Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl

Some recipes are born from a craving, others from inspiration — this one? A little bit of both.

I created this Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl after a late-night food craving and a Pinterest scroll session. I wanted something spicy, creamy, crunchy, and deeply satisfying, but without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s when I remembered the famous Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer — usually deep-fried and served in fancy restaurants. But I needed something more filling and weeknight-dinner friendly.

So, I decided to turn it into a complete bowl — with rice, fresh veggies, and that irresistible sauce. It’s become one of my go-to meals ever since. If you love takeout-style food but want it made at home, fresher and cheaper — this bowl is your answer.

Stick with me because you’re going to want this recipe in your weekly meal rotation.

Why I Love This Recipe?

This recipe checks every box.

It’s flavorful, filling, and beautifully balanced. The shrimp is crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — coated in a spicy, creamy, slightly sweet sauce that clings to every bite. The rice and veggies underneath cool everything down and provide that satisfying base.

What really makes this dish shine is the contrast. The crunch of the shrimp against the softness of the rice. The sweet-spicy sauce paired with the tang of pickled cucumbers or carrots. The coolness of shredded lettuce against the heat of chili-garlic mayo.

You can make it in less than 45 minutes, it feels fancy but it’s simple, and it’s ideal for meal prep, date night, or just leveling up your average lunch.

And let’s be honest — everyone loves a bowl. It’s all the good stuff, layered together, and every bite is different but delicious.

Once you try this, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl

Let’s talk about what you’ll need — because this dish is all about bold ingredients coming together in harmony.

The beauty of the Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl is that it uses pantry staples and fresh ingredients — nothing fancy, just good flavor.

For the Shrimp:

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (frozen or fresh)
• Cornstarch (for that signature crispiness)
• Egg (helps bind the coating)
• Panko breadcrumbs (optional, but adds extra crunch)
• Salt and black pepper

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• Mayonnaise (classic creamy base)
• Sweet chili sauce (adds sweetness and a light kick)
• Sriracha (you can adjust this depending on your spice tolerance)
• Honey (balances the heat)
• Rice vinegar (for a little tang)

For the Bowl Base:

• Cooked jasmine or basmati rice
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Julienned carrots
• Cucumber slices or quick pickles
• Avocado slices (optional but highly recommended)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish

For Cooking:

• Vegetable oil (for frying or pan-searing the shrimp)

Each ingredient plays a role. The shrimp carries the flavor, the sauce ties everything together, and the fresh veggies add crunch and contrast. Even if you skip one or two toppings, the core remains delicious.

How Much Time Will You Need?

You’ll need about 35–45 minutes from start to finish.

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20–25 minutes
• Total time: under 45 minutes

If you meal prep the rice or chop veggies ahead of time, this can easily turn into a 20-minute meal. It’s that efficient.

How to Make This Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl

Let’s get cooking. Follow these detailed steps to bring the whole dish together like a pro.

Step – 1: Prep the Shrimp

Start by thawing your shrimp if it’s frozen. Rinse and pat dry with paper towels.

Season lightly with salt and pepper. This helps the shrimp hold flavor beneath the coating.

Step – 2: Coat the Shrimp

Set up a dredging station:

• Bowl 1: cornstarch
• Bowl 2: beaten egg
• Bowl 3: optional — panko breadcrumbs for crunch

Dip each shrimp into cornstarch, then into egg, and finally into panko (if using). Lay on a tray and let them sit for 5 minutes — this helps the coating stick better during frying.

Step – 3: Cook the Shrimp

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. You can deep fry, shallow fry, or air fry.

Fry shrimp in batches, about 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Remove and let them rest on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step – 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce

In a bowl, mix:

• ½ cup mayo
• 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tsp sriracha (to taste)
• 1 tsp honey
• ½ tsp rice vinegar

Whisk until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice.

Toss the cooked shrimp in the sauce right before serving. You want them hot and crispy when they soak it in.

Step – 5: Assemble the Bowl

In a large bowl, layer:

• A scoop of warm rice
• Shredded lettuce
• Carrots, cucumber, avocado
• Tossed bang bang shrimp

Top with extra sauce, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds or green onions.

