Last Updated on April 21, 2025
Are you a fan of the mouthwatering bang bang shrimp from Bonefish Grill? If you’ve ever tasted this popular appetizer, you know just how addictive it can be.
But what if you could recreate that Crispy, tangy, and spicy goodness in your own kitchen? Well, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we’re going to share with you a copycat bang bang shrimp recipe that will satisfy your cravings and impress your family and friends.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.
Bonefish Grill bang bang shrimp, $12.90 for an order. Mary Jo and I like to get an order for each of us, a side Salad, and call it supper.
Add to that a happy hour-priced chardonnay, (4 pm until 6:30 pm in Florida). Yummy eats.
I’ve wanted to re-create this and finally got around to it. This recipe is pretty darn close to the original recipe from Bonefish Grill.
Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients
To start, let’s gather the ingredients you’ll need for this delicious Appetizer. Don’t worry; you can usually find these items easily at your local grocery store.
For the bang bang sauce, you’ll need mayonnaise, Mae Ploy Brand Thai sweet chili sauce, and Huy Fong Chili garlic sauce. These ingredients come together to create a creamy and spicy Sauce that perfectly complements the shrimp.
You may like a little more heat in the sauce so you could add some Sriracha to the mayonnaise hot sauce if desired.
Now, let’s move on to the star of the show—the shrimp! Bonefish Grill uses small shrimp for their Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer.
I use frozen, 60-80-size raw shrimp that is peeled and ready to use once it is thawed. My Walmart sells a 12-ounce bag of these shrimp for around $5.00. (This is the shrimp used in the photos).
Larger shrimps are fine to use also but the frying time would be a little bit longer.
Creating The Crunchy Coating
The breading ingredients are cornstarch, Panko Breadcrumbs, and baking soda.
Bonefish Grill bang bang shrimp has a distinct Crunch, and this was a little harder to recreate.
I tried Breading with all-purpose flour, straight cornstarch, flour/cornstarch combined, then cornstarch with some panko breadcrumbs.
Straight Cornstarch is pretty good, but adding some panko breadcrumbs gave the shrimp a nice crunch that was closer to Bonefish Grill Bang Bang shrimp.
After making the recipe again, I added 1 teaspoon of baking soda to the cornstarch dredge and the shrimp browned much better.
It makes a really nicely browned shrimp.
Preparing and Frying the Shrimp Appetizer
First, place the shrimp in a bowl with 1 to 1 1/2 cups of Buttermilk. Let them soak for about 30 minutes.
This will prevent any off-flavors and take the place of an Egg Wash. The moisture from the milk will be just enough to get a thin coating of the cornstarch/Panko breadcrumb mixture.
Heat a Dutch oven or large saucepan with sunflower or Peanut Oil over medium heat. You want the oil to reach a temperature of around 350°F for optimal frying.
In a shallow bowl. mix the cornstarch, Panko breadcrumbs, and baking soda.
Work in batches of about 10 to 12 small shrimp or 6 or 8 larger shrimp. Remove them from the buttermilk and allow them to drip excess milk and then place them into the cornstarch mixture to coat.
Carefully place them into the Hot Oil to fry for 2 to 3 minutes until browned.
It is easiest to use a kitchen spider (ad), to dip the shrimp into the oil. Otherwise, a large, slotted spoon could also be used.
After frying, place the fried shrimp onto a Cooling Rack that has paper toweling under it to catch any oil drips. The cooling rack will prevent the shrimp from becoming soggy as if placed directly on paper towels.
Continue with the remaining shrimp.
Combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and chili garlic sauce in a medium-sized bowl. Place the fried shrimp into the Bang Bang Sauce and stir to coat. The tangy and Spicy sauce will take the flavor of the shrimp to a whole new level.
Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp in a bowl with shredded Lettuce and chopped Green Onion.
Alternative Ways To Serve The Bang Bang Shrimp
You can enjoy the bang bang shrimp as a standalone Appetizer or get creative with different serving options.
For a delightful twist, try using the shrimp in shrimp tacos or as a topping for a refreshing shrimp salad.
You can even turn it into a Main Course by pairing it with brown rice and a side of steamed vegetables.
Serve the shrimp with dry white wine or not-too-sweet rosé wine.
For a non-alcoholic drink, have some water with a wedge of lemon.
This is the type of appetizer to make if you are having an informal gathering with friends.
Once all the ingredients are laid out, the frying goes quickly, and you want to eat these soon after they’re done.
Serve on a bed of chopped lettuce and garnish with some green onions. This is delicious!
Looking for more Seafood recipe ideas?
Bonefish Grill’s Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 oz . shrimp , 60-80 size, raw, shelled and de-veined, thawed
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups buttermilk
- 3 to 4 cups sunflower or peanut oil (or other high smoke point oil)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- Lettuce shredded for serving
- green onions chopped as garnish
Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise , (or Miracle Whip for slightly sweeter sauce)
- 3 tbsp Mae Ploy sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp Huy Fong chili garlic sauce
- Sriracha sauce if more heat is desired
Instructions
- Place thawed shrimp in a bowl and cover with buttermilk, soak for 30 minutes or more.
