Bang Bang Shrimp: A Mouth-Watering Recipe
Prepare to be captivated by the irresistible flavors of bang bang shrimp – a restaurant favorite that’s now easy to make at home. This dish combines crispy, lightly fried shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce that will have your taste buds dancing with delight. Whether you’re serving it as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or as the star of your meal, this recipe is sure to become a new family favorite.
The beauty of bang bang shrimp lies in its perfect balance of textures and flavors. The tender, juicy shrimp are coated in a crispy breading, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite. Then, the shrimp are tossed in a luscious sauce that packs a delightful punch of heat and sweetness, making each morsel utterly irresistible.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❓
What sets this bang bang shrimp recipe apart is its unbeatable combination of flavors and textures. The crisp, fried shrimp provide a delightful contrast to the creamy, spicy sauce, creating a truly addictive eating experience. Plus, this recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. The bang bang shrimp can be served as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a topping for salads or tacos. It’s also a great make-ahead option, as the shrimp can be prepared in advance and the sauce can be whipped up in minutes.
🛒 What You Need to Prepare Bang Bang Shrimp ❓
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha or other hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Vegetable oil for frying
The beauty of this bang bang shrimp recipe is that most ingredients are pantry or freezer staples. The combination of crispy shrimp, sweet chili sauce, and a touch of heat creates the irresistible flavor profile that has made this dish a perennial favorite.
📝 How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Step-by-Step ❓
• Step 2: Dredge the shrimp in the flour, dip them in the beaten eggs, and then coat them in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
• Step 3: In a large skillet, heat 1/2 inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice. Season with salt.
• Step 5: Toss the fried shrimp with the prepared sauce until evenly coated.
⏱️ Timing Overview
• Cooking time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes
Compared to traditional fried shrimp dishes, which can take up to 45 minutes to prepare, this bang bang shrimp recipe saves you 45% of your cooking time while delivering similar flavors.
👩🏻⚕️ Nutritional Information
Per serving (based on 4 servings):
• Protein: 20g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fat: 26g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 875mg
These bang bang shrimp provide approximately 40% of your daily protein requirements and 20% of your daily carbohydrate needs, making them a satisfying and nutritionally valuable dish.
🔄 Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
• Lower-carb version: Substitute almond flour or crushed pork rinds for the panko breadcrumbs, and serve the shrimp over a bed of zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
• Dairy-free adaptation: Use a dairy-free mayonnaise and replace the honey with maple syrup or agave nectar.
• Added protein: Toss the shrimp with cooked quinoa or brown rice for an extra protein boost.
• Boost vegetables: Serve the bang bang shrimp over a bed of mixed greens or sautéed bell peppers and onions.
These modifications can reduce calories by up to 20% or adapt the recipe for specific dietary needs without compromising the fundamental flavor profile of the bang bang shrimp.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
• Pair with a fresh, crisp salad for a complete meal
• Complement with a simple cucumber and red onion salad
• For a party, serve the bang bang shrimp on a platter with toothpicks for easy dipping
• Create an appetizer platter with the shrimp, fresh vegetables, and a variety of dipping sauces
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Not breading thoroughly: Make sure the shrimp are evenly coated in the flour, egg, and panko for maximum crispiness.
• Using old or stale breadcrumbs: Fresh, crisp panko breadcrumbs are key for the perfect texture.
• Letting the sauce sit too long: The sauce is best when tossed with the hot, freshly fried shrimp to prevent it from becoming thick and gloppy.
• Overcooking the shrimp: Fry the shrimp for just 2-3 minutes per side to keep them tender and juicy.
🧊 Storing Tips for the Recipe
These bang bang shrimp retain their quality remarkably well:
• Freezing unbaked: Bread the shrimp as directed, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to an airtight container or resealable bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Fry the shrimp directly from frozen.
• Freezing baked: Fry the shrimp as directed, let cool completely, then freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes until crispy.
• Reheating: Reheat the fried shrimp in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until hot and crispy. Toss with the prepared sauce just before serving.
❓ FAQs
Can I make the bang bang shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp up to 3 days in advance. Fry the breaded shrimp as directed, let them cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, toss the chilled shrimp with the prepared sauce and reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes until hot and crispy.
Can I substitute a different type of protein?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce works well with a variety of proteins, including chicken, tofu, or even cauliflower florets. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the protein is cooked through.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free. Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and swap the panko breadcrumbs for crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour. Additionally, ensure that the sweet chili sauce and Sriracha you use are also gluten-free.
What can I do if the sauce is too spicy?
If you find the bang bang sauce too spicy for your taste, you can balance the heat by adding a bit more mayonnaise or honey. Start with 1 tablespoon of additional mayonnaise or honey and adjust to your desired level of spiciness.
Can I add any extra ingredients to the recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to get creative with this recipe. You could add diced avocado, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. You could also toss the shrimp with some cooked rice or quinoa to make it a more substantial meal.
Conclusion
These bang bang shrimp represent the perfect balance of convenience, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or as the star of your meal, they’re sure to impress with their crispy texture and irresistible spicy-sweet sauce. The versatility of this recipe allows for countless variations to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, these bang bang shrimp demonstrate that sophisticated flavors don’t require complicated techniques – just quality ingredients and a little bit of care in the frying process. So why not treat yourself and your loved ones to the delicious, crave-worthy experience of homemade bang bang shrimp today?
