If you love Bonefish Grill’s famous Bang Bang Shrimp, you’re going to be obsessed with these easy Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls. Crispy fried shrimp are tossed in a creamy sweet-and-spicy sauce, then piled over fluffy rice with fresh avocado, crunchy lettuce, and green onions for a restaurant-quality dinner you can make at home in less than 30 minutes.
These spicy shrimp rice bowls are loaded with flavor and perfect for busy weeknights. The homemade bang bang sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, and packed with just the right amount of heat. Best of all, you can customize every bowl with your favorite toppings and adjust the spice level to fit your family’s tastes.
Whether you’re looking for an easy shrimp dinner, a copycat restaurant recipe, or a fresh rice bowl packed with flavor, this recipe checks all the boxes.
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Why You’ll Love These Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls
- Ready in about 25 minutes
- Better than takeout
- Easy to customize
- Family-friendly spice level
- Perfect for meal prep
- Loaded with fresh toppings
- Restaurant-quality flavor at home
What Are Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls?
Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls take inspiration from the popular restaurant appetizer and turn it into a complete meal. Crispy shrimp are coated in a creamy spicy sauce and served over rice with fresh vegetables and toppings.
The combination of crispy shrimp, creamy sauce, fluffy rice, and cool vegetables creates the perfect balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Crispy Shrimp
- Medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet Thai chili sauce
- Sriracha sauce
- Creamy peanut butter
- Water as needed
Bowls
- Cooked rice (white rice, jasmine rice, or brown rice)
- Avocado slices
- Shredded lettuce
- Green onions
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls
Step 1: Fry the Shrimp
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Season the cornstarch with salt and pepper. Dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture and shake off any excess.
Working in batches, fry the shrimp until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 2: Make the Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Mayonnaise
- Sweet Thai chili sauce
- Sriracha
- Peanut butter
If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 3: Toss the Shrimp
Add the crispy shrimp to a large bowl and toss with the bang bang sauce until evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice between bowls.
Top with:
- Shredded lettuce
- Avocado slices
- Bang bang shrimp
- Green onions
Drizzle with extra sauce and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls
- Pat the shrimp dry before coating for maximum crispiness.
- Use large shrimp for the best texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying.
- Adjust the Sriracha to control the heat level.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest shrimp.
Variations
Make It Healthier
Air fry the shrimp instead of frying them in oil.
Low Carb Version
Swap the rice for cauliflower rice.
Extra Veggies
Add:
- Cucumbers
- Shredded carrots
- Edamame
- Red cabbage
- Avocado
Extra Spicy
Increase the Sriracha and sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes.
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Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 SERVINGS 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
These Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls feature crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy sweet-and-spicy bang bang sauce and served over fluffy rice with avocado, lettuce, and green onions. This easy shrimp dinner is ready in about 30 minutes and tastes even better than takeout.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons Sriracha
- 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
- 1 to 2 tablespoons water, if needed
For the Bowls
- 4 cups cooked jasmine rice
- 2 avocados, sliced
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 4 green onions, sliced
Instructions
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- In a shallow bowl, combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the shrimp dry and toss in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated.
- Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, Sriracha, and peanut butter until smooth.
- Add water a tablespoon at a time if needed to thin the sauce.
- Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and toss with half of the bang bang sauce.
- Divide the rice among four bowls.
- Top with shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and the sauced shrimp.
- Drizzle with the remaining bang bang sauce and garnish with green onions.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Make It Your Own
- Air fry the shrimp for a lighter option.
- Use cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.
- Add shredded carrots, cucumbers, or edamame for extra vegetables.
- Increase the Sriracha for more heat.
- Substitute chicken for the shrimp if desired.
Storage
Store leftover shrimp, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 MINUTES
- Cook Time: 15 MINUTES
- Category: Dinner
- Method: STOVETOP
- Cuisine: American, copycat recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes. Just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking.
How spicy are bang bang shrimp bowls?
They have a mild to medium heat level. Add more or less Sriracha depending on your preference.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes. Store the rice, shrimp, toppings, and sauce separately until ready to serve.
How long do leftovers last?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Final Thoughts
These Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls are everything you want in an easy dinner recipe—crispy shrimp, creamy spicy sauce, fresh toppings, and fluffy rice all packed into one satisfying bowl. They’re quick enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests, making them one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making again and again.
