Okay, let’s talk about Bang Bang Shrimp! If you’ve ever had it at a restaurant and thought, “Wow, how do they get that amazing creamy, spicy, slightly sweet coating on those perfectly crispy shrimp?” – well, you’re in for a treat. This homemade Bang Bang Shrimp is seriously the real deal. I remember the first time I tried making it at home, I was a little intimidated, but honestly, it’s surprisingly simple to whip up and tastes even better than takeout. It’s that magical combo of tender, crispy shrimp coated in a dreamy sauce that just hits all the right spots. Trust me, this recipe is a total game-changer for your next get-together or even just a Tuesday night dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Super Speedy: We’re talking a total of about 20 minutes from start to bang-bang-deliciousness.
- Crazy Easy: Seriously, even if you’re new to cooking shrimp, you can totally nail this.
- Unbeatable Flavor: That sweet, spicy, creamy sauce is just *chef’s kiss*.
- So Versatile: Perfect as an appetizer, or toss it over rice or salad for a killer main dish!
- Packed with Protein: Get your protein fix without feeling like you’re eating diet food.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
Listen, the secret to truly amazing Bang Bang Shrimp is all about using good quality ingredients. Don’t skimp here – especially on the shrimp and the sauces! It really makes a difference in the final flavor, trust me.
- For the Shrimp
- 1 pound raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- For the sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Sriracha or your favorite kind!)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- For serving
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bang Bang Shrimp
Step 1: First things first, get your shrimp situation sorted. Pop them into a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them hang out in there for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic starts, making them super tender!
Step 2: While the shrimp are having their spa treatment, get your crispy coating ready. In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is your flavor-bomb mix!
Step 3: Now, let’s heat up that oil. You’ll want about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan, and get it nice and hot, around 375°F. This is crucial for that perfect crispy coating. Be careful when working with hot oil, okay?
Step 4: Time to coat! Take your shrimp out of the buttermilk, letting any extra drip off. Then, toss them into that cornstarch mixture. Make sure every single shrimp is happily coated – no dry spots allowed!
Step 5: Fry ’em up! Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches. You don’t want to crowd the pan, or they won’t get crispy! Fry for just 2 to 3 minutes, until they’re beautifully golden brown and puffed up. Then, pop them onto a plate lined with paper towels to drain. Quick tip: I like to use tongs to pull them out of the oil so I don’t burn myself.
Step 6: Let’s make that drool-worthy sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey. Mix it until it’s all smooth and gorgeous. You can totally adjust the hot sauce here to make it spicier or milder, whatever floats your boat!
Step 7: Sauce time! Gently toss your warm, crispy shrimp into that amazing sauce. Make sure every piece gets a nice, even coating. It should look absolutely irresistible at this point.
Step 8: Almost there! Transfer your saucy shrimp to a serving dish. Sprinkle generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Serve them right away while they’re still warm and extra crispy. For more on cooking seafood, check out this great resource!
What to Serve with Your Bang Bang Shrimp
This Bang Bang Shrimp is amazing on its own, but here are a few ideas to make it a full meal:
Perfectly Steamed Rice: A classic for a reason! The fluffy rice just soaks up all that delicious sauce, making every bite even better.
Crisp Lettuce Wraps: Want something lighter? Serve the shrimp in crisp butter lettuce cups for a refreshing, low-carb option that’s super fun to eat.
Simple Cucumber Salad: A cool, crisp cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the shrimp and sauce. It’s so refreshing!
Storing and Reheating Your Bang Bang Shrimp
So, you’ve got some perfectly saucy Bang Bang Shrimp leftover? Lucky you! Your best bet is to store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Honestly, though, they’re best eaten fresh. To reheat, I’d avoid the microwave if you want to keep any semblance of crispiness – it tends to make them a bit soggy. Instead, try warming them gently in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes, or pop them in a moderately hot oven (around 350°F or 175°C) for about 5-7 minutes. For meal prep, I usually keep the sauce separate and toss the shrimp in it right before serving or reheating so they stay as crisp as possible!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp spicier?
Absolutely! If you love extra heat, just add more hot sauce to the sauce mixture. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite chili flakes when you mix the cornstarch coating. Don’t be afraid to experiment to get it just right for your taste buds!
What kind of shrimp is best for Bang Bang Shrimp?
For the best Bang Bang Shrimp, I always go for medium to large raw shrimp. Make sure they’re peeled and deveined, with the tails removed so they’re easy to eat. Fresh is always ideal, but good quality frozen shrimp that have been properly thawed work great too. The size really helps them get that perfect crispy coating and stay juicy inside.
Can I bake or air fry Bang Bang Shrimp instead of frying?
You sure can! While frying gives you that ultimate crispiness, baking or air frying is a healthier option and still delicious. For baking, spread the coated shrimp on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. Just be aware they might not be *quite* as crispy as the fried version, but still worth it! You can find more inspiration for making seafood amazing on Pinterest.
Before You Go
Seriously, give this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe a whirl this week! It’s so satisfyingly crispy and creamy, and honestly, making it at home is way easier than you think. I’d absolutely love to hear what you think, so drop a comment below or rate it if you try it out!
Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place shrimp in a bowl and pour buttermilk over them. Let sit for 10 minutes while preparing the coating and sauce.
- In a separate bowl mix cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pan to 375 degrees F.
- Remove shrimp from buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge in the cornstarch mixture until fully coated.
- Fry shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Do not overcrowd the pan. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
- In a small bowl whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey until smooth.
- Toss the warm shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.
