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Bang Bang Shrimp

 

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. Whether you’re serving it as a starter, snack, or main dish, Bang Bang Shrimp delivers a flavorful punch and is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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.

Instructions

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:

  1. 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:

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a medium bowl, mix the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. 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:

  1. 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).
  2. 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:

 

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

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