Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is more than just a meal; it’s a quick way to bring excitement to your table, especially on those hectic days when time is short. This dish combines crispy coated shrimp with a spicy creamy sauce that delivers bold flavors in every bite. Whether you’re a home cook looking for something simple or a food enthusiast eager to try new tastes, this recipe fits right in.
One of the best parts of this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is its ease of preparation, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings. You’ll appreciate how it comes together in just under 30 minutes, with straightforward steps that anyone can follow. Plus, it’s packed with health benefits like lean protein from the shrimp, which provides omega-3 fatty acids and essential vitamins to support your wellness goals without sacrificing flavor.
This recipe shines for its versatility, allowing adaptations for various dietary needs such as gluten-free or low-calorie options. The distinctive flavor from the creamy, spicy sauce made with sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, and honey creates a perfect balance that’s sure to please seafood lovers. If you’re exploring easy recipes, check out our Creamy Crab and Shrimp Seafood Bisque for another seafood delight.
Bang Bang Shrimp stands out because it’s adaptable and fun to customize, turning a simple appetizer into a memorable experience. For those interested in the nutritional side, the shrimp health benefits make it a smart choice for balanced eating. Overall, this dish encourages creativity in the kitchen while keeping things light and enjoyable.
Key Reasons to Try It
- Quick prep time of about 10 minutes and cooking in 15 minutes, totaling just 25 minutes.
- Uses simple ingredients like 1 pound of medium shrimp for a protein-packed meal.
- Offers a crispy coating that pairs perfectly with the spicy creamy sauce.
Jump To
- 1. Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp
- 2. Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp
- 3. How to Prepare the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
- 4. Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Bang Bang Shrimp
- 5. Mastering Bang Bang Shrimp: Advanced Tips and Variations
- 6. How to Store Bang Bang Shrimp: Best Practices
- 7. FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp
- 8. Bang Bang Shrimp
Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making delicious Bang Bang Shrimp with its crispy coating and spicy creamy sauce. This section lists everything you need, based on the classic recipe that ensures great results every time. Let’s break it down into a structured list for clarity, making it easy to shop and prepare.
Main Ingredients List
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sriracha
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Oil for frying (enough to cover the shrimp during cooking)
This list covers all the essentials from the recipe, with precise measurements to help you get it just right. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from the shrimp that forms the base to the sauce components that add the signature kick.
For special dietary options, you can make adjustments like using gluten-free cornstarch or swapping shrimp for vegan alternatives. These changes keep the dish accessible while maintaining its crispy texture and flavor profile.
How to Prepare the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide
Creating Bang Bang Shrimp at home is straightforward and rewarding, resulting in a crispy coating that pairs wonderfully with the spicy creamy sauce. Start by preparing your ingredients to ensure everything goes smoothly. This guide walks you through each step, making it simple for beginners and pros alike.
First, prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining 1 pound of medium shrimp, then pat them dry and soak them briefly in 1/2 cup of buttermilk. This step helps the coating stick and adds tenderness. Next, coat each shrimp evenly with 1/2 cup of cornstarch, shaking off any excess for that perfect crisp.
Now, whisk together the sauce by mixing 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sriracha, 2 tablespoons of Thai sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl until smooth. Heat oil in a pan to 375°F and fry the coated shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn light golden brown. After frying, drain the shrimp on paper towels and let them cool slightly before tossing them in the prepared sauce.
Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp right away for the best taste and texture, perhaps with a side of fresh veggies. If you’re looking for more shrimp-inspired dishes, our Hoisin Salmon Noodles recipe offers a great variation. This method, which takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, ensures a flavorful appetizer that’s hard to resist.
Tips for Frying Success
| Step | Key Tip |
|---|---|
| Prepare Shrimp | Ensure shrimp are dry before soaking to help the buttermilk adhere properly. |
| Make Sauce | Taste as you go to adjust the spice level for your preference. |
| Fry Shrimp | Use a thermometer to maintain oil at 375°F for even cooking. |
Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your Bang Bang Shrimp
Making Bang Bang Shrimp adaptable means everyone can enjoy it, no matter their dietary needs. This section covers simple swaps to keep the crispy coating and spicy creamy sauce intact while accommodating different preferences. Experimenting with these changes can make the dish even more personal.
For protein alternatives, use battered cauliflower or tofu instead of shrimp for a vegan option, which keeps the crispy texture. You can also swap shrimp for chicken or firm fish like cod to vary the flavor. When it comes to vegetables and seasonings, try a sugar-free sweet chili sauce to cut down on sweetness, or add smoked paprika for a new twist.
To reduce calories, opt for Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise in the sauce. These modifications ensure the dish remains delicious and aligns with goals like gluten-free or low-fat eating, drawing from the health aspects found in sources like is shrimp healthy.
