Bang Bang Shrimp: Crispy, Creamy, and Irresistible

Introduction

If you’ve ever been to a seafood restaurant and indulged in a dish of Bang Bang Shrimp, you know exactly what the buzz is all about. This dish is a fan favorite for a reason—crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a sweet, creamy, and spicy sauce that delivers an unforgettable flavor punch. Bang Bang Shrimp is one of those appetizers that never disappoints, and it’s so addictive that it can easily steal the show, even if it’s meant to be a starter!

What makes Bang Bang Shrimp so delicious is the perfect combination of texture and flavor. The shrimp are crispy and crunchy on the outside, thanks to a light batter and quick fry, while the inside remains tender and juicy. The real star, however, is the sauce: a rich and creamy blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha for that signature kick. It’s the kind of sauce that makes you want to pour it over everything.

In this article, we’ll explore why Bang Bang Shrimp is the perfect appetizer (or main dish!), provide a detailed recipe on how to make it at home, and share tips for making it your own. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just someone who appreciates great flavors, this recipe will become a staple in your cooking repertoire.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy & Tender Shrimp: The shrimp are lightly battered and fried, giving them that golden, crunchy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly juicy.
• Sweet, Spicy & Creamy Sauce: The sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy, with just the right amount of heat from sriracha and sweet chili sauce.
• Easy to Make at Home: You don’t need to head to a restaurant to enjoy this dish. It’s easy to make in your own kitchen with simple ingredients.
• Versatile: While it’s perfect as an appetizer, Bang Bang Shrimp can also be served over rice, noodles, or a salad for a delicious main course.
• Customizable: Whether you like your shrimp extra crispy or prefer a milder sauce, this recipe can be tailored to suit your taste.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 30-40 minutes (10 minutes for prep, 20-30 minutes for cooking)
• Servings: This recipe serves 4-6 people as an appetizer or 2-3 as a main dish.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 350, Protein: 25g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 20g.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp (peeled and deveined): Use fresh or thawed frozen shrimp. Make sure to remove the shells and devein the shrimp for the best eating experience.
• 1 cup buttermilk: For soaking the shrimp. Buttermilk helps tenderize the shrimp and creates a light, crispy coating.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour: For dredging the shrimp before frying. It helps create the crispy outer coating.
• ½ cup cornstarch: A key ingredient for an ultra-crispy batter. Cornstarch absorbs moisture, ensuring the shrimp stay crunchy after frying.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlicky flavor to the shrimp batter.
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Another mild seasoning to enhance the flavor of the shrimp.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds a touch of smokiness and color to the batter.
• Salt and pepper: To taste, for seasoning the shrimp and batter.
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil): Choose a neutral oil that can handle high heat for frying.

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise: Creamy mayonnaise serves as the base of the sauce, providing richness.
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce: The key to the dish’s signature sweetness.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha: Adds the perfect spicy kick. Adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A splash of acidity balances the sweetness of the chili sauce.
• 1 teaspoon honey: Optional, for added sweetness. This helps balance the heat from the sriracha.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: For a fresh burst of citrus.

Optional Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions: Adds color and a mild, fresh flavor.
• Sesame seeds: For a bit of crunch and visual appeal.
• Cilantro leaves: For a fresh herbaceous finish.

First Step: PREPARE THE SHRIMP

1. Peel and Devein the Shrimp: Begin by peeling the shrimp, leaving the tails on (if desired) for a more appealing presentation. Devein the shrimp by making a small incision along the back and removing the dark vein inside. Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Soak the Shrimp in Buttermilk: In a medium bowl, pour the buttermilk and add the shrimp. Stir to ensure the shrimp are fully coated in the buttermilk. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes. This will help tenderize the shrimp and ensure the batter sticks well during frying.

Second Step: MAKE THE BANG BANG SAUCE

1. Combine the Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, rice vinegar, honey (optional), and lemon juice. Whisk everything until smooth. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning: add more sriracha for heat, honey for sweetness, or lemon juice for acidity, depending on your preferences.
2. Set Aside the Sauce: Once the sauce is well mixed and seasoned to your liking, set it aside. You’ll toss the shrimp in this sauce just before serving, ensuring that the shrimp are fully coated in the creamy, spicy goodness.

