Can I use gluten-free flour?

Yes — use a cup-for-cup gluten-free baking blend.

Do these freeze well?

Yes — freeze after cooling and thaw in the refrigerator.

You can reduce the brown sugar by ¼ cup without affecting texture.

Can I use chicken thighs?

Yes — thighs stay juicier and add richer flavor.

Can I grill the chicken?

Absolutely. Grilling adds smoky Mediterranean flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes — skip feta and tzatziki or use dairy-free versions.

Can I substitute the rice?

Yes — quinoa, orzo, couscous, or mixed greens all work well.

Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes — store ingredients separately and assemble when serving.

Is blackened tuna spicy?

It has a mild-to-moderate heat. Reduce the cayenne pepper or jalapeño for a milder version.

Can I grill the tuna instead?

Yes. Grill over high heat for the same amount of time, making sure the grates are well-oiled.

What type of tuna should I use?

Ahi (yellowfin) or sushi-grade tuna works best for searing.

Can I make the mango salsa ahead of time?

Yes. The mango salsa can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

Dirty rice has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun dirty rice ahead of time?

Yes. Store dirty rice in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze Cajun dirty rice?

Yes. Cajun dirty rice freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently.

What meat can I substitute for beef?

Ground turkey or ground chicken can be used as a lighter alternative to ground beef.

Is Cajun cornbread spicy?

Cajun cornbread has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeño or cayenne pepper.

Can I make Cajun cornbread ahead of time?

Yes. Cajun cornbread can be baked up to one day ahead and reheated gently before serving.

Can I freeze Cajun cornbread?

Yes. Wrap the cornbread tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Can I make Cajun cornbread without cheese?

Yes. You can omit the cheese for a dairy-light version without affecting the texture.

Gumbo is mildly spicy. You can adjust the heat by increasing or reducing the cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning.

Can I make chicken and sausage gumbo ahead of time?

Yes. Gumbo tastes even better the next day and keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.

Can I freeze chicken and sausage gumbo?

Yes. Gumbo freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight and reheat gently.

Do I have to use okra in gumbo?

No. Okra helps thicken gumbo, but you can omit it or use filé powder if preferred.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes spicy?

They have a mild-to-moderate heat. You can adjust the spice level by using more or less Cajun seasoning.

Can I make Cajun roasted potatoes ahead of time?

They are best served fresh, but leftovers reheat well in the oven or air fryer.

Can I use red or russet potatoes?

Yes. Just cut the potatoes into evenly sized pieces to ensure even roasting.

Are Cajun roasted potatoes vegan?

Yes. This recipe is naturally dairy-free and vegan as written.

Is Cajun shrimp & grits spicy?

Cajun shrimp and grits has a mild-to-moderate heat. You can reduce the Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to make it milder.

Can I make Cajun shrimp and grits ahead of time?

The shrimp are best cooked fresh, but the grits can be made ahead and reheated gently with a splash of broth or milk.

Can I use instant grits?

Yes, but stone-ground grits provide the best flavor and creamiest texture.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, whole milk can be used, though the grits will be slightly less rich.

Bang Bang Shrimp (Crispy, Creamy & Sweet-Spicy)

Sarah Smith
Jan 23
2 min read

Fried shrimp coated in a creamy orange sauce are placed on green lettuce leaves, garnished with chopped green onions.

This Bang Bang Shrimp is light, crispy, and coated in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that clings to every bite. Tender shrimp are pan-fried until golden, then tossed in a bold blend of mayo, chili sauce, and a touch of sweetness for that addictive balance of heat and richness.

It’s perfect as a quick dinner, appetizer, or bowl topper and pairs especially well with Cilantro Lime Rice, Honey-Glazed Carrots, or tucked into tacos alongside Creamy Coleslaw. This recipe fits easily into a rotation of crowd-pleasing meals when you want big flavor with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This

Crispy shrimp with a creamy, bold sauce
Sweet, spicy, and savory in perfect balance
Ready in under 30 minutes
Works as an appetizer or main dish
Easy to adjust heat level

Recipe Card

Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 10 minutes Total Time: 20 minutes Servings: 4

Nutrition Information

Estimated per serving:

Calories: 420
Carbohydrates: 28g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 26g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 8g

Ingredients

Shrimp

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
½ cup cornstarch
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
Neutral oil, for frying

Bang Bang Sauce

½ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1–2 tsp sriracha (to taste)
1 tsp honey or sugar
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

Instructions

Pat shrimp dry with paper towels.
In a bowl, toss shrimp with cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until evenly coated.
Heat a thin layer of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar.
Toss warm shrimp with sauce until evenly coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

Extra crispy: Double-coat shrimp by tossing twice in cornstarch
Air fryer option: Cook at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway
Milder version: Reduce sriracha and add extra sweet chili sauce
Bowl idea: Serve over rice with cucumbers and shredded cabbage

Make-Ahead & Storage

Bang Bang Shrimp is best served fresh and crispy. Leftover shrimp can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in a skillet or air fryer, though the coating will soften slightly.

FAQ

Can I bake this instead of frying? Yes — bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, then toss with sauce.

What size shrimp works best? Large or jumbo shrimp hold the coating best and stay juicy.

Can I make the sauce ahead? Yes — the sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp is one of those recipes that never fails to impress — crispy, saucy, and packed with bold flavor. Whether you serve it as an appetizer, tuck it into tacos, or build a cozy rice bowl around it, this dish delivers restaurant-style results right at home.