One evening, after a long day of work, I found myself craving something crispy and delightful. As I scoured the pantry for inspiration, I stumbled upon a bag of large shrimp tucked away, and suddenly, an exciting idea struck me: Bang Bang Shrimp! The mere thought of that crunchy, spicy goodness made my mouth water.
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This dish blends the perfect balance of textures and flavors, from the crispy coating to the creamy, zesty sauce that brings it all together. It’s incredibly versatile, whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at your next dinner party or as a main course paired with rice or salad.
In just 30 minutes, you’ll be surprised at how effortlessly you can impress your loved ones with homemade Bang Bang Shrimp, delivering a satisfying crunch and a flavor explosion that rivals any takeout option. Ready to dive into this culinary adventure? Let’s get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Bang Bang Shrimp
- This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for any weeknight dinner or last-minute gathering.
- The explosion of flavors, from the crispy shrimp to the creamy and spicy sauce, will tantalize your taste buds and keep everyone coming back for more.
- Its versatility allows you to serve it as an appetizer, a main dish, or even toss it onto a salad for a complete meal.
- Plus, in just 30 minutes, you’ll have a stunning and delicious dish that looks as good as it tastes, making it a real crowd-pleaser.
Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients
Unlock the secret to heavenly Bang Bang Shrimp!
For the Shrimp
• Large shrimp – make sure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
For the Coating
• All-purpose flour – this gives a crunchy texture that holds up well during frying.
• Cornstarch – adds an extra crispiness; feel free to swap with rice flour for a gluten-free option.
• Large egg – helps the coating adhere perfectly to the shrimp.
For the Sauce
• Mayonnaise – creates the creamy base of the sauce, which balances the spiciness.
• Sweet chili sauce – adds a lovely sweetness that enhances the flavors of the shrimp.
• Sriracha – adjust to taste for a spicy kick that makes the Bang Bang Shrimp truly addictive!
For Garnishing
• Green onions – sliced thinly, they add freshness and a pop of color.
• Sesame seeds – sprinkle these on for an added crunch and a hint of nutty flavor.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Combine the flour and cornstarch in a large bowl. This mix will create a light and crunchy coating that holds beautifully on the shrimp. Make sure it’s well-mixed for even coverage!
Beat the large egg in another bowl until frothy. This will act as your binding agent, ensuring that the crispy coating adheres perfectly to the shrimp while frying.
Dip each shrimp into the egg, letting the excess drip off. Then, coat them well with the flour and cornstarch mixture, making sure every inch is covered for that unbeatable crunch.
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Carefully fry the shrimp in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Keep them moving to avoid sticking!
Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a separate bowl to create a creamy, spicy sauce. Adjust the sriracha to your preferred heat level—it’s your bang bang moment!
Drizzle the sauce over the fried shrimp. Gently toss them to coat evenly, ensuring that every shrimp is covered in the deliciousness of your homemade sauce.
Garnish with thinly sliced green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. This adds a pop of freshness and a lovely visual appeal to your dish.
Optional: Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Bang Bang Shrimp Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this recipe truly yours!
Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour and cornstarch with a gluten-free blend or almond flour for the coating. This keeps the crunch without the gluten!
Coconut Twist: Use shredded coconut in the coating mix for a tropical flavor that pairs perfectly with the shrimp’s sweetness, creating a delightful tropical crunch.
Spicy Garlic: Add minced garlic to the mayonnaise sauce for an extra kick. This will elevate the dish with bold garlicky undertones that are simply irresistible!
Baked Version: Instead of frying, bake the coated shrimp at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still enjoy a crispy texture without the added oil.
Citrus Zing: Add the zest of a lemon or lime to the sauce for a fresh, zesty brightness that cuts through the creaminess perfectly.
Swap The Sauce: Try replacing mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier sauce that adds a healthful twist to the classic recipe.
Vegan Option: Use chickpea flour and water as a binding agent and swap shrimp for plant-based shrimp alternatives—including cauliflower or tofu—for an exciting vegan version!
Extra Crunch: For an even crunchier experience, double-coat the shrimp by dipping in the egg and coating again with the flour-cornstarch mixture before frying.
