Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe
If you’re craving a dinner that’s bursting with bold flavors, irresistible textures, and a touch of heat, this Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe is about to be your new go-to. With crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, fresh veggies for crunch, and fluffy rice as the base, every bite is a little celebration. It’s the kind of meal that feels both restaurant-fancy and totally doable at home, and you’ll love how easily it comes together for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun lunch. The Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe is all about bringing excitement to your table—one delicious bowl at a time!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe is a breeze, and each component adds something special—from the succulent shrimp and creamy avocado to the zesty, crave-worthy sauce. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the show—choose medium or large for plump, juicy bites.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Gives the shrimp tenderness and helps the coating stick beautifully.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Ensures a light, ultra-crispy exterior whether air frying or pan-frying.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the dish.
- Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of subtle warmth.
- Oil (1 tablespoon): Use a neutral oil for air frying or pan-frying—just enough for crispiness without heaviness.
- Cooked jasmine or white rice (2 cups): The fluffy, aromatic bed that holds it all together; try brown rice or cauliflower rice for a twist.
- Shredded lettuce or cabbage (1 cup): Provides a refreshing crunch that balances the bold flavors.
- Shredded carrots (1/2 cup): Bring color, sweetness, and a lovely bite to each forkful.
- Avocado (1/2, sliced): Adds creamy richness—don’t skip it if you’re an avocado fan!
- Green onions (2, sliced): For a fresh, oniony pop and colorful garnish.
- Sesame seeds (optional): A finishing touch for extra crunch and a hint of nuttiness.
- Mayonnaise (1/3 cup, for the sauce): The creamy base for that signature Bang Bang flavor.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Brings sweetness and gentle heat to the sauce.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon, adjust to taste): Adds bold, spicy notes—start small if you’re heat-sensitive.
- Honey or sugar (1 teaspoon): Balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): A splash of tang that wakes up all the other flavors.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by tossing your peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with the buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. This quick marinade not only tenderizes the shrimp but also helps the cornstarch coating stick, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned and extra juicy.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Next, drain the shrimp and dredge them evenly in cornstarch. This step is your ticket to crispy, golden shrimp no matter which cooking method you choose. Make sure every piece is thoroughly coated—shake off any excess cornstarch for the best texture.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
For the crispiest results, air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, giving them a shake halfway through. If you’re pan-frying, heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet and cook the shrimp for 2 to 3 minutes per side until they’re golden and crisp. Either way, you’ll end up with irresistible shrimp that’s ready for its saucy makeover.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp cook, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or sugar), and rice vinegar in a small bowl. This bold and creamy sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe, perfectly balancing sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. Adjust the sriracha if you want it milder or spicier.
Step 5: Toss the Shrimp in Sauce
Once the shrimp are hot and crispy, toss them with half of the Bang Bang sauce. Coating the shrimp while they’re still warm helps the sauce cling, making every bite irresistible. Save the rest of the sauce for drizzling over the assembled bowls.
Step 6: Build the Bowls
To assemble, divide the cooked rice between two bowls. Top with a generous layer of shredded lettuce or cabbage, followed by carrots, avocado slices, and those saucy shrimp. Finish with a drizzle of your reserved Bang Bang sauce, then sprinkle green onions and sesame seeds over the top for color and crunch.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can let your creativity shine! A shower of sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds add color and a subtle crunch to your Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a squeeze of fresh lime or a few sprigs of cilantro for even more freshness and brightness.
Side Dishes
This bowl is a complete meal on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with light sides. Consider serving it with steamed edamame, miso soup, or a crisp Asian cucumber salad. These options complement the rich flavors of the shrimp and sauce without competing for attention.
Creative Ways to Present
You can serve this Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe in individual bowls for a cozy meal or build a DIY rice bowl bar for family or guests. Lay out all the toppings and let everyone customize their own bowl! For parties, try serving the shrimp and sauce over mini rice cakes or lettuce cups for a fun, bite-sized appetizer.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the rice, shrimp, veggies, and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents the shrimp from getting soggy. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the rice and shrimp, then assemble your bowl with the crisp veggies and sauce.
Freezing
While the fresh veggies and sauce are best enjoyed right away, you can freeze the cooked, un-sauced shrimp for up to one month. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating and tossing with sauce for that just-made flavor.
Reheating
To bring your Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe back to life, reheat the shrimp in an air fryer or hot skillet for a few minutes to restore crispiness. Gently microwave or steam the rice until hot, and assemble with fresh veggies and sauce. Avoid microwaving the sauced shrimp, as it can soften the coating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen shrimp completely and pat them dry before marinating. This shortcut is perfect for busy nights and still delivers fantastic results.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce is mildly spicy with a creamy, sweet balance. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less sriracha to suit your personal preference.
Is there a low-carb option for the rice bowl?
Yes, you can substitute the white rice with cauliflower rice or even cooked quinoa for a lower-carb or grain-free version of the Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe.
Can I make this dish ahead for meal prep?
Definitely! Prepare all the components in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat the rice and shrimp, then assemble with the fresh veggies and sauce for a quick, satisfying meal.
What other proteins can I use instead of shrimp?
This recipe is super versatile! Try crispy tofu for a vegetarian twist, or swap in bite-sized pieces of chicken or even fish for a fresh take on the Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe.
Final Thoughts
Every time you make this Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe, you’ll find yourself savoring every bite and dreaming up new ways to enjoy it. It’s bold, colorful, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself to something extra special. Give it a try, and let your kitchen become the hottest spot in town!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl recipe offers a vibrant and flavorful meal combining crispy shrimp coated in a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce, served atop fragrant jasmine rice with fresh vegetables like shredded lettuce, carrots, and creamy avocado. Perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner, this dish can be made using an air fryer or stovetop for a healthier twist on a popular favorite.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Rice Bowl Ingredients
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon oil (for air frying or pan-frying)
- 2 cups cooked jasmine or white rice
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 avocado, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, salt, and black pepper. Let the shrimp soak for 10 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Coat the Shrimp: Transfer the shrimp to another bowl and toss with the cornstarch, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for a light, crispy exterior.
- Cook the Shrimp: Air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, or pan-fry them in a tablespoon of oil over medium heat until golden and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes per side.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: While the shrimp cooks, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey (or sugar), and rice vinegar in a small bowl until smooth and well blended.
- Toss the Shrimp in Sauce: Once cooked, toss the crispy shrimp with half of the Bang Bang sauce, coating them lightly but evenly.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the warm cooked rice between two bowls. Top each with shredded lettuce or cabbage, shredded carrots, slices of avocado, and the sauced shrimp.
- Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the remaining sauce over the bowls. Sprinkle with sliced green onions and sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a low-carb alternative, substitute cooked cauliflower rice for jasmine rice.
- Pre-cooked frozen shrimp can be used to save time; simply thaw and crisp up before tossing with sauce.
- This recipe is great for meal prep—store each component separately and assemble bowls just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Fryer or Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 840mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 180mg
