Bang Bang Shrimp is the kind of dish that lights up any table, whether served as a game-day appetizer, a delectable side dish, or even the star of a casual dinner. With its perfectly crispy texture and the tantalizing combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors, this dish has become a favorite for food lovers everywhere. The beauty of Bang Bang Shrimp lies in its simplicity—it’s quick to prepare, delivers maximum flavor, and creates an experience that’s both satisfying and memorable. In this article, we’ll walk you through every detail, from the choice of ingredients to pro tips and creative variations, so you can master this iconic dish at home.
PrintBang Bang Shrimp: A Crispy, Flavor-Packed Delight
🔥 Meet your new obsession: Bang Bang Shrimp! 🍤💥 Crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, tangy sauce that’s equal parts sweet and spicy. 🌶️✨ It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). 😉 Serve it up as a starter or pair it with rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. 🥢🍚 Ready to add some sizzle to your plate? Let’s make dinner unforgettable! 🥳
#BangBangShrimp 💥 #SweetMeetsSpicy 🌶️ #SeafoodMagic 🦐 #CrunchyGoodness 😍 #FoodiesUnite 🍤 #FlavorOverload 🤤 #EasyCooking 🍳 #ShrimpDishGoals 🍴 #CrispyBites ✨ #SpiceItUp 🔥
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise (⅔ cup): Adds creaminess and forms the base of the sauce.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (¼ cup): Provides sweetness with a gentle heat, creating the signature flavor.
- Minced Garlic (1 clove): Adds depth and a touch of savory aroma.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Brings the spicy kick, adjustable based on your preference.
For the Shrimp:
- Raw Shrimp (1 lb, deveined and peeled): The star of the dish, offering a juicy and tender texture.
For Frying:
- Oil (Canola, Olive, or Avocado): Ensures even frying and adds a light, crisp finish to the shrimp.
For the Milk Mixture:
- Whole Milk (½ cup): Acts as a binding agent to help the coating adhere to the shrimp.
- Sour Cream (2 tablespoons): Enhances the milk mixture’s richness.
- Lemon Juice (2 teaspoons): Provides a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
For the Flour Mixture:
- All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): Forms the base of the coating, creating a crisp crust.
- Cornstarch (¼ cup): Adds lightness and extra crunch to the breading.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice.
- Paprika (¼ teaspoon): Brings a mild smoky flavor and a hint of color.
Instructions
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
The sauce is what sets this dish apart, so take a moment to create this flavorful blend. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and sriracha. Stir until smooth, taste, and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired. Set the sauce aside, allowing the flavors to meld as you prepare the shrimp.
2. Prep the Shrimp
Devein and peel the shrimp, removing the tails if necessary. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel—this step is essential to ensure the coating adheres evenly.
3. Create the Milk Mixture
In one bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sour cream, and lemon juice. This mixture helps the coating stick to the shrimp while adding a slight tang.
4. Mix the Flour Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This blend will create a perfectly crispy exterior for the shrimp.
5. Coat the Shrimp
Working one at a time, dip each shrimp into the milk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer of coating. Place the coated shrimp on a platter and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
6. Fry the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 1 to 1½ inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 325°F. Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for even frying—use a thermometer if possible. Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
7. Toss in the Sauce
Once the shrimp are fried to perfection, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. While the shrimp are still warm, pour the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over them and toss gently to coat.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Notes
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Consistent heat is essential for crispy shrimp. If the oil is too hot, the coating may burn before the shrimp is cooked. Too cool, and the shrimp will absorb excess oil.
- Don’t Skip Drying: Patting the shrimp dry ensures the coating sticks well and fries evenly.
- Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Serve Immediately: While Bang Bang Shrimp is best served fresh and crispy, you can keep fried shrimp warm in a low oven if needed.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp
What makes Bang Bang Shrimp so irresistible? First, there’s the crunch—a golden, crispy coating that perfectly encases tender shrimp. Then, there’s the sauce: a luscious blend of creamy mayonnaise, sweet Thai chili sauce, a kick of sriracha, and a hint of garlic. This combination hits every note—creamy, tangy, spicy, and sweet—all in one bite. Beyond its flavor profile, the dish’s versatility is another reason to love it. Serve it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, pair it with a fresh salad for a lighter meal, or add it to tacos for an inventive twist.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp
Each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Here’s a breakdown:
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- Mayonnaise (⅔ cup): Adds creaminess and forms the base of the sauce.
