Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious and popular dish known for its crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. It is often served as an appetizer or a main dish, providing a perfect balance of heat and flavor.

The shrimp are usually battered and fried until golden and crunchy, then tossed in a sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This combination gives the dish its unique “bang” of flavor, making it a favorite for seafood lovers everywhere.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp

To make crispy, flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp, you will need the following ingredients:

• Shrimp: This dish’s base is fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp. For the best texture and taste, the shrimp should be medium to large.
• All-purpose flour: This helps create a light, crispy batter that coats the shrimp perfectly when fried.
• Cornstarch: Combined with flour, cornstarch gives the batter extra crispiness, ensuring that each shrimp is crunchy on the outside.
• Baking powder: This adds a bit of lift to the batter, making it light and airy.
• Garlic powder: A key seasoning that adds depth and savory flavor to the shrimp.
• Salt: To enhance the natural flavors of the shrimp and balance the dish.
• Black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and a peppery kick to the crispy shrimp.
• Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil has a high smoke point, making it perfect for frying shrimp, resulting in a crispy, golden exterior.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Ingredients

The ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp are simple, yet incredibly flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb (450g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup cold sparkling water (or regular cold water)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 1 tsp rice vinegar (optional)
• 1 tsp honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
• 1 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

Directions

1. Prepare the shrimp: Start by peeling and deveining the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Make the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the cold sparkling water and stir until the batter is smooth but slightly thick.
3. Heat the oil: Pour enough vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot to submerge the shrimp. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the temperature by dropping in a small batter – it should bubble up and float to the surface.
4. Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated, then carefully drop them into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
5. Fry the shrimp: For about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Using a slotted spoon, remove the shrimp from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
6. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar, and honey (if using). Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
7. Toss the shrimp: Place them in a large bowl once they are fried and drained. Pour the sauce over the shrimp and toss gently until the shrimp are evenly coated.
8. Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your crispy, spicy, and creamy Bang Bang Shrimp!

Bang Bang Shrimp Variation

If you want to add a twist to the traditional Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, consider these variations:

• Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp: For a spicier kick, add more chili sauce or sriracha to the bang bang sauce.
• Baked Bang Bang Shrimp: For a healthier alternative to frying, bake the shrimp. Coat the shrimp in panko breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
• Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp: Coat the shrimp with shredded coconut before frying to add a tropical flavor.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos. Top with crunchy slaw and a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp can be served in several delicious ways:

• Appetizer: Serve as an appetizer with a side of dipping sauce for guests to enjoy at parties or gatherings.
• On a Bed of Greens: Arrange the shrimp over a bed of fresh greens or salad for a light, flavorful meal.
• With Rice: Pair the shrimp with steamed jasmine or white rice for a satisfying dinner.
• In Tacos: Fill soft taco shells with the shrimp, add fresh toppings like cabbage and avocado, and drizzle with more bang bang sauce.
• As a Side Dish: Serve alongside grilled meats or seafood to complement your main course.

Storage Tips

To store your leftover Bang Bang Shrimp, follow these guidelines:

Refrigeration: Store the shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s best to store the shrimp and sauce separately to maintain the crispy texture.

Reheating: To restore some of the crunch, reheat the shrimp in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.

Freezing: If you have extra shrimp, freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet after cooking (without sauce). Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven before serving.

FAQs About Bang Bang Shrimp