Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, spicy, and slightly sweet appetizer that has become a favorite at restaurants and home kitchens alike. This dish features shrimp coated in a crunchy panko breading, deep-fried to perfection, and tossed in a creamy, zesty sauce with just the right amount of heat. Whether served as an appetizer, a main dish, or a part of a seafood spread, Bang Bang Shrimp delivers an explosion of flavors and textures that is sure to impress.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Steps
1. Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, marinate the shrimp in buttermilk for about 15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the shrimp and adds a subtle tangy flavor. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, then dip back into the buttermilk, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. This triple-layer coating ensures the shrimp are extra crispy.
3. Fry the Shrimp: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the shrimp are frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust the Sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.
5. Toss and Serve: Once all the shrimp are cooked, gently toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Bang Bang Shrimp is best enjoyed hot and crispy, either on its own, over a bed of lettuce, or alongside your favorite dipping sauces.
Tips for Variations
- Make it Healthier: Swap the frying for baking or air frying. Bake the coated shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy.
- Add Extra Crunch: For an even crispier coating, double dip the shrimp in the flour mixture and breadcrumbs.
- Adjust the Heat: Control the spice level by adding more or less Sriracha in the sauce or opting for a milder hot sauce.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives to make this dish gluten-free.
- Serve as Tacos: Turn Bang Bang Shrimp into tacos by serving them in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado slices, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
- Try Different Proteins: Use chicken tenders, tofu, or even cauliflower instead of shrimp for a twist on this classic recipe.
- Use Different Sauces: Experiment with different sauces like buffalo, garlic parmesan, or honey mustard for a unique flavor.
- Make it a Meal: Serve Bang Bang Shrimp over a bowl of rice or quinoa with steamed veggies for a complete meal.
Macros (Per Serving)
- Calories: Approximately 320 kcal
- Protein: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
FAQs
- Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time
- Yes, you can prep the shrimp and sauce separately ahead of time. Keep the shrimp coated and refrigerated for up to 4 hours before frying. For best results, fry the shrimp just before serving to keep them crispy.
- What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
- Bang Bang Shrimp pairs well with a variety of sides, including steamed rice, a fresh salad, or as a topping for tacos. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like extra Bang Bang sauce, ranch, or garlic aioli.
- Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
- Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating in buttermilk to ensure the coating sticks well.
- How do I store leftovers?
- Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.
- Can I make this dish less spicy?
- Absolutely! To reduce the spice level, use less Sriracha or omit it entirely. You can also increase the amount of mayonnaise or add a bit more honey to balance the heat.
Bang Bang Shrimp: Crispy, Spicy, and Addictively Delicious!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, marinate the shrimp in buttermilk for about 15 minutes. This helps to tenderize the shrimp and adds a subtle tangy flavor. Meanwhile, in a separate bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, then dip back into the buttermilk, and finally coat with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well. This triple-layer coating ensures the shrimp are extra crispy.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: While the shrimp are frying, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a medium bowl until smooth. Adjust the Sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.
- Toss and Serve: Once all the shrimp are cooked, gently toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Bang Bang Shrimp is best enjoyed hot and crispy, either on its own, over a bed of lettuce, or alongside your favorite dipping sauces.