Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce. This dish is perfect for various occasions, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This recipe comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous get-togethers.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of the creamy sauce and crunchy shrimp creates a delicious contrast that tantalizes the taste buds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve as an appetizer, over noodles, or even in tacos for a fun twist on your meal.
• Customizable Heat Level: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your personal preference for spice—perfect for all palates!
• Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Whether it’s game day or a family gathering, this dish is sure to impress your guests.

Tools and Preparation

Before you dive into making Bang Bang Shrimp, gather the essential tools and equipment to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Heavy-bottom pot
• Candy thermometer
• Mixing bowls
• Slotted spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Heavy-bottom pot: This helps maintain an even temperature while frying, preventing oil from cooling down too much.
• Candy thermometer: Essential for checking the oil temperature so your shrimp fry perfectly without burning.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for preparing the sauce and coating the shrimp efficiently.

Ingredients

To make delicious Bang Bang Shrimp, gather the following ingredients:

For the Sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce
• ½ teaspoon Sriracha (adjust 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 in the buttermilk, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 3: Prepare for Frying

In a third small bowl, add cornstarch. This will be used to coat the shrimp before frying.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

In a large heavy-bottom pot, pour in about 1 inch of canola oil. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches 375°F on a candy thermometer.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Working in batches, take shrimp out of buttermilk allowing excess liquid to drip off. Then coat each shrimp in cornstarch before placing them into hot oil. Fry for 1-2 minutes until they are lightly golden brown on both sides. Remember to check if you need to reheat the oil after each batch!

Step 6: Coat and Serve

Once fried, immediately coat the shrimp with your prepared sauce while they are still hot. Serve promptly for maximum crunchiness!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to suit your taste and occasion. Whether you’re hosting a party or enjoying a casual dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

• Use soft or hard taco shells filled with shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and the crispy shrimp, drizzled with the bang bang sauce for added flavor.

Bang Bang Shrimp Salad

• Create a refreshing salad by tossing mixed greens with avocado, cucumber, and cherry tomatoes, topped with crispy shrimp and the spicy sauce.

Bang Bang Shrimp Noodles

• Serve over cooked rice noodles or soba noodles, garnished with green onions and sesame seeds for an Asian-inspired dish.

Bang Bang Shrimp Appetizer

• Present the shrimp on a platter as an appetizer, paired with toothpicks for easy serving. A small bowl of extra sauce makes for delightful dipping.

Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl

• Layer cooked quinoa or brown rice at the bottom of a bowl, add fresh veggies, and top with fried shrimp and sauce for a hearty meal.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

To achieve the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp, consider these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp provide better flavor and texture than frozen ones. Look for those that are firm and have a mild scent.

• Maintain oil temperature: Keep the frying oil at 375°F throughout cooking. If it drops too low, the shrimp will absorb more oil instead of getting crispy.

• Don’t overcrowd the pot: Fry in small batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.

• Customize spice levels: Adjust the amount of Sriracha in your sauce to make it as spicy as you prefer. Start with less if you’re unsure!

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp

Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Shrimp enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Coconut Rice: This sweet side complements the spicy flavors of the shrimp perfectly. Simply cook rice in coconut milk for added richness.

2. Garlic Asparagus: Sauté asparagus spears in olive oil and garlic until tender. The bright flavors contrast nicely with the richness of the shrimp dish.

3. Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made from cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness and texture to your meal.

4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a sweet counterbalance to the spicy bang bang sauce while being easy to prepare.

5. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli provides a nutritious option that pairs well without overpowering your main dish.

6. Cucumber Salad: A simple salad made from sliced cucumbers dressed in vinegar adds a refreshing crunch alongside your flavorful shrimp.

7. Fried Rice: Stir-fried rice with vegetables is satisfying and can be easily customized to include your favorite ingredients.

8. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter is a classic summer side that complements many dishes beautifully, including this one.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Bang Bang Shrimp, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish significantly.

• Boldly skip the sauce: Failing to make the bang bang sauce or using a store-bought version can lead to a lack of flavor. Always prepare the homemade sauce for the best taste.
• Boldly forget about drying shrimp: Not patting the shrimp dry before coating them can cause them to become soggy. Make sure to remove excess moisture for a crispier result.
• Boldly overcrowd the pot: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches for perfectly crispy shrimp.
• Boldly ignore oil temperature: Using oil that is not hot enough will result in greasy shrimp. Always check that the oil reaches 375°F before frying.
• Boldly skip resting time: Serving right after frying without letting them rest can lead to steam, making them less crispy. Let them rest for a minute before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp

• Place cooled fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container or freezer bag.
• Use within 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F and spread the shrimp on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy.
• Microwave: Place shrimp on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until heated through but expect less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a bit of oil. Warm the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, turning frequently until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Bang Bang Shrimp that you may find helpful.

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

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

Can I use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking for optimal results.

How can I customize my Bang Bang Shrimp?

You can customize by adding extra spices to the coating or modifying the sauce with more Sriracha for added heat or honey for sweetness.

Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp ahead of time?

While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and coat the shrimp ahead of time. Fry right before serving for best texture.

Is there a vegetarian version of Bang Bang Shrimp?

Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with cauliflower or tofu, following the same coating and frying method for a delicious plant-based option.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can serve it as an appetizer, over noodles, or even in tacos. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or sauces to suit your taste. Enjoy creating this delightful dish!