- Mix cornstarch, panko crumbs and baking soda in a shallow bowl.
- Place cooking oil in a 2-quart saucepan or Dutch oven and heat oil to 350°.
- Remove 10 to 12 shrimp from the buttermilk, pat dry on paper towels, coat with cornstarch/panko mixture, place shrimp in a spider mesh basket and lower into hot oil. (You can also carefully lower the shrimp into the oil one at a time, fry and remove from the oil with a slotted spoon).
- Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, or until the shrimp is medium browned.
- Remove the shrimp with the spider and place them on a cooling rack that has paper towels under it.
- Repeat for the remaining shrimp.
- Place the fried shrimp into the bang bang sauce and stir to coat.Serve in a bowl with shredded lettuce and green onions to garnish.
Sauce
- Mix ingredients well in a medium bowl, and set aside.
Notes
- Nutrition information is estimated.
- Larger shrimp can be used but I was trying to duplicate the authentic Bonefish Grill size. Larger shrimp may take a bit more time to cook.
Susanne Ridolfi
Made this recipe last night. Delicious! So easy and fast. Will definitely make again. May try this recipe with boneless chicken. Not everyone in my family likes shrimp.
Joe
Hi Susanne. Thanks for the comment. This recipe works really well with small chicken bites.
Natalie
Do you think this would do well as an airfryer recipe?
Appreciate your help and output ahead of time.
Joe
Hi Natalie, thanks for the comment. Sorry but an air fryer would not give you the the same results as deep frying.
Julie
So I wanted to make this tonight for dinner and found shrimp on sale but it was 26-30 count. Should I cook them whole or cut them in half? Can’t wait to try!
Joe
Julie, just keep them whole. Since they are larger, they may take a few seconds longer to cook, but they will be fine. Enjoy!
Davey
I would like to try this recipe but seafood has an image problem for me they live in their own toilet lol we have a bonefish grill here in Cleveland but I have never been I was wondering can I use my Dutch oven to fry the shrimp in? That is my go to fryer no basket please advise.
Joe
Hey Davey…if you don’t agree with shrimp, best not eat this,lol. A dutch oven is perfect for frying in. A basket strainer is the best tool to use for frying these shrimp, but a large slotted spoon would work too. Just work in smaller batches. With the spicy sauce, I think you will love it. Don’t skimp on the sauce ingredients. I don’t know of or recommend substitutes.
Dean
Chicken works great with this recipe for those who do not like seafood,
Joe
Thanks Dean. That sounds good.
Peg McCarthy
Daughter Made these last night and they came out terrific. We have them as a whole meal so used larger shrimp and cut in half, used 46 shrimp. Use an electric wok at 375 degrees in canola oil, a small jar was more than enough oil. Cooked crispy 2 minutes each batch and used the mesh spoon to get them out. Otherwise followed his directions. They were spot on delicious. Thank you for the recipe. Looking for more ideas.
Joe
Hi Peg. Thanks for the nice comment. Glad you liked the shrimp.
Jenn
Do you use egg at all before placing shrimp
in the Panko dredge? Making this for Super Bowl!????????
Joe
Hi Jenn…no egg is used for these. If you soak the shrimp in buttermilk, just pat them with paper towels but keep the shrimp slightly moist. The batter mixture will stick to the shrimp really well.
Nikki
I made this for my family and they loved the recipe so much they asked for it the next night as well. Quick and easy meal, thanks for sharing
Joe
Thanks Nikki. Glad you and your family liked it.
Leann
In searching for Bang Bang recipes I found one prior to yours wherein an actual employee confirmed the ingredients. I was leery. Then I saw yours which had the exact same ingredient but added panko. I think you nailed it!
Joe
Hi Leann. Thank you for the nice comment.
Shelia
Thank you for the tips. I used the basket to fry mine. The breading was great and crunchy. I cut down the spicy a bit but we loved this recipe. We did more shrimp and put it on lettuce like a salad. Delicious.
Joe
Thanks for the comment Sheila. Glad you liked it.
Johanna
We made this last night for appetizer as written and hubby went out of his mind ????. He thought it was better than bonefish. Loved the sauce. Thank you for the tips and tricks.
Joe
Thanks Johanna. I really appreciate your nice comment. So glad it was a hit with your husband.
Mary C.
Absolutely perfect! I usually think “copycat” recipes are close but not quite….but this one is SPOT ON! Thank you for taking the time to decipher the perfect ingredients and directions! Love love love it! Thank you!!
Joe
Thanks Mary. So glad you liked it.
Andrea McVey
My husband doesn’t care for shrimp and LOVED this recipe! I used a deep fryer with basket and they came out perfect and not greasy! Thank you!
Joe
Fantastic Andrea, glad you liked this.
Jell
Hi! This looks sooo good! I’m making this tonight! Although I’d rather fry them, have you ever baked them? If so, how would you recommend doing it?
