Bang Bang Shrimp

Nothing quite warms my heart and fills my belly like the joy of a good seafood dish. I remember the first time I tried Bang Bang Shrimp at a local restaurant. The moment I took that first spicy, creamy bite, I was transported to a place where worry didn’t exist, and culinary delight reigned supreme. The crunch of the shrimp, the rich, tangy sauce—it was like a hug from the inside out. Since that day, I’ve been on a mission to recreate this dish in my own kitchen, and I’m excited to share my recipe with you. Trust me, once you try this Bang Bang Shrimp, it’ll become a favorite at your dinner table, too!

Recipe Timing

• Prep Duration: 20 minutes
• Active Cooking: 15 minutes
• Total Duration: 35 minutes
• Portion Size: Serves 4
• Complexity: Simple

Nutritional Recipe

• Calories per portion: Approx. 450
• Protein: 28 grams per serving
• Carbs: 28 grams per serving
• Fats: 25 grams per serving
• Fiber: 0 grams per serving
• Sugars: 3 grams per serving
• Sodium: 700 mg per serving

Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp

This recipe encapsulates everything we love about comfort food: it’s indulgently crispy, supremely satisfying, and dripping with personality. The shrimp are perfectly coated and fried to a golden crisp, then drenched in a creamy sauce that delivers just the right amount of heat. Whether you’re diving into a bowl as an appetizer or serving it over a bed of rice for dinner, this Bang Bang Shrimp is versatile and packed with flavor that your family will crave.

The Complete Cooking Journey

Follow me on this savory adventure as we transform simple ingredients into something extraordinary. With every step, you’ll discover the joy of cooking and the satisfaction of creating your own culinary masterpiece. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• Oil for frying
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• Chopped green onions for garnish

Method:

Step 1: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, and black pepper together until well combined.

Step 2: Dredge the Shrimp

In another bowl, pour the buttermilk over the shrimp, ensuring they are well coated. Next, dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, then dip them into the buttermilk again, and coat with the flour mixture a second time for extra crispiness.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

In a deep skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until shimmering. You can test if the oil is ready by dropping a small amount of batter in—if it bubbles up, it’s time!

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in batches. Fry until they are golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove them with a slotted spoon and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Mix the Bang Bang Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha together until creamy and well-blended. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred spice level!

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the fried shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until they are thoroughly coated. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pair this dish with a side of jasmine rice or noodles to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. A fresh green salad or steamed vegetables would complement the shrimp beautifully. And don’t forget a refreshing drink—perhaps a crisp sparkling water or iced tea with lemon!

Storage & Leftovers Guide

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best texture, reheat in the oven to maintain crispy exterior rather than using the microwave.

Kitchen Wisdom & Success Tips

• Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Working in batches ensures each shrimp gets the right amount of heat without lowering the oil temperature.
• Adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce based on your taste. You can add more or less sriracha depending on how much heat you like.
• Be sure to pat the shrimp dry before coating to ensure a crispy result.

Flavor Variations & Adaptations

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture—cajun spices or garlic powder can add a fun twist! For a healthier option, try baking the shrimp instead of frying them. Just spray the coated shrimp lightly with oil and bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through.

Reader Questions & Solutions

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before starting the recipe.

2. What can I substitute for buttermilk?
   You can mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes to create a buttermilk substitute.

3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cornstarch you use is certified gluten-free.

4. How can I make this dish less spicy?
   Simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce, or use a milder chili sauce.

5. What’s the best oil for frying?
   Oils with high smoke points like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil are best for frying. They hold up well under high heat without burning.

Wrapping Up

There you have it! A quick, easy, and delightful recipe that transforms simple shrimp into a spectacular Bang Bang feast. The moment you take your first bite, you’ll see why this dish holds a special place in my heart (and I hope it will in yours, too!). So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and let’s cook up something delicious! Your taste buds will thank you. Happy cooking!

Print