Battered and fried shrimp tossed in a sweet chili sauce and scallions. Also know as Bang-bang Shrimp.
The Best Firecracker Shrimp
Firecracker Shrimp, also known as Bang Bang Shrimp, is a deliciously crispy seafood dish coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. The shrimp are typically fried until golden and crunchy, then tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce made with ingredients like mayonnaise, sriracha, and honey. It’s the perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and crunch, making it a popular appetizer or main dish at many restaurants and a hit at home too!
Another angle of the Bang-Bang shrimp, otherwise known as “Firecracker Shrimp.”
What’s the Difference?
Firecracker shrimp” and “bang-bang shrimp” are essentially the same dish, referring to crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, with the main difference being that “Bang-bang shrimp” is more commonly associated with the restaurant chain Bonefish Grill, where it is considered a signature appetizer, while “firecracker shrimp” is a more general term for a similar dish with slight variations in sauce ingredients depending on the recipe. P.F. Chang’s serves the Firecracker version.
This is also a Firecracker Shrimp recipe. Notice the shrimp are wrapped to look like firecrackers?
The main difference between Firecracker Shrimp and Bang Bang Shrimp lies in their flavor profiles and preparation. Firecracker Shrimp emphasizes bold, spicy heat with ingredients like red chilies and a tangy orange chili sauce, often cooked quickly in a pan for a fiery kick. Bang Bang Shrimp, on the other hand, is known for its creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce, typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, and the shrimp is often fried and tossed in the sauce afterward. Both are crispy and flavorful but cater to slightly different taste preferences.
This Firecracker Shrimp recipe is a mix between the two and, quite literally, off the hook amazing. You’re already getting one of the best fried shrimp recipes, in all of the world and then you combine it with this spicy sauce and POW, you’ve got Bang Bang Shrimp. Now If you’re feeling a little lazy or a bit pressed for time and you don’t want to fry your own shrimp, you can take half the work out of this recipe if you are willing to pick up a frozen bag of fried shrimp. Even Popcorn Shrimp will work fine. But If you need a recipe, however, I highly recommend that you CLICK HERE for one of the best!
My Southern Crispy Fried Shrimp recipe has been #1 on YouTube for over 10 years.
Firecracker Shrimp made with my Fried Shrimp
If you use my Fried Shrimp recipe when you make this Firecracker Shrimp, you won’t just be pleased, you’ll be astounded. My Fried Shrimp recipe has gone far beyond my expectations on YouTube by accumulating more than 2.2M views. It juggles back and forth for the number one position, weekly. So trust me when I tell you, this is the recipe for you if you want to learn how to make the best Southern Crispy Fried Shrimp.
If you’re a Shrimp fan, take a look at this list and video of 20 Shrimp Recipes on this website that you’re going to love.
How to make Firecracker or “Bang-bang Shrimp” video tutorial by PoorMansGourmet.
