Sarah BrownIf you’re planning a dinner party or just looking for a delicious dish to spice up your weeknight dinners, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to impress. It offers a delightful combination of crispy shrimp and a creamy, spicy sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. But what pairs well with this mouthwatering dish? Think about serving it alongside steamed jasmine rice, toasted sesame noodles, or a fresh garden salad. You could even consider mini tacos for a fun twist!
Hello, fellow food lovers! Let’s talk about one of my all-time favorite dishes—Bang Bang Shrimp. When I first tasted this dish, that creamy sauce and crispy shrimp had me convinced I could happily eat it every day. If you’re on the hunt for an easy recipe that does not skimp on flavor, then ride along with me! I promise you that cooking this dish at home will bring you as much joy as it brought me. Dive in as I share my insights, tips, and an alluring recipe.
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish that originated from the bustling kitchens of Asian cuisine. It features shrimp that are coated, fried to crispy perfection, and generously tossed in a rich and spicy sauce. This dish can often be found on the menu of popular Asian-American restaurants. The combination of sweetness from the chili sauce and creaminess from mayonnaise creates a magical blend that leaves you craving more.
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What Does It Taste Like?
Picture biting into a piece of crispy shrimp coated in a luscious sauce that balances sweetness, spice, and umami. It has a crunch that gives way to a tender, flavorful morsel of shrimp. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the crispy coating, making every bite a delightful experience. It’s a party for your taste buds that you won’t want to miss.
Why This Recipe Works
Flavor that Excites: The combination of sweet Thai chili sauce and sriracha creates a balanced flavor profile. It has just the right amount of heat without being overwhelming.
Crispy Texture: Using potato starch ensures a light and crispy coating for the shrimp. This keeps the bites satisfying and adds a delightful contrast to the creamy sauce.
Quick Preparation: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant appetizer!
Versatile Dish: Bang Bang Shrimp can be served as an appetizer, part of a main dish with rice, or even tucked into tacos for a fun spin.
Ingredients For Bang Bang Shrimp
Before we jump into the cooking magic, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
1 cup cultured buttermilk
1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
¾ cup potato starch
¾ teaspoon sea salt
1 cup neutral-flavored oil
2 teaspoons lemon zest
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 green onion, finely sliced, for garnish
Bang Bang Sauce:
¼ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
½ cup Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise
2 tablespoons sriracha hot sauce
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Begin by pouring the cultured buttermilk into a bowl. Add a sprinkle of salt and garlic powder. Toss the shrimp in this mix and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and infuses them with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While the shrimp marinate, take a shallow dish and add the potato starch, black pepper, and lemon zest. Mix them well. The potato starch is the secret to achieving that crispy texture.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan, pour in the neutral oil. Heat it over medium-high until it shimmers. A test to ensure it’s ready is to drop a pinch of potato starch into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s good to go.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Take the marinated shrimp out of the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the potato starch mixture. Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated for that delicious crunch.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated shrimp to the pan in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan; this keeps everything crisp.
Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp are frying, whip up the Bang Bang Sauce. In a bowl, mix together the sweet Thai chili sauce, Kewpie mayonnaise, and sriracha. Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference—that bite adds an exciting kick.
Step 7: Toss It All Together
Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Then, toss the crispy shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
Plate the Bang Bang Shrimp and garnish with finely sliced green onions. Enjoy this dish warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
When cooking this dish, keep these tips in mind:
Use Fresh Shrimp: The fresher the shrimp, the better the flavor. Frozen works too but try to source high-quality seafood.
Watch the Oil Temperature: If it’s too hot, the shrimp will burn. Too cool, and they’ll absorb oil and be greasy. You want that perfect sizzle.
Make it Ahead of Time: If you’re preparing this as an appetizer, consider frying up the shrimp in advance and tossing them with the sauce right before serving.
Adjusting Spice Levels: Start with less sriracha if you prefer a milder taste. You can always add more!
Serving Size: This recipe serves about 4 as an appetizer. For a main dish, it may serve 2-3.
Nutrition Information
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Nutrition Facts
How To Store The Leftovers?
If you happen to have leftovers—a divine dilemma—you can store your Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheating in the oven will help maintain that crispy exterior. Microwave can also work, but the shrimp may lose some crunch.