- Thai Sweet Chili Sauce (¼ cup): Provides sweetness with a gentle heat, creating the signature flavor.
- Minced Garlic (1 clove): Adds depth and a touch of savory aroma.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Brings the spicy kick, adjustable based on your preference.
For the Shrimp:
- Raw Shrimp (1 lb, deveined and peeled): The star of the dish, offering a juicy and tender texture.
For Frying:
- Oil (Canola, Olive, or Avocado): Ensures even frying and adds a light, crisp finish to the shrimp.
For the Milk Mixture:
- Whole Milk (½ cup): Acts as a binding agent to help the coating adhere to the shrimp.
- Sour Cream (2 tablespoons): Enhances the milk mixture’s richness.
- Lemon Juice (2 teaspoons): Provides a touch of acidity to balance the flavors.
For the Flour Mixture:
- All-Purpose Flour (½ cup): Forms the base of the coating, creating a crisp crust.
- Cornstarch (¼ cup): Adds lightness and extra crunch to the breading.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances overall flavor.
- Ground Black Pepper (¼ teaspoon): Adds a subtle spice.
- Paprika (¼ teaspoon): Brings a mild smoky flavor and a hint of color.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
The sauce is what sets this dish apart, so take a moment to create this flavorful blend. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and sriracha. Stir until smooth, taste, and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if desired. Set the sauce aside, allowing the flavors to meld as you prepare the shrimp.
2. Prep the Shrimp
Devein and peel the shrimp, removing the tails if necessary. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel—this step is essential to ensure the coating adheres evenly.
3. Create the Milk Mixture
In one bowl, whisk together the whole milk, sour cream, and lemon juice. This mixture helps the coating stick to the shrimp while adding a slight tang.
4. Mix the Flour Coating
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This blend will create a perfectly crispy exterior for the shrimp.
5. Coat the Shrimp
Working one at a time, dip each shrimp into the milk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer of coating. Place the coated shrimp on a platter and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
6. Fry the Shrimp
In a large skillet, heat 1 to 1½ inches of oil over medium heat until it reaches 325°F. Maintaining a consistent oil temperature is crucial for even frying—use a thermometer if possible. Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking each side for 2-3 minutes until golden-brown. Avoid overcrowding the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
7. Toss in the Sauce
Once the shrimp are fried to perfection, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil. While the shrimp are still warm, pour the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over them and toss gently to coat.
8. Serve and Enjoy
Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
Tips for Success
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Consistent heat is essential for crispy shrimp. If the oil is too hot, the coating may burn before the shrimp is cooked. Too cool, and the shrimp will absorb excess oil.
- Don’t Skip Drying: Patting the shrimp dry ensures the coating sticks well and fries evenly.
- Batch Frying: Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Serve Immediately: While Bang Bang Shrimp is best served fresh and crispy, you can keep fried shrimp warm in a low oven if needed.
Variations and Substitutions
- Spice Level: Adjust the sriracha in the sauce to make it milder or spicier, based on your preference.
- Gluten-Free Option: Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Healthier Cooking: Bake or air-fry the shrimp for a lighter version, though it may sacrifice some crispiness.
- Add a Twist: Toss the coated shrimp with toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture.
- Make it a Meal: Serve Bang Bang Shrimp over rice or noodles, or use it as a filling for tacos with a crunchy slaw.
Serving Suggestions
Bang Bang Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and accompaniments:
- Salads: A crisp cucumber salad or an Asian-inspired slaw complements the shrimp’s flavors.
- Dipping Sauce: Offer extra Bang Bang Sauce on the side for dipping.
- Cocktails: A refreshing mojito or citrusy margarita enhances the dish’s sweet and spicy notes.
Storing and Reheating
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the shrimp on a baking sheet in a 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Final Thoughts
Bang Bang Shrimp is more than just an appetizer—it’s a dish that brings people together. Its bold flavors, crispy texture, and irresistible sauce make it a favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game-day party, treating yourself to a weekend indulgence, or looking for a creative way to serve shrimp, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The best part? It’s easy to make, so you can enjoy restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp from the comfort of your own kitchen.
So, gather your ingredients, follow these steps, and get ready to wow your family and friends with this sensational dish. The combination of crispy shrimp and bold, creamy sauce is sure to leave everyone asking for seconds—and the recipe!