1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important to remove excess moisture, ensuring that the batter will adhere properly to the shrimp and they’ll fry up crispy. If you prefer to remove the shrimp tails, you can do so at this point, though many people like to leave the tails on for a more elegant presentation.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

To create the crispy coating for the shrimp, you’ll need a three-step breading process:

• In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• In another shallow bowl, beat the egg.
• In a third shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs if preferred).

This breading setup will allow you to dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs to create a perfect crispy exterior.

3. Coat the Shrimp

Take each shrimp and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip the shrimp into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well to the shrimp. Repeat this process for all the shrimp.

4. Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1-2 inches deep, enough to allow the shrimp to fry without sticking to the bottom. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully place the breaded shrimp into the oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp in batches if necessary.

Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. The shrimp should be cooked through with a tender, juicy center. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are frying, it’s time to prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you prefer it spicier or more honey if you want it sweeter. If you like an extra tangy flavor, you can also stir in a teaspoon of rice vinegar.

6. Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce

Once the shrimp are fried and crispy, place them in a large bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat them evenly. Be sure to coat each shrimp with a generous amount of sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the shrimp are coated in the sauce, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.