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This Bang Bang Shrimp for One is a lighter version of the popular restaurant dish made without deep frying. Juicy shrimp are seasoned, pan-seared, and tossed in a creamy, sweet, and mildly spicy sauce. It’s quick to make, full of flavor, and perfect as a main dish or appetizer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Better for You: All the flavor of the classic without deep frying or heavy breading.
- Quick to Make: The shrimp cook in about 5 minutes and the sauce comes together in 2.
- Simple Ingredients: Everything you need is easy to find at most grocery stores.
- Versatile: Enjoy on its own as a main dish, or with rice, noodles, a fresh salad, in a tortilla, or as an appetizer.
I can’t get enough of this bang bang shrimp. It’s ready in minutes, the shrimp turn out juicy and tender every time, and the sauce is creamy, a little sweet, and perfectly spicy.
It tastes like something I’d order at a restaurant, yet I can make it at home anytime I want. Whether it’s for a quick weeknight dinner or when I feel like treating myself, this recipe always delivers.
Looking for more single serving shrimp recipes? Try our shrimp quinoa bowl, easy shrimp étouffée for one and pad thai for one.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this single serving bang bang shrimp recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Large Shrimp (6–8): The shrimp should be peeled and deveined. Extra shrimp? Use them in shrimp scampi for one, bbq shrimp for one, or shrimp tacos for one.
Tip: How to Peel and Devein Shrimp
- Remove legs by gently pulling them off.
- Crack and peel away the shell from the underside.
- Pinch and pull off the tail.
- Use a paring knife to slice along the back.
- Lift and remove the dark vein with the knife tip.
- Seasonings: Paprika, garlic powder, and salt give the shrimp flavor and color.
- Avocado Oil: Works well for pan-searing shrimp. Olive oil or butter can also be used.
- Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients: Mayonnaise, sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, garlic powder, and paprika combine to create a creamy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy sauce.
How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp
These photos and instructions help you visualize how make this small batch bang bang shrimp recipe. See the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Season the Shrimp: In another bowl, toss shrimp with ½ teaspoon avocado oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Cook the Shrimp: Heat ½ teaspoon avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
Tip: How to Tell When Shrimp Are Done
- The shrimp will turn pink and opaque.
- They will curl into a “C” shape.
- Remove them from the heat as soon as this happens to keep them tender.
- Add Sauce: Transfer shrimp to a bowl and toss with 1 or 2 tablespoons of the bang bang sauce.
Tip: Use Leftover Sauce
This recipe makes about ½ cup of bang bang sauce. Try any extra as a dip for a small batch of chicken nuggets or a small batch of sweet potato wedges, a hamburger spread, or with a single serving of crab cakes.
Want to Bake or Air Fry the Shrimp Instead?
For a different cooking method, you can bake the shrimp or use an air fryer.
- Bake: Follow our single serving Baked Shrimp recipe for perfectly cooked, tender shrimp.
- Air Fry: Use our single serving Air Fryer Shrimp recipe for a quick, crispy alternative.
Expert Tips
- Pat Dry: Remove excess moisture from the shrimp with paper towels so they sear instead of steam.
- Watch the Time: Shrimp cook quickly, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Taste the Sauce: Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level before adding to the shrimp.
- Use Fresh if Possible: Fresh shrimp have the best flavor, but thaw frozen shrimp fully before cooking.
- Prep Ahead: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve Right Away: Shrimp are best enjoyed immediately for the best taste and texture.
What To Serve With Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp can be served as a main dish or as an appetizer. On its own, it’s flavorful and satisfying, but it also pairs well with simple sides that make it a complete meal. Try serving it with:
- Baked Brown Rice: A hearty base that soaks up the creamy sauce.
- Baked White Rice: Light and fluffy, perfect alongside shrimp.
- Small Batch Buttered Noodles: A quick, comforting option that works beautifully with the sauce.
- Small Batch Tortillas: Turn it into shrimp tacos for a fresh twist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. This recipe pan-sears the shrimp instead of deep frying, which makes it lighter but still flavorful.
It’s a mix of mayonnaise, sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, garlic powder, and paprika. The sauce is creamy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy.
Yes. Thaw the shrimp completely, pat dry, and follow the recipe.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve made this Bang Bang Shrimp For One recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Please rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Snapped a photo? Tag us on Instagram; we’d be thrilled to see your creation!
Bang Bang Shrimp For One
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce (yields about ½ cup)
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (use less if you'd like a more mildly spiced version)
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
For the Shrimp
- 6-8 large shrimp -peeled and deveined
- 1 teaspoon avocado oil -divided
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, garlic powder, and paprika. Set aside.
- In another bowl, toss shrimp with ½ teaspoon avocado oil, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Heat ½ teaspoon avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes per side, until pink and opaque.
- Transfer shrimp to a bowl and toss with 1-2 tablespoons of the bang bang sauce.
Notes
- Pat Dry: Remove excess moisture from the shrimp with paper towels so they sear instead of steam.
- Watch the Time: Shrimp cook quickly, about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove them as soon as they turn pink and opaque.
- Taste the Sauce: Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level before adding to the shrimp.
- Use Fresh if Possible: Fresh shrimp have the best flavor, but thaw frozen shrimp fully before cooking.
- Prep Ahead: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Serve Right Away: Shrimp are best enjoyed immediately for the best taste and texture.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I’m 87 and I can’t wait to try out the Bang Bang Shrimp, sounds yummy.
I can’t wait for you to try it, please let me know how you enjoyed the recipe.
Can you clarify the amount of avocado oil?
The recipe says 1 teaspoon -divided, the sauce direction says 1/2 teaspoon and the shrimp direction says 1/2 tablespoon.
A bit confusing!
Thank you for catching that. The total amount of oil needed is 1 teaspoon. Use 1/2 teaspoon to toss with the shrimp and spices and 1/2 teaspoon to cook the shrimp.
Thanks for all the seafood recipes for ONE. I like to take a break from meat on Friday.
Thank you for your delicious recipes
I Love your recipes, easy to make
and always delicious!
Good recipe.
Thank you!