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• My Protein-Packed Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Tastes Like Bonefish
• What Is Bang Bang Shrimp?
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp
• My Recipe Tips
• Bang Bang Shrimp (High Protein Recipe) Recipe card
• Serving Ideas
• Recipe Reviews

My Protein-Packed Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Tastes Like Bonefish

I’ve had bang bang shrimp at both Bonefish Grill and Cheesecake Factory, and while I like both, I always wanted to make a version at home that uses cleaner ingredients. This bang bang shrimp recipe is closest to the Bonefish one in flavor, but I upgraded the texture of the batter, and honestly, I think this one tastes even better. Here’s why:

• Sweet, spicy flavor – These have a little kick, but the creamy bang bang shrimp sauce balances it perfectly. I’ve even used the sauce on coconut shrimp and it works so well.
• Protein powder with a purpose – I didn’t just toss it in for the protein, although this dish does pack over 33 grams of protein per serving. Whey protein powder makes the batter light and crispy … especially with a splash of sparkling water!
• Better for you ingredients – Bonefish Grill’s version isn’t gluten free, and most bang bang shrimp recipes use regular flour and sugar. This version gives you crispy shrimp that’s naturally gluten free and sugar free, while still keeping all the flavor.
• Easy one-step batter – No dredging, no dipping in separate bowls. Just whisk it all together, coat the shrimp, and fry. With a 10 minute prep time and cook time, it’s ready in about 20 minutes.

My copycat bang bang shrimp is protein-packed, better for you, and so easy to make. Make it with me, and serve it as a healthy dinner or a fun appetizer !

What Is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang bang shrimp is crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s best known from Bonefish Grill, but Cheesecake Factory has a similar version called dynamite shrimp. I’ve had it at both places and loved it so much, I had to come up with my own at home!

“We ALWAYS order the bang bang shrimp when we eat at Bonefish and my family said this recipe tastes even better! I can’t wait to make this dish again and again!”

-Taylor

More Reviews

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my bang bang shrimp recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce:

• Mayonnaise – The sauce base. You can use my homemade mayo or your favorite store-bought brand ( this is the brand I use ).
• Chili Garlic Sauce – This bold, garlicky chili paste gives the sauce its signature flavor. It’s not the same as Thai sweet chili sauce, because it has no added sugar, although you can use that if it fits your needs. You can also sprinkle in more garlic powder if you really love garlic!
• Sriracha – Adds a nice kick. You can adjust the amount depending on how spicy you want your bang bang shrimp to be.
• Sweetener – I always use Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend because it dissolves so easily into the bang bang shrimp sauce (other sweeteners don’t do that!) with zero sugar or aftertaste. Unless you use real sugar, most other options crystallize if you make the sauce ahead. Sugar-free honey (or regular honey) is another good option.

Light Breaded Shrimp:

• Shrimp – I use medium shrimp that are peeled and deveined, usually with the tails on for extra flavor. See more about choosing shrimp here . If someone in your house isn’t into shrimp, you can swap in small pieces of chicken instead.
• Coating Options – I like to use a mix of Wholesome Yum Almond Flour and Coconut Flour for the batter, but cornstarch also works if that fits your needs. You can swap almond flour 1:1 with cornstarch, and for coconut flour, use 1/3 cup cornstarch in its place.
• Whey Protein Powder – This is the secret to a light, crispy coating. I’ve tested other protein powders like egg white, collagen, and plant-based protein, but they make the batter chewy. Stick with whey for best results here.
• Eggs – I mix them right into the batter to help it stick. Some recipes use buttermilk, but this way is simpler.
• Sparkling Water – This little trick makes the batter extra airy and crisp. Just make sure it’s plain and unflavored.
• Avocado Oil (for frying), Salt , and Pepper

How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Make the sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, and Besti, until smooth.
2. Mix the batter. In a larger bowl, combine the flours, protein powder, salt, and pepper. Add the eggs and sparkling water and whisk until smooth.

1. Heat the oil. Warm your oil in a deep pot (I used a Dutch oven ) until it’s hot enough to sizzle a drop of batter.
2. Coat and fry the shrimp. Dip the shrimp in the batter, let the excess drip off, and fry in batches until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
3. Toss and serve. Add the cooked shrimp to a bowl, pour the sauce over the top, and gently toss to coat. Serve your bang bang shrimp right away while it’s still hot and crispy!

My Recipe Tips

• The sauce actually tastes even better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead. However, the shrimp is best fresh.
• I don’t deep fry often, but I did for this recipe to get it closest to traditional bang bang shrimp. You can shallow fry, sauté, or even air fry the shrimp if you prefer.
• Any deep, heavy-bottomed pot works well for frying. A deep fryer is great if you have one, but I don’t and it’s not required. I used this Dutch oven because it holds heat well and keeps the oil temperature steady.
• The ideal oil temperature for frying is around 350 degrees F, but anywhere from 325-375 degrees F works. Lower than that makes soggy shrimp, and too high can burn. I use this clip-on candy thermometer to keep it in check.
• Be very gentle when flipping, so the breading doesn’t fall off. I find tongs helpful.
• Shrimp has more flavor when you cook it with the tails on, even though you don’t eat them. But if you’re serving these as bang bang shrimp tacos or on a salad, it’s easier to remove the tails before battering.
• Should you give it time to marinate? I cooked the bang bang shrimp right away to keep things simple, but if you want extra flavor, you can marinate the shrimp in the batter for about 30 minutes before cooking.

