Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce. This easy recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home, offering a perfect balance of flavors that will impress your family and friends. Get ready to enjoy this delicious seafood treat that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients List for Bang Bang Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- Chopped green onions for garnish
How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp Step-by-Step
Time Breakdown
-
Prepare the Coating
In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, place buttermilk. -
Coat the Shrimp
Dip shrimp into buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture. -
Heat the Oil
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. -
Fry the Shrimp
Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels. -
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make the sauce. -
Combine Shrimp and Sauce
Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until coated. -
Garnish and Serve
Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
Chef’s Notes & Pro Tips About Bang Bang Shrimp
- Ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and dried before coating to help the batter stick better.
- Use a deep-frying thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F for perfectly crispy shrimp.
- For a crunchier texture, consider double-coating the shrimp by dipping them in buttermilk and coating twice with the flour mixture.
- You can adjust the spiciness of the sauce by adding more or less sriracha based on your preference.
- Always fry in small batches to prevent crowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
Reasons Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- The crispy texture of the shrimp is irresistible.
- The sweet and spicy sauce pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.
- It can be served as an appetizer or a main dish, making it versatile for dinner parties or casual meals.
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is delicious on its own, but you can also serve it with:
- Steamed rice or noodles for a more filling meal.
- A fresh salad to balance the flavors.
- As a topping on tacos for a fun twist.
- With sliced cucumbers or carrots for a refreshing crunch.
Tips For Success
- Always ensure the oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp to achieve a crispy texture.
- Try to use large shrimp for better presentation and a meatier bite.
- Pair the Bang Bang Shrimp with a cool dipping sauce, like ranch, to offset the spice.
- Let the fried shrimp rest on paper towels for a minute to help absorb excess oil before tossing in the sauce.
Flavor Variations
- For a citrus twist, add lime juice to the sauce.
- Swap the shrimp for chicken or tofu if you prefer.
- Experiment with different heat levels by adding chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
- Incorporate garlic powder into the flour mixture for extra flavor.
How To Store Bang Bang Shrimp
- Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 5-10 minutes for crispiness.
- Avoid microwaving the shrimp as it can make them rubbery.
- If you have uncooked shrimp, keep them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to prepare them.
- Always discard any shrimp that have been left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
FAQs About Bang Bang Shrimp
1. Can I use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp?
Yes, just be sure to thaw and dry the shrimp thoroughly before cooking.
2. How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp?
The spice level can vary depending on how much sriracha you use, so adjust to your taste!
3. Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?
While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce separately in advance and combine them right before serving.
4. Is Bang Bang Shrimp gluten-free?
You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and cornstarch.
Closing Notes
Bang Bang Shrimp is a fun and flavorful dish that is sure to please a crowd. Its perfect blend of crunch and creamy spiciness makes it a standout choice for any meal or gathering. Whether as a main dish or an exciting appetizer, it invites everyone to dig in and enjoy. Try this recipe at home and watch as it becomes a favorite among your family and friends. Plus, with various ways to customize the flavors, you’ll find endless ways to enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp!
Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined Ensure the shrimp are fully thawed and dried before coating.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour You can use gluten-free flour as an alternative.
- 1/2 cup cornstarch Gluten-free substitute available.
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying Use a deep-frying thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F.
For the Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha Adjust spiciness according to preference.
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
Preparation
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, place buttermilk.
Coating the Shrimp
- Dip shrimp into buttermilk, then coat with the flour mixture.
Frying
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Making the Sauce
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to make the sauce.
Combining
- Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until coated.
Serving
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately.
