Bang Bang Shrimp

Introduction

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that combines crispy fried shrimp with a sweet, tangy, and spicy sauce. This dish, inspired by Asian flavors, features shrimp that’s perfectly fried to golden perfection and then tossed in a creamy chili sauce that’s irresistible.

I first made this dish when I was craving something flavorful and fun for a dinner party, and it was an immediate hit. The crispy shrimp paired with the rich, spicy sauce had everyone coming back for more. What’s great about this recipe is its versatility—you can serve it as an appetizer, snack, or even as the star of your meal. It pairs wonderfully with a side of rice or a fresh salad.

This dish is surprisingly easy to make, with just a few ingredients needed for the sauce and the shrimp. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to make for any gathering or even a weeknight dinner when you’re craving something with a little heat and a lot of flavor. this recipe is sure to impress anyone who tries it!

Perfect for:

• Party appetizers
• Game-day snacks
• Asian-inspired dinners
• Seafood lovers
• Date nights at home

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp

Here’s why this recipe is a must-try dish:

• Crispy Perfection: The shrimp are coated in a light and crunchy batter that stays crispy even after being tossed in sauce.
• Sweet & Spicy Sauce: The signature sauce is a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and creaminess.
• Restaurant Quality at Home: You can recreate this popular restaurant dish in your own kitchen at a fraction of the cost.
• Quick and Easy: The recipe is simple to follow and comes together in less than 30 minutes.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it as an appetizer, over rice for a main course, or in tacos for a fun twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 22g, Carbs: 26g, Fat: 18g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• For the Shrimp:
  • 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Vegetable oil (for frying)
• For the Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
  • 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust for spice level)
  • 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• For Garnish (Optional):
  • Sliced green onions
  • Sesame seeds

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Medium-sized shrimp work best for even frying, but you can use large shrimp for a more dramatic presentation.
• Buttermilk: Helps the batter adhere to the shrimp, ensuring a crispy coating.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Provides the sweetness and tang in the signature sauce.
• Sriracha: Adds a kick of heat; adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Cornstarch: Combines with flour for a light, crispy coating that doesn’t absorb excess oil.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to maket his recipe:

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Clean the Shrimp: Peel, devein, and remove the tails from the shrimp. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Marinate: Place the shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them marinate for 10 minutes while you prepare the batter and sauce.

Make the Sauce:

3. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). Adjust the spice level to your preference. Set aside.

Coat the Shrimp:

4. Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
5. Coat the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off, then dredge them in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess flour.

Fry the Shrimp:

6. Heat the Oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot to cover the shrimp (about 2 inches). Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
7. Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Toss and Serve:

8. Combine with Sauce: Toss the fried shrimp in the prepared sauce until evenly coated. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
9. Garnish: Transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp can be served in a variety of ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing.
• Over Rice: Turn it into a main dish by serving the shrimp over steamed jasmine rice.
• In Tacos: Add the shrimp to tortillas with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of the sauce for this recipe Tacos.
• On Salad: Top a bed of greens with the shrimp for a flavorful and satisfying salad.
• With Noodles: Pair the shrimp with stir-fried noodles for an Asian-inspired meal.

Additional Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp

Here are some tips to make this recipe perfect:

• Don’t Skip the Drying Step: Patting the shrimp dry ensures the coating adheres well.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil at 375°F (190°C) for even frying.
• Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pan can cause the shrimp to cook unevenly and absorb oil.
• Make It Spicier: Add more sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper to the sauce for extra heat.
• Use a Wire Rack: Place fried shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels for maximum crispiness.
• Customize the Sauce: Experiment with adding lime juice, soy sauce, or grated garlic for a unique twist.
• Serve Immediately: Bang Bang Shrimp is best served hot and fresh for the ultimate crunch.
• Add Fresh Garnishes: Top with freshly chopped green onions, cilantro, or sesame seeds for a fresh touch.
• Serve Immediately: Bang Bang Shrimp tastes best when served immediately after frying to maintain the crispiness.
• Pair with a Cool Drink: Serve with a cool, refreshing drink like iced tea or a light cocktail to balance the heat from the sauce.

Recipe Variations for Bang Bang Shrimp

Here are 10 variations to try for this recipe:

• Bang Bang Chicken: Substitute shrimp with bite-sized chicken pieces for a different protein option.
• Air-Fried Bang Bang Shrimp: Use an air fryer for a healthier alternative to deep-frying.
• Baked Bang Bang Shrimp: Bake the shrimp in a 400°F oven until crispy instead of frying.
• Lemon Bang Bang Shrimp: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the sauce for a citrusy twist.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta: Toss the shrimp and sauce with cooked pasta for a creamy, flavorful dish.
• Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the breading for a tropical variation.
• Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp: Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
• Vegetarian Bang Bang Tofu: Replace shrimp with tofu cubes for a vegetarian version.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Sliders: Add the shrimp to slider buns with lettuce and extra sauce for mini sandwiches.
• Honey Bang Bang Shrimp: Increase the amount of honey in the sauce for a sweeter flavor profile.

Freezing and Storage for Bang Bang Shrimp

• Freezing: For make-ahead convenience, freeze the uncooked, breaded shrimp on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a zip-top bag and store for up to 2 months. Fry directly from frozen, adding 1-2 minutes to the cooking time.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment for Bang Bang Shrimp

Here are some tools that will make preparing this recipe easier:

• Deep Fry Thermometer: Ensures the oil stays at the correct frying temperature.
• Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Helps safely remove shrimp from the hot oil.
• Mixing Bowls: Use separate bowls for the buttermilk marinade and flour mixture.
• Wire Rack: Allows the shrimp to cool while staying crispy.
• Zester: Use to add optional citrus zest for extra flavor.
• Parchment Paper: Keeps your kitchen mess-free when coating the shrimp.

Frequently Asked Questions for Bang Bang Shrimp

1. Can I make this recipe without frying?
   Yes, you can bake or air-fry the shrimp for a healthier option.
2. What can I use instead of shrimp?
   Chicken, tofu, or even cauliflower can be used as substitutes.
3. How do I make the sauce less spicy?
   Reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it altogether for a milder sauce.
4. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
   Yes, use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for a gluten-free version.
5. How do I store leftovers?
   Store in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp is the ultimate appetizer that delivers bold flavors and a satisfying crunch. Whether you’re recreating a restaurant favorite or trying it for the first time, this dish is sure to become a go-to recipe for any occasion. Serve it up hot, pair it with your favorite sides, and get ready to enjoy the perfect balance of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy in every bite!