Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe – Easy & Flavorful

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer that brings crispy, juicy shrimp together with a sweet and spicy sauce, creating a delightful flavor explosion in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or craving a restaurant-quality dish at home, this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor. With its quick prep time and unique blend of flavors, this dish will surely become a family favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with sweet and spicy sauce

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp

This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is not only simple but bursting with flavor. The crispy shrimp, combined with a homemade sweet chili sauce, creates a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory elements. The best part? You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy nights or last-minute appetizers. It’s much cheaper than ordering at a restaurant, and you can customize the spice level to your preference.

Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp

To make Bang Bang Shrimp, you’ll need the following ingredients, most of which are pantry staples. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

  • Shrimp: Large, peeled, and deveined shrimp for the perfect texture.
  • Mayonnaise: The base of the Bang Bang sauce, providing creaminess.
  • Thai Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds that signature sweet and spicy flavor.
  • Sriracha: Gives the sauce an extra kick of heat.
  • Sour Cream: Works alongside the milk for a tangy, creamy marinade.
  • Milk: Creates the perfect liquid for dredging shrimp.
  • Lemon Juice: Balances the creaminess and adds brightness.
  • Flour and Cornstarch: These are the foundation for the crispy coating.
  • Seasonings (Paprika, Salt, and Pepper): For flavor in the batter.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

If you’re missing some ingredients or need to make substitutions, here are some great alternatives for your Bang Bang Shrimp recipe:

  • Greek Yogurt: For a tangier version, substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise.
  • Frozen Shrimp: If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp can work too. Just make sure to thaw them completely before use.
  • Gluten-Free Flour: Use a gluten-free flour blend if you’re looking for a gluten-free option for the batter.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bang Bang Shrimp

Follow these easy steps to make crispy, mouth-watering Bang Bang Shrimp:

  1. Prepare the Milk Mixture: In a bowl, combine the milk, sour cream, and lemon juice. Stir well.
  2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dredge the Shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the milk mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated, then dredge it in the flour mixture. Set aside.
  4. Fry the Shrimp: Heat about 1-1½ inches of oil in a large skillet. Once the oil reaches 325°F, fry the shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and sriracha to make the Bang Bang sauce.
  6. Coat the Shrimp: Once the shrimp is fried, toss it in the prepared Bang Bang sauce. Gently stir until the shrimp are evenly coated.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the shrimp immediately, either on its own or as part of a dish like shrimp tacos or a rice bowl.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

  • Frying Tip: It’s crucial to maintain the oil temperature around 325°F. If the oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn; if it’s too cool, they’ll absorb too much oil and become soggy. Using an oil thermometer is the best way to ensure perfect frying.
  • Batch Cooking: If you’re cooking multiple batches of shrimp, keep the cooked shrimp warm in the oven at 250°F until all the shrimp are ready.
  • Storage and Reheating: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the shrimp in the oven at 325°F for 10-12 minutes for that crispy texture.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

Bang Bang Shrimp can be served in many delicious ways. Here are some ideas for how to enjoy it:

  • As an appetizer: Serve it with a side of sweet chili sauce or your favorite dipping sauce.
  • Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Place the shrimp in tortillas and top with cabbage, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for a fun twist.
  • Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy rice, adding some sautéed veggies or a salad for a complete meal.

Make-Ahead and Freezing Options

This recipe can be made ahead of time for convenience. If you plan to freeze the shrimp, do so before tossing them in the sauce. Place the cooked, cooled shrimp in a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake the shrimp at 325°F for 12-15 minutes, then toss them in the Bang Bang sauce.

Conclusion: Why Bang Bang Shrimp is a Must-Try Recipe

Bang Bang Shrimp is more than just a delicious appetizer—it’s a crowd-pleaser that combines crispy, juicy shrimp with a perfectly balanced sweet and spicy sauce. With its quick preparation time, simple ingredients, and versatile serving options, this recipe is a great choice for busy nights or special occasions. Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer, in tacos, or over a rice bowl, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to impress your family and friends. Try it today and discover why this dish has become a favorite in so many households!

Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can absolutely use frozen shrimp for Bang Bang Shrimp. Just be sure to thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before dredging and frying. This ensures that the coating will stick and the shrimp will cook evenly.

How can I make Bang Bang Shrimp less spicy?

If you prefer a milder version of this dish, you can reduce the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce or substitute it with a milder hot sauce. You could also add a little more mayonnaise to balance out the heat.

Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake the shrimp if you’d prefer a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the breaded shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

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Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp with sweet and spicy sauce

Bang Bang Shrimp


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  • Author: Zoey
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer featuring crispy shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy homemade sauce. This recipe combines crunchy shrimp with a flavorful Thai chili sauce, making it a perfect dish for any occasion, whether as a main or appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb raw shrimp (deveined & peeled)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tbsp sour cream
  • 2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 2/3 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1 minced garlic clove
  • 1 tbsp sriracha
  • Oil for frying (canola, olive, or avocado oil)

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the milk, sour cream, and lemon juice. Stir well.
  2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, cornstarch, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Dip the shrimp into the milk mixture, ensuring they’re coated, then dredge them in the flour mixture. Set aside on a platter.
  4. In a large skillet, heat 1-1½ inches of oil to 325°F. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  5. In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, garlic, and sriracha to make the Bang Bang sauce.
  6. Toss the cooked shrimp gently in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until evenly coated.
  7. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

  • If frying in batches, keep the cooked shrimp warm in the oven at 250°F until all shrimp are ready.
  • If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
  • For a healthier alternative, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead of frying.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving (about 5 shrimp)
  • Calories: 406 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 25g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 175mg

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