Bang bang shrimp is a crowd-pleasing appetizer known for its crispy texture and creamy, spicy sauce. Whether you’re craving a quick snack or a flavorful dinner, making bang bang shrimp at home is easier than you think. This article will guide you through a straightforward recipe, tips for perfect results, and ideas for serving this irresistible dish.
What Is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang bang shrimp is typically made by coating shrimp in a crispy batter, frying them until golden, and then tossing them in a creamy sauce that combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a spicy kick from sriracha. The dish is famous for its balance of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors, making it a favorite at restaurants and home kitchens alike.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of ingredients to prepare bang bang shrimp for about 4 servings:
– 1 pound large raw shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
– 1 cup buttermilk (or 1 cup whole milk + 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
– ¾ cup cornstarch (or potato/tapioca starch)
– 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)
– ¾ teaspoon salt
– ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons finely chopped green onion (for garnish)
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
– ½ cup mayonnaise (Japanese mayo preferred, but regular works)
– ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
– 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for spice level)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Tenderize the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, soak the peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for about 10 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and adds moisture.
- Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Set aside.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture until fully coated.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat (about 350°F). Fry the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding, for about 1.5 minutes per side or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Toss in Sauce: Place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl, pour the bang bang sauce over them, and gently toss to coat evenly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions on top and serve immediately. You can serve bang bang shrimp on a bed of lettuce or with rice for a fuller meal.
Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
– Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and ensure crispiness.
– Dry your shrimp well: Pat shrimp dry before coating to help the batter stick better and fry crispier.
– Adjust the sauce: Feel free to tweak the sriracha amount to make the sauce milder or spicier according to your taste.
– Use high smoke point oil: Oils like vegetable, canola, or avocado oil work best for frying.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang bang shrimp is versatile and can be served as:
– An appetizer with toothpicks for easy snacking
– A main dish over steamed rice or noodles
– A filling for tacos with fresh slaw and avocado
– A topping for salads to add a spicy crunch
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat shrimp in a hot skillet to keep them crispy, then toss with fresh sauce before serving.
Enjoy making this addictive, restaurant-style bang bang shrimp right in your kitchen! Want more shrimp recipes or tips on cooking seafood? Just ask!