Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe delivers crispy, golden shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. Inspired by a popular restaurant appetizer, it’s perfect for serving as a snack, starter, or even a main dish. Easy to prepare at home, this recipe will be a hit at your next gathering!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s quick and easy to make, with minimal prep time.
• The shrimp come out crispy and flavorful, perfect for serving as an appetizer or main dish.
• The creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce adds an irresistible flavor punch.
• You can make it in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a last-minute meal or party snack.
• It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s great for sharing with friends and family.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Egg
• Buttermilk
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Mayonnaise
• Sweet chili sauce
• Sriracha sauce
• Honey (optional, for added sweetness)
• Green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the Shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp if they haven’t already been prepared. Pat them dry with paper towels.
2. Set Up Dredging Station: In a shallow bowl, mix the flour and cornstarch. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. Finally, in a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
3. Coat the Shrimp: Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip them into the egg mixture, and then coat them in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure they are evenly coated for a crispy finish.
4. Fry the Shrimp: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Remove and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
5. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey (if using). Taste and adjust the spice level by adding more Sriracha if you prefer extra heat.
6. Toss the Shrimp in Sauce: Once all the shrimp are fried, toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated.
7. Serve: Transfer the shrimp to a serving plate and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side, if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe makes 4 servings, perfect for an appetizer or snack.
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Baked Version: If you prefer a lighter version, bake the shrimp instead of frying. Place the coated shrimp on a greased baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
• Air Fryer Version: For a crispier, healthier alternative, air fry the shrimp at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
• Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha to the sauce. You can also try adding cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make the recipe gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: To reheat, bake the shrimp in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the shrimp soggy.
• Freezing: It’s not recommended to freeze this dish as the shrimp will lose their crispy texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and frying.

2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh for maximum crispiness, you can fry the shrimp ahead of time and reheat them in the oven before serving. Add the sauce just before serving.

3. What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp pairs well with a side of rice, a fresh salad, or even a bed of lettuce for a shrimp wrap.

4. Can I make the sauce less spicy?

Yes, to reduce the spice level, you can decrease the amount of Sriracha or omit it entirely. Add more sweet chili sauce for a milder version.

5. Can I use other seafood for this recipe?

Absolutely! This recipe works well with other types of seafood like scallops or calamari.

6. How can I keep the shrimp crispy after frying?

Place the fried shrimp on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent them from becoming soggy. This allows air to circulate and keeps them crispy.

7. Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?

For a vegetarian option, you could substitute tofu or cauliflower for the shrimp, following the same frying and coating process.

8. How do I make the sauce if I don’t have sweet chili sauce?

If you don’t have sweet chili sauce, you can mix honey and a little vinegar with a pinch of red pepper flakes as a substitute.

9. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

Yes, you can use oils like canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil, as they all have a high smoke point suitable for frying.

10. What can I do with leftover Bang Bang sauce?

Leftover Bang Bang sauce can be used as a dip for fries, chicken, or drizzled over a salad for added flavor.

Conclusion

This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is the perfect balance of crispy fried shrimp and a creamy, spicy sauce. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight snack or a party appetizer, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. With simple ingredients and a versatile recipe, you can easily customize it to suit your tastes. Enjoy the satisfying crunch and flavor-packed sauce with every bite!

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