The one and only time I ate at a Bonefish Grill was about 5 years ago on a work trip in North Carolina.

We went to Carrabba’s the night before and I believe we wrapped the trip up with Applebee’s on our way to the airport.

My idea of food hell, most of my coworker’s idea of a good meal.

When someone suggested an appetizer of fried calamari at Carrabba’s the first night and one of my coworkers looked at her like she had 5 heads having never heard of calamari before, that’s when I knew it was going to be a fun meal.

I have no idea what rock he spent the first 23 years of his life living under but I sure as heck tried to find out during dinner.

The answer?

Southern Jersey.

It’s funny how vividly I remember that trip which is one of maybe 100+ over the past 5 years all involving shitty chain restaurant meals but between the calamari incident and the Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish, it sticks out in my head.

Those shrimp were appropriately named because 5 years later I still think about them.

Only now I think in terms of baked, not fried. Although – this recipe would be perfect for the air fryer too. This air fryer frozen shrimp recipe is a great one to keep in your back pocket for quick and easy shrimp meals.

I also wear pants that are 3 sizes smaller (thank god skinny jeans weren’t in back then). Hey! I think I finally found something that’s gotten better with age! Those multiplying gray hairs are really good at making me forget all the good stuff when they’re staring me in the face as I twist my hair into a ponytail every.damn.day.

So yeah, this is my 3 sizes skinnier version of Bang Bang Shrimp.

Baked, not fried and using wild caught, not farmed shrimp (as I’m sure Bonefish does).

Really, without trying to sound like an elitist food snob, buy the wild shrimp.

Eating farm raised is like shoving shit in your mouth. Literally. They’re already bottom feeders, add the farm part and ew. Just ew.

More recipes like this to try

If you’re a fan of bang bang sauce, try this bang bang cauliflower recipe too. The florets are pan-fried until crispy and served with the delicious sweet and spicy addictive sauce for dipping. Bang bang chicken skewers are another delicious way to enjoy this addictive sauce as a dinner or a starter.

Love copycat recipes? You have to try this Panera tomato soup copycat – it’s so creamy!

Looking for a shrimp takeout recipe instead? Give this easy shrimp lo mein a try.

Or, for another shrimp appetizer with a healthier makeover, try our baked popcorn shrimp.