Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is one of those dishes that brings a smile to my face every time I think about it. I remember the first time I tasted it at a local seafood restaurant. The crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made my taste buds dance. Ever since then, I have been on a mission to recreate that deliciousness at home. This recipe is not only easy to follow but also perfect for a quick dinner or a fun appetizer for gatherings.
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular dish that features shrimp coated in a light batter, fried until crispy, and then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. This dish is often served as an appetizer in many restaurants but can easily be made at home. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a crowd favorite.
Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
To make this delightful dish, you will need the following ingredients:
Shrimp Ingredients:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Oil for frying
Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional)
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by marinating the shrimp in buttermilk. This step helps to tenderize the shrimp and adds flavor. Let the shrimp soak for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2: Prepare the Coating
In a separate bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be the coating for the shrimp.
3: Coat the Shrimp
Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk and allow any excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, making sure it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated shrimp in batches. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the shrimp and place them on a paper towel to drain excess oil.
How to Make Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp is frying, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, lime juice, and honey. Mix until smooth. Adjust the sriracha based on how spicy you want the sauce to be.
Toss the Shrimp in Sauce
Once the shrimp are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp and gently toss until they are evenly coated.
Serving Ideas for Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp can be served in various ways:
- As an Appetizer: Serve the shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for easy eating at parties.
- Over Rice: Place the shrimp over a bed of jasmine or basmati rice for a filling meal.
- In Tacos: Use the shrimp as a filling for tacos, adding fresh toppings like avocado and cilantro.
- On a Salad: Toss the shrimp on a fresh salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette.
Tips
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will always taste better than frozen. If you can, buy shrimp from a local market.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and get crispy.
- Adjust the Spice: If you like it milder, reduce the sriracha. For more heat, add more.
- Serve Immediately: Bang Bang Shrimp is best served hot and fresh.
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The shrimp can be reheated in the oven for crispiness, but they may lose some of their initial crunch. Enjoy within 1-2 days for the best quality.
Nutritional Information
While Bang Bang Shrimp is a treat, it’s good to be mindful of the nutritional aspects. Here’s a rough estimate per serving:
- Calories: Approximately 350 kcal
- Total Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 15g
Enjoying Your Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe has become a staple in my home. It’s easy to whip up and always impresses family and friends. Whether you enjoy it as an appetizer or a main dish, the flavors are sure to please. I hope you give this recipe a try and enjoy every bite as much as I do!