Bang Bang Shrimp: Crispy, Saucy, and Irresistible

Bang Bang Shrimp is a dish that promises to tantalize your taste buds with every bite. It’s not just a treat; it’s an experience—a crispy, crunchy, golden-fried shrimp, generously coated in a luscious, tangy sauce that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory notes. The dish has earned its spot as a fan-favorite at seafood restaurants, and it’s easy to see why. With its bold flavors and satisfying textures, Bang Bang Shrimp is the perfect combination of comfort food and gourmet indulgence. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party, looking for a special appetizer, or treating yourself to a seafood feast at home, this recipe is sure to impress.

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When prepared correctly, Bang Bang Shrimp delivers a symphony of crispy textures on the outside and tender, juicy shrimp on the inside. The sauce, which combines sweet chili, mayonnaise, hot sauce, and honey, coats each shrimp in a velvety glaze that brings out the shrimp’s natural sweetness while adding a delightful kick. It’s simple, indulgent, and packed with flavor—what’s not to love?

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp

The appeal of Bang Bang Shrimp lies in its irresistible combination of crunch, creaminess, and spice. The shrimp are coated in a light batter and fried to golden perfection, creating a satisfying crunch with each bite. The sauce is a balanced mix of heat, sweetness, and creamy richness, making every shrimp a flavor-packed bite. The contrasting textures of the crispy shrimp and the smooth, spicy sauce make for a mouthwatering experience that you’ll want to repeat again and again.

Whether you’re enjoying it as an appetizer at a dinner party or making it a quick weeknight meal, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to impress. The dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen, and it’s easier to make than you might think. You can even customize it to your liking, adjusting the spice level or making a healthier version with alternative cooking methods.

The Star Ingredients

To create the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp, you’ll need a handful of key ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the dish’s signature taste and texture.

For the Shrimp:

• Shrimp: Choose large or jumbo shrimp for this recipe. The shrimp should be cleaned, deveined, and preferably with the tails on for presentation. The size of the shrimp is crucial to ensure they stay juicy on the inside while getting crispy on the outside. If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them properly and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Buttermilk: Buttermilk is essential for the batter. It provides a slight tanginess and helps tenderize the shrimp while ensuring the batter adheres properly. The buttermilk also creates a smooth and creamy texture that enhances the crispiness of the fried shrimp.
• Flour and Cornstarch: This combination of dry ingredients is what helps form a light, crispy batter. Flour provides structure, while cornstarch adds crunch and ensures the shrimp don’t become soggy when fried.
• Egg and Hot Sauce: The egg is used to bind the batter together, while the hot sauce adds a little extra spice and flavor to the shrimp. You can adjust the amount of hot sauce depending on your heat preference.
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper give the batter a savory base with a hint of smokiness. The seasonings elevate the shrimp’s natural flavors without overpowering them.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are key for achieving that signature crunch. They are light and airy, giving the shrimp an extra-crispy coating. If you want to make the dish gluten-free, you can substitute the breadcrumbs with gluten-free options.

For the Sauce:

• Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, mayonnaise adds creaminess and richness. It helps balance the spiciness of the hot sauce and the sweetness of the chili sauce.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: This ingredient is what gives the sauce its signature sweetness. Sweet chili sauce is mildly spicy, tangy, and sugary, and it pairs perfectly with the other ingredients in the sauce.
• Hot Sauce: The hot sauce adds an extra level of spice to the sauce, giving it the signature kick that makes Bang Bang Shrimp so irresistible. You can adjust the level of heat based on your preferences, so feel free to add more or less depending on your tolerance for spice.
• Honey: A tablespoon of honey rounds out the sauce with a natural sweetness that balances out the heat from the hot sauce and the tanginess from the chili sauce.
• Salt and Pepper: Seasoning the sauce with salt and pepper to taste ensures it has the perfect balance of flavors.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
The first step in making Bang Bang Shrimp is to prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey. Stir until smooth and well-combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper. If you prefer a spicier sauce, feel free to add more hot sauce or chili sauce to your liking. Once the sauce is prepared, cover it and refrigerate it while you prepare the shrimp. Letting the sauce sit for a while will allow the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Step 2: Make the Batter
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. These dry ingredients form the base of your batter. To this mixture, add the egg, hot sauce, and buttermilk. Whisk everything together until you achieve a smooth batter. The consistency should be thick enough to coat the shrimp but not so thick that it creates clumps. If the batter feels too thick, you can add a little more buttermilk to reach your desired consistency.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Add the shrimp to the batter and toss them gently to ensure that each shrimp is coated in the batter. Make sure the shrimp are well-covered, but don’t overcrowd the bowl—work in batches if necessary. Once the shrimp are coated, set them aside.

