Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp is a delectable seafood dish that has captured the hearts of many food enthusiasts. Known for its crispy texture and spicy, creamy sauce, this dish offers a unique combination of flavors that is both tantalizing and unforgettable. Its popularity stems from the perfect balance of heat and sweetness, making it a standout appetizer or main course at any gathering.
Ingredients and Substitutions
The core ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp include 1 lb of jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, ensuring a succulent and tender bite. The shrimp are coated in ¾ cup of cornstarch, which can be substituted with potato starch or tapioca starch for a similar crispy finish. Buttermilk, essential for marinating the shrimp, can be made by mixing 1 cup of whole milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and letting it sit for five minutes. This helps in tenderizing the shrimp. The seasoning includes ¾ teaspoon of salt, ¾ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon of black pepper, enhancing the flavor profile. The final touch of garnish comes from a finely chopped green onion, adding a burst of color and freshness.
For the Bang Bang Sauce, the creamy base is ½ cup of Japanese mayonnaise, which you can substitute with regular mayo if needed. The sauce gets its sweetness from ¼ cup of Thai Sweet Chili sauce, while 2 tablespoons of sriracha add a spicy kick. Adjust the sriracha according to your spice tolerance.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To begin, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with buttermilk in a medium-sized bowl. Let this sit for 10 minutes to tenderize the shrimp. While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the Bang Bang Sauce by mixing Japanese mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili sauce, and sriracha in a small bowl. Adjust the sriracha to match your preferred level of spiciness and set the sauce aside.
Next, prepare the dredging mixture by whisking together cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl or on a baking sheet. Coat each shrimp thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even layer on both sides.
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or heavy-bottom pan over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees F. You can use a digital instant-read thermometer to check the temperature. Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, cooking each side for about 1.5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Overcooking will make the shrimp tough, so keep an eye on the time. Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Finally, place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl and pour the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over them. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. Garnish with finely chopped green onions and serve immediately to enjoy the best flavor and texture.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
How to ensure the shrimp are tender and juicy:
Marinate the shrimp in buttermilk for the full 10 minutes to tenderize them.
Tips for achieving the perfect crispy coating:
Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying and avoid overcrowding the pan.
Common mistakes to avoid while frying shrimp:
Overcrowding the pan can lower the oil temperature, making the shrimp less crispy.
Adjusting the spice level to suit different palates:
Add more or less sriracha to the sauce based on your spice preference.
How do I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?
Yes, bake at 400 degrees F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What are the best shrimp to use for this recipe?
Jumbo shrimp are ideal, but you can use large shrimp if preferred.
How do I reheat Bang Bang Shrimp without losing crispiness?
Reheat in an oven at 350 degrees F for about 10 minutes.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Bang Bang Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. For a complete meal, consider serving it over a bed of steamed rice or alongside a fresh green salad. Dipping sauces like additional Thai Sweet Chili sauce or a tangy aioli can complement the flavors nicely. For beverages, a crisp white wine or a light beer would be perfect to balance the richness of the dish. If you want to turn this appetizer into a main course, consider serving it with a side of garlic butter pasta or a medley of roasted vegetables.
Variations and Additions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe. Add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas to the shrimp for a more colorful and nutritious dish. You can also substitute the shrimp with other proteins like chicken or tofu for a different twist. For special occasions, serve Bang Bang Shrimp as part of a seafood platter or as sliders with soft brioche buns.
Bang Bang Shrimp is a versatile and flavorful dish that is sure to impress your guests. Its combination of crispy shrimp and a spicy, creamy sauce makes it a standout recipe that you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer or a main course, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it out and share your delicious experiences with others!
INGREDIENTS:
1 lb Jumbo Shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
¾ cup cornstarch (or substitute with potato starch/tapioca starch)
1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes)
¾ teaspoon salt
¾ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 green onion, finely chopped for garnish
Bang Bang Sauce:
½ cup Japanese mayonnaise (or substitute with regular mayo)
¼ cup Thai Sweet Chili sauce
2 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
INSTRUCTIONS:
Begin by preparing the shrimp. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the buttermilk. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes, which will help tenderize the shrimp.
While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Japanese mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your desired spice level. Set the sauce aside.
Prepare the dredging mixture by whisking together the cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl or on a baking sheet.
Coat each shrimp thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even layer on both sides.
In a large skillet or heavy-bottom pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees F, or use a digital instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the shrimp for about 1.5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain their tenderness.
Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl and pour the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over them. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
Garnish the shrimp with finely chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp!
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipes
Ingredients
- 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp peeled and deveined
- 1 cup vegetable oil or any neutral oil
- ¾ cup cornstarch or substitute with potato starch/tapioca starch
- 1 cup buttermilk or substitute with 1 cup whole milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, let sit for 5 minutes
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 green onion finely chopped for garnish
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup Japanese mayonnaise or substitute with regular mayo
- ¼ cup Thai Sweet Chili sauce
- 2 tablespoon sriracha sauce adjust to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the shrimp. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with the buttermilk. Allow the mixture to sit for 10 minutes, which will help tenderize the shrimp.
- While the shrimp is marinating, prepare the Bang Bang Sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the Japanese mayonnaise, Thai Sweet Chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the amount of sriracha based on your desired spice level. Set the sauce aside.
- Prepare the dredging mixture by whisking together the cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper in a shallow bowl or on a baking sheet.
- Coat each shrimp thoroughly in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring an even layer on both sides.
- In a large skillet or heavy-bottom pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350 degrees F, or use a digital instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.
- Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the shrimp for about 1.5 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcooking the shrimp to maintain their tenderness.
- Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Place the crispy shrimp in a large bowl and pour the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over them. Gently toss the shrimp to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish the shrimp with finely chopped green onions and serve immediately. Enjoy your Bang Bang Shrimp!