How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Shrimp
Fridge: Keep leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven to regain crispness.
Freezer: For freezing, place cooled, cooked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months.
Reheating: Reheat shrimp directly from the freezer in an oven at 375°F for 15-20 minutes for a crispy texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
The crispy goodness of Bang Bang Shrimp deserves a delicious supporting cast to create a memorable meal.
Steamed Jasmine Rice:
A fragrant bed of jasmine rice soaks up the spicy sauce beautifully, balancing the flavors while adding a fluffy texture.Crispy Asian Slaw:
This crunchy medley of cabbage and carrots dressed in a tangy dressing adds freshness and a delightful crunch, enhancing the meal’s vibe.Garlic Noodles:
These savory noodles, tossed in garlic and soy, complement the shrimp with their rich, umami flavors, making every bite irresistible.Zesty Mango Salad:
Sweet, juicy mango pairs exquisitely with the sauce’s heat, providing a bright, tropical contrast to the crunchy shrimp.Chili Lime Roasted Veggies:
Roasted seasonal veggies with a zesty chili lime flavor bring color and a slight smoky depth that harmonizes with the shrimp.Cold Beer:
A refreshing, cold beer cuts through the richness of the shrimp and lifts the overall dining experience with its crisp refreshment.
Indulging in these pairings elevates Bang Bang Shrimp to a full feast that everyone at the table will adore!
Make Ahead Options
These Bang Bang Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can coat the shrimp with the flour and cornstarch mixture up to 24 hours in advance. To do this, simply prepare the coating and store it separately in an airtight container, ensuring it remains dry. The shrimp can also be cleaned and deveined 3 days ahead of time, just keep them refrigerated in a sealed bag. When you’re ready to serve, simply beat the egg, dip the prepped shrimp, fry them until crispy, and drizzle with your made-ahead sauce for that creamy zing. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp with minimal effort on busy weeknights!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
- Remember not to overcrowd the pan when frying; this can drop the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp.
- When mixing your sauce, taste as you go to balance the sweetness and spiciness to match your preference.
- Finally, serve the shrimp immediately after frying to maintain their crunchiness for the best eating experience.
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What kind of shrimp should I use for Bang Bang Shrimp?
Absolutely! Be sure to choose large shrimp that are peeled and deveined for a hassle-free cooking experience. Fresh shrimp will give you the best flavor and texture, but you can also use frozen shrimp; just remember to thaw them completely before cooking!
How long can I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp?
Leftover Bang Bang Shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you reheat them, I recommend using the oven instead of the microwave to maintain that delightful crunch. Preheat the oven to 350°F and bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Shrimp?
Definitely! To freeze your Bang Bang Shrimp, first let them cool completely after cooking. Then lay them in a single layer on a baking sheet and place them in the freezer for about an hour until they’re firm. Afterward, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll stay good for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat directly from frozen in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes.
What if my shrimp coating isn’t sticking properly?
Very! If you’re finding that the coating isn’t sticking well, it could be that the shrimp are too wet. Ensure they’re patted dry thoroughly before dipping them in the egg wash. Also, if the egg mixture is too thin, consider adding another egg to improve adhesion. A good coating is key for achieving that crunchy texture you want with your Bang Bang Shrimp!
Are there any dietary restrictions to consider with Bang Bang Shrimp?
Yes, keep in mind that this recipe contains eggs and gluten from the flour and cornstarch. If someone has an egg allergy, you can try a flaxseed egg as a binder. For gluten-free options, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or rice flour. Always check that the sauces used (like the sweet chili sauce) don’t contain any allergens for your guests.
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp spicy?
Absolutely! You can adjust the heat level to your liking simply by increasing the amount of sriracha in the sauce. If you’re a heat lover, consider adding freshly diced jalapeños to the dish or even a dash of cayenne pepper in the coating mix for an extra kick!
Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine the flour and cornstarch in a large bowl.
- Beat the large egg in another bowl until frothy.
- Dip each shrimp into the egg, then coat well with the flour and cornstarch mixture.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat and fry the shrimp in batches for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha in a separate bowl to create the sauce.
- Drizzle the sauce over the fried shrimp and toss gently to coat.
- Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.
