If you’ve ever been to a Southern restaurant or a trendy seafood spot, you might have encountered Boom Boom Shrimp—a dish that’s crispy, spicy, and downright addictive. Wondering how to make boom boom shrimp at home? You’re in the right place! This article will walk you through everything you need to know to create this crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish with ease and flair.
What Is Boom Boom Shrimp?
Boom Boom Shrimp is a popular dish featuring succulent shrimp fried to a light, crispy perfection and then tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The name “boom boom” hints at the explosion of flavors—think a blend of mayo, chili sauce, sriracha, and a hint of garlic and cayenne pepper. It’s a Southern favorite but has gained fans worldwide for its irresistible taste and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp:
– 1 to 1.5 pounds of large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on or off, your choice)
– 1 to 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 egg yolks
– 1 to 1.5 cups ice-cold water
– Oil for frying (peanut or vegetable oil works best)
For the Boom Boom Sauce:
– ½ to ¾ cup mayonnaise
– 2 to 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
– 1 to 2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
– 1 tablespoon ketchup
– ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
– ¼ teaspoon onion powder
– ½ teaspoon salt
– ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra kick)
– Optional: a teaspoon of honey or a splash of lemon juice for balance
How to Make Boom Boom Shrimp: Step-by-Step
1. Prepare the Boom Boom Sauce
Start by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a bowl: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and cayenne pepper. Whisk everything together until smooth. Taste and adjust the heat or sweetness to your liking. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the shrimp.
2. Make the Shrimp Batter
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and ice-cold water. The cold water helps create a light, crispy batter. Place the flour in a separate shallow dish for dredging the shrimp.
3. Coat the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Dredge each shrimp in the flour first, coating all sides. Then dip it into the egg and water batter, allowing excess to drip off. For extra crispiness, you can double dredge by dipping back into the flour after the batter.
4. Heat the Oil
In a deep pot or fryer, heat the oil to about 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use enough oil to submerge the shrimp. Peanut oil or vegetable oil works well for frying because of their high smoke points.
5. Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per batch, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
6. Toss in Boom Boom Sauce
Once all the shrimp are fried and slightly cooled (a couple of minutes), transfer them to a large bowl. Pour the prepared boom boom sauce over the shrimp and gently toss until each piece is well coated. This step is crucial to keep the shrimp crispy while layering on that signature flavor.
7. Serve Immediately
Boom Boom Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it as an appetizer with lemon wedges or as a main dish alongside rice, noodles, or a fresh salad. Garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or cilantro for an extra pop of color and flavor.
Tips and Variations
– Make it healthier: Try air frying the shrimp at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, shaking halfway through. Toss with sauce afterward for a lighter version.
– Add a tangy twist: A squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice over the finished dish brightens the flavors.
– Customize the sauce: Add honey for sweetness, extra cayenne for heat, or Worcestershire sauce for depth.
– Use chicken: If you’re not a seafood fan, bite-sized chicken pieces work well with the same batter and sauce.
– Serving ideas: Boom Boom Shrimp is fantastic on lettuce wraps, tacos, or even as a salad topper.
Why You’ll Love Making Boom Boom Shrimp at Home
Despite its restaurant reputation, Boom Boom Shrimp is surprisingly easy and quick to make at home—taking about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish. The tempura-style batter fries up light and crispy, and the sauce comes together in minutes. Plus, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for parties, family dinners, or a fun weeknight treat.
Boom Boom Shrimp is a delicious blend of crispy shrimp and a creamy, spicy sauce that you can easily master in your kitchen. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a dish that’s bursting with flavor and sure to impress. Enjoy the crunch, the heat, and that unforgettable boom boom taste!