Description
Discover the best Bang Bang Shrimp recipe that’s crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor! This easy-to-make dish combines golden-fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy sauce, perfect as an appetizer, main course, or party platter. Customize the spice level, experiment with variations, and enjoy restaurant-quality results at home. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup cornstarch (for coating)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Peanut oil (or vegetable oil for frying)
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added brightness)
Optional Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Lemon wedges
Instructions
1. Prepare the Shrimp
- Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper.
- Coat each shrimp evenly with cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
2. Heat the Oil
- Pour peanut or vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan, filling it to about 2-3 inches deep.
- Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the correct temperature.
3. Fry the Shrimp
- Fry the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature.
- Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes or until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
4. Make the Sauce
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
- Whisk the ingredients together until smooth and creamy.
5. Coat the Shrimp
- Place the freshly fried shrimp in a large bowl.
- Pour the sauce over the shrimp and gently toss until the shrimp are evenly coated.
6. Serve
- Arrange the shrimp on a serving platter, optionally over a bed of lettuce for presentation.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or lemon wedges.
Pro Tips:
- Toss the shrimp in the sauce just before serving to maintain their crispiness.
- Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Shrimp Selection: Fresh shrimp is best for this recipe, but frozen shrimp works just as well. Ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before coating.
- Oil Temperature: Maintaining a consistent oil temperature of 375°F (190°C) is key to achieving perfectly crispy shrimp. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Cornstarch Coating: Shake off excess cornstarch to avoid clumping and ensure even frying.
- Customize the Sauce:
- For a spicier kick, add more sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To tone down the heat, reduce the sriracha or add a teaspoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the shrimp immediately after tossing in the sauce for the best texture. If serving later, keep the sauce and shrimp separate until just before eating.
- Storage and Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.
- Make It Your Own: Experiment with variations like gluten-free coatings, air-frying instead of deep-frying, or swapping shrimp for tofu or cauliflower for a vegan option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6-8 shrimp
- Calories: 300-350 calories
- Sugar: 6-8 grams
- Sodium: 500-700 mg
- Fat: 20-25 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10-12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: 168g
- Fiber: 1-2g
- Protein: 40-45g
- Cholesterol: 300-400 mg
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