Bang Bang Shrimp is a vibrant, crispy dish that packs a punch of flavor with every bite. Featuring tender shrimp coated in a crunchy batter and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce, this recipe perfectly balances heat and sweetness for an addictive taste experience. Whether served as an appetizer or main course, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to impress with its bold flavors and irresistible crunch.
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp
Perfectly crispy shrimp: Lightly battered and fried to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch.
Creamy, spicy sauce: A signature blend of heat and sweetness that elevates the shrimp’s natural flavor.
Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
Versatile serving options: Great as an appetizer, party snack, or paired with rice or salad for a full meal.
Crowd-pleaser: Bold flavors and crispy texture make it a favorite at gatherings and family dinners.
Customizable heat level: Adjust the spice to suit your taste, from mild to fiery.
Light yet indulgent: Despite the crunch and sauce, it feels fresh and satisfying without being heavy.
Get ready to enjoy a crispy, creamy, and spicy shrimp treat that’s bursting with flavor—Bang Bang Shrimp is a must-try for seafood lovers!
Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp
Crispy shrimp get a flavorful upgrade with a creamy, spicy sauce that wakes up the palate. Here’s what you’ll need:
Large shrimp: Fresh or frozen, peeled and deveined shrimp are the stars of this dish. They provide a juicy bite that pairs perfectly with the sauce.
Buttermilk: This tangy liquid helps tenderize the shrimp and adds flavor. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by mixing milk with a splash of vinegar.
All-purpose flour: This is the base for your coating, giving the shrimp that essential crunch. You can use gluten-free flour if needed.
Spices: Paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (for those who like it spicy) add depth to the flavor. Adjust the cayenne to your heat preference.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create an extra crispy texture. They’re lighter and crunchier than regular breadcrumbs.
Vegetable oil: Essential for frying, it should have a high smoke point. Canola or peanut oil works well too.
Mayonnaise: This creamy base for the sauce adds richness. You can use light mayo or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist.
Sweet chili sauce: This brings a delightful sweetness and a hint of heat to the sauce. It’s a must-have for that signature Bang Bang flavor.
Sriracha: For those who crave a kick, sriracha adds a spicy punch. Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
Lime juice: A splash of fresh lime juice brightens the sauce and balances the flavors.
Chopped green onions: These are for garnish, adding a pop of color and a mild onion flavor.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing!
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Creating Bang Bang Shrimp is a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a crispy, flavorful dish ready in no time!
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by mixing the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Stir until everything is well blended. This sauce is the heart of the dish, so taste it and adjust the sriracha if you want more heat. Set it aside for now; it’ll be the perfect finishing touch.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Next, it’s time to marinate the shrimp. Pour the buttermilk over the peeled and deveined shrimp in a separate bowl. Let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the shrimp and infuses them with flavor. While you wait, you can clean up a bit or prep your frying station.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
While the shrimp are marinating, prepare the coating. In another bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. This blend of spices will give your shrimp a flavorful crunch. Make sure it’s well mixed; every shrimp deserves that flavor boost!
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Now, it’s time to coat the shrimp. Remove them from the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off the extra flour. Then, dip them back into the buttermilk and coat with panko breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. This double coating is what makes them extra crispy!
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp in batches. Fry them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Don’t overcrowd the pan; this ensures even cooking. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 6: Toss in Sauce
Finally, it’s time to bring it all together. Toss the fried shrimp in the prepared sauce until they are well coated. This step is where the magic happens! Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Enjoy your homemade Bang Bang Shrimp!
Tips for Success
Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; a test shrimp should sizzle upon contact.
Don’t overcrowd the pan; fry in batches for even cooking and crispiness.
For extra crunch, let the coated shrimp rest for a few minutes before frying.
Adjust the sauce ingredients to suit your taste; more lime juice can brighten the flavor.
Serve immediately for the best texture; they’re best enjoyed fresh!
Equipment Needed
Large skillet: Essential for frying. A deep fryer can also be used for even cooking.
Mixing bowls: You’ll need a few for marinating and coating the shrimp.
Slotted spoon: Perfect for removing shrimp from the oil without excess grease.
Paper towels: Great for draining the fried shrimp.
Variations of Bang Bang Shrimp
Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp: Add more sriracha or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
Bang Bang Cauliflower: Substitute shrimp with cauliflower florets for a vegetarian option. Follow the same coating and frying method.
Bang Bang Tofu: Use firm tofu instead of shrimp for a plant-based twist. Ensure it’s pressed to remove excess moisture.
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in warm tortillas with slaw and avocado for a fun taco night.
Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this dish suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Serving Suggestions for Bang Bang Shrimp
Serve with rice: A bed of jasmine or coconut rice complements the shrimp beautifully.
Pair with a salad: A crisp cucumber or Asian slaw adds freshness to the meal.
Drink options: Enjoy with a cold beer or a refreshing iced tea.
Presentation: Serve on a platter with lime wedges and extra sauce for dipping.
FAQs about Bang Bang Shrimp
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance. Just fry them right before serving for that crispy texture. The sauce can be stored in the fridge for a few days.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp? This dish pairs wonderfully with jasmine rice, a fresh salad, or even in tacos. The options are endless, so feel free to get creative!
Is Bang Bang Shrimp spicy? The spice level can be adjusted to your liking. If you prefer it milder, reduce the sriracha or cayenne pepper in the sauce. It’s all about finding that perfect balance for your taste buds!
Can I bake Bang Bang Shrimp instead of frying? Absolutely! For a healthier option, bake the shrimp at 400°F for 15-20 minutes. Just make sure to spray them lightly with oil for that crispy finish.
What type of shrimp should I use? I recommend using large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the best results. Fresh or frozen works well, just ensure they’re thawed before cooking.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Shrimp is more than just a dish; it’s an experience that brings joy to the table. The crispy texture combined with that spicy-sweet sauce creates a symphony of flavors that can brighten any meal. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this recipe is sure to impress. I love how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. Plus, the satisfaction of making it from scratch is unbeatable. So, roll up your sleeves, dive into this culinary adventure, and let the deliciousness of Bang Bang Shrimp elevate your dining experience!
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy and flavorful dish featuring fried shrimp coated in a spicy and tangy sauce, perfect as an appetizer or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
Vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon lime juice
Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice. Mix well and set aside.
In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk over the shrimp and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
Dip the coated shrimp back into the buttermilk and then coat with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
In a large skillet, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the shrimp in batches, frying for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Toss the fried shrimp in the prepared sauce until well coated.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions.
Notes
For a healthier option, bake the shrimp at 400°F for 15-20 minutes instead of frying.
Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the finished shrimp for an extra burst of flavor.
