The Best Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl Recipe for Dinner Tonight

Are you looking for a dinner option that combines restaurant-quality flavor with the comfort of a home-cooked meal? My Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl recipe delivers exactly that – a perfect balance of spicy-sweet shrimp, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds. After years of perfecting this dish through countless iterations, I’m excited to share my ultimate version that rivals any restaurant offering.

This bowl combines the viral-worthy bang bang shrimp – tender shellfish coated in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce – with customizable fresh components that make it both satisfying and surprisingly wholesome. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight dinner, meal prepping for busy days ahead, or looking to impress guests with minimal effort, this versatile recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into creating this crave-worthy Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl that will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

Quick Overview

This Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl delivers an irresistible combination of flavors and textures – crispy-coated shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce, served over fluffy rice with fresh vegetables and herbs. What makes this dish special is its perfect balance: the richness of the sauce complemented by the brightness of fresh components, creating a satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity despite its impressive presentation and complex flavor profile. The shrimp cooks quickly, and the signature sauce comes together in minutes with just a few pantry staples. From start to finish, you’re looking at approximately 30 minutes of preparation and cooking time, making it entirely feasible for a weeknight dinner. Each component can be prepped ahead of time, allowing you to assemble restaurant-quality bowls in mere minutes when you’re ready to eat.

The result is a colorful, Instagram-worthy meal that delivers on both presentation and flavor, with creamy, spicy, sweet, crunchy, and fresh elements in every bite. It’s the kind of satisfying dinner that feels like a treat but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or advanced culinary skills.

The Ingredients I Use to Bring My Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl to Life

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (preferably Japanese Kewpie mayo for extra richness)
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce (adjust to your preferred heat level)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined with tails removed
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying (about 1 cup)

For the Rice Bowls:

• 2 cups jasmine rice, rinsed
• 3 cups water
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 English cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 1 cup shredded carrots
• 1 cup shredded purple cabbage
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
• 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• Lime wedges for serving
• Optional: sliced jalapeños for extra heat

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and salt.
2. Whisk all ingredients together until completely smooth and well incorporated. The sauce should have a light orange-pink color and creamy consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – add more Sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness, or rice vinegar for tanginess until you reach your desired flavor profile.
4. Cover and refrigerate the sauce while you prepare the other components. This allows the flavors to meld together and develop more depth.

Step 2: Cook the Rice

1. Place the rinsed jasmine rice in a medium saucepan with water and salt. Stir once to combine.
2. Heat the rice over high heat until it reaches a boil. Then, lower the heat to a simmer, cover tightly with a lid, and cook for 15–18 minutes, or until the water is fully absorbed and the rice is tender.
3. Remove from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 5-10 minutes. Then fluff with a fork and keep warm until ready to assemble the bowls.

Step 3: Prepare the Shrimp Coating

1. In a shallow dish or plate, combine the cornstarch, flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, then whisk until evenly mixed.
2. In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
3. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure proper coating adhesion. It’s important that the shrimp be as dry as possible to achieve a crispy coating.

Step 4: Coat and Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or wok to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want about 1/2 inch of oil in the pan – enough to come halfway up the sides of the shrimp.
2. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, dip each shrimp first in the beaten egg, then dredge thoroughly in the cornstarch-flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
3. Gently add the coated shrimp to the hot oil and fry for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and crispy. The shrimp should be fully opaque and have an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Toss Shrimp in Bang Bang Sauce

1. Once all the shrimp are fried, let them cool slightly for 1-2 minutes. This brief cooling period helps the coating stay crisp when it meets the sauce.
2. Transfer the shrimp to a large bowl and drizzle with about half of the prepared Bang Bang sauce.
3. Gently toss until all pieces are evenly coated. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling over the completed bowls.

Step 6: Assemble the Rice Bowls

1. Divide the warm jasmine rice evenly among four serving bowls, about 1/2 cup per bowl.
2. Arrange the cucumber slices, avocado, shredded carrots, and purple cabbage around the perimeter of each bowl, creating colorful sections.
3. Place the sauce-coated shrimp in the center of each bowl.
4. Drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp and vegetables.
5. Sprinkle with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and toasted sesame seeds.
6. Add optional sliced jalapeños if desired and serve with lime wedges on the side.

