First Step: PREPARE THE SHRIMP

1. Peel and Devein the Shrimp: Begin by peeling the shrimp, leaving the tails on (if desired) for a more appealing presentation. Devein the shrimp by making a small incision along the back and removing the dark vein inside. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Soak the Shrimp in Buttermilk: In a medium bowl, pour the buttermilk and add the shrimp. Stir to ensure the shrimp are fully coated in the buttermilk. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes. This will help tenderize the shrimp and ensure the batter sticks well during frying.

Second Step: MAKE THE BANG BANG SAUCE

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey (optional), and lemon juice. Whisk everything until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning: add more sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness, or lemon juice for acidity, depending on your preferences.
2. Set Aside the Sauce: Once the sauce is well mixed and seasoned to your liking, set it aside. You’ll toss the shrimp in this sauce just before serving, ensuring that the shrimp are fully coated in the creamy, spicy goodness.

Third Step: PREPARE THE BREADING

1. Prepare the Coating: In a large shallow bowl or plate, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
2. Dredge the Shrimp: After the shrimp have soaked in the buttermilk, remove them from the bowl one at a time and dredge them in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Coat each shrimp thoroughly, pressing the mixture onto the shrimp to form a light, even coating. Shake off any excess.

Fourth Step: FRY THE SHRIMP

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) to ensure the shrimp fry quickly and become golden and crispy.
2. Fry the Shrimp: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated shrimp to the pan, one at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the shrimp in batches if necessary. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Fifth Step: TOSS THE SHRIMP IN SAUCE AND SERVE

1. Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce: Once all the shrimp are fried and drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp and toss gently until the shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.
2. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. For extra flavor, you can drizzle a little more sauce over the shrimp before serving. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm and crispy.