If you’re craving a dish that delivers a perfect crunch with a punch of sweet heat, then this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is exactly what you need to try tonight. This irresistible combination of crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce has become a beloved classic for good reason. Every bite bursts with flavor and texture, making it an absolute favorite whether served as an appetizer or a main dish. Once you master this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s a go-to indulgence that brightens any meal or gathering with its bold taste and inviting warmth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to unlocking the magic of this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. Each component plays a vital role, from giving the shrimp their perfect crunch to balancing the spicy, sweet, and creamy notes of the sauce.
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, fresh shrimp ensures juiciness and the ideal texture.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Helps the coating stick to the shrimp and adds a slight tang for flavor depth.
- ½ cup cornstarch: Creates a light, crispy crust when fried.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Combines with cornstarch to give strength and crunch to the batter.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds subtle savory warmth to the coating mix.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Enhances color and gives a mild earthiness.
- ¼ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and bring out all the flavors.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Neutral and heat-stable, perfect for frying the shrimp evenly to golden perfection.
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise: Base for a creamy, rich sauce.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: Offers sweetness and just the right amount of spice.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds a kick of heat to awaken the palate.
- 1 tablespoon honey: Rounds out the sauce with a natural sweetness that balances the spice.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a bowl. This sauce is the heart of your Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. It brings a luscious harmony of creamy, sweet, and spicy that will coat each shrimp beautifully. Set it aside while you move on to prepping the shrimp.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Pour the buttermilk into a separate bowl and toss the peeled and deveined shrimp into it. The buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick better. Let the shrimp soak briefly as you prepare your dredging mixture.
Step 3: Mix the Coating
In a shallow dish, combine the cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This dry mixture is responsible for creating that irresistible crunch once fried. The balance between cornstarch and flour is crucial here: cornstarch for crispiness and flour to give structure.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat about 1½ inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. Working in small batches, remove shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge them thoroughly in the coating mix, and fry until golden and crispy, about 2 to 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels to get rid of excess oil. This frying step is where the shrimp transforms into the crunchy delight you’re aiming for.
Step 5: Toss Shrimp in Sauce
While the shrimp are still hot, toss them in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until they’re evenly coated with that perfect balance of spicy-sweet creaminess. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped green onions or fresh cilantro instantly elevates this dish with bursts of color and a hint of herbal freshness. These simple extras add a lively contrast to the rich shrimp and creamy sauce, making every bite more visually and flavorfully enticing.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Shrimp works wonderfully alongside light, crisp sides. Consider serving it over shredded lettuce for crunch, in soft tacos to make handheld meals, or alongside steamed jasmine rice to soak up every bit of the sauce. A refreshing cucumber salad or quick pickled vegetables also make fantastic partners for balancing flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress when serving, try presenting your Bang Bang Shrimp in lettuce cups as finger food at parties or atop crispy wonton chips for an appetizer spread. You can even pile it onto toasted buns to create spicy shrimp sliders. These ideas bring exciting fun to your table and make this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe just as versatile as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover shrimp and Bang Bang sauce separately in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Storing them apart keeps the shrimp crispy longer, and you can toss them together again right before serving for maximum freshness.
Freezing
This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze leftovers, do so before adding the sauce. Freeze the fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore some crispness without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as that tends to make the coating soggy. Re-toss with fresh Bang Bang sauce just before serving and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I make this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use cornstarch as usual. You can also double-check that your chili sauce and other condiments are gluten-free to keep the entire dish safe for gluten-sensitive diners.
Is it possible to bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, you can definitely air-fry the shrimp at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lighter, less oily version. Baking is possible too, though it won’t be quite as crispy as frying. Either method still yields delicious results!
How spicy is this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and nicely balanced by the sweetness of the honey and the cool creaminess of the mayonnaise. If you prefer it milder, reduce the sriracha, or if you want more heat, add a splash more depending on your spice tolerance.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine as long as it’s thawed completely and patted dry to avoid soggy coating. Make sure they’re well-drained to get that perfect crispiness upon frying.
What are some good dipping sauces to serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
The Bang Bang sauce itself is delicious enough, but you might also enjoy serving it alongside ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or a chilled cucumber yogurt sauce to cool down the heat. It pairs nicely with anything creamy and fresh.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to treat yourself and your loved ones to a flavor-packed dish that is as fun to eat as it is easy to make, don’t hesitate to dive into this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. Its crunchy texture combined with the creamy, spicy sauce will quickly make it a household favorite. Trust me, once you whip up these shrimp, you’ll find every meal is an opportunity for a little celebration. Give it a go and watch how fast this crowd-pleaser disappears!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful appetizer featuring medium shrimp coated in a crispy seasoned flour mixture and tossed in a spicy, sweet Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey. This Asian-American inspired dish is perfect as a tasty starter or served over lettuce or in tacos for a fun meal option.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1½ inches deep)
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and well combined. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
- Toss Shrimp in Buttermilk: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in another bowl and coat them evenly with the buttermilk. Let sit while you prepare the dry coating.
- Mix the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to distribute the spices evenly.
- Heat Oil for Frying: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or Dutch oven to about 1½ inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer for accuracy to ensure crisp frying without greasiness.
- Coat and Fry the Shrimp: Working in batches, remove shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge them thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess. Carefully place the shrimp into the hot oil and fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the Fried Shrimp: Use a slotted spoon to remove shrimp from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: While the shrimp are still hot, toss them in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated with the spicy and sweet glaze.
- Serve: Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp immediately for optimal crispness. Optionally, garnish with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro. This dish goes well served over shredded lettuce, in tacos, or as an appetizer with extra Bang Bang sauce on the side.
Notes
- For a lighter version, air fry the shrimp at 400°F for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Serve over shredded lettuce or inside tacos for a fun twist.
- Extra sauce can be served on the side for dipping.
- Ensure oil is at the correct temperature to avoid greasy shrimp.
- Do not overcrowd the pan when frying to maintain oil temperature.
