In a world filled with culinary adventures, few dishes can capture the magic of flavors and textures like bang bang shrimp. Imagine golden-brown shrimp coated in a luscious sauce that’s equal parts creamy and spicy. With each bite, your taste buds dance as the rich flavors meld together harmoniously. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to gather friends around the table and share countless laughs while indulging in something utterly delicious.
I still remember the first time I tried bang bang shrimp. It was at a lively restaurant where laughter echoed as people savored their meals. The moment those crispy bites landed on my table, I knew I had stumbled upon something extraordinary. Now, I whip up this dish at home whenever I want to bring a little excitement to dinner parties or simply treat myself after a long day.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This easy-to-follow recipe guarantees flavor without the fuss.
- The creamy sauce combined with crispy shrimp is irresistible and visually stunning on any plate.
- Perfect for entertaining guests or just enjoying a cozy night in with loved ones.
- Customize the spice level to cater to everyone’s taste preferences effortlessly!
I’ll never forget the look on my friends’ faces when they tasted my homemade bang bang shrimp—pure delight!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen works well; just ensure they’re peeled and deveined for easy cooking.
- Cornstarch: This is your secret weapon for achieving that perfect crispy coating on the shrimp.
- Mayonnaise: Opt for a good-quality mayo; it creates that creamy base everyone loves in the sauce.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This adds sweetness and heat; choose your favorite brand or even make your own!
- Sriracha Sauce: For those who crave an extra kick; adjust according to your spice preference.
- Green Onions: These add freshness and color; slice them thinly for garnish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Shrimp: Start by ensuring your shrimp are fully thawed if using frozen ones. Pat them dry with paper towels—this helps achieve that glorious crispiness.
Create the Crispy Coating: In a bowl, toss the dried shrimp with cornstarch until evenly coated. The cornstarch is essential for locking in moisture while creating that crunchy exterior.
Fry Those Shrimp: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully add the coated shrimp in batches—avoid overcrowding—fry until golden brown and crispy about 2-3 minutes per side.
Whip Up the Sauce: In another bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Mix until smooth and well-combined—this sauce is where all your flavor dreams come true!
Toss It All Together: Once fried, immediately add the crispy shrimp into the bowl with the sauce. Gently toss until every piece is perfectly coated; your kitchen will smell divine!
Garnish and Serve!: Transfer your saucy masterpiece onto a serving plate or individual bowls. Sprinkle sliced green onions generously over the top for that extra pop of color—and don’t forget to snap a picture before diving in!
Enjoying homemade bang bang shrimp is not just about eating; it’s about savoring every crunchy bite paired with that irresistible creamy heat!
You Must Know
- Bang bang shrimp is a delightful dish that combines sweet and spicy flavors, making it perfect for appetizers or main courses.
- The creamy sauce and crispy shrