Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious dish that perfectly balances crispy texture with a sweet and spicy sauce. This versatile recipe is perfect for parties, game days, or just a cozy night at home. With its unique flavor profile and appealing presentation, it’s sure to impress your guests and family alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 12 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delightful dish in no time.
• Flavor Explosion: The creamy sauce combined with the crispy shrimp creates an unforgettable taste experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Great as an appetizer or a main dish, Bang Bang Shrimp can be served over rice or alongside fresh veggies.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Its sweet and spicy flavor appeals to a wide range of palates, making it ideal for gatherings.
• Easy to Customize: Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of Sriracha in the sauce to suit your taste.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, make sure you have the right tools on hand for making Bang Bang Shrimp. These tools will help streamline your cooking experience and ensure perfect results every time.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Heavy-Bottom Pot
• Mixing Bowls
• Candy Thermometer
• Slotted Spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Heavy-Bottom Pot: Ensures even heat distribution for frying, which helps prevent burning.
• Mixing Bowls: Useful for preparing sauces and coating ingredients without mess.
• Candy Thermometer: Helps monitor oil temperature accurately for perfect frying results.
• Slotted Spoon: Ideal for safely removing fried shrimp from hot oil without excess oil dripping.

Ingredients

Bang Bang Shrimp is shrimp that is fried to a crispy, golden brown and coated with a homemade sweet and spicy bang bang sauce.

For the Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• ½ teaspoon Sriracha (or more to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail removed)
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornstarch

For Frying

• Canola oil (for frying)

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Mix well until smooth, then set aside.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

In a second bowl, add the shrimp. Pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each piece is well-coated.

Step 3: Prepare for Frying

In a third small bowl, add cornstarch. This will be used to coat the shrimp before frying.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large, heavy-bottom pot, pour in about 1 inch of canola oil. Heat over medium until a candy thermometer reads 375°F.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Working in batches:
1. Remove shrimp from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
2. Coat each shrimp in cornstarch thoroughly.
3. Carefully place coated shrimp into hot oil and fry for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden brown on each side.

Make sure to let the oil reheat to 375°F after each batch if necessary.

Step 6: Serve Hot

Once fried, immediately coat the shrimp with your prepared sauce. Serve while hot for optimal flavor!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways, making it perfect for any occasion. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As a Standalone Appetizer

• Serve the shrimp on a platter, garnished with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color.

In Tacos

• Fill soft tortillas with Bang Bang Shrimp, shredded cabbage, and avocado for a fresh twist on taco night.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Place the shrimp over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, drizzling extra sauce on top for added flavor.

In Salads

• Toss the shrimp into a mixed green salad with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and your favorite vinaigrette for a lighter option.

With Dipping Sauces

• Offer additional dipping sauces like spicy mayo or garlic aioli alongside the shrimp for an interactive meal.

As Part of a Seafood Platter

• Pair Bang Bang Shrimp with other seafood offerings such as calamari and grilled fish for an impressive platter that will wow your guests.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

To ensure your Bang Bang Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide better flavor and texture than frozen ones. Look for shrimp that smell clean and have firm flesh.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at 375°F is crucial for achieving that crispy exterior. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent temperature drops in the oil, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
• Coat Evenly: Make sure each shrimp is well-coated in buttermilk and cornstarch. This helps create that signature crunch when fried.
• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the Bang Bang Shrimp right after frying while they’re still hot and crispy.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to customize the Sriracha in the sauce according to your spice tolerance. More heat can add an exciting kick!

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Shrimp enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some delightful options you can consider:

1. Coconut Rice: The sweetness of coconut rice complements the spicy shrimp perfectly and adds a tropical flair.
2. Garlic Noodles: Soft noodles tossed in garlic butter make for a comforting side that balances out the heat.
3. Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw adds crunch and freshness while cooling down the palate.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal vegetables grilled to perfection bring color and nutrition to your plate.
5. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet contrast to the spicy shrimp while being easy to prepare.
6. Asian Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar adds brightness and zing to your meal.
7. Mango Salsa: A fruity mango salsa brings sweetness and acidity that pairs beautifully with the savory shrimp.
8. Steamed Broccoli: Simple yet nutritious, steamed broccoli adds color to your dish while balancing out flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Bang Bang Shrimp can be simple, but there are common pitfalls that can affect your dish. Here are some mistakes to avoid for the best results.

• Bold Ingredient Measurement: Not measuring ingredients properly can lead to an imbalance in flavor. Always use precise measurements for sauces and coatings.
• Bold Oil Temperature: Frying at the wrong temperature can result in soggy or burnt shrimp. Use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 375°F before frying.
• Bold Overcrowding the Pot: Adding too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature. Fry in small batches to maintain crispiness and even cooking.
• Bold Skipping the Coating Process: Omitting the cornstarch coating will result in less crispy shrimp. Make sure to thoroughly coat each shrimp for that perfect crunch.
• Bold Serving Temperature: Serving Bang Bang Shrimp cold will diminish its appeal. Serve immediately after frying for maximum flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to maintain freshness.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp

• Duration: For best quality, freeze cooked shrimp for up to 1 month.
• Containers: Place shrimp in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air before sealing.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp

• Bold Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and place shrimp on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until heated through.
• Bold Microwave: Heat on a microwave-safe plate for about 30 seconds, but note that this may soften the coating.
• Bold Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning often, to retain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s known for its sweet and tangy flavor profile.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes! You can substitute chicken for shrimp by following the same preparation method. Adjust cooking time based on chicken thickness.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp pairs well with rice, salads, or as part of a seafood platter. It makes an excellent appetizer or main course.

How do I make it spicier?

If you prefer more heat, add extra Sriracha or include red pepper flakes in your sauce mixture. Taste as you go!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and coat the shrimp ahead of time. Just fry them right before serving for optimal taste.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful dish that’s both easy to make and full of flavor. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different proteins or spice levels. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy those crispy bites coated in sweet and spicy goodness!