Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce; 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup cornstarch; 1 cup rice (cooked); 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1/2 cup diced cucumber; 1/2 cup shredded carrots; 1/4 cup sliced green onions; Oil for frying

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Craving a restaurant-quality meal at home? These Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls are a Spicy Shrimp Bowl that delivers bold, creamy, and tangy flavors with crispy shrimp, fresh veggies, and a zesty sauce, all served over fluffy rice. Inspired by Bonefish Grill, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests. With Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls, you’ll enjoy a vibrant, crowd-pleasing meal in no time!

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls

I can’t get enough of Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls because they’re a Spicy Shrimp Bowl that perfectly balances crispy, saucy shrimp with fresh, crunchy vegetables and rice. The creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce is the star, adding a tangy kick that elevates every bite. This recipe is quick, customizable, and ideal for busy evenings or special occasions, making it a go-to for flavor-packed meals!

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls

Here’s what you’ll need for Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls (serves 4):

1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tbsp Sriracha sauce
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup cornstarch
¼ cup sweet chili sauce
1 cup rice, cooked (white or brown)
1 cup shredded lettuce
½ cup diced cucumber
½ cup shredded carrots
¼ cup sliced green onions
Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

Equipment

Large mixing bowl
Medium mixing bowl
Large skillet or frying pan
Paper towels
Measuring cups and spoons
Tongs or slotted spoon

Ingredient Tips

Shrimp: Use large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for best texture; fresh or thawed frozen work well.
Sriracha: Adjust to taste for more or less heat; substitute with hot sauce if needed.
Buttermilk: Adds tanginess; make a substitute with 1 cup milk plus 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar.
Rice: White rice is classic, but brown or jasmine rice adds nutty flavor.
Veggies: Swap lettuce, cucumber, or carrots with bell peppers or avocado for variety.

Directions for Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls

Let’s whip up these delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls!

Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a medium bowl, I combine ½ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup sweet chili sauce, and 1 tbsp Sriracha sauce, mixing until smooth. I set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld.

Marinate the Shrimp

I soak 1 lb of peeled and deveined shrimp in 1 cup buttermilk for 10 minutes in a large bowl, tenderizing the shrimp and adding a tangy flavor.

Coat the Shrimp

After marinating, I drain the shrimp and coat them in 1 cup cornstarch, shaking off excess for a crispy coating when fried.

Fry the Shrimp

I heat 1–2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (350°F). I fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy, then drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Toss in Sauce

I place the fried shrimp in a clean bowl and toss with the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated, ensuring every bite of Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls is flavorful.

Assemble the Bowls

In 4 serving bowls, I start with a base of ¼ cup cooked rice per bowl. I layer on ¼ cup shredded lettuce, 2 tbsp diced cucumber, and 2 tbsp shredded carrots per bowl. I top with the saucy shrimp and sprinkle with 1 tbsp sliced green onions per bowl for a fresh finish.

Nutrition

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Calories: ~550 kcal per serving (1 bowl)
Macros per Serving: 60g carbs, 25g protein, 25g fat, 3g fiber

Variations

Try these twists on Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls:

Grilled Shrimp: Grill shrimp instead of frying for a lighter Spicy Shrimp Bowl.
Veggie Swap: Use avocado, bell peppers, or edamame for a different Spicy Shrimp Bowl vibe.
Grain Swap: Replace rice with quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option.
Spice Boost: Add ½ tsp chili flakes to the sauce for extra heat.
Creamy Twist: Mix 2 tbsp Greek yogurt into the sauce for a tangier profile.

Serving Ideas:

Pair with Layla Cooks’ Oreo Fudge Brownie Pizza for a sweet-savory meal combo.
Serve with a cucumber salad or stir-fried veggies to complement the Spicy Shrimp Bowl.
Offer at a dinner party with iced tea or a light beer to balance the bold flavors.

Storage

I store Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls components separately to maintain texture. The shrimp stay fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, the rice for up to 3 days, and the veggies for up to 2 days. To reheat shrimp, I use an oven (350°F for 5–7 minutes) or air fryer (350°F for 3–4 minutes) to keep them crispy, avoiding the microwave. I reheat rice in the microwave with a damp paper towel in 30-second intervals or on the stovetop with a splash of water. I reassemble the bowls with fresh veggies and sauce before serving.

Serving Tips

Presentation: Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls in wide, shallow bowls for a vibrant display.
Garnish: Add sesame seeds, a lime wedge, or chopped cilantro for extra flair.
Pairing: Enjoy with a refreshing cucumber salad or iced tea to complement Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls.
Utensils: Offer chopsticks for an authentic feel, with forks as an option.
Extra Sauce: Serve extra Bang Bang sauce in small ramekins for dipping.

FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about this Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls recipe:

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. To thaw frozen shrimp quickly, place them in a colander under cold running water for about 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally.

What can I use as a substitute for buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by mixing 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for about 5 minutes before using it in the recipe.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the shrimp for a healthier option. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the cornstarch-coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and cooked through.

How can I make the dish less spicy?
To make the dish less spicy, reduce the amount of Sriracha sauce in the Bang Bang sauce. You can also add more mayonnaise to balance the heat. Additionally, serving extra shredded lettuce, cucumber, and other fresh vegetables can help mellow the spiciness of the shrimp.

Can I use a different grain instead of rice?
Yes, you can swap rice with quinoa, farro, or cauliflower rice for a different texture or lower carbs, keeping the Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls delicious.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir well before using.

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Conclusion

This Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl recipe brings the restaurant-quality dish to your home kitchen with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Enjoy the delicious combination of spicy, creamy shrimp with fresh, crunchy vegetables in every bite!