Bang Bang Shrimp Cups

Introduction

Bang Bang Shrimp Cups are a flavorful and fun appetizer that combines crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce, all served in a crunchy cup. These bite-sized delights pack a punch of flavor in every bite, with a perfect balance of heat, sweetness, and savory goodness.

I first made these when I was looking for an appetizer that would stand out at a family gathering, and they were a hit right away! The crispy shrimp are coated in a tangy, spicy mayo-based sauce and nestled inside a crunchy wonton shell, making every bite a satisfying combination of textures and flavors.

What’s great about these cups is how easy they are to assemble. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like something from a restaurant. Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing snacks for a game night, or just craving something delicious for dinner, these Bang Bang Shrimp Cups are sure to please the crowd!

Perfect for:

• Cocktail parties
• Game day snacks
• Appetizer platters
• Holiday gatherings
• Seafood lovers

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Cups

Here’s why Bang Bang Shrimp Cups will become your new favorite appetizer:

• Crispy and Crunchy: The shrimp are perfectly crispy on the outside, while the wonton cups provide an extra layer of crunch, making each bite satisfying.
• Spicy, Sweet, and Creamy: The creamy sauce is a fantastic blend of heat from the sriracha and sweetness from the honey, giving the shrimp a bold and addictive flavor.
• Bite-Sized and Convenient: These cups are easy to eat with your hands, making them perfect for parties and gatherings.
• Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it a hassle-free appetizer to serve up in a pinch.
• Customizable Heat Level: You can adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the level of spiciness, so it’s perfect for all guests.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 12 cups
• Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 10g, Carbs: 15g, Fat: 7g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Bang Bang Shrimp Cups:

• 12 small wonton wrappers
• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Ingredient Highlights

• Wonton Wrappers: These crispy wrappers form the base of the cups, giving them a satisfying crunch and making them easy to handle.
• Shrimp: The shrimp are the star of this dish, providing a sweet and savory contrast to the creamy, spicy sauce.
• Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is what really sets this dish apart, combining the heat of sriracha with the sweetness of honey and the creaminess of mayonnaise for a unique flavor experience.
• Green Onions & Sesame Seeds: These garnishes add freshness and a touch of Asian-inspired flavor, making the dish even more visually appealing.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make Bang Bang Shrimp Cups:

Prepare the Wonton Cups:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin with cooking spray or oil.
2. Shape the Wonton Wrappers: Press one wonton wrapper into each muffin cup, folding the edges over to create a cup shape. Lightly brush the wrappers with olive oil to ensure they crisp up during baking.
3. Bake the Wonton Cups: Bake the wonton wrappers in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool slightly.

Prepare the Shrimp:

4. Cook the Shrimp: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp with salt and pepper, then cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until they are pink and cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
5. Chop the Shrimp: Once the shrimp are cool enough to handle, chop them into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

6. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your preferred level of heat.

Assemble the Cups:

7. Fill the Wonton Cups: Spoon a small amount of chopped shrimp into each baked wonton cup.
8. Add the Sauce: Drizzle the bang bang sauce over the shrimp in each cup, ensuring they are generously coated.
9. Garnish: Sprinkle the tops with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added flavor and visual appeal.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Cups

Bang Bang Shrimp Cups are perfect for serving in various ways:

• At Parties: Serve them on a platter as a delicious finger food at your next party or gathering.
• For Dinner: Pair these cups with a side salad or rice for a quick and easy dinner.
• As Appetizers: They make an excellent starter to any meal, especially for seafood lovers.

Additional Tips for Bang Bang Shrimp Cups

Here are some tips to ensure your Bang Bang Shrimp Cups are perfect every time:

• Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: Shrimp cook quickly and can become tough if overcooked. Be sure to remove them from the heat as soon as they turn pink.
• Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the amount of sriracha. For extra heat, add more to taste.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the wonton cups and shrimp in advance, then assemble and bake just before serving.
• Use Store-Bought Sauce: If you’re short on time, you can substitute store-bought bang bang sauce for convenience.

Recipe Variations for Bang Bang Shrimp Cups

Here are 10 variations you can try for Bang Bang Shrimp Cups:

• Bang Bang Chicken Cups: Swap the shrimp for bite-sized pieces of cooked chicken breast for a chicken version of this appetizer.
• Spicy Tofu Cups: For a vegetarian option, replace the shrimp with crispy tofu cubes and follow the same steps.
• Bang Bang Fish Cups: Use a mild white fish like tilapia or cod in place of shrimp for a different seafood option.
• Sweet Chili Shrimp Cups: Substitute the sriracha with sweet chili sauce for a milder, sweeter flavor.
• Lettuce Wraps: Instead of wonton cups, serve the shrimp and sauce in lettuce cups for a low-carb alternative.
• Bang Bang Salmon Cups: Swap the shrimp for cooked and flaked salmon for a richer flavor.
• Bang Bang Crab Cups: Use lump crab meat instead of shrimp for a luxurious, seafood-filled bite.
• Crispy Shrimp Tacos: Serve the bang bang shrimp in soft taco shells with the sauce and garnishes for a different twist.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Salad: Toss the shrimp with the sauce and serve it over a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and light option.
• Coconut Shrimp Cups: Coat the shrimp in shredded coconut before cooking for a tropical variation.

Freezing and Storage for Bang Bang Shrimp Cups

• Freezing: You can freeze the wonton cups before baking. Once assembled, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 1 month. Bake from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
• Storage: Store leftover shrimp cups in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The wonton cups will lose their crispiness after being stored, so it’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Special Equipment for Bang Bang Shrimp Cups

Here are some special equipment items to make preparing your Bang Bang Shrimp Cups easier:

• Muffin Tin: A standard muffin tin is essential for shaping the wonton wrappers into cups.
• Small Skillet: Use a skillet to cook the shrimp quickly and evenly.
• Whisk: A whisk will help you make the bang bang sauce smooth and creamy.
• Basting Brush: Use a brush to lightly oil the wonton wrappers before baking for the perfect crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions for Bang Bang Shrimp Cups

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, frozen shrimp work well for this recipe. Be sure to thaw and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Can I make these ahead of time?
   Yes, you can prepare the wonton cups and shrimp in advance. Assemble and bake them just before serving for the best texture.
3. Can I adjust the spiciness of the sauce?
   Yes, you can add more or less sriracha to the sauce to control the heat level.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use gluten-free wonton wrappers to make this dish gluten-free.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp Cups are an irresistible appetizer that’s sure to be the star of any meal or gathering. With their crispy texture, spicy-sweet flavor, and easy-to-eat size, these shrimp cups are a crowd favorite that everyone will love. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a flavorful snack, these bang bang shrimp cups are the perfect choice.

This recipe is as fun to make as it is to eat, making it a fantastic addition to everything from casual get-togethers to more formal events. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying them on your own, these shrimp cups will deliver bold flavors and a satisfying crunch.

I’d love to see how your Bang Bang Shrimp Cups turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!