If you’re on the hunt for a crave-worthy meal that balances spicy, creamy, crispy, and fresh all in a single bowl, look no further than this Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe. This dish is a personal favorite—not only for its punchy Bang Bang sauce, but for how beautifully it marries plump, golden-fried shrimp with bright veggies and fluffy rice. Whether you’re enjoying a solo lunch or feeding friends, this vibrant bowl delivers bold Asian-American flavors without any fuss. Get your chopsticks ready, because this Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe is about to spice up your kitchen routine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of the Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe is how it layers everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Each item brings color, texture, or a burst of flavor, and they’re all easy to find. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is worth a spot in your bowl:
- Shrimp: Peeled, deveined, and tail-off shrimp cook quickly and soak up tons of flavor.
- Cornstarch: This light coating gives the shrimp their signature crispy bite after frying.
- Garlic Powder: Adds savory depth to the shrimp’s simple breading.
- Paprika: Brings a touch of warmth and vibrant color without overpowering spice.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors in the bowl—don’t skip it!
- Vegetable Oil: A neutral oil perfect for pan-frying without masking delicate flavors.
- Cooked White or Jasmine Rice: The soft, fluffy base that catches all that luscious sauce.
- Shredded Purple Cabbage: Crunchy, colorful, and a nutritious contrast to the shrimp.
- Shredded Carrots: Sweet and crisp, for a refreshing finish in every bite.
- Chopped Green Onions: Sprinkle on top for a fresh, slightly sharp kick.
- Sesame Seeds (Optional): These add an elegant touch and a subtle nutty flavor.
- Mayonnaise: The rich, creamy base for irresistible Bang Bang sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Gives the sauce its addictive sweet-and-tangy notes.
- Sriracha: Brings a customizable level of heat to the mix.
- Honey: Rounds out the flavors with a bit of natural sweetness.
- Fresh Lime Juice: Adds bright, zesty acidity to cut through the richness.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Begin by mixing up the real star of the show—the Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Stir until perfectly smooth and creamy. Set aside, and prepare to marvel at how this punchy sauce transforms everything it touches.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure they get crispy. In a bowl, add the shrimp, sprinkle with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt, then toss until they’re all nicely and evenly coated. This simple step gives your shrimp that signature crunch and allows the spices to cling to every bite.
Step 3: Crisp the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet (nonstick or cast iron work best) over medium-high heat. Lay the coated shrimp in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 2–3 minutes, just until they turn pink and deliciously crispy. Remove from the heat and, while still warm, toss the shrimp with two or three generous spoonfuls of that glorious Bang Bang sauce until each piece is coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the warm cooked rice among four bowls. Arrange a bed of shredded purple cabbage and a generous handful of shredded carrots in each. Top with the freshly coated Bang Bang shrimp—don’t be stingy! Drizzle even more Bang Bang sauce over the top for extra zing, and finish with green onions and sesame seeds if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe
Garnishes
The finishing touches take this dish from good to unforgettable. Sprinkle sliced green onions for a fresh bite, scatter sesame seeds for a hint of nuttiness, and if you’re feeling bold, add extra sriracha or even thinly sliced fresh chili. A squeeze of lime just before serving adds vibrant acidity that wakes up every ingredient.
Side Dishes
While the Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe is satisfying on its own, consider pairing it with quick-pickled cucumbers or a simple miso soup for a complete meal. Steamed edamame and crisp Asian-style slaw also make fantastic accompaniments, especially if you’re serving a crowd.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or simply want a change, build the bowls in wide, shallow plates to show off the brilliant colors. Layer the veggies in stripes or clusters around the rice, nestle the shrimp on top, and let guests drizzle their own sauce. For a fun twist, serve mini versions in glasses as appetizers at your next gathering!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), store the shrimp, rice, veggies, and extra sauce in separate airtight containers. This way, everything keeps its texture and you can quickly reassemble perfect bowls the next day. Consume within two days for best flavor and freshness.
Freezing
While the individual components of the Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe generally don’t freeze well together, you can freeze cooked, un-sauced shrimp on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. Thaw and re-crisp before adding sauce, and always use fresh veggies and rice for the best experience.
Reheating
When you’re ready to eat, gently reheat the shrimp in a skillet to restore their crispness (avoid the microwave if possible). Rice can be microwaved with a splash of water or reheated on the stovetop. The sauce and raw veggies are best added cold for maximum flavor contrast and texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before coating. This helps guarantee that lovely crispy coating instead of steam-soggy shrimp.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe?
The heat level is totally adaptable—use less sriracha in the sauce for a milder flavor, or ramp it up to deliver that fiery kick for spice lovers.
Is there a good substitute for mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce?
Absolutely. You can use Greek yogurt or light sour cream as a base if you want a lighter tang but still crave that creamy, dreamy texture.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
Crispy tofu or small seared pieces of chicken work beautifully in this Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe—just be sure to cook thoroughly and coat with sauce as you would the shrimp.
Can I prep any parts ahead for weekday lunches?
Definitely! Make the rice and sauce in advance, and store chopped veggies in containers. Cook the shrimp fresh or reheat as needed for speedy assembly that rivals your favorite takeout.
Final Thoughts
If you love discovering new favorites as much as I do, you owe it to yourself to try this Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe. It’s fresh, fast, and utterly addictive—a full-on flavor party in every bite. Give it a go and let your taste buds do a happy dance!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines crispy shrimp coated in a creamy and spicy Bang Bang sauce with fluffy rice and fresh vegetables. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will satisfy your cravings for a flavorful meal.
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang sauce:
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- juice of 1/2 lime
For the shrimp:
- 1 pound shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white or jasmine rice
- 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Set aside.
- Coat the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry and toss with cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt until evenly coated.
- Cook the shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet, cook the shrimp until crispy and pink. Toss with Bang Bang sauce.
- Assemble the bowls: Divide rice between 4 bowls, top with cabbage, carrots, and shrimp. Drizzle with sauce, garnish with green onions and sesame seeds.
- Serve: Enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls immediately!
Notes
- You can substitute shrimp with crispy tofu or chicken.
- Add sliced avocado or cucumber for extra texture.
- Adjust the sauce to taste by adding more sriracha for extra heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 rice bowl
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
