Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious appetizer that brings an exciting blend of sweet and spicy flavors. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is sure to impress your guests at parties or family gatherings. The crispy texture of the shrimp, combined with the creamy bang bang sauce, makes it a standout choice for seafood lovers and anyone looking for a tasty treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Irresistible Flavor: The combination of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of spice creates a mouthwatering experience.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer, a main dish, or even in tacos for a fun twist.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at gatherings and events.
• Simple Ingredients: Made with easy-to-find ingredients, you won’t need to hunt for anything special.

Tools and Preparation

To make the preparation process seamless, gather your essential kitchen tools. These will help you achieve the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Deep frying pot
• Mixing bowls
• Candy thermometer
• Tongs

Why These Tools Matter

• Deep frying pot: A heavy-bottomed pot allows for even heating and prevents oil splatters.
• Mixing bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep the steps organized during the coating process.
• Candy thermometer: This ensures your oil reaches the right temperature for perfectly cooked shrimp.
• Tongs: Use these for safely handling hot shrimp during frying.

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
• 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 and set aside.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

In another bowl, add the shrimp. Pour the buttermilk over them to ensure they are well-coated.

Step 3: Prepare Cornstarch Coating

In a third small bowl, place the cornstarch. This will give your shrimp that desired crispiness.

Step 4: Heat Oil

In a large deep frying pot, add about 1 inch of canola oil. Heat over medium heat until it reaches 375°F on a candy thermometer.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Working in batches, remove shrimp from buttermilk allowing excess to drip off. Coat each shrimp in cornstarch before placing them into hot oil.
1. Fry for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden brown on each side.
2. Repeat with remaining shrimp. Remember to let oil return to temperature if needed between batches.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

While hot from frying, coat the crispy shrimp with your prepared sauce. Serve right away for optimal flavor!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or incorporating it into a meal, here are some fantastic serving suggestions to elevate your dining experience.

As an Appetizer

• Serve the shrimp in individual cups for a fun, finger-food style presentation.
• Pair with toothpicks for easy eating at parties or gatherings.

Over Rice

• Spoon the crispy shrimp over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice for a hearty meal.
• Drizzle extra bang bang sauce on top for added flavor.

In Tacos

• Use small tortillas to create delicious shrimp tacos.
• Top with shredded cabbage and avocado for crunch and creaminess.

With Salad

• Toss the shrimp onto a fresh garden salad.
• Use the bang bang sauce as a dressing for a spicy kick.

On Sliders

• Place fried shrimp on mini buns to make sliders.
• Add coleslaw for texture and serve with extra sauce on the side.

As Part of a Platter

• Arrange the shrimp on a platter alongside fresh veggies and dipping sauces.
• This creates an appealing spread for entertaining guests.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

To make sure your Bang Bang Shrimp turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.

• Choose fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will provide the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, translucent shells when shopping.
• Properly heat the oil: Ensure your oil reaches 375°F before frying. This helps achieve that crispy outer layer while keeping the shrimp tender inside.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Fry in small batches to maintain oil temperature and ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lead to soggy shrimp.
• Coat thoroughly: Make sure each piece of shrimp is fully coated in buttermilk and cornstarch. This will help create that perfect crunchy crust.
• Serve immediately: For the best taste, serve your Bang Bang Shrimp right after frying. They are crispiest when hot!

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Shrimp can enhance your meal’s overall flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Steamed Broccoli: A light side that balances out the richness of the fried shrimp.
2. Cucumber Salad: Refreshing and crunchy, this salad adds a cool contrast to the spicy flavors.
3. Fried Rice: A flavorful option that complements the sweetness of the bang bang sauce beautifully.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: The sweetness pairs well with the spicy notes of the shrimp.
5. Coleslaw: Creamy slaw adds texture and freshness, making it an ideal pairing.
6. Garlic Bread: A simple yet tasty option that can soak up any leftover sauce!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Shrimp, it’s easy to overlook some key steps that can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Bold preparation: Skipping the buttermilk soak can lead to less flavorful shrimp. Ensure each piece is well-coated for the best taste.
• Bold frying temperature: Not heating the oil to 375°F can result in soggy shrimp. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature accurately.
• Bold batch cooking: Overcrowding the pot while frying can lower the oil temperature. Fry in small batches for even cooking and crispiness.
• Bold sauce mixing: Not blending the sauce ingredients thoroughly may create inconsistent flavors. Whisk them together until smooth before serving.
• Bold serving time: Allowing the shrimp to sit too long after frying can make them lose their crunch. Serve immediately for optimal texture and taste.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
• Placing parchment paper between layers can help maintain crispness.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp

• For longer storage, freeze cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer-safe container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.
• Make sure to label containers with dates for easy tracking.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and lay shrimp on a baking sheet. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds until warmed, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add shrimp and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until warm and crisp.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect as an appetizer or snack.

Can I use other types of seafood?

Yes! You can substitute shrimp with scallops or fish fillets for different variations of this dish.

How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp?

The spice level varies based on how much Sriracha you add. Adjust it according to your preference for heat!

Can I make it ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge until you’re ready to fry the shrimp.

What should I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?

These shrimp pair beautifully with rice, salads, or even as part of a seafood platter at parties.

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp offers an irresistible combination of crunch and flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish is versatile; feel free to customize it by adjusting spice levels or trying different dipping sauces. Give this recipe a go, and enjoy every bite!

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