Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer known for its crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. This dish combines bold flavors with a perfect crunchy texture, making it a favorite at restaurants and home kitchens alike. The balance of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of heat from Sriracha makes the Bang Bang Sauce irresistibly delicious. When paired with tender, perfectly fried shrimp, this dish is sure to become a go-to for parties, dinners, or whenever you’re craving something special.

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Ingredients Overview

1. Bang Bang Sauce:

The star of the show is undoubtedly the Bang Bang Sauce. It’s a creamy, slightly sweet, and mildly spicy sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy shrimp. Here’s a closer look at what makes this sauce so special:

• Mayonnaise (¼ cup): The mayonnaise provides a creamy, rich base for the sauce, helping to balance the sweetness of the chili sauce and the heat from the Sriracha. It also gives the sauce its smooth consistency, making it easy to coat the shrimp evenly.
• Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (¼ cup): Thai sweet chili sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor to the sauce. It brings a subtle heat while also giving the sauce its signature sweetness. The sticky, slightly thick consistency of the chili sauce helps bind the ingredients together.
• Sriracha Sauce (to taste): For those who love a little kick, Sriracha is the perfect addition. It provides the right amount of heat to balance the creamy and sweet elements of the sauce. You can adjust the amount of Sriracha based on your personal preference for spice.

2. Fried Shrimp:

The crispy fried shrimp provide the perfect texture to balance the creamy Bang Bang Sauce. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Buttermilk (½ cup): The buttermilk helps tenderize the shrimp and adds a slight tang to the flavor. It also helps the cornstarch adhere better to the shrimp, ensuring a crispy exterior.
• Onion Powder (¼ teaspoon) & Garlic Powder (¼ teaspoon): These spices enhance the flavor of the shrimp, adding depth and subtle seasoning.
• Salt (¼ teaspoon): Salt is necessary to bring out the natural flavors of the shrimp while also enhancing the seasoning.
• Large Shrimp (1 pound, peeled, deveined, tails removed): Use large shrimp for the best results. They should be peeled, deveined, and with tails removed to make eating easier. Shrimp cook quickly, so be sure to monitor them closely to avoid overcooking.
• Cornstarch (¾ cup): Cornstarch is the key to achieving that crispy, golden exterior on the shrimp. Unlike flour, which can result in a heavier coating, cornstarch gives the shrimp a light, crunchy texture when fried.
• Oil for Frying (Canola or Peanut Oil): Canola or peanut oil works best for frying because of its high smoke point. These oils remain stable at high temperatures, allowing you to fry the shrimp to a perfect golden-brown without burning them.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by making the sauce so it’s ready when the shrimp are finished frying. In a medium-sized bowl, stir together the ¼ cup mayonnaise, ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha to taste. Stir until smooth, adjusting the amount of Sriracha based on your heat preference. Once mixed, set the sauce aside.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

In a large bowl, combine ½ cup buttermilk, ¼ teaspoon onion powder, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt. Stir well to mix the spices into the buttermilk. Add the 1 pound of peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, stirring to coat each shrimp thoroughly in the seasoned buttermilk mixture. Let the shrimp sit in the marinade while you prepare the oil for frying.

Step 3: Heat the Oil for Frying

In a large, heavy-bottomed pan (like a Dutch oven or deep skillet), pour enough oil (about 2 to 3 inches) to submerge the shrimp. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F. It’s important to use a digital thermometer to check the temperature of the oil, as the correct frying temperature is key to achieving perfectly crispy shrimp. If the oil isn’t hot enough, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy; if it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking through.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp in Cornstarch

In a shallow bowl, place ¾ cup of cornstarch. Using tongs, remove each shrimp from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off, and coat both sides in the cornstarch. Make sure each shrimp is fully covered for maximum crispiness.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Once the oil has reached 375°F, carefully add the coated shrimp in batches to the hot oil. Fry the shrimp for about 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to flip the shrimp halfway through. Once done, transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Be sure to fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.

Step 6: Toss in Bang Bang Sauce

Once all of the shrimp are fried, place them in a large serving bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat evenly. Make sure every shrimp is generously covered in the delicious sauce.

Step 7: Serve Warm

Transfer the Bang Bang Shrimp to a serving platter and enjoy immediately while they’re still warm and crispy. These shrimp are best served fresh to preserve their crunchiness. Pair them with rice, a fresh salad, or simply as an appetizer on their own.

Tips for the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

1. Use Large Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe because they hold up well during frying and provide a satisfying bite when coated in the crispy batter.
2. Maintain Oil Temperature: It’s crucial to keep the oil at 375°F during frying. Use a digital thermometer to monitor the temperature, and adjust the heat as necessary between batches.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy shrimp.
4. Customize the Heat: If you prefer a spicier dish, add more Sriracha to the sauce. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
5. Serve Immediately: Bang Bang Shrimp is best served fresh and warm, right after frying and tossing in the sauce. The crispy coating tends to soften if it sits for too long, so serve it up as soon as possible.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

There are many ways to enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp:

• Appetizer: Serve the shrimp as a standalone appetizer with extra Bang Bang Sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for a pop of color and flavor.
• Over Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy jasmine or basmati rice to make it a more filling meal. The rice will soak up any extra sauce, making it even more delicious.
• In Tacos: For a fun twist, use the shrimp as a filling for tacos. Add shredded lettuce, fresh cilantro, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
• On Salad: Toss the shrimp over a fresh salad for a light yet flavorful meal. The spicy sauce and crispy shrimp add a delightful contrast to crisp greens.
• In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, serve the shrimp in lettuce wraps with fresh veggies and a squeeze of lime.

Recipe Variations

1. Bang Bang Chicken: If you’re not a fan of shrimp, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breast cut into small pieces. The process is the same—marinate the chicken in buttermilk, coat it in cornstarch, fry, and toss in the Bang Bang Sauce.
2. Baked Bang Bang Shrimp: For a healthier version, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F, coat the shrimp in cornstarch, and bake on a lined baking sheet for about 12-15 minutes or until crispy. Toss in the sauce and serve.
3. Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp: For an even lighter option, use an air fryer. Coat the shrimp as directed, spray with cooking spray, and air fry at 375°F for about 7-8 minutes or until crispy, flipping halfway through.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight meal or last-minute appetizer.
• Restaurant-Quality: If you’ve ever had Bang Bang Shrimp at a restaurant, you know how addictive it can be. This homemade version rivals any restaurant dish, and you can make it in the comfort of your own kitchen.
• Versatile: You can serve Bang Bang Shrimp in a variety of ways—whether as an appetizer, in tacos, over rice, or even in lettuce wraps. It’s adaptable to your preferences and occasion.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply feeding your family, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to be a hit. Its crispy texture and bold flavors are irresistible to shrimp lovers and skeptics alike!

Now that you know how to make Bang Bang Shrimp, it’s time to gather your ingredients and give this mouthwatering recipe a try! You’ll love the balance of creamy, spicy, and sweet flavors combined with the crispy fried shrimp.