Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp (Copycat)

March 23, 2017 143 Comments

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Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.

Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp is a recipe that in no way is authentic to another cuisine, but it is definitely a delicious appetizer and hands down the most popular item on the menu. When we go to the Bonefish Grill we actually order two of these appetizers to prevent fighting over them.

It actually reminds me of the Panda Express Crispy Honey Shrimp with Walnuts entree I did a recipe for last year. The main ingredients at play here are mayo, a very specific Thai Sweet Chili Sauce and Sriracha. Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.

I’ve read countless versions of the recipes online for this Bang Bang Shrimp and came across a post where a reader said he worked for the chain and that they would soak the shrimp in buttermilk before breading. This made total sense to me because most of the recipes I’d seen didn’t have enough body in the coating to be like the original.

I’d also caution you to use the right brand of sweet chili sauce as that is authentic to the recipe as well.  A friend who used to work at the restaurant confirmed the brand of sweet chili sauce used in the recipe.

Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.

Looking for more Asian Food?

Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.

Tools used in the making of this Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp:
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: The authentic sauce used in the Bonefish Grill kitchen, if you don’t want to order it online, it is widely distributed in Asian grocery stores.
Sriracha: The king of chili garlic sauces, always keep this in your kitchen.
Dutch Oven: Perfect for deep frying, inexpensive pot and will last you for years.
Oil Thermometer: Keeping the oil at the right temperature will ensure you don’t burn the shrimp or have soggy shrimp by frying too hot or too cold.S
Shrimp Deveiner: If you love cooking with shrimp you will love this tool, it makes cleaning shrimp a hundred times easier!

Recipe

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Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.
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Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp

  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Course: Main
  • Cuisine: American
  • Author: Sabrina
Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1/4 teaspoon Sriracha
  • 1 pound shrimp shelled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 3/4 cup cornstarch
  • canola oil for frying
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Note: click on times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer while cooking.

  1. In a small bowl add the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce and Sriracha and stir.
  2. In a second bowl add the shrimp and buttermilk and stir to coat all the shrimp.
  3. Remove from the buttermilk and let excess liquid drain away.
  4. Coat the shrimp in cornstarch.
  5. In a heavy bottomed pan add 2-3 inches of canola oil and heat to 375 degrees

  6. Fry the shrimp until lightly brown, 1-2 minutes on each side.

  7. Once fried coat with the sauce and serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

Adapted from food.com

Nutrition Information

Yield: 4 servings, Amount per serving: 413 calories, Calories: 413g, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 24g, Fat: 23g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Cholesterol: 300mg, Sodium: 1099mg, Potassium: 131mg, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 1.4g, Vitamin C: 5.6g, Calcium: 19.9g, Iron: 14.4g

All images and text © for Dinner, then Dessert.

Keyword: Bonefish Grill Bang Bang Shrimp (Copycat)
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Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.

Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.
Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.
Bang Bang Shrimp from the Bonefish Grill is crispy, creamy, sweet and spicy with just a few ingredients and tastes just like the most popular appetizer on the menu.

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Comments

    1. I’m not sure how long the restaurant soaks them but I just stirred it enough to coat and it worked out well. Enjoy!

      Reply

  11. Did you use raw or frozen shrimp for thos recipie? I’m so excited to try this! I plan on making crispy shrimp tacos!

    Reply

  14. This was delicious! We made tacos with it! I did add a little peanut butter and a dash of garlic powder to the sauce. Toned down the mayo taste and the sweetness a little and added extra sriracha! Loved how crispy the shrimp were!  Yum yum!  Thank you !

    Reply

  15. Thanks for the recipe. I made these tonight. I did not measure the ingredients for the sauce, just mixed it to taste with extra Siracha. I also thinly sliced a green onion and sprinkled I think on top after I tossed the shrimp in the sauce. It was delicious and super easy. We ended up eating this plus a salad for dinner. Definitely will be making this again! 

    Reply

  16. So my wife LOVED this recipe. I, however, would double the siracha, maybe use a thicker coating (Panko flakes), and add green onions on the top and a lettuce/ cabbage bed it sits on. But the original copy cat recipe is great! Thank you for sharing!

    Reply

  21. Could I use something other than buttermilk? I so badly want to make this but never use buttermilk for anything else so was hoping I could use something else! We are pretty much almond milk drinkers in my house – could that work?

