Introduction & Inspiration

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these incredibly popular and easy-to-make Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls! If you love that addictive appetizer from your favorite chain restaurant, you’ll adore this homemade version served as a full, satisfying meal. We’re talking perfectly crispy shrimp coated in Panko breadcrumbs (cooked easily in the air fryer or pan!), tossed in that signature creamy, sweet, and spicy Bang Bang sauce, all served over fluffy rice with cool lettuce and cucumber.

My inspiration for this recipe comes directly from wanting to recreate that crave-worthy Bang Bang shrimp experience at home, transforming it from just an appetizer into a complete and satisfying meal. The sauce is ridiculously simple to whip up, and the crispy shrimp are surprisingly easy to achieve.

This dish is perfect for a fun weeknight dinner, a casual gathering with friends, or anytime you want a meal that feels indulgent and exciting but comes together quickly. It’s a guaranteed hit! It is a perfect recipe for shrimp lovers.

Nostalgic Appeal / Comfort Factor

Crispy fried shrimp is a comfort food classic, often associated with seafood restaurants, beach vacations, or fun appetizers. The creamy, sweet-and-spicy sauce profile of Bang Bang shrimp has quickly become a modern comfort food favorite for many, tapping into our love for bold, slightly indulgent flavors.

This recipe combines the satisfying crunch of perfectly cooked shrimp with that addictive, creamy sauce, served over a comforting bed of rice. It feels like a trendy restaurant dish but delivers straightforward, crowd-pleasing comfort.

It’s a fun, vibrant meal that feels both familiar (crispy shrimp!) and excitingly flavorful. A perfect dish to share with friends.

Homemade Focus (Simple Breading & Sauce)

This Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl recipe is all about achieving fantastic results with simple homemade techniques. We’re using a classic three-step breading process (flour, egg, Panko) to get that signature crunch on the shrimp, which you then cook fresh using your preferred method (air fryer for less oil, pan-frying for classic crisp).

The star Bang Bang sauce is whipped up easily from scratch using just three common condiments: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Making it yourself allows you to control the spice level and ensures a fresh, vibrant taste compared to potentially buying a pre-made version.

It’s about using straightforward homemade steps – breading, cooking, mixing a sauce – to create a popular restaurant-style dish easily in your own kitchen. The homemade taste is incredible.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal is the signature Bang Bang experience: crispy shrimp enveloped in a creamy sauce that is simultaneously sweet (from the sweet chili), spicy (from the Sriracha), and rich (from the mayonnaise).

The shrimp itself should be plump and cooked through, with a light, super-crispy Panko coating. The sauce is the key flavor driver. The jasmine rice provides a neutral, fluffy base, while the shredded lettuce and cucumber offer cool, crisp freshness to balance the richness and spice of the sauced shrimp.

The overall experience should be a delightful mix of textures – crispy, creamy, tender, crunchy – and a flavor explosion of sweet, spicy, savory, and cool elements all in one bowl. A perfect combination of flavour and texture.

Ingredient Insights

Shrimp: Medium or large shrimp work well (recipe suggests 1 lb, size isn’t specified but extra large from previous recipes fits well). Peeled and deveined is essential. Patting them dry helps the breading adhere.
Flour (All-Purpose): The first step in the breading process, helps the egg wash stick.
Egg (Beaten): Acts as the binder between the flour and the Panko.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create an exceptionally light and crispy coating compared to regular breadcrumbs. Key for that signature crunch.
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce. Use regular, full-fat mayo for best flavor.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides sweetness and a mild, tangy chili flavor. Find this in the international aisle of most supermarkets.
Sriracha: Adds the characteristic spicy kick. Adjust the amount to control the heat level.
Cooked Jasmine Rice: A fragrant, fluffy base for the bowl. Any cooked rice (white, brown) or even quinoa works.
Shredded Lettuce & Sliced Cucumbers: Provide a cool, crisp, fresh element to garnish the bowl and balance the richness. Iceberg or romaine lettuce works well.

Essential Equipment

Shallow Dishes or Plates (3): For setting up the flour, egg, and Panko breading station.
Air Fryer OR Large Skillet: For cooking the breaded shrimp.
Large Bowl: For tossing the cooked shrimp with the Bang Bang sauce.
Small Bowl: For mixing the Bang Bang sauce.
Whisk or Fork: For mixing the sauce.
Pot: For cooking rice (if not using pre-cooked).
Serving Bowls:

Ingredients

(Based on 1x column, assumes 2-4 servings)

Shrimp & Breading:

▢ 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined, patted dry
▢ 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
▢ 1 large egg, beaten
▢ 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
▢ Oil for pan-frying (if not air-frying) or cooking spray for air fryer

Bang Bang Sauce:

▢ 1/4 cup mayonnaise
▢ 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
▢ 1 tbsp sriracha (or more/less to taste)

Bowl Components & Garnish:

▢ 2 cups cooked jasmine rice
▢ Shredded lettuce
▢ Sliced cucumbers

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Breading Station:

Set up three shallow dishes. Place the flour in the first dish. Beat the egg in the second dish. Place the panko breadcrumbs in the third dish.

