Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

If you want a flavorful, healthy appetizer or light meal, these bang-bang shrimp lettuce wraps are an excellent choice. Crispy, tender shrimp are coated in a crunchy crumb, tossed in a creamy sweet-spicy sauce, and served in crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing, low-carb bite.

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular American dish featuring shrimp that are breaded and cooked until crisp, then coated or drizzled with a creamy, slightly spicy sauce that often combines mayonnaise with sweet chili and other seasonings. The sauce provides a balance of heat, sweetness, and umami; serving the shrimp in lettuce leaves adds crunch and freshness and keeps the dish light.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Bang Bang Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

• Shrimp: The star ingredient. Use peeled and deveined shrimp. You can substitute chicken or firm white fish if preferred.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Provide a light, extra-crunchy coating for the shrimp.
• Butter lettuce: Soft, cup-shaped leaves make a perfect wrapper for the shrimp and sauce.
• Flour: Combined with cornstarch for a dry coating that helps the panko adhere and browns nicely.
• Cornstarch: Adds extra crispness to the coating when cooked.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, and any preferred seasonings mixed into the dry coating.
• Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
• Sweet chili sauce: Adds sweetness, mild heat, and texture to the sauce.
• Soy sauce: A touch of soy balances the sauce with savory depth.
• Cooking oil: For spraying or brushing the shrimp before air-frying or for frying if using another method.
• Rice wine vinegar: A little acid brightens the sauce and balances sweetness.

Why Everyone Loves These Lettuce Wraps

Crunchy texture: The contrast between the crispy shrimp and soft lettuce makes every bite satisfying. Panko and the flour/cornstarch mix deliver a light, crunchy crust without being heavy.

Bold flavor: The creamy bang bang sauce combines sweetness, mild heat, and umami for a punchy topping that complements the shrimp without overpowering them.

Simple and fast: This recipe is easy to prepare, with short hands-on time and quick cooking in an air fryer or on the stovetop—perfect for weeknights or last-minute guests.

Great for meal prep: Cook the shrimp and keep the sauce refrigerated; assemble wraps when ready. The components can be prepared a day in advance for quick lunches or dinners.

FAQ for Bang Bang Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Q1. Can you make this with chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes. Use bite-sized pieces of chicken breast or thigh, adjust cooking time until fully cooked, and follow the same breading and sauce steps.

Q2. What types of lettuce work best?

Butter lettuce is ideal because of its soft, cup-like leaves. Romaine and iceberg also work if you prefer a sturdier or crunchier wrap.

Q3. How long will the prepared recipe keep?

Store cooked shrimp and sauce separately in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. Assemble the wraps just before serving.

Q4. Can you deep fry instead of air-frying?

Absolutely. Deep-frying will produce a classic golden crunch. If air-frying, spray the shrimp with oil to ensure even browning.

Bang Bang Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

Equipment

• Air fryer (or a deep fryer or skillet if you prefer)

Ingredients

• 2 lbs shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 3/4 cup flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 3 large eggs, beaten

Bang Bang Sauce

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 teaspoon rice wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon ketchup (optional)

Instructions

1. Cut the shrimp into thirds if they are large, or leave them whole if small.
2. In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. Place the panko in a third shallow dish.
3. Dip each shrimp first in the egg, then into the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Press the shrimp lightly into the panko to coat evenly.
4. Arrange shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure pieces are not touching. Lightly spray or brush with oil. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6 minutes.
5. Open the air fryer, shake the basket or turn shrimp, spray again with oil, and cook for another 6 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
6. While the shrimp cooks, prepare the bang bang sauce: whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, and optional ketchup until smooth.
7. When shrimp are done, toss them gently with the sauce to coat (or drizzle the sauce over each serving).
8. To assemble, place a few shrimp into each butter lettuce leaf, drizzle with extra sauce if desired, and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 201 kcal (approximate). Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guide only.

These bang bang shrimp lettuce wraps are a quick, crowd-pleasing option for entertaining or a simple weeknight dinner. Adjust the sauce to taste—add more chili for heat or more mayo for creaminess—and enjoy a bright, crunchy meal that’s easy to customize.