Every bowl should be colorful, balanced, and saucy — just the way it should be.

Substitutions

Want to tweak the recipe? Good news — this dish is super flexible.

Here are smart swaps you can make:

• Shrimp: Use tofu or cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version. Coat and cook them the same way.
• Rice: Try cauliflower rice, quinoa, or soba noodles for a lighter base.
• Mayo: Use Greek yogurt for a tangier and lighter sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Mix honey with a little sriracha and soy sauce if you don’t have it on hand.
• Gluten-free? Use rice flour instead of cornstarch and gluten-free soy sauce if making sauce variations.

These swaps don’t take away from the flavor — they just customize the recipe to your preferences or dietary needs.

Best Side Dish of Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl

Looking to round out the meal? Here are three perfect side dishes that go great with your bowl:

• Asian Cucumber Salad – Light, tangy, and refreshing — a perfect contrast to the creamy shrimp.
• Crispy Spring Rolls – Adds crunch and another texture to the plate.
• Miso Soup – A warm, savory start that balances the heat from the shrimp.

These sides don’t overpower the dish — they elevate it.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Let’s be honest — we eat with our eyes first.

To make your Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl look as incredible as it tastes, presentation matters. Here’s how I like to plate it for that restaurant-quality feel right at home:

• Use a wide, shallow bowl so each ingredient has space to shine.
• Layer the rice first, then create neat piles of veggies around the edge (carrots, cucumbers, avocado, etc.).
• Pile the Bang Bang Shrimp right in the center — slightly stacked for height and visual appeal.
• Drizzle a little extra sauce over the shrimp.
• Sprinkle with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro leaves.
• Serve with a lime wedge on the side for that final zing.

Bonus: If you’re making this for guests, serve each component in separate dishes “DIY style” — it’s interactive and lets everyone build their perfect bowl.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Even Better

Want to level up your Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl game? These tips will take you there:

• Double-fry your shrimp: For ultra-crispy texture, fry once, rest, then fry again quickly before tossing in sauce.
• Use cold rice: Day-old rice is ideal because it holds its texture better and doesn’t turn mushy.
• Add something pickled: Quick-pickled red onions or radish add an acidic contrast that cuts through the creaminess.
• Marinate the shrimp: A 10-minute soak in a bit of garlic, lime juice, and soy sauce adds flavor before coating.
• Serve warm and fresh: Assemble just before eating to maintain the textures — especially the crispy shrimp.

These small changes can dramatically elevate your final dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is beginner-friendly, there are a few things that could trip you up. Here’s what to watch for:

• Overcrowding the pan: It lowers the oil temperature and makes shrimp soggy instead of crispy.
• Skipping the drying step: If your shrimp are wet, the coating won’t stick properly.
• Drenching in sauce too early: Toss the shrimp in sauce right before serving to keep the crunch.
• Using the wrong rice: Sticky or overly soft rice can ruin the texture of the bowl. Fluffier options like jasmine or basmati work best.
• Overcooking shrimp: They cook fast — 2–3 minutes per side is enough. Any longer and they turn rubbery.

Avoid these pitfalls and your bowl will taste just like your favorite takeout — if not better.

How to Store It

Here’s how to store leftovers without ruining the texture:

• Store components separately: Keep shrimp, sauce, rice, and toppings in individual airtight containers.
• Fridge: Store up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheat: Reheat shrimp in an oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving — it makes them soggy.
• Rice: Add a splash of water before reheating to keep it soft.
• Do not freeze: The sauce and breaded shrimp do not freeze well — they lose texture and separation.

When you store it right, this bowl can still be enjoyable the next day.

FAQ

Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use rice flour or cornstarch for the coating and ensure your chili sauce and mayo are certified gluten-free.

Is Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl spicy?
It has a mild kick, but you can easily adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the sriracha in the sauce.

Can I bake or air fry the shrimp instead?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway. For baking, use a high temp (around 425°F) and flip once for even browning.

What protein can I use instead of shrimp?
You can use crispy tofu, cauliflower, or even grilled chicken. Just make sure to coat and season them well before cooking.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, prep all components ahead, but store separately. Only assemble and sauce the shrimp right before serving for best results.

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