    Reply

    1. Yes, you can use almond milk and add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or apple cider vinegar. Let that sit for 5-10 min and then you as your buttermilk substitute. Enjoy!

      Reply

  24. This recipe is a keeper. Everyone loved this shrimp recipe even our pickiest eater. We tripled  the recipe for our large family with a few to spare.  Enjoy….we did!

    Reply

  25. The only thing you’re missing is lemon juice and white vinegar in the sauce. Use the sriracha brand chilli paste. Not regular sriracha and boom. Authentic bang bang shrimp 

    Reply

    1. Thanks jay! Been trying to figure it out for awhile and it’s definitely the chili paste with the lemon juice and vinegar. I knew the copy cat recipes that just called for sriarcha couldn’t be right because the sauce at bonefish has texture in it. Thanks again for solving that

      Reply

  26. Love love Bonefish and yes have to always order bang-bang shrimp, will surly try making it and yes I think buttermilk is what’s making the different, because that’s what’s makes Paula Deens chicken so famously good is she use Buttermilk. Thank you for this secret you’re sharing it with the public. Kay

    Reply

  27. Haven’t made the meal yet, however I do have all the ingredients, and plan on making it tomorrow for din din…. Bang Bang is on it way, in just another day!!!! Hip Hip Hooray…. THANKS again Sabrina

    Reply

  29. Love the recipe … just ordered Bang Bang Shrimp recently for the first time … am looking forward to surprising my Man with this dish … thanks a bunch

    Reply

  30. We tried the recipe last night and it said to use 2 -3 inches or canola oil? We found that to be way too much. We had a pound of shrimp and had soaked them in the buttermilk for an hour before cooking. The batter was on the shrimp, but fell off while trying to cook them. Maybe my oil wasn’t hot enough? But the shrimp seemed to be drowning in the oil…… there was way too much for the amount of shrimp. The sauce was yummy and the shrimp were good, they just didn’t have the crispiness. Any suggestions?

    4

    Reply

    1. Oh no! Glad it was still yummy but it sounds like either you oil was too hot or the shrimp might not not have been dry enough before dredging. Try letting the excess liquid drain a bit more.

      Reply

  31. Just a suggestion… Don’t put all the shrimp in the oil at once do it in batches. If you do it all at once the oil will reduce in temperature and your shrimp will be over cooked by the time you get a good crunchy Brown coating. Cheers

    Reply

  32. Using cornstarch is the key to this recipe. It makes it so light and tasty. I plan on making a shrimp po-boy next week so I’ll omit the sauce and add a bunch of Cajun flavoring ?

    Reply

  33. My boyfriend loves them. I think maybe I’ll try the peanut butter and garlic next time in it as he said it was too rich. I think I’ll try this on chicken, as I’m allergic to shellfish and have never had the pleasure of eating it at Bonefish.

    Reply

  36. So delicious!!! My husband doesn’t like spicy so I put 1/8 cup siracha, it still was super tasty and nice and crispy.

    Reply

    1. We usually eat this as an appetizer so you could really put this with anything. If you’re serving as a main dish, either roasted vegetalbles or a salad on the side.

      Reply

  38. Can you tell me the brand of Thai Sweet Chili Sauce and Sriracha to purchase to make this? I can’t wait to try it!

    Reply

  42. I couldn’t find Thai chili sauce, hope sweet chili sauce works, do just toss the Shrimp in the sauce and then take out right away.  Thanks

    Reply

    1. The Thai chili sauce is authentic to the recipe so the flavoring might change a bit but should still work. The sauce is going to coat the shrimp and the serve. 🙂

      Reply

  43. I made this for my Husband by for Fathers Day as our appetizer. Followed the recipe to a T……FANTASTIC!!!  Now I just need to learn to make the Imperial Talapia. 

    Reply

  44. Sabrina, i made shrimp 3 ways for my birthday. We decided to try your bang bang shrimp and oh my goodness, was it a huge hit!! My wife now request it almost once a week…..we’ve been to bonefish before and always got the bang bang…..however now, we make it right at home…..such a simple but delicious recipe…..thank you

    Reply

  45. Just ate for dinner. Fabulous! Easy, flavorful, served it on a bed of lettuce couldn’t tell the difference between it and the original!