Mastering Bang Bang Shrimp: Advanced Tips and Variations
Taking your Bang Bang Shrimp to the next level involves some pro techniques that enhance the crispy coating and spicy creamy sauce. For extra crunch, double-dip the shrimp in cornstarch and an egg wash before frying, and always use a thermometer to keep the oil at the right temperature. These methods help achieve that ideal golden finish.
Flavor variations can include adding lime zest or fresh cilantro for a bright note, or incorporating chipotle sauce for a smoky heat. Presentation is key too; serve the shrimp on shredded lettuce for a fresh look that makes the dish pop. If you’re planning ahead, prepare the sauce early and store it in the fridge, then fry the shrimp fresh to maintain quality.
Remember, the core recipe with 1 pound of shrimp and the specific sauce ingredients ensures consistency. These tips build on the original 25-minute prep and cook time, making it easier to impress at any meal.
How to Store Bang Bang Shrimp: Best Practices
Proper storage keeps your Bang Bang Shrimp tasty and safe, preserving that crispy coating even after it’s made. Store cooked shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days to maintain freshness. For longer keeping, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to a sealed bag, where they can last up to 1 month.
When reheating, use an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to bring back the crunch without making it soggy. Keep the sauce separate from the shrimp during storage to preserve texture and flavor, which is especially useful for meal prep. Following these steps ensures your Bang Bang Shrimp stays as enjoyable as when it was first served.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp
What is Bang Bang Shrimp and why is it so popular?
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy fried shrimp appetizer tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce typically made from mayonnaise, Sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, and honey. Its combination of crunchy texture and flavorful sauce makes it a favorite starter at many restaurants and a popular choice for home cooks looking for a quick, tasty dish.
How do you make crispy Bang Bang Shrimp at home?
To make crispy Bang Bang Shrimp, soak peeled shrimp briefly in buttermilk, then coat them evenly with cornstarch. Fry the shrimp in oil heated to around 375°F until they turn light golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. After frying, toss the shrimp in a sauce made by mixing mayonnaise, Sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, and honey for that signature flavor.
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp using an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Yes, you can cook Bang Bang Shrimp in an air fryer for a lighter version. Coat the shrimp as usual and place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F for about 7-10 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crispy and golden. Toss the air-fried shrimp with the sauce immediately for best results.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk for the shrimp coating?
If you don’t have buttermilk, mix 1 cup of whole milk or canned milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes to sour before using it to soak the shrimp. This mixture will help tenderize the shrimp and help the cornstarch coating stick, although the flavor will be slightly different from real buttermilk.
How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp and can I adjust the heat level?
Bang Bang Shrimp has a moderate spiciness from Sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce, balanced by the sweetness of honey and the creaminess of mayonnaise. You can adjust the heat level by reducing or increasing the amount of Sriracha or using a milder chili sauce. For a milder version, consider omitting Sriracha and relying just on the sweet chili sauce.
Bang Bang Shrimp
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
🍤 Experience restaurant-quality bang bang shrimp at home with perfectly crispy coating and a spicy-sweet creamy sauce
🌶️ Transform simple shrimp into an impressive appetizer that’s guaranteed to be the star of any gathering
Ingredients
– 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sriracha
– 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
– 1 tablespoon honey
– Oil for frying (enough to cover the shrimp during cooking)
Instructions
1-First, prepare the shrimp by peeling and deveining 1 pound of medium shrimp, then pat them dry and soak them briefly in 1/2 cup of buttermilk. This step helps the coating stick and adds tenderness. Next, coat each shrimp evenly with 1/2 cup of cornstarch, shaking off any excess for that perfect crisp.
2-Now, whisk together the sauce by mixing 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sriracha, 2 tablespoons of Thai sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of honey in a bowl until smooth. Heat oil in a pan to 375°F and fry the coated shrimp in batches for about 2 minutes on each side until they turn light golden brown. After frying, drain the shrimp on paper towels and let them cool slightly before tossing them in the prepared sauce.
3-Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp right away for the best taste and texture, perhaps with a side of fresh veggies. If you’re looking for more shrimp-inspired dishes, our Hoisin Salmon Noodles recipe offers a great variation. This method, which takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, ensures a flavorful appetizer that’s hard to resist.
Notes
🌡️ Keep oil temperature consistent at 375°F for the crispiest coating – use a thermometer for best results
🥢 Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying – cook in batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent soggy shrimp
🍯 Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of sriracha – start with less if you prefer milder heat
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 pound shrimp
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 8
- Sodium: 680
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 24
- Cholesterol: 180
Keywords: bang bang shrimp, crispy coating, spicy creamy sauce, shrimp appetizer