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Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

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4.3 from 3 reviews

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, spicy appetizer featuring shrimp marinated in buttermilk, fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a creamy, tangy bang bang sauce made from mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, and is a crowd-pleaser for parties or weeknight dinners.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Shrimp and Marinade

  • 8 oz medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails removed
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 cups sunflower oil (for frying)

Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp sriracha
  • 1/4 tsp sea salt

Instructions

  1. Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and sea salt. Mix thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use to let the flavors meld.
  2. Marinate Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into another small bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Allow the shrimp to marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
  3. Prepare for Frying: While the shrimp marinates, preheat 2 to 3 inches of sunflower oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot over medium heat until it reaches 375°F, ideal for frying.
  4. Drain Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, shaking off excess liquid to prevent oil splatter during frying.
  5. Coat Shrimp: Dredge the shrimp in cornstarch, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Shake off any excess starch to avoid clumping.
  6. Fry Shrimp: Working in small batches (6-8 shrimp at a time), carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil. Fry until the shrimp float to the top and turn golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  7. Toss with Sauce: While still warm, toss the fried shrimp in the prepared bang bang sauce to fully coat them and infuse flavor.
  8. Serve: Arrange the sauced shrimp over a bed of fresh lettuce and garnish with sliced green onions for color and crunch. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure oil temperature is maintained at 375°F for crispy shrimp without absorbing excess oil.
  • Do not overcrowd the pot when frying to keep oil temperature steady and ensure even cooking.
  • The sauce can be adjusted for heat by varying the amount of sriracha.
  • Use fresh shrimp for the best texture and flavor; frozen shrimp should be fully thawed before marinating.
  • For a gluten-free option, make sure the cornstarch is certified gluten-free and verify all sauces used are gluten-free.