Thank you!
Joe
Hi Jell. I have not tried baking them. If I were to try this, I’d put a cooling rack into a baking sheet and spray with some non-stick and bake them at a high temperature like 450°. Keep a close eye on them, it may take 10 to 15 minutes to brown. Also, if you are using larger shrimp, you could try to broil them. Put them 6 or 8 inches from the broiler for a couple minutes, then turn and brown the other side. This is really a trial and error situation. Good luck. Let me know how it works out if you try this.
Jell
I ended up frying them. I had a problem problem with the breading falling off . I didn’t have a spider basket but next time I will try this method. Also, I couldn’t find sweet chili sauce , that was made in a peanut free facility, so I added plain sriracha chili sauce and added honey. This was very good! Looking forward to making it again and I’ll try baking them, also. Thank you for your recipe!
Joe
Hi Jell. I’m glad you tried it. If the cornstarch gets too thick, it will have a tendency to fall off. Next time you will do it perfectly!
Marcy
I want to make this to take to a friend’s for an appetizer. How do I keep it hot for the 15 minute drive? And should I wait to put the sauce on the shrimp until I get there? Would it work to heat in the oven?
Joe
Hi Marcy. I would wait to add the shrimp to the sauce, heat the fried shrimp and sauce as necessary. An oven would be best for the shrimp to make sure it stays a little crispy. Microwave would be fine for the sauce. Then combine the two. Have a fun party.
Marcy
Perfect! Thanks!
C
Great recipe! Made this, based on reviews, and it didn’t disappoint! My kids (who are not picky eaters, but know when it’s a good recipe) LOVED it! The only thing I did differently was using a cast-iron pan and frying with small amounts of oil in small batches. Still turned out great!
Amber Jackson
Making this tonight for my husbands 30th Birthday dinner 🙂 he requested bang bang shrimp from bonefish but didn’t want to go out so I found this recipe and we are so excited to try it!
IPW
How was it?!?!
Cynthia
I had a typo in my precious email address-
this is the correct one
Cynthia
I made this tonight & it was amazing! I can’t imagine a better recipe for these shrimp. I read 3 or 4 copycat recipes before settiling on this one, and it is perfect! I followed your directions exactly, along with every tip you gave, and it was wonderful! I am a pretty good cook, & tweak a lot of recipes, but not this one-it is wonderful! Thank you, Joe!
Joe
Hi Cynthia. Thank you for the nice review. Glad you liked it.
Ryan
I Love this recipe. One small change that I think makes it more bang bang like… PEANUT BUTTER. One tablespoon to the sauce gave it that Thai peanut flavor to mix with everything else. I never comment on recipes but the world needs to know about this. One of the best things to ever come out of my kitchen!!
Joe
Hey Ryan thanks for the comment. I’ll have to try the peanut butter next time I make this. Interesting flavor profile I’m sure.
Sherrie Marie
I am excited to try this tonight after seeing all the nice comments from people , I have never had bang bang Shrimp But I have always heard they were delicious ! Thank you for sharing
Caleb
Hello,
I’ve never cooked shrimp at home before but this recipe inspires me to try! Can you clarify– is it supposed to be raw or pre-cooked frozen-shelled-de-veined shrimp?
Thanks!
Joe
Hi Caleb, to make this dish, use raw shrimp.
Anshu
I so loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!
Joe
Thanks for your comment Anshu, glad you enjoyed it!
Kelsey
This recipe is amazing! We use to live near a Bone Fish grille but since we moved further away we don’t go as often. I found this recipe one day when I was craving some bang bang shrimp and it tastes EXACTLY like the real thing. This is hands down the most successful copy cat recipe I’ve ever tried. Thank you so much for sharing!!!
Joe
Thanks Kelsey. What a nice comment!
Ellie Augustin
Oh my gosh! This looks SO good! I have to make this. Thanks so much for sharing! Now I’m hungry ha.
Joe
Hi Ellie. Thanks for the comment…and it is really good!
Marie
I have been telling my boyfriend we need to go to Bonefish Grill since we moved near one. I think it’s time to cash in on this because those shrimp look banging….no pun intended lol
Joe
Ha Ha…Thanks Marie…Don’t want to come between you two, but try the Bonefish bang bang shrimp. I’ll think you’ll love it! Then try my recipe.!
Michaela
This looks so yummy I need to try!
Joe
Michaela…Invite some friends and have a great appetizer
Laura
My boyfriend and I made bang bang shrimp tacos last night using this recipe and they were fantastic! Thank you so much for sharing!
Joe
Thanks Laura…that sounds really tasty. I’ll have to try them as tacos.
Alison McLean
It looks simply scrumptious!! Can’t wait to try.
Joe
Hi Allison, please let us know how it turns out for you. We love shrimp and this is one of our favorite meals with a salad and a glass of wine.
Thanks for your nice comment!
MaryJo
If you like shrimp, it’s really worth your time to make this recipe. It’s really delicious!