Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavor and crispy texture, this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is an absolute game-changer. Imagine succulent shrimp coated in a crispy shell, drenched in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce that makes every bite unforgettable. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to serve when friends come over. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just dipping your toes into shrimp dishes, this recipe gives you that perfect balance of heat and creaminess that will keep everyone coming back for more.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe comes to life with just a handful of simple ingredients, each bringing its own magic to the plate. From the tender shrimp to the zingy sauce components, every item plays a crucial role in creating that signature taste and texture.

• 8 oz medium shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed): The star of the dish, fresh shrimp provide a tender and flavorful base.
• 1 cup buttermilk: Helps tenderize the shrimp and adds a subtle tang for depth.
• 1 cup cornstarch: Gives the shrimp that irresistibly light and crispy coating.
• 2 cups sunflower oil: Perfect for frying thanks to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates the creamy foundation of the Bang Bang sauce.
• 2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce: Brings sweetness and a gentle heat that brightens the sauce.
• 2 1/2 Tbsp sriracha: Adds a spicy kick that wakes up your taste buds.
• 1/4 tsp sea salt: Balances and enhances all the flavors in the sauce.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Start by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sea salt in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. This is your luscious bang bang sauce that will coat the shrimp later, so give it a quick taste and adjust the spice if you like things hotter or milder. Cover the bowl and place it in the fridge while you prepare everything else — letting the flavors meld together.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp in Buttermilk

Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a small bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step not only infuses a gentle tang but also helps the cornstarch adhere better, ensuring that perfect crispy crust after frying.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

While the shrimp marinate, pour 2-3 inches of sunflower oil into a Dutch oven or deep pot, and heat it over medium until it reaches 375°F. Maintaining the right oil temperature is key so that the shrimp fry evenly without absorbing too much oil.

Step 4: Coat the Shrimp

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off. Then, dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch, shaking off the extra so the coating remains light and crunchy. Work in small batches for the best results.

Step 5: Fry Until Golden

Carefully lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes until they float to the surface and turn a gorgeous golden color. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the excess oil and keep them crisp.

Step 6: Toss With Bang Bang Sauce

While the shrimp are still warm, toss them gently in the prepared bang bang sauce. The warmth helps the sauce cling beautifully to each bite, creating that irresistible creamy, spicy glaze.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the coated shrimp over a bed of fresh lettuce or your favorite greens. The crunch of the lettuce balances the creamy shrimp perfectly and adds a refreshing contrast. Don’t forget to garnish with some sliced green onions for a pop of color and mild onion flavor.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro adds vibrant color and a fresh bite that complements the richness of the bang bang sauce. You can also add a squeeze of lime for a zesty lift that brightens the dish instantly.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like jasmine rice or steamed vegetables, which soak up the excess sauce beautifully. For a more indulgent meal, try serving it with garlic butter noodles or crunchy Asian slaw to add texture and balance.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe into an appetizer party hit by serving the shrimp on skewers or as sliders with crisp lettuce buns. Alternatively, toss the shrimp with a noodle salad for a delightful Asian-inspired twist that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the shrimp’s crispiness until you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Freezing

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is best eaten fresh, but if you want to freeze leftovers, freeze the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the shrimp in a skillet or oven set to low heat to preserve their crispy coating. If the shrimp got sauced beforehand, reheat briefly and stir carefully to avoid softening the crunch too much.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw and pat the shrimp dry before marinating and coating. This step prevents excess moisture and helps achieve that perfect crispiness.

What can I substitute for buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a quick substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to a cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using to mimic the acidity and tenderizing effect.

Is this recipe very spicy?

The Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe has a moderate kick from the sriracha and sweet chili sauce, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding less sriracha or swapping it out for a milder chili sauce based on your preference.

What’s the best oil for frying shrimp?

Sunflower oil, peanut oil, or canola oil are great choices because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, ensuring the shrimp fry evenly without burning or tasting oily.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?

While frying provides the iconic crispiness, you can bake the coated shrimp at 425°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They won’t be quite as crunchy but still flavorful and lighter if you prefer.

Final Thoughts

This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is hands down one of those dishes that never disappoints, combining ease, flavor, and a bit of a fun kick. Whether you’re making it as a quick weekday dinner or a show-stopping appetizer, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles to the table. So grab those shrimp and turn your kitchen into your favorite spot for bold, saucy bites filled with crunch and spice. You won’t regret it!

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