Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls with a Zesty Sauce

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Ever craved something spicy, creamy, crunchy, and satisfying all at once—without dialing your favorite takeout spot? If you’ve found yourself staring into the fridge wondering how to whip up something crave-worthy yet effortless, you’re not alone. These Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls bring that bold, restaurant-style flair straight into your home kitchen.

What makes this bowl truly unforgettable isn’t just the crispy shrimp or the comforting bed of rice—it’s that zesty Bang Bang sauce. It’s sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once, coating each shrimp bite with addictive flavor. And when you layer it all over tender grains, fresh veggies, and that vibrant cabbage crunch, you get a dish that’s not only mouthwatering but also Instagram-worthy.

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Why You’ll Want This Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl in Your Weekly Lineup

You’re not just making a meal—you’re crafting an experience. These bowls strike the perfect balance between flavor, texture, and ease. Here’s why you’ll love them:  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our Baked Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas

Flavor You Can’t Forget

• Creamy Sriracha-mayo kicks things off with heat and richness.
• Rice vinegar and sugar balance everything with tang and sweetness.
• Every bite is a contrast: crispy shrimp, fluffy rice, crunchy cabbage.

Dinner Done Right—and Fast

• Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Uses pantry-friendly ingredients.
• Perfect for weeknights or impressing weekend guests.

Customizable to Your Cravings

• Swap shrimp for chicken, tofu, or even crispy cauliflower.
• Add mango, cucumber, or avocado for a fresh spin.
• Make it low-carb with cauliflower rice or lettuce cups.

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What You’ll Need: Ingredients at a Glance

Before you start, gather everything in one place. Here’s a breakdown of what goes into each element of this epic bowl.

Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Mayonnaise	¼ cup
Sriracha	2 ½ tablespoons
Rice Vinegar	1 tablespoon
Sugar	2 tablespoons

This sauce is what ties it all together. The mayo brings creaminess, Sriracha adds that unmistakable heat, vinegar cuts through the richness, and sugar rounds it out with a touch of sweetness.

Shrimp Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Pre-cooked shrimp	1 pound (medium or large)
Cornstarch	2–3 tablespoons
Canola/vegetable oil	1 cup

Using pre-cooked shrimp shaves off cooking time while still delivering that crispy exterior when fried right.

Rice Bowl Ingredients

Ingredient	Amount
Cooked rice	2 cups (white or brown)
Shredded cabbage mix	2 cups
Diced tomatoes	2 medium
Green onions	2 stalks, chopped

This fresh mix balances out the richness of the shrimp and sauce, making every bite feel clean and satisfying.

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How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls Step-by-Step

Let’s break it down into simple steps that bring this dish to life without any fuss.

Step 1: Make the Zesty Bang Bang Sauce

You’re going to want to taste-test this one.

• Grab a small bowl or jar.
• Add mayo, Sriracha, rice vinegar, and sugar.
• Whisk until fully smooth—no lumps allowed.
• Pop it into the fridge while you prep the rest. This helps the flavors meld together.

Pro Tip: Want a bit more tang? Add a splash of lime juice.

Step 2: Crisp Up That Shrimp

This step makes or breaks the bowl. You’re aiming for golden, crunchy, crave-worthy shrimp.

1. Heat oil in a heavy-bottomed skillet or small pot over medium heat until it hits 375°F.
2. While the oil heats, pat your shrimp dry—really dry. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
3. Toss the shrimp in cornstarch until coated on all sides.
4. Gently lower them into the hot oil. Fry for 3–4 minutes.
5. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Note: Don’t overcrowd the pot or the temp will drop. Work in batches if needed.

Step 3: Build Your Bowl Like a Pro

Now comes the fun part—assembly.

1. Start with ½ cup of rice in each bowl.
2. Add ¼ of the crispy shrimp on top.
3. Layer with ½ cup shredded cabbage and a few spoonfuls of diced tomato.
4. Sprinkle on green onion for brightness and bite.
5. Drizzle with more Bang Bang sauce—or serve it on the side if you like to dip.

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Tips for Nailing This Dish Every Time

Perfectly Crispy Shrimp

• Fully dry shrimp = maximum crunch.
• Use medium heat to maintain a steady oil temp.
• Avoid overfrying, or shrimp will get rubbery.

Bold, Balanced Sauce

• Taste and adjust: more Sriracha for spice, more sugar for sweet.
• Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or a squirt of lime for extra depth.

Build-It-Your-Way Bowl Ideas

• Tropical Twist: Add mango cubes or pineapple tidbits.
• Veggie Boost: Try shredded carrots, radishes, or cucumber ribbons.
• Protein Swap: Use grilled chicken, crispy tofu, or even pan-fried tempeh.

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Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Here’s a quick overview of what each bowl brings to your plate:

Nutrient	Value
Calories	450 kcal
Protein	22g
Fat	20g
Carbohydrates	45g
Fiber	4g
Sugar	8g

This recipe strikes a solid balance between indulgent and nourishing—especially if you boost it with extra veggies.

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Meal Prep & Storage Tips

If you’re thinking ahead or feeding a crowd, this dish is a dream.

How to Store

• Keep rice, shrimp, and sauce in separate airtight containers.
• Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat

• Shrimp: Air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
• Rice and veggies: Microwave-safe bowl with a splash of water to keep rice moist.

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Tasty Pairings to Serve on the Side

Want to make it a full meal? These sidekicks elevate your bowl even more.

Drinks

• Iced green tea with lemon.
• Sparkling water with cucumber slices.

Sides

• Edamame sprinkled with flaky salt.
• Steamed dumplings or gyoza.
• Miso soup with scallions.

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FAQs: Your Bang Bang Bowl Questions, Answered

Can I use raw shrimp instead of pre-cooked?

Absolutely. Just make sure to cook them fully (2–3 minutes per side) before dredging in cornstarch and frying.

Is Bang Bang sauce super spicy?

It’s got a kick, but the mayo and sugar mellow it out. If you’re heat-sensitive, start with 1 tablespoon of Sriracha and adjust.

Can I make this bowl gluten-free?

Yes—check that your mayo, Sriracha, and vinegar are gluten-free. Most cornstarch is safe, but always double-check labels.

What’s the best rice to use?

White jasmine or basmati rice gives a light, fluffy base. Brown rice adds more fiber and a nuttier flavor.

Can I air-fry the shrimp instead?

Yes! Coat the shrimp, spray with oil, and air-fry at 400°F for about 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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Wrap-Up: Your New Weeknight Obsession

There’s something undeniably satisfying about building a bowl that hits every note—crunch, heat, freshness, and comfort. With these Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowls, you’ve got a dish that’s fast enough for busy nights, fun enough for guests, and flavorful enough to become a weekly favorite.

So what are you waiting for? Fire up the stove, grab that Sriracha, and treat yourself to a bowl that truly delivers.

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🔥 Ready to Turn Up the Flavor?

Don’t just pin this recipe—make it tonight and taste the magic yourself. Share your bowl photos and tag us for a chance to be featured. Want more flavor-packed, easy dinner ideas like this? Subscribe to our newsletter and never run out of inspiration again!

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