2. Bread the Shrimp:

Working with one shrimp at a time, dredge it lightly in the flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the flour-coated shrimp into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off.
Finally, coat the shrimp thoroughly in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere. Place the breaded shrimp on a clean plate or baking sheet. Repeat with all shrimp.

3. Cook the Shrimp (Choose Method):

Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) if necessary. Lightly spray the air fryer basket and/or the breaded shrimp with cooking spray. Place shrimp in a single layer in the basket (work in batches if needed). Air fry for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Cooking time varies by air fryer and shrimp size.
Pan-Frying Method: Heat about 1/2 inch of neutral oil (like canola or vegetable) in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the breaded shrimp in a single layer (do not overcrowd). Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

While the shrimp cooks (or just after), whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust Sriracha amount based on your heat preference.

5. Sauce the Shrimp:

Place the cooked, crispy shrimp in a large bowl.
Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp. Toss gently until all the shrimp are evenly coated. Do this just before serving to maintain maximum crispiness.

6. Assemble the Bowls:

Divide the cooked jasmine rice among your serving bowls.
Top the rice with the sauced Bang Bang shrimp.
Garnish generously with shredded lettuce and sliced cucumbers alongside or around the shrimp.

7. Serve:

Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls immediately while the shrimp is warm and crispy.

Troubleshooting

Breading Falling Off: Pat shrimp very dry before starting. Press panko on firmly. Don’t overcrowd the pan/air fryer. Handle gently when flipping/tossing.
Shrimp Overcooked/Rubbery: Shrimp cook very quickly! Watch carefully, especially with smaller shrimp. Cut one open to check if unsure.
Shrimp Soggy: Didn’t cook long enough/hot enough to get crisp, OR tossed in sauce too far in advance. Sauce just before serving. Panko helps with crispiness. Ensure oil is hot enough if pan-frying.
Sauce Too Spicy/Sweet: Adjust Sriracha/Sweet Chili Sauce ratio to your preference. Taste the sauce before tossing with shrimp.
Sauce Too Thick/Thin: Mayo/Sweet Chili brands vary slightly. If extremely thick, add a tiny splash of water or lime juice. If too thin, ensure ingredients were measured correctly (unlikely to be too thin with these components).

Tips and Variations

Pat Shrimp Dry: Crucial for breading adhesion and crispiness.
Panko is Key: Use Panko, not regular breadcrumbs, for the best light, crispy texture.
Sauce Just Before Serving: Toss the cooked shrimp with the sauce immediately before assembling the bowls to keep them as crispy as possible.
Spice Level: Easily adjust the heat by varying the amount of Sriracha.
Add Lime: A squeeze of fresh lime juice into the Bang Bang sauce adds a nice brightness.
Different Protein: Try this with bite-sized chicken pieces or even crispy tofu cubes. Adjust cooking times.
Veggies in Bowl: Add other crisp veggies like shredded carrots, radishes, or bell pepper strips.
Make it Tacos/Wraps: Serve the Bang Bang shrimp in tortillas or lettuce wraps instead of a rice bowl.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Immediately: Essential for enjoying the crispy shrimp texture.
As a Complete Meal: The bowl with rice, protein, and veggies is a balanced meal.
Extra Sauce: Serve extra Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping.
Cool Drink: Pair with iced tea, lemonade, or a light lager to complement the spice.

Nutritional Information

(Note: Estimated, per serving, assuming 4 servings. Highly variable based on cooking method (air fry vs pan fry), shrimp size, sauce brands.)

Calories: 450-600+ (Pan-frying adds significant calories vs air-frying)
Fat: 25-40g+
Saturated Fat: 4-8g+
Cholesterol: 180-220mg+
Sodium: 600-900mg+ (Depends on sauces, added salt)
Total Carbohydrates: 35-45g+ (Includes breading and rice)
Dietary Fiber: 2-4g+
Sugars: 8-15g+ (Mainly from sweet chili sauce)
Protein: 25-30g+

Easy Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls: Crispy, Creamy & Spicy!

Make delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls at home! This easy recipe features crispy breaded shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, served over rice.

Author: Grace