Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is a lively dish that bursts with flavor, offering a perfect balance of spice and creaminess. Each shrimp is lovingly battered and fried until crispy, then slathered in a tantalizing sauce that brings a delightful heat. It’s the kind of appetizer that makes a strong impression at dinner parties or casual gatherings, effortlessly stealing the spotlight. The way the crunchy exterior contrasts with the tender shrimp inside is simply irresistible.
Table of Contents
My first encounter with Bang Bang Shrimp was at a bustling seafood restaurant, where the combination of its spicy and sweet notes left a lasting impression on my palate. After a bit of trial and error, I managed to recreate that same magical dish right in my own kitchen. This homemade version not only tastes fantastic but is also surprisingly easy to prepare. If you’re looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing recipe, you’ll want to give this a try—your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: With just 15 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes of cooking, you can whip up this delightful dish in under an hour.
- Irresistible Flavor: The spicy creaminess of the sauce perfectly complements the crunchy shrimp, creating a taste sensation that’s hard to resist.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: The vibrant colors of the sauce and golden shrimp make an impressive presentation for any gathering.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect as an appetizer at parties, a snack while watching a game, or even a delightful addition to a light dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free diets by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or flour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: Choose shrimp that are fresh or frozen, and if frozen, make sure to thaw them beforehand.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs add an extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work as a substitute but won’t be quite as crispy.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the shrimp a light coating. You can substitute with cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Adjust to your taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A gentle kick of spice. Feel free to increase based on your heat preference.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smokiness. You can skip this or experiment with smoked paprika for a deeper flavor.
- 2 large eggs, beaten: Binds the breadcrumbs to the shrimp. Make sure they are at room temperature for best results.
- Vegetable oil, for frying: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like canola or peanut oil, for frying.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: This serves as the creamy base for the sauce. Try using a light mayo for a lower-calorie version.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Provides sweetness and a hint of spice. If you like it sweeter, add a bit more.
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Adjust the amount depending on your spice tolerance; this really gives the Bang Bang its signature zing.
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar: Adds balance to the sauce. Honey gives a delightful richness.
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice: This adds acidity, brightening the dish. Lime juice can enhance freshness and adds a lovely aroma.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a fragrant, savory depth to the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water gently and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for removing excess moisture and ensuring a crispy finish.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika if you’re using it. This blend will create a flavorful and crispy coating.
Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the 2 large eggs until they’re smooth. This will help the breadcrumbs stick nicely to the shrimp.
Coat the shrimp: Take each shrimp, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off, then coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating adhere well; this ensures you get that satisfying crunch.
Heat the oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot, heating about 2 inches over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). To test if it’s ready, drop in a few breadcrumbs; they should sizzle and bubble.
Fry the shrimp: Work in batches so as not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each shrimp for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Make sure to turn them halfway through for even cooking. Remove each batch and let them drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: While the shrimp is frying, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce, 1 tablespoon honey or sugar, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a separate bowl until smooth and creamy.
Toss the shrimp: Once the shrimp have cooled slightly, toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until they’re well coated, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer.
Serve: Present your Bang Bang Shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro, and accompanied by steamed rice or a crisp salad for balance.
Storing & Reheating
To store, keep any leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If refrigerated, they can last up to 2 days, and for best results, store in a single layer to maintain texture. You can also freeze the fried shrimp for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat them in an oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through, but be aware that this may slightly change the texture. A quick spray of oil can help refresh their crispiness.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid overcrowding the oil while frying to ensure the shrimp fry evenly and achieve that perfect crisp.
- Using a thermometer to monitor oil temperature is key; if it’s too hot, the shrimp will burn; too cold, and they’ll turn greasy.
- If serving at a party, consider keeping the shrimp warm in the oven at a low temperature to maintain crispness until serving.
- For extra crunch, you can double-coat the shrimp by repeating the breading process before frying.
- Experiment with the sauce—add more sriracha if you crave heat or toss in toasted sesame seeds for additional texture.
Bang Bang Shrimp encapsulates all the feels and flavors of a phenomenal dish. It’s quick to prepare yet impressive enough to impress your guests. The delightful crunch of the shrimp paired with the sweet and spicy sauce makes for something truly special. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different spice levels or sauce ingredients; after all, the beauty of cooking lies in personal touches. Enjoy this dish at your next gathering or as a cozy night-in snack—it’s sure to bring smiles to faces everywhere.
Recipe FAQs
How can I make Bang Bang Shrimp gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. This way, you can enjoy all the delicious flavors without the gluten.
Can I bake instead of frying the shrimp?
Absolutely! For a healthier option, you can bake the shrimp. Preheat your oven to 400°F, place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and cooked through.
What should I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp pairs beautifully with a light salad, steamed rice, or even on top of noodles for a quick meal. You could also serve it with extra sauce for dipping alongside crisp veggie sticks for a refreshing contrast.
Can I prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This will actually allow the flavors to meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious when assembled with the shrimp. Just give it a good stir before serving!
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📖 Recipe Card
Bang Bang Shrimp
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp offers a perfect blend of crunchy and creamy with its crispy coating and zesty sauce. Ideal for quick dinners or appetizers, this recipe is simple and bursting with flavor. Enjoy this delicious homemade treat!
Ingredients
- 450g (1 lb) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 120g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
- 60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- vegetable oil, for frying
- 120g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise
- 60g (1/4 cup) sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
- Beat the eggs in a separate bowl.
- Dip each shrimp into beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to stick.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 175°C (350°F).
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Prepare the Bang Bang sauce by whisking mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl until smooth.
- Once shrimp cools slightly, toss them in the sauce or serve on the side for dipping.
- Serve immediately, garnished with green onions or cilantro, alongside steamed rice or a salad.
Notes
Ensure shrimp are well dried for better coating.
Adjust spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha used.
Garnish with herbs for an appealing presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 200mg
