Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful dish that’s found its way into the hearts (and stomachs) of many seafood lovers. Imagine crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that has just the right balance of sweetness and heat. This recipe is perfect for those moments when you’re craving something comforting yet exciting, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner, game day, or a gathering with friends. Trust me, once you serve these up, they’re going to be the star of the show!
Why you’ll love this dish
This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is not only delicious; it’s incredibly easy to make at home, ensuring that you get all the flavor without the high restaurant prices. It’s a fantastic option for those busy weeknights when you want a quick meal that’s packed with personality. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests during a dinner party or a family brunch!
"These Bang Bang Shrimp were a hit at our last gathering! The crispy texture combined with that spicy sauce had everyone coming back for seconds!"
The cooking process explained
Making Bang Bang Shrimp at home might sound intimidating, but fear not! The process is straightforward and can be broken down into manageable steps. You start by marinating the shrimp to infuse flavor, then dredge them in cornstarch for that perfect crunch, and finally, fry them to golden perfection. The real magic happens when you toss the crispy shrimp in the creamy spicy sauce. You can expect restaurant-quality shrimp right from your kitchen!
What you’ll need
To make this electrifying dish, gather up these key ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha (or to taste)
Substitutions can be made, such as using regular milk instead of buttermilk or adjusting the level of Sriracha if you prefer less heat.
Step-by-step instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Let this marinate for about 10 minutes to deepen the flavors.
- Add cornstarch to a shallow dish.
- One at a time, pull a shrimp from the marinade, shake off excess, then dredge in the cornstarch. Place on a baking sheet.
- Heat about 1½ inches of oil to 350°F in a large pot.
- Fry the shrimp in three batches for about 2 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. When the shrimp are ready, toss them in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve and enjoy!
Best ways to enjoy it
When serving Bang Bang Shrimp, presentation can elevate the experience! You can serve them over a bed of mixed greens or as a part of a shrimp tacos assembly. Pair them with a refreshing coleslaw or serve them alongside crispy fried rice or Asian-style noodles for a complete meal. These shrimp also make fabulous appetizers or party snacks—just serve them with toothpicks and extra sauce on the side for dipping!
Storage and reheating tips
If you have leftovers (which is often a rarity), store any uneaten Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for about 1-2 days. To reheat, it’s best to use an oven or air fryer to retain the crispy texture rather than a microwave which can make them rubbery.
Helpful cooking tips
- To ensure maximum crunch, make sure your oil is hot enough before frying. A food thermometer is a handy tool for this.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a splash of lime juice to your sauce just before tossing to brighten everything up!
- If you’re looking to save time, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce ahead of time and fry them just before serving.
Creative twists
Want to mix things up? Try adding different spices to your cornstarch dredge, like paprika for smokiness, or use alternative sauces for the coating. You could also play around with toppings like chopped green onions or sesame seeds for added texture and flavor.
Common questions
What is the preparation time for Bang Bang Shrimp?
The total preparation time is approximately 30 minutes, making it a quick option for dinner.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before marinating and frying.
What should I do if I don’t have buttermilk?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by mixing regular milk with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice and letting it sit for about 5 minutes.
This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household. With its delicious mix of flavors and textures, you’ll be glad you gave it a try!
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Bang Bang Shrimp
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
Crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha (or to taste)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Let this marinate for about 10 minutes.
- Add cornstarch to a shallow dish.
- One at a time, pull a shrimp from the marinade, shake off excess, then dredge in the cornstarch. Place on a baking sheet.
- Heat about 1½ inches of oil to 350°F in a large pot.
- Fry the shrimp in three batches for about 2 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. When the shrimp are ready, toss them in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
For maximum crunch, ensure your oil is hot before frying. You can prepare shrimp and sauce ahead of time and fry just before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian