Bang Bang Shrimp

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Bang Bang Shrimp is a crowd-pleasing appetizer that packs a punch of flavor with its crispy, golden-fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. This dish, made famous by restaurants like Bonefish Grill, is loved for its perfect balance of crunch and heat, making it an irresistible favorite for seafood lovers.

How Do I Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

Whether you’re serving it as a starter, a main course over rice, or even in tacos, Bang Bang Shrimp is a simple yet impressive dish that’s easy to recreate at home. With just a few key ingredients and a quick cooking time, you can bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table in no time.

What Equipment Do I Need

• Deep Skillet
• Slotted Spoon
• Mixing Bowls
• Meat Thermometer
• Measuring Spoons/Cups

Ingredients:

Shrimp:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon honey

Garnishes:

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds (optional)
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage (optional for serving)

How Do I Make Bang Bang Shrimp

• Rinse the shrimp in cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Pour the buttermilk over the shrimp in a bowl. Stir to coat, cover it, and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes.

• While the shrimp marinades, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey in a bowl. Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Cover and refrigerate the sauce until needed.

• Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot on medium heat until it reaches 350°F-375°F.
• Mix the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk and shake off the excess. Coat each shrimp in the dry mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.

• Carefully fry the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Cook each shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

• Once all the shrimp are fried and slightly cooled, place them in a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp and toss gently to coat. Alternatively, you can drizzle the sauce over the shrimp for a lighter coating.

• Arrange the shrimp on a plate, optionally over a bed of lettuce or cabbage. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.
• Serve immediately while the shrimp are hot and crispy. Enjoy!

FAQs

1. Why is it called “Bang Bang” Shrimp?

The name “Bang Bang” refers to the explosive combination of flavors in the sauce, which blends sweetness, creaminess, and a hint of spice for a bold, mouthwatering experience.

2. What is Bang Bang Sauce made of?

Bang Bang Sauce is typically made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, creating a creamy, slightly sweet, and spicy coating for the shrimp. Some variations also include honey, garlic, or lime juice for added flavor.

3. Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp without frying?

Yes! You can make a healthier version by baking or air-frying the shrimp instead of deep-frying. Simply coat the shrimp in cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs, spray lightly with oil, and cook until crispy.

4. What kind of shrimp should I use?

Medium to large shrimp (such as 16/20 count per pound) are ideal. They should be peeled and deveined, with the tails removed for easy eating.

5. Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?

While you can prep the sauce and coat the shrimp in advance, it’s best to fry or cook the shrimp just before serving to maintain its crispy texture.

6. What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp pairs well with lettuce wraps, rice, tacos, or as a salad topping. It can also be served alongside coleslaw or a fresh cucumber salad for a refreshing contrast.

7. How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp?

The spice level depends on the amount of Sriracha or hot sauce used. You can adjust the heat to your preference by adding more or less spice to the sauce.

8. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before cooking to ensure a crispy texture.

9. Is Bang Bang Shrimp gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use cornstarch for coating, which is gluten-free. However, if using flour or breadcrumbs, opt for a gluten-free alternative. Also, check that your sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise are gluten-free.

Storage

1. Refrigerating Leftovers:

• Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the shrimp and sauce separate if possible to maintain crispiness. Store the sauce in a separate container and toss with the shrimp just before serving.

2. Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp:

• Oven/Air Fryer (Best Method): Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes.
• Microwave (Not Recommended): While quick, this method can make the shrimp soggy.

3. Freezing:

• It’s not recommended to freeze fully prepared Bang Bang Shrimp, as the sauce can cause the coating to become soggy.
• If you must freeze, store the fried shrimp without sauce in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or air fryer before adding fresh sauce.

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