Sides For Bang Bang Shrimp
What goes best with Bang Bang Shrimp? Here are some delicious side options:
- Steamed Jasmine Rice: Light and fluffy, this is the perfect companion to soak up that delicious sauce.
- Asian Slaw: A refreshing sesame-infused slaw adds crunch and balances the richness of the shrimp.
- Chilled Noodles: Try a sesame noodle salad for a delightful bite that complements the main event without competing for flavor.
- Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad with vinegar dressing can balance the richness of the Bang Bang Shrimp.
Ingredient Alternatives
If you find yourself missing an ingredient, here are some alternative options:
- Shrimp Substitute: If you don’t have shrimp, try using chicken breast pieces or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Potato Starch: Cornstarch can also be used in place of potato starch for a similar crispy finish.
- Kewpie Mayonnaise: If you’re unable to locate Kewpie, regular mayonnaise works, but add a touch of rice vinegar for a similar flavor profile.
- Sweet Thai Chili Sauce: A homemade mixture of chili sauce with a hint of honey can stand in for store-bought sweet Thai chili sauce.
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Frying pan
Ingredients
- 1 cup cultured buttermilk
- 1 lb large shrimp peeled and deveined
- ¾ cup potato starch
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 cup neutral-flavored oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 green onion finely sliced, for garnish
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
- ½ cup Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
- Begin by pouring the cultured buttermilk into a bowl. Add a sprinkle of salt and garlic powder. Toss the shrimp in this mix and let them sit for 10-15 minutes. This helps tenderize the shrimp and infuses them with flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- While the shrimp marinate, take a shallow dish and add the potato starch, black pepper, and lemon zest. Mix them well. The potato starch is the secret to achieving that crispy texture.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a large frying pan, pour in the neutral oil. Heat it over medium-high until it shimmers. A test to ensure it’s ready is to drop a pinch of potato starch into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s good to go.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
- Take the marinated shrimp out of the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the potato starch mixture. Ensure each shrimp is evenly coated for that delicious crunch.
Step 5: Fry the Shrimp
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated shrimp to the pan in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan; this keeps everything crisp.
Step 6: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- While the shrimp are frying, whip up the Bang Bang Sauce. In a bowl, mix together the sweet Thai chili sauce, Kewpie mayonnaise, and sriracha. Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference—that bite adds an exciting kick.
Step 7: Toss It All Together
- Once the shrimp are perfectly cooked, remove them from the oil and place on a paper towel to drain excess oil. Then, toss the crispy shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated.
Step 8: Serve and Garnish
- Plate the Bang Bang Shrimp and garnish with finely sliced green onions. Enjoy this dish warm for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use Fresh Shrimp: The fresher the shrimp, the better the flavor. Frozen works too but try to source high-quality seafood.
- Watch the Oil Temperature: If it’s too hot, the shrimp will burn. Too cool, and they’ll absorb oil and be greasy. You want that perfect sizzle.
- Make it Ahead of Time: If you’re preparing this as an appetizer, consider frying up the shrimp in advance and tossing them with the sauce right before serving.
- Adjusting Spice Levels: Start with less sriracha if you prefer a milder taste. You can always add more!
- Serving Size: This recipe serves about 4 as an appetizer. For a main dish, it may serve 2-3.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I bake Bang Bang Shrimp instead of frying?
Sure! To bake, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated shrimp on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through until crispy.
2. What is the best way to reheat Bang Bang Shrimp?
The best method is to reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This helps retain the crispy texture. Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a pinch!
3. Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp healthier?
Absolutely! You can use an air fryer to significantly reduce the oil used. Also, substituting the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt can cut down on calories while maintaining a creamy texture.
4. Is Bang Bang Shrimp gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free alternatives for the sauces and ensure that all ingredients are certified gluten-free. The potato starch is a safe choice!
Conclusion
So there you have it! Bang Bang Shrimp is truly a delightful dish that’s easy to whip up and sure to impress. With its crispy exterior, delicious sauce, and potential for various pairings, it has everything going for it.
Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself, this recipe is worthy of your table. Enjoy exploring the flavors, and don’t forget to share with me how your batch turns out. Happy cooking!