Next, prepare a bowl of Panko breadcrumbs. Take each battered shrimp and coat it thoroughly in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. The Panko breadcrumbs are what will give the shrimp their crispy coating, so it’s important to coat them evenly.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You need enough oil to fry the shrimp, but you don’t want the oil to be so deep that it overwhelms the shrimp. The ideal frying temperature is around 350°F. To test the oil, drop a small amount of batter into the pan. If it sizzles and floats to the surface immediately, the oil is ready.

Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding can lower the temperature of the oil, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry each shrimp for about 2 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp from the oil and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Step 5: Serve
Once the shrimp are crispy and golden, drizzle the sauce over the top. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping if you prefer. Garnish the shrimp with chopped green onions or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for added color and flavor. Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp warm as an appetizer, snack, or main course.

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp provide the best texture and flavor. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are completely thawed and well-drained before battering and frying.
• Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili sauce in the batter and the sauce to suit your heat preference. If you like more heat, increase the hot sauce or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
• Fry at the Right Temperature: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is key to getting that crispy golden coating. If the oil is too cool, the shrimp will absorb excess oil and become greasy. Too hot, and the shrimp might burn before they cook through. Aim for around 350°F and fry in small batches.
• Serve the Sauce on the Side: If you want to keep the shrimp crispy, serve the Bang Bang sauce on the side for dipping rather than drizzling it on top. This way, the crispy coating remains intact for longer.
• Baking Option: If you’re not keen on frying, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F for about 10 minutes per side. Be sure to spray them lightly with cooking spray to achieve a golden, crispy texture in the oven.
• Make Extra Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is so good that you’ll want to use it on other dishes as well. Consider making a double batch and storing the extra in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It’s perfect as a dipping sauce for other appetizers or even as a topping for grilled meats.

Variations and Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Version: If you’re following a gluten-free diet, you can swap out the all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives. There are many gluten-free flour blends and breadcrumbs available that will work just as well in this recipe.
• Air Fryer Method: If you prefer a healthier version, you can cook the shrimp in an air fryer. Simply preheat the air fryer to 375°F and cook the shrimp for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get crispy shrimp without all the oil.
• Vegetarian Twist: For a vegetarian variation, try substituting the shrimp with cauliflower florets. Cauliflower has a similar texture when fried, and it soaks up the flavors of the batter and sauce wonderfully.

Pairing Suggestions

Bang Bang Shrimp pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes and beverages. Some great options include:

• Crispy French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: These are perfect for soaking up the extra sauce and balancing the rich, crispy shrimp.
• Fresh Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the richness of the shrimp.
• Rice: Serve the shrimp over a bed of steamed jasmine rice or quinoa to make it a more filling meal.
• Sparkling Water or White Wine: A refreshing glass of sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon or a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, would complement the shrimp perfectly.

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Shrimp is the perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual dinner, having a seafood-themed gathering, or simply craving something indulgent. With its crispy shrimp and creamy, spicy sauce, it’s a flavor-packed experience that you’ll want to recreate again and again. The best part? You don’t need to go to a restaurant to enjoy this dish. With just a few simple ingredients and a little time in the kitchen, you can serve up restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp at home.

So what are you waiting for? Get cooking and treat yourself to this crispy, saucy, and utterly delicious dish. It’s guaranteed to become a new favorite in your culinary repertoire.

Happy cooking!