What to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl With

The Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl is essentially a complete meal on its own, but these additions can enhance your dining experience:

Appetizers to start:

• Miso soup for a light, warm beginning
• Edamame sprinkled with sea salt
• Simple cucumber sunomono (Japanese vinegar salad)
• Vegetable spring rolls with sweet chili dipping sauce

Side dishes to complement:

• Miso-glazed eggplant for an umami vegetable option
• Light Asian slaw with rice vinegar dressing
• Seaweed salad for a taste of the ocean
• Steamed or sautéed bok choy with garlic

Beverage pairings:

• Chilled sake or a crisp Japanese beer like Sapporo
• Cold green tea or jasmine tea
• Coconut water for a tropical touch
• Cucumber-infused water or limeade for a refreshing non-alcoholic option

Dessert options to follow:

• Mango sticky rice for a traditional Thai finish
• Green tea ice cream for a light, palate-cleansing end
• Fresh fruit plate with lychee, mango, and pineapple
• Black sesame pudding for an authentic Asian dessert experience

Best Tips for Making the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

1. Shrimp selection matters: Look for fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp that smell clean and oceanic. The 21-25 count size works best for this recipe – large enough to get a good bite but not so large that they’re difficult to cook evenly. Always pat them very dry before coating.
2. Achieve the perfect crispy coating: The cornstarch-flour mixture creates the ideal light, crispy texture. For even better results, let the coated shrimp rest on a wire rack for 5 minutes before frying – this helps the coating adhere better and creates an even crispier exterior.
3. Oil temperature control: Maintain a steady oil temperature between 350-375°F (175-190°C). Too low, and the shrimp will absorb oil and become greasy; too high, and the coating will burn before the shrimp cooks through. Using a deep-fry or candy thermometer takes the guesswork out of this process.
4. Sauce consistency adjustments: If your Bang Bang sauce is too thick, loosen it with a teaspoon of water or rice vinegar. If it’s too thin, stir in a bit more mayonnaise. The perfect consistency should be pourable yet thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
5. Rice perfection: For restaurant-quality rice, rinse it thoroughly until the water runs clear to remove excess starch. After cooking, let it rest covered for the full 10 minutes – this step is crucial for fluffy, distinct grains.
6. Component substitutions:

• Protein alternatives: Substitute chicken tenders, firm tofu, or cauliflower florets for the shrimp
• Make it gluten-free: Use rice flour instead of all-purpose flour
• Lighter option: Bake the coated shrimp at 425°F (220°C) for 10-12 minutes instead of frying
• Rice alternatives: Brown rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa work well for different dietary needs

1. Meal prep strategy: Prepare components separately and store them individually. Cook the shrimp and make the sauce up to 2 days ahead, but don’t combine them until serving. The vegetables can be prepped a day in advance, and rice reheats well with a splash of water.

Storing and Reheating Tips

For maximum enjoyment of leftovers, proper storage and reheating is essential:

Storing components separately:

• Cooked shrimp (without sauce): Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Bang Bang sauce: Keeps well in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Cooked rice: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Fresh vegetables: Store prepped vegetables separately in containers lined with paper towels to absorb excess moisture for 1-2 days.

Assembled bowl storage:

• If you’ve already assembled a complete bowl, it will keep in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, though the shrimp coating will soften.
• For best results with leftover assembled bowls, store the sauce separately and add it just before eating.

Freezing options:

• The fried shrimp (without sauce) can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transferred to a freezer bag once solid. They’ll keep for up to 1 month.
• The Bang Bang sauce does not freeze well due to its mayonnaise base, which separates upon thawing.
• Cooked rice freezes beautifully in portion-sized containers for up to 2 months.

Reheating methods:

For the shrimp:

• Oven method (best for maintaining crispness): Place shrimp on a wire rack over a baking sheet and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
• Air fryer: 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) restores much of the original crispiness.
• Microwave (quick but less crispy): 30-second intervals at 50% power until just heated through.
• After reheating, toss with fresh Bang Bang sauce for the best flavor.

For the rice:

• Microwave: Sprinkle with a few drops of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat for 1-2 minutes.
• Stovetop: Add one tablespoon of water for each cup of rice, cover, and warm over low heat for 5 minutes, fluffing occasionally.

Reassembling after storage:

• Reheat rice and shrimp separately
• Keep vegetables cold for the optimal temperature contrast
• Add fresh avocado, as stored avocados will have browned
• Drizzle with room-temperature Bang Bang sauce just before serving
• Sprinkle freshly chopped herbs and sesame seeds on top.

This Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl delivers the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and visual appeal for a truly satisfying meal. The combination of crispy shrimp coated in creamy, sweet-spicy sauce, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply elevate your weeknight meal routine, this recipe offers a delicious way to bring global flavors to your table with minimal fuss. The versatility of the components also means you can customize it to suit various preferences and dietary needs without compromising on that signature Bang Bang flavor that makes this dish so irresistibly craveable.

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