The Best Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl Ready in 30 Minutes
If you crave bold flavors without spending hours in the kitchen, this Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl is about to be your new weeknight favorite. Juicy, crispy shrimp are tossed in a creamy, sweet-heat bang bang sauce, then served over rice with fresh crunchy veggies for a meal that feels like takeout, only faster. This easy bang bang shrimp rice bowl brings restaurant-style comfort right to your table.
It comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you still want something delicious, satisfying, and a little bit spicy. Whether you meal-prep or serve right away, this easy shrimp bowl always hits the spot.
Here's everything you need to build a bowl that's crisp, creamy, and full of fresh flavor.
- Shrimp: tender, juicy, and perfect for frying until golden and crisp.
- Cornstarch: creates a light, crunchy coating that sticks nicely.
- Salt: to taste.
- Black pepper: to taste.
- Garlic powder: brings that savory depth you expect from great shrimp bowls.
- Onion powder: adds an aromatic layer to the coating.
- Paprika: adds gorgeous color and mild spice.
- Vegetable oil: ideal for frying the shrimp to a perfect crisp.
- Rice: warm, fluffy, and the perfect base for a loaded bowl meal.
- Edamame: adds extra protein and a tender pop of texture.
- Baby cucumbers: crisp, cool, and refreshing contrast to the sauce.
- Shredded carrots: offer natural sweetness and crunch.
- Purple cabbage: bright color and satisfying crunch in every bite.
- Green onion: a fresh garnish that lifts all the flavors.
- Sesame seeds: optional, but a great finishing touch for taste and texture.
- Mayonnaise: the creamy base of the Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce: It has a sweet, tangy, and lightly spicy, classic bang bang flavor.
- Sriracha: adds just the right amount of heat.
This Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl delivers crispy shrimp, creamy bang bang sauce, and fresh veggies-all in just 30 minutes. Follow these simple directions and get ready for a fast, flavor-packed dinner.
Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry to help them crisp up. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
Coat and Prep: Lightly coat the shrimp with the cornstarch mixture, then shake off any excess. Set them on a plate while you heat the oil.
Fry Until Crispy: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in small batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crunchy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust spice level to your taste.
Sauce the Shrimp: Add the fried shrimp to a large bowl and gently toss with the sauce, saving a little extra for drizzling over the bowls.
Assemble the Bowls: Start with a warm bed of rice, then arrange edamame, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and purple cabbage on top. Add the sauced shrimp, drizzle with additional sauce, and finish with green onion and sesame seeds for a little crunch on top.
A few simple tricks can turn your Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl from good into something you'll be craving again and again.
Make sure the shrimp are completely dry before seasoning so the coating sticks and crisps beautifully in the oil. Keep your frying batches small to maintain the perfect temperature; crowding the pan can make the shrimp soggy instead of crunchy.
Also, when tossing the shrimp in the sauce, do so gently and right before serving so they stay crispy while still absorbing the irresistible sweet-heat flavor.
Leftover Bang Bang shrimp bowls can definitely be enjoyed the next day with the proper storage.
Keep the shrimp, rice, and veggies in separate airtight containers to maintain their best texture, and refrigerate for up to two days.
Reheat the shrimp and rice lightly in the air fryer or on the stovetop so they warm up without losing too much crispness, then add the fresh veggies and sauce right before serving to bring everything back to life.
One of the best things about this Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl is how easy it is to make it your own.
You can swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or even cauliflower for a tasty twist that still pairs perfectly with the bang bang sauce.
Try different bases like quinoa, brown rice, or mixed greens, depending on what you're craving, and add fun texture and a pop of fresh sweetness with veggies, avocado, bell peppers, or even mango.
This Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl is already a full meal, but pairing it with a refreshing side makes dinner even better.
A simple seaweed soup, a light salad, or pan-fried dumplings that takeout-style experience right to your table.
You can also serve a refreshing drink, such as iced green tea or a citrusy lemonade, to balance the spicy-sweet sauce and round out every bite.
This Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl proves that dinner can be fast, fun, and full of flavor all at once. With crispy shrimp, creamy heat, and fresh veggies layered over warm rice, every bite hits that perfect takeout-style satisfaction without leaving home.
Whether you're meal-prepping for the week or serving it hot right from the pan, this easy Bang Bang shrimp rice bowl recipe is one you'll want to keep on repeat and enjoy every single time.
Yes, frozen shrimp work well as long as you thaw them completely and pat each piece dry before coating. Removing excess moisture helps the cornstarch stick and ensures your bang bang shrimp fries up crisp and golden.
Is there a healthier way to cook the shrimp instead of frying?Absolutely. You can air-fry the shrimp at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes or bake them in the oven. Both methods still give you deliciously crunchy bang bang shrimp without using as much oil, while keeping the flavors of traditional bang shrimp bowls.
What type of rice is best for shrimp rice bowls?Any rice works well: white jasmine rice, brown rice, sushi rice, or even cauliflower rice for a lighter option. Warm, fluffy shrimp rice creates the perfect base for catching the creamy bang bang sauce and crispy shrimp.
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?Yes, the bang sauce can be made up to three days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and give it a quick stir before using. The flavors actually deepen as it sits, making your Bang Bang shrimp bowl even more flavorful.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?It has a gentle heat, but you control the spice. Add more or less sriracha as desired. If you love heat, feel free to increase the spice; if you want a milder bowl, reduce it or skip it completely.
Can I make this meal ahead for meal prep?Yes, this dish works well for meal prep. Prepare the shrimp and vegetables, store the components separately, and assemble the shrimp bowls just before serving. Keep the sauce in its own container and drizzle just before eating for the freshest flavor.
The Best Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl Ready in 30 Minutes
Recipe details
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1 1/2 to 2 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup edamame steamed or thawed if frozen
- 1/2 cup baby cucumbers sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- Green onion for garnish
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds optional
Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoon sriracha to taste
Instructions
- Season the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry to help them crisp up. Season with ½ teaspoon salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In a separate bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt.
- Coat and Prep: Lightly coat the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture and shake off any excess. Set them on a plate while you heat the oil.
- Fry Until Crispy: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in small batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crunchy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust spice level to your taste.
- Sauce the Shrimp: Add the fried shrimp to a large bowl and gently toss with the sauce, saving a little extra for drizzling over the bowls.
- Assemble the Bowls: Start with a warm bed of rice, then arrange edamame, cucumbers, shredded carrots, and purple cabbage on top. Add the sauced shrimp, drizzle with extra sauce, and finish with green onion and sesame seeds if you like a little crunch on top.
Comments
Share your thoughts, or ask a question!