Description
This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe features crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The shrimp are coated in buttermilk, dredged in seasoned cornstarch, and deep-fried until golden brown. The signature sauce made with mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a restaurant-quality dish you can easily make at home.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Green onions and sesame seeds, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp:
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. In a bowl, combine the shrimp and buttermilk. Let the shrimp soak for about 10 minutes while you prepare the coating. - Coat the Shrimp:
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting any excess liquid drip off, and toss them in the cornstarch mixture until well-coated. - Fry the Shrimp:
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat (about 350ยฐF/175ยฐC). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden and crispy. Drain the fried shrimp on a plate lined with paper towels. - Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). Adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if desired. - Toss Shrimp in Sauce:
Once the shrimp are fried and drained, gently toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until fully coated. - Serve:
Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve the shrimp immediately over a bed of lettuce or rice, or as an appetizer with dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp in a 400ยฐF oven for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, instead of frying.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level. Add more for extra heat or reduce it for a milder version.
- You can substitute the shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different take on the recipe.