    Reply

  46. I also make Bang Bang shrimp. I do everything you do but a couple different additions – I use larger shrimp, I use flour, cornstarch and panko bread crumbs. My version is even better than Bonefish Grill!! Much crispier.

    Reply

  47. I was looking for a good sauce for grilled shrimp. I know it will change the texture from breaded/fried, but do you think this sauce will work on grilled shrimp ? I love bang bang shrimp!

    Reply

    1. I haven’t tested it so I’m not comfortable giving a recommendation. If you decide to try, I’d love to know how it turns out.

      Reply

  49. This is a great easy recipe. I might try bread crumbs next time to see the difference. My husband wants me to make it again. I have made 4 of your recipies, all a hit. Thank you so much.

    Reply

  51. Hello! May I substitute xantham gum for cornstarch? I eat Keto and want to make this but would prefer to use xantham I’d possible. Thanks!

    Reply

  53. I just made this amazing recipe tonight! I feel like a gourmet chef! Melt in your mouth, better flavor and crispy texture than the Bonefish Grill! Thank you for sharing this wonderful recipe!

    Reply

  54. This is the best copy cat recipe I’ve ever run across! Made it several times and it ROCKS with flavor and crispness. Delicious! Thank you!

    Reply

  56. I made this recipe and it was excellent. Identical to Bonefish Grill. I did end up adding just a touch more sriracha and also a bit of gochujang, for depth, to the sauce. This will be in our rotation! Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

  57. Made this without buttermilk. I actually did a squeeze of orange juice (was going to use lemon but didn’t have that either) and salt before coating with cornstarch. Turned out really good.

    Reply

  58. On a whim, I decided to make Bang Bang Shrimp tonight, so found yours on Pinterest. Took a short while and they were great! I happened to have the same chili sauce, but I added alot of Sriracha sauce. Next time I will reduce mayo (Hellmans) and increase Sriracha. My husband loved it, so thank you so much.

    Reply

    1. No, if you’re looking to save some time by prepping ahead I would suggest dipping the shrimp in the buttermilk and leaving it in the fridge. Hope this helps.

      Reply

  61. This recipe is to die for! I have made it for company and it is always a hit. I do take a short cut and buy siracha mayo. I actually use the sauce on chicken and sandwiches. Highly recommend!!!

    Reply

  62. We just made this. Overall, it was okay. Too much mayo and not enough spice. I tried adding lemon juice and more siracha which made it a little better.

    Reply

  63. This is a 5 star bang bang shrimp. I had to make it for my fiance two days in a row it was that good. Thanks for the recipe.

    Reply

    1. I really hope you enjoy it! I’ve not tested it before but you might be able to substitute the buttermilk for yogurt. It won’t be a copycat but it might still work.

      Reply

  65. I was excited when I came across this recipe. I is something I always have when I go to one particular restaurant. The recipe is easy and tastes dee lish us. I am having a hen party this weekend and Bang Bang is on the menu

    Reply

  66. I used to have a Bonefish Grill nearby, but now the closest one is over 3 hours away. 🙁 I was feeling lazy so I bought frozen popcorn shrimp and baked them in the oven. Then I made the sauce using your recipe. I tossed the cooked shrimp in the sauce and put back them back in the oven just to get crispy. SO delicious!!! The sauce is spot-on!

    Reply

  68. I am very confused how all these people find this recipe “a copy of the Bang-Bang shrimp”. I literally read ALL the comments before trying to make them myself. (We love the Bonefish shrimp so much that we drive 45 min each way just for them! So, we basically can’t live without them). But the sauce in this recipe is not even close – it’s too sweet and not hot at all. After making the given recipe, I tried to tweak it a little bit by adding some lemon juice and more Sriracha. The Thai SWEET chili sauce is overpowering the other two ingredients. I am sorry, but this is not the same dish.

    Reply

  70. It is super good!! Maybe even better than the bang bang shrimp from Bonefish. But it is not the same. It packs a little bit of heat in the end which I love but its not the same sorry!

    Reply

  71. I made about 3 lbs of this recipe. Tasted great…5 Stars!!! I did have to change the sauce up a bit. Mayo was over powering it, so I added more of the Thai sauce and 3x the Sriacha. When they were coated, I put them under a lo broil to crisp up a bit more. Fabulous!!

    Reply