Oh, my goodness! If you haven’t had the pleasure of tasting Bang Bang Shrimp, then buckle up because we’re about to take your taste buds on a delightful joyride! This recipe brings me back to a little seafood shack where I first tried this crispy, spicy shrimp, and let me tell you, I haven’t looked back since. Every bite is like a flavor explosion that perfectly combines the crunchiness of fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce that you just can’t resist.
When I make Bang Bang Shrimp at home, it feels like a mini celebration! Whether it’s a casual dinner, a game day snack, or a fun party platter, this dish is sure to impress your guests (and trust me, they will ask for the recipe!). Let’s get down to business and whip up this masterpiece.
What’s in Bang Bang Shrimp?
Large Shrimp: The star of the show! Fresh or frozen, make sure they are peeled and deveined for that perfect bite. I usually prefer wild-caught shrimp for the best flavor.
Cornstarch: This little gem helps give the shrimp a super crispy coating. It’s a must-have in the mixture!
All-purpose Flour: Combined with cornstarch, the flour adds extra crunch and texture to the shrimp.
Salt, Black Pepper, and Paprika: A dash of flavor goes a long way! The salt and pepper enhance the natural taste of the shrimp, while paprika adds a beautiful color and a hint of smokiness.
Buttermilk: This tangy goodness makes the shrimp super tender and adds a lovely richness to the batter.
Oil for frying: I recommend vegetable or canola oil for frying because they have a high smoke point, allowing the shrimp to get that golden brown perfection.
Mayonnaise: The base of our sauce, it adds creaminess that perfectly balances the spices.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Oh, how I love this sauce! It’s sweet, a tad tangy and adds that signature flavor to our Bang Bang Shrimp.
Sriracha: This is where the excitement gets cranked up! I love adding sriracha to give that delicious kick, but feel free to adjust it to your taste.
Green Onion: For garnish, this adds a fresh burst of color and flavor.
Lettuce Leaves: Not just for decoration! They provide a crunchy base to serve our shrimp on and help soak up any extra sauce.
Is Bang Bang Shrimp Good for You?
Now, let’s talk about the health side of things! While Bang Bang Shrimp is undeniably delicious, it’s also important to be mindful of its nutritional aspects.
Shrimp: This seafood option is high in protein and low in calories, which is always a win! Plus, it’s packed with essential nutrients like iodine, which is good for thyroid function.
Buttermilk: It adds flavor and creaminess, but just remember it does add some fat and calories. For a lighter twist, you can always substitute with low-fat buttermilk or a dairy-free alternative.
Mayonnaise: Usually a calorie bomb, but you could opt for light mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier, protein-packed option.
Sure, it’s a fried dish, so we should savor it in moderation, especially if we’re keeping an eye on fried foods in our diets. However, a little indulgence now and then is totally acceptable, especially with something as tasty as this!
Ingredients
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– Oil for frying
– 1/2 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
– 1 green onion, thinly sliced (for garnish)
– Lettuce leaves (for serving)
**Servings:** This recipe serves about 4 people, depending on how hungry everyone is!
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp?
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika. This mixture is going to make our shrimp crispy and flavorful!
2. Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk; let any excess drip off before dredging in the flour mixture. Make sure they’re thoroughly coated!
3. Heat the oil in a deep skillet or fryer over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when a drop of batter sizzles upon contact. It’s time to carefully add the coated shrimp in batches—fry until they’re golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Once done, remove them and drain on paper towels.
4. In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until well combined. This is where the magic happens!
5. Toss the fried shrimp in the tasty sauce until they are evenly coated—because who doesn’t love a saucy shrimp?
6. Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp over a bed of lettuce leaves and garnish with sliced green onions. Enjoy every crunchy, spicy bite!
Make It Your Own!
Now that you have the basics down, don’t be shy about making it your own! Here are some fun variations you can try:
– **Baked Bang Bang Shrimp:** For a healthier twist, bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Just spray them with a bit of oil and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes.
– **Spicier Sauce:** Amp up the heat by adding more sriracha to the sauce or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes!
– **Taco Time:** Use the Bang Bang Shrimp as a filling for tacos! Just add some cabbage and drizzle your sauce over the top for a refreshing spin.
So there you have it! I hope this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe inspires you as much as it has inspired me. It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress. I can’t wait for you to try it, and I’d love to hear how it turns out for you. Don’t forget to share your experience with me, and happy cooking!
