Keto Bang Bang Shrimp

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This recipe is for all the crispy shrimp lovers! Low carb keto bang bang shrimp makes a restaurant-style dish low carb, but keeps all the creamy, spicy flavor. Serve this copycat bang bang shrimp recipe as an appetizer, in lettuce wrap tacos, or in an easy salad — there’s no wrong way to enjoy them! The sauce also goes equally well with coconut shrimp.

What Is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang bang shrimp is a popular dish from the restaurant Bonefish Grill (though you may have had a similar dish, dynamite shrimp, at Cheesecake Factory restaurants). It consists of crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, often served with tortillas as tacos.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for keto friendly bang bang shrimp, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.

For The Keto Bang Bang Shrimp Sauce:

• Besti Powdered Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Dissolves with ease into the bang bang sauce, for the perfect amount of sweetness with 0 grams of net carbs. You can substitute other keto sweeteners, but most others (such as Swerve or Lakanto) won’t dissolve as well and may crystallize if you make the sauce ahead. If you do use another sweetener, make sure it’s powdered.
• Avocado Oil Mayonnaise – Use a store-bought variety, or make homemade avocado oil mayo.
• Chili Garlic Sauce – This Vietnamese sauce is a blend of coarsely ground chilies and garlic, commonly used in Asian dishes. Unlike sweet chili sauces, this one has no added sugar. (If you’re a big fan of garlic, you can add some garlic powder to the sauce as well.)
• Sriracha – Adds heat. Adjust to your liking.

For The Breaded Shrimp:

• Wholesome Yum Flours – Almond Flour and Coconut Flour blend together to add body and crispiness to the batter. I personally curated the Wholesome Yum brand flours to have the finest consistency out there and the righty moisture level, for the best texture in your breading.
• Whey Protein Powder – Another important flour and cornstarch substitute for creating a light, crispy texture. Unfortunately, other protein powders I have tried (such as egg white protein or collagen) don’t work the same way, and the texture ends up chewy instead of light and crispy.
• Eggs – Allows the batter to bind to the shrimp. Use whole, large eggs. Flax eggs might work as a substitute, but I haven’t tried it.
• Sparkling Water – Traps air bubbles in the batter for a lighter, crispier texture. Make sure your sparkling water is unflavored.
• Shrimp – Use medium, peeled, deveined shrimp, preferably with tails for the best flavor. You can learn more about choosing shrimp in my garlic butter shrimp post. If you or any family members aren’t fans of shrimp, you can also make the same dish using small pieces of chicken instead.
• Salt & Pepper
• Avocado Oil – This is my preferred oil for high-heat frying, but use your favorite neutral oil that is safe for high temperatures. Olive oil is another good option.

How To Make Keto Bang Bang Shrimp

This section shows how to make bang bang shrimp keto, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full instructions, see the recipe card below.

1. Make sauce. Add low carb bang bang shrimp sauce ingredients to a bowl and stir together. Set aside.

2. Make batter. Combine protein powder, flours, sea salt, and black pepper in a shallow bowl. Add beaten egg and sparkling water. Whisk to combine fully. Meanwhile, heat avocado oil in a Dutch oven (or large, heavy-bottomed pan or skillet) to 350 degrees.

3. Fry. Dip shrimp in the batter mixture to coat, allow excess to drip off, and add in a single layer to hot oil. Fry, remove with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining shrimp.

4. Finish. Toss fried shrimp in sugar-free bang bang sauce, and serve with fresh chives if desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Bang Bang Shrimp Have Dairy?

Some recipes for this dish do contain dairy, as many bang bang shrimp recipes use buttermilk to coat the shrimp. Always read ingredient lists to know for certain.

This healthy bang bang shrimp also contains dairy, as they whey protein used to make the shrimp crispy contains lactose.

Are Bang Bang Shrimp Spicy?

These shrimp are spicy, and balanced perfectly against their creamy sauce. If you like spicy dishes, you’ll love these shrimp!

Are Bang Bang Shrimp Gluten-Free?

Bonefish Grill bang bang shrimp are not gluten-free, and many versions of the recipe have gluten-containing ingredients. However, this low carb bang bang shrimp is naturally gluten free!

Storage Instructions

• Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you know you’ll have extra, store the shrimp and sauce separately.
• Reheat: Reheat in a 350 degree F oven, until warm.
• Freeze: Keto bang bang shrimp sauce does not freeze well, but you could freeze the breaded shrimp if you like. Spread out on a parchment lined baking sheet, place in the freezer until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months.

What To Serve With Low Carb Bang Bang Shrimp

There are so many delicious ways to serve these shrimp! Try these pairing ideas: