Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Introduction

Bang Bang Shrimp is a wildly popular appetizer that has become a beloved dish at many restaurants and is equally adored by home chefs for its irresistible flavor combination. This dish features crispy, tender shrimp smothered in a creamy, spicy sauce with just the right balance of sweetness and heat. The crispy coating, paired with the tangy, bold sauce, creates a fusion of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.

Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a dinner party, craving a flavorful snack, or serving up a fantastic meal for a family gathering, Bang Bang Shrimp is an easy and delicious option that’s sure to be a hit. This guide will walk you through the steps to make Bang Bang Shrimp from scratch, share tips for perfecting the dish, and provide variations you can try to make it your own.

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp

• Crispy and Tender Shrimp: Each shrimp is coated in a seasoned, crispy batter that gives way to a juicy, tender interior. The contrast between the crispy coating and the soft shrimp is part of what makes this dish so enjoyable.
• Perfectly Balanced Sauce: The “Bang Bang” sauce is creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet. Made with a blend of mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, it delivers a bold flavor that complements the shrimp perfectly.
• Easy to Make: With a simple ingredient list and a straightforward cooking process, Bang Bang Shrimp can be made in the comfort of your own kitchen, even by novice cooks. The steps are easy to follow, and the results are restaurant-quality.
• Versatile Dish: While typically served as an appetizer, Bang Bang Shrimp can easily be transformed into a main course or enjoyed on top of a salad or as part of a seafood bowl. It’s also a great addition to a sushi platter or served as a side dish with rice.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The flavors of this dish are universally loved, making it a great option for parties, gatherings, or just a fun dinner at home. It’s a dish that everyone will enjoy, and it’s perfect for both casual and fancy occasions.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30-40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
• Servings: Approximately 4 servings (about 20-25 shrimp)
• Calories per Serving: Around 350-400 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 25-28g
• Carbohydrates: 22-25g
• Protein: 18-20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 8-10g

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, depending on preference)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust based on desired spice level)
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)

Garnish:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Shrimp

Start by rinsing the shrimp under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is important to remove excess moisture, ensuring that the batter will adhere properly to the shrimp and they’ll fry up crispy. If you prefer to remove the shrimp tails, you can do so at this point, though many people like to leave the tails on for a more elegant presentation.

2. Set Up the Breading Station

To create the crispy coating for the shrimp, you’ll need a three-step breading process:

• In one shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• In another shallow bowl, beat the egg.
• In a third shallow bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs if preferred).

This breading setup will allow you to dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally into the breadcrumbs to create a perfect crispy exterior.

3. Coat the Shrimp

Take each shrimp and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Then, dip the shrimp into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick well to the shrimp. Repeat this process for all the shrimp.

4. Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1-2 inches deep, enough to allow the shrimp to fry without sticking to the bottom. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully place the breaded shrimp into the oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp in batches if necessary.

Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. The shrimp should be cooked through with a tender, juicy center. Once done, use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are frying, it’s time to prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). Stir until smooth and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if you prefer it spicier or more honey if you want it sweeter. If you like an extra tangy flavor, you can also stir in a teaspoon of rice vinegar.

6. Toss the Shrimp in the Sauce

Once the shrimp are fried and crispy, place them in a large bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat them evenly. Be sure to coat each shrimp with a generous amount of sauce.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once the shrimp are coated in the sauce, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crispy.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

• Don’t Skip the Drying Step: It’s essential to pat the shrimp dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks and the shrimp fry properly. Excess moisture can cause the batter to become soggy.
• Fry in Batches: To ensure the shrimp fry evenly and don’t become overcrowded in the pan, it’s best to fry them in batches. Overcrowding the pan can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy shrimp.
• Adjust the Spice: The heat in the Bang Bang sauce comes from the sriracha, but you can adjust it to your preference. If you want a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha or substitute it with a milder chili paste.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, panko breadcrumbs are ideal as they create a crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs. If you don’t have panko, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be as light and crispy.
• Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the shrimp. If the oil is too cold, the shrimp will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn on the outside before cooking through.

Variations of Bang Bang Shrimp

• Bang Bang Scallops: If you prefer scallops over shrimp, you can use the same batter and sauce to make Bang Bang Scallops. Scallops will cook faster than shrimp, so be sure to adjust the frying time accordingly.
• Crispy Bang Bang Fish: Instead of shrimp, you can use white fish fillets like tilapia, cod, or haddock. Cut the fish into bite-sized pieces and coat them in the same crispy batter for a fish version of this dish.
• Bang Bang Cauliflower (Vegetarian Version): For a vegetarian or vegan version of Bang Bang Shrimp, replace the shrimp with cauliflower florets. Coat them in the batter and fry until crispy for a similar flavor profile without the seafood.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Transform your Bang Bang Shrimp into a delicious taco filling. Place the shrimp in soft tortillas with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and a drizzle of extra sauce for a flavorful taco variation.

Storage and Shelf Life

Bang Bang Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh and crispy. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will lose their crispy texture over time, but they will still taste delicious.

To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes to restore some of the crunch. Avoid microwaving them, as this will make the coating soggy.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Bang Bang Shrimp

While Bang Bang Shrimp is perfect on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can make for a more complete meal:

• Asian-Inspired Slaw: A tangy, crunchy cabbage slaw with a sesame dressing pairs perfectly with the rich and spicy shrimp.
• Steamed Rice: Serve the shrimp on a bed of steamed jasmine rice or brown rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
• Grilled Vegetables: Grilled vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini complement the crispy shrimp and add a healthy touch to your meal.
• Crispy Wontons: If you’re looking for an extra crunchy bite, serve the shrimp with crispy wontons or spring rolls for a delightful appetizer spread.

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Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp is a flavorful, crispy, and creamy dish that is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire. With its perfect combination of textures and bold flavors, this dish works as an appetizer, main course, or even a topping for salads and bowls.

Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or simply to satisfy a craving, Bang Bang Shrimp is a crowd-pleasing option that is easy to make at home. The tips, variations, and storage ideas provided ensure you can perfect the recipe every time. Enjoy this delightful dish—its balance of spice, sweetness, and crunch is truly irresistible!