Third Step: PREPARE THE BREADING

1. Prepare the Coating: In a large shallow bowl or plate, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
2. Dredge the Shrimp: After the shrimp have soaked in the buttermilk, remove them from the bowl one at a time and dredge them in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Coat each shrimp thoroughly, pressing the mixture onto the shrimp to form a light, even coating. Shake off any excess.

Fourth Step: FRY THE SHRIMP

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of oil over medium-high heat. The oil should reach 350°F (175°C) to ensure the shrimp fry quickly and become golden and crispy.
2. Fry the Shrimp: Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated shrimp to the pan, one at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the shrimp in batches if necessary. Cook the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Fifth Step: TOSS THE SHRIMP IN SAUCE AND SERVE

1. Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce: Once all the shrimp are fried and drained, transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp and toss gently until the shrimp are evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.
2. Garnish and Serve: Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro. For extra flavor, you can drizzle a little more sauce over the shrimp before serving. Serve immediately while the shrimp are still warm and crispy.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are a few serving ideas to get the most out of this delicious recipe:

1. As an Appetizer

Bang Bang Shrimp is traditionally served as an appetizer in many restaurants, and it works beautifully as a starter to any meal. Serve it with a side of dipping sauce, or simply on its own with garnishes for a flavorful beginning to your dinner.

2. Over Rice or Noodles

For a heartier meal, serve the Bang Bang Shrimp over steamed rice or cooked noodles. The sauce will soak into the rice or noodles, making every bite full of flavor. Jasmine rice, white rice, or even cauliflower rice are great choices. For noodles, try serving the shrimp over soba, ramen, or rice noodles.

3. On a Salad

Make this dish lighter by serving it on a bed of greens. A simple salad of mixed greens, cucumber, and avocado makes a perfect contrast to the crispy shrimp. You could even serve it as part of a shrimp lettuce wrap for a refreshing and low-carb option.

4. As a Main Dish

While often served as an appetizer, Bang Bang Shrimp can easily be the star of the show. Pair it with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or grilled corn for a full meal.

5. With a Side of Dipping Sauce

While the shrimp are tossed in the sauce, serving extra sauce on the side for dipping is never a bad idea! You can also add a little lime wedge for squeezing over the shrimp for a zesty touch.

Recipe Variations

While Bang Bang Shrimp is delicious as is, there are plenty of ways to make it your own. Here are a few variations you can try:

1. Make it Spicier

If you’re a fan of heat, don’t be afraid to turn up the spice level. Add more sriracha to the sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter. You can also experiment with adding a few chopped fresh chilies or jalapeños to the sauce for an extra fiery kick.

2. Make it Gluten-Free

For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch. Additionally, make sure the sweet chili sauce is gluten-free, as some brands may contain gluten.

3. Air-Fried Version

For a healthier twist, consider using an air fryer instead of deep-frying the shrimp. Lightly coat the shrimp in oil spray and cook them in the air fryer at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. The shrimp will be crispy and delicious with less oil.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

1. Use Fresh, High-Quality Shrimp: For the best flavor, use fresh or well-thawed shrimp. Frozen shrimp can be used, but make sure to fully thaw them and pat them dry before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy. Overcrowding the pan will cause the shrimp to steam rather than fry, resulting in soggy shrimp.
3. Adjust the Sauce to Taste: The beauty of Bang Bang Shrimp lies in the sauce, and you can adjust it to suit your preferences. Add more or less sriracha, honey, or sweet chili sauce to make it perfect for your taste.
4. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the shrimp immediately after tossing them in the sauce. The crispy coating can soften over time, so it’s best to enjoy the dish while it’s fresh and crunchy.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp is the ultimate indulgence—crispy, creamy, and full of bold flavors that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re preparing it as an appetizer, main dish, or for a special occasion, this recipe is sure to be a hit. The combination of perfectly fried shrimp with the sweet, spicy sauce is a winning formula that never goes out of style. Try it out today, and enjoy the deliciousness of Bang Bang Shrimp right at home!