that perfect middle ground between “bland” and “blow-your-head-off spicy.” Most folks who can handle mild buffalo wings should be totally fine with this dish.
Remember, whether you’re ordering it at a restaurant or making it at home, you can always customize the spice level to match your taste buds. And hey, if you’re still nervous, start with the sauce on the side – you can always add more, but you can’t take it away once it’s mixed in!
Have you tried Bang Bang Shrimp before? What did you think about the spice level? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear your spicy (or not so spicy) adventures! ✨
how to serve crispy bang bang shrimp
There are a few ways for you to serve the dish. My husband loves to eat it just as is because the crispy texture turns the shrimp into an amazing appetizer. Some times we eat it with rice, but it’s also quite popular to serve it in taco shells.
Lately though I’ve been enjoying folding the shrimp between seaweed sheets to make some delectable mini seaweed shrimp tacos.
(For full ingredient measurements, please proceed to the recipe card below.)
- Shrimp
- Salt
- Paprika
- Chili powder
- Sugar
- Egg
- Flour
- Plain bread crumbs/Panko crumbs
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Japanese mayo
- Sweet chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Sesame oil
Shrimp Recipes For Dinner
The mouthwatering Bang Bang Shrimp is a dish that was popularized by the restaurant Bonefish Grill, which took the seafood appetizer world in the US by storm.
I came across it a few years ago on social media, and have tweaked the recipe over the years to finally come up with my favorite version thus far.
Spicy BANG BANG Shrimp that Stays Crispy
FAQ
Is Bang Bang seasoning spicy?
Simply Asia® Bang Bang Sichuan Style Seasoning is a sweet and spicy blend of chili flakes, ginger and garlic. It pairs perfectly with recipes for shrimp, chicken and vegetables.
What is Bang Bang Shrimp sauce made of?
Bang Bang Shrimp sauce is typically made with a combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
Why is it called Bang Bang Shrimp?
… is, in fact, derived from a Sichuan cooking technique where a stick or baton was used to, quite literally, “bang” boiled chicken as a means for tenderization
Is Bang Bang Sauce spicy barburrito?
The History of Bang Bang:
It was called Bang Bang Shrimp because of the spicy sriracha, mixed with a sweet sauce, creating a bang of a taste from sweet to spicy when you take a bite.