Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp (Dairy-Free)

Deliciously crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet and spicy sauce, this gluten-free bang bang shrimp is ready in 30 minutes and is bound to be a favorite! Serve it as a delicious appetizer on its own or over rice or with lettuce wraps for a tasty dinner! Dairy-free too.

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What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Over the years, bang bang shrimp has become extremely popular in the United States (thanks to being a signature dish on the menu at Bonefish Grill, an American seafood restaurant chain).

It’s basically made of tender shrimp that has been lightly breaded than fried till crispy before being tossed in a creamy and spicy sauce that is bursting with flavor.

With its crunchy golden breading contrasting with the creamy chili sauce (whose main ingredients include mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha chili sauce and vinegar), it’s no wonder that this shrimp dish is a big favorite with seafood lovers!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients you’ll need for this gluten-free dairy-free bang bang shrimp are easily accessible at the local grocery store (nothing fancy required).
• Easy to Make: For this 30-minute meal, all you need to do is season and coat the shrimp before frying it until it is golden and crispy, then mixing the ingredients for the bang bang sauce and drizzling the sauce over the fried shrimp.
• Totally Gluten-Free & Dairy-Free: The best part is that this copycat Bonefish grill recipe is 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy it without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required to make this gluten-free bang bang shrimp recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post).

Recipe Notes + Substitutions:

• Shrimp: I like to use jumbo shrimp as the shrimp will shrink in size as it cooks. Frozen or fresh large shrimp will work (make sure the shrimp are peeled and deveined). Use paper towels to dry to shrimp before using.
• Cornstarch: If you are allergic to corn, you may use tapioca starch or arrowroot starch instead.
• Frying Oil: Feel free to use the type of vegetable oil you prefer for frying (sunflower oil, corn oil, canola oil, etc).
• Salt & Pepper: For seasoning, we’ll be using just salt and ground black pepper since the bang bang sauce is the main flavoring for this shrimp recipe.
• Mayonnaise: I used regular mayonnaise, but if you are allergic to eggs and want to keep this recipe egg-free, go ahead and use vegan mayonnaise instead.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Sweet chili sauce adds the characteristically sweet taste in bang bang sauce, so make sure you add it in. If you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to use a gluten-free sweet chili sauce.
• Rice Vinegar: The vinegar adds a nice tanginess to the sauce. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can also use red wine vinegar or white vinegar.
• Sriracha Sauce: You can add more or less Sriracha chili sauce depending on how much heat you can take. 
• Sugar: I used white sugar, but cane sugar will work just as well. 
• Garnish: I used sliced green onions and diced tomatoes as garnish for a nice pop of color. Alternatively, you may also use sliced chives instead.
• Storing: It’s best to eat this bang bang shrimp straight away. However, if you have any leftovers, store the shrimp in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave before eating.

How to Make Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp (Step by Step):

1. Heat Up Oil

Heat the vegetable oil in a deep pan or large skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Season Shrimp

Season the jumbo shrimp with salt and pepper.

3. Coat Shrimp

Dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch, making sure that the shrimp are evenly coated.

4. Fry Until Crispy

Fry the coated shrimp in batches until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Place the fried shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

5. Prepare Veggies

While the shrimp is cooking, dice your tomatoes and slice your green onions.

6. Prepare Spicy Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, sriracha sauce, and sugar.

Taste and adjust the spice level with more sriracha if needed. Set the sauce aside.

7. Drizzle Sauce Over Shrimp

In a large bowl, drizzle the crispy shrimp with the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Toss the shrimp to coat them evenly with the sauce.

8. Garnish and Serve

Garnish the shrimp with chopped green onions and tomatoes. Serve your homemade Bang Bang shrimp as an appetizer or over a bed of white rice or fresh lettuce.