Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl: How to Cook It in 20 Minutes

Have You Ever Wanted to Eat Something Crispy, Creamy, and Spicy All at Once?

Imagine a bowl filled with crispy shrimp, sweet and spicy sauce, fluffy rice, and cool, crunchy veggies. Sounds amazing, right? But what if I told you that you can make this in less than 30 minutes—right in your kitchen?

That’s the magic of the Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl. It’s bold. It’s creamy. It’s crispy. And yes, it’s absolutely crave-worthy.

Let’s dive into this easy and delicious recipe that’s going to be your new weeknight favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

The Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl is a delicious mix of spicy shrimp, cool veggies, and fluffy jasmine rice—all tied together with a creamy, dreamy bang bang sauce.

Here’s what makes it special:

Quick & Easy: Done in under 30 minutes
Crunch + Cream: Crispy shrimp with creamy, spicy sauce is irresistible
Customizable: Make it your own with toppings or switch the protein
Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweetness, adults love the spice

Time Required:
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes

Difficulty Level: Easy (No fancy tools or skills needed!)

Essential Ingredients and Why They Matter

Let’s break down what makes each ingredient shine—and how you can make substitutions when needed.

Shrimp (1 lb, peeled and deveined)
Shrimp is the star. It’s juicy, quick-cooking, and perfect for crispy coatings.
Swap: Try chicken bites or tofu for different flavors.

Flour (1/4 cup)
Helps the egg stick to the shrimp, creating a perfect crunchy base.
Swap: Use gluten-free flour if needed.

Egg (1, beaten)
Acts like glue to hold the breadcrumbs.
Tip: Make sure it’s well-beaten for even coating.

Panko Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup)
The secret to the crispy, crunchy shell. Panko gives it that golden finish.
Swap: Use regular breadcrumbs, but toast them a bit first.

Cooked Jasmine Rice (2 cups)
A fragrant, slightly sticky rice that holds everything together in the bowl.
Swap: Use white rice, brown rice, or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version.

Lettuce & Cucumber (for garnish)
Adds a cool, crisp contrast to the spicy shrimp.
Swap: Try shredded cabbage, carrots, or avocado slices.

Bang Bang Sauce
Mayonnaise (1/4 cup): Adds creaminess
Sweet Chili Sauce (2 tbsp): Brings sweetness and tang
Sriracha (1 tbsp): Adds heat
Customize: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.

Step-by-Step Instructions (With Pro Tips!)

Let’s walk through it. You’ll be amazed at how easy this is!

1. Prep Your Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels (helps with crispiness).
Coat them in flour, shaking off the excess.
Dip into beaten egg.
Press into panko breadcrumbs until fully coated.
Pro Tip: Line them up on a plate so they don’t stick together.

2. Cook the Shrimp
Air Fryer Method: Preheat to 400°F. Spray shrimp lightly with oil and air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway.
Pan-Fry Method: Heat 2–3 tablespoons oil in a pan. Fry shrimp for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden.
Pro Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan or fryer. Cook in batches if needed.

3. Make the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, mix together the mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth.
Pro Tip: Taste as you go! Want it spicier? Add more sriracha. Sweeter? More chili sauce.

4. Toss the Shrimp
Once shrimp is cooked, toss it gently in the sauce until every piece is coated.
Pro Tip: Do this right before serving so the coating stays crispy!

How to Assemble the Perfect Rice Bowl

Now it’s time to build your masterpiece!

Add about ½ cup of warm jasmine rice to the bottom of each bowl.
Top with a handful of shredded lettuce and a few cucumber slices.
Add a generous scoop of sauced shrimp right on top.
Optional: Drizzle with extra sauce, sesame seeds, or chopped scallions.
Presentation Tip: Serve in wide bowls for that Instagram-worthy look. Layer the colors for eye appeal.

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

Good news: this recipe stores surprisingly well!

Storage:
Keep shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Store sauce separately so shrimp stays crispy.
Reheat shrimp in the air fryer or oven (not microwave) for best texture.

Make Ahead:
You can cook the rice and prep the sauce in advance.
Bread the shrimp ahead of time and refrigerate for a few hours before frying.

Tasty Recipe Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some fun twists!

Bang Bang Chicken Bowl: Swap shrimp for crispy chicken bites
Vegan Version: Use crispy tofu or cauliflower florets instead of shrimp
Spicy Level-Up: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of chili oil
Asian Fusion: Add pickled carrots or a dash of soy sauce to the rice
Tropical Twist: Top with mango cubes or pineapple chunks for a sweet balance

Conclusion: Time to Bang Bang in Your Kitchen!

Now that you’ve got the steps, tips, and flavor ideas—it’s your turn. This Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl is easy to make, fun to eat, and perfect for impressing family and friends.

Whether you’re craving something spicy, crispy, or just plain delicious, this bowl hits the spot every time.

So grab your shrimp, heat up your pan, and get ready to bowl over your tastebuds.

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FAQs About Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes! Just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before breading.

Is this recipe healthy?
It can be! Use air frying instead of deep frying, sub Greek yogurt for mayo, and add lots of veggies.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and double-check your chili sauce labels.

What if I don’t have sriracha?
Try any other hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.

How can I meal prep this?
Store each component separately in containers. Reheat shrimp in an oven or air fryer before assembling.

Can I double the sauce?
Yes—and you should! It’s great as a dip for fries, spring rolls, or veggies.

This Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl is more than just a recipe. It’s an experience—easy, flavorful, and full of texture and spice. Give it a try, share it with friends, and don’t forget to make it your own!