Recipe Video

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/3 cup Mayonnaise ▢
• 1/2 tsp Chili garlic sauce ▢
• 1/2 tsp Sriracha ▢
• 1 tbsp Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢

Bang Bang Shrimp:

• 2/3 cup Whey protein powder ▢
• 1/3 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour (or cornstarch) ▢
• 2 tbsp Wholesome Yum Coconut Flour ▢
• 1 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper ▢
• 2 large Eggs ▢
• 1/2 cup Sparkling water (cold) ▢
• 1 lb Medium shrimp (peeled and deveined) ▢
• 3 cups Avocado oil (for frying) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, and Besti. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the whey protein powder, almond flour or cornstarch, coconut flour, sea salt, and black pepper. Add the eggs and sparkling water. Whisk until batter is fully combined.
3. Heat the avocado oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat on the stove for about 5 minutes , or until the oil reaches 350 degrees F.
4. Dip the shrimp into the batter to coat. Let the excess batter drip off, and add the shrimp to the hot oil in a single layer. Fry for about 2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Working in batches, repeat with the remaining shrimp.
5. Place the cooked shrimp in a bowl. Add the bang bang sauce and gently toss to coat. Serve bang bang shrimp immediately.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 of entire recipe

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture, avoid soggy breading, and make your bang bang shrimp turn out just right every time!
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you know you’ll have extras, keep the shrimp and sauce separate.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350 degree F oven until heated through.
• Freeze: The sauce doesn’t freeze well, but the breaded shrimp can. Freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps for up to 3 months.
• Note on nutrition info: I only included 1/4 cup of oil in these numbers, because most of the oil is discarded and not eaten. It’ll be even lighter if you shallow fry instead of deep frying.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Bang Bang Shrimp

Serving Ideas

There are so many fun ways to enjoy bang bang shrimp. I’ve made it for date nights, weeknight dinners, and even tossed it on party platters. Here are a few of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Rice & Such – I usually pair these with jasmine rice, cauliflower rice , or even shirataki rice if I want something lighter. Rice noodles work too if you’re in the mood for something slurpable.
• Shrimp Tacos – These make amazing tacos! Just add taco slaw and your favorite tortillas. I’ve also wrapped them in lettuce leaves when I want something a little lighter, like I do for my shrimp lettuce wraps .
• Appetizer-Style Spread – This shrimp dish is perfect on a game day or party snack board with jalapeno poppers , buffalo cauliflower , spinach stuffed mushrooms , or even my sushi bake .

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

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The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Bang Bang Shrimp (High Protein Recipe)

My bang bang shrimp recipe has a crispy, protein-packed coating and creamy, spicy sauce. A simple, lighter take on the Bonefish favorite!

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/bang-bang-shrimp/

Ingredients

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/3 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 tsp Chili garlic sauce
• 1/2 tsp Sriracha
• 1 tbsp Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend

Bang Bang Shrimp:

• 2/3 cup Whey protein powder
• 1/3 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour (or cornstarch)
• 2 tbsp Wholesome Yum Coconut Flour
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/2 tsp Black pepper
• 2 large Eggs
• 1/2 cup Sparkling water (cold)
• 1 lb Medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• 3 cups Avocado oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Make the bang bang sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, and Besti. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the whey protein powder, almond flour or cornstarch, coconut flour, sea salt, and black pepper. Add the eggs and sparkling water. Whisk until batter is fully combined.
3. Heat the avocado oil in a Dutch oven over medium heat on the stove for about 5 minutes , or until the oil reaches 350 degrees F.
4. Dip the shrimp into the batter to coat. Let the excess batter drip off, and add the shrimp to the hot oil in a single layer. Fry for about 2 minutes per side. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Working in batches, repeat with the remaining shrimp.
5. Place the cooked shrimp in a bowl. Add the bang bang sauce and gently toss to coat. Serve bang bang shrimp immediately.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 1/4 of entire recipe

• Tips: Check out my recipe tips above to help you get the best texture, avoid soggy breading, and make your bang bang shrimp turn out just right every time!
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you know you’ll have extras, keep the shrimp and sauce separate.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350 degree F oven until heated through.
• Freeze: The sauce doesn’t freeze well, but the breaded shrimp can. Freeze in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps for up to 3 months.
• Note on nutrition info: I only included 1/4 cup of oil in these numbers, because most of the oil is discarded and not eaten. It’ll be even lighter if you shallow fry instead of deep frying.

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)