A plate of golden crispy Bang Bang Shrimp drizzled with spicy sauce, garnished with parsley and chili flakes.

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp: The Perfect Bite

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This recipe features tender shrimp coated in a crunchy crust and tossed in a zesty sauce made from sweet chili, mayonnaise, and sriracha. The contrast of textures and bold flavors makes it a must-try for shrimp and seafood lovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy Perfection: The shrimp are golden and crunchy, with a light coating that doesn’t overpower.
  • Bold, Zesty Sauce: Sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors come together in a sauce that’s irresistible.
  • Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and cook time, it’s a great dish for weeknights or entertaining.
  • Versatile: Perfect as a starter, side dish, or even a topping for salads and tacos.

Ingredients for Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb (450 g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • Oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1 tbsp sriracha

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, finely chopped
  • Red chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Chef’s Tip: For the best flavor, use fresh, large shrimp and sashimi-grade sriracha for a clean, spicy kick.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Coating

  1. In a bowl, combine:
    • Cornstarch
    • Flour
    • Salt
    • Black pepper
    • Paprika
  2. Mix thoroughly to create a dry dredging mixture.

2. Coat the Shrimp

  1. Pour the buttermilk into a shallow bowl.
  2. Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s fully coated.
  3. Dredge the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Shake off any excess.
  4. For extra crunch, repeat the coating process by dipping the shrimp back into the buttermilk and dredging it again.

3. Fry the Shrimp

  1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 1-2 inches deep.
  2. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), fry the shrimp in batches.
  3. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Remove the shrimp and drain on paper towels.

4. Make the Bang Bang Sauce

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
    • Sweet chili sauce
    • Mayonnaise
    • Sriracha
  2. Adjust the sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.

5. Toss and Serve

  1. Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with the Bang Bang sauce. Toss gently to coat evenly.
  2. Arrange the shrimp on a serving plate and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and red chili flakes, if desired.

Serving Suggestions

  • As an Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks for easy snacking at parties.
  • Over Rice: Pair with steamed jasmine rice for a quick meal.
  • In Tacos: Add to tortillas with slaw for delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos.
  • On a Salad: Use as a protein topper for a crisp garden salad.

Chef’s Tips for Success

  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in batches to maintain a consistent temperature and ensure even crispiness.
  • Make Extra Sauce: The Bang Bang sauce is so good, you’ll want extra for dipping!
  • Test the Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer or drop a small bit of batter into the oil; it should sizzle and float to the top.
  • Chill the Shrimp: Place the coated shrimp in the fridge for 10 minutes before frying for an even crunchier crust.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Total Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 180mg
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Carbohydrates: 25g
  • Protein: 18g

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.

FAQs

Can I bake or air fry the shrimp instead?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry at the same temperature for 8-10 minutes.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?
Substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour and ensure the cornstarch is labeled gluten-free.

How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

What can I use instead of sriracha?
You can substitute with sambal oelek, gochujang, or any hot sauce you prefer.

Conclusion

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp is the perfect combination of crunchy texture and bold flavors, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again. Whether served as an appetizer, main course, or creative addition to tacos or salads, this recipe is sure to impress your family and friends.

So grab your ingredients, whip up that signature sauce, and get ready for a seafood dish that’s crispy, saucy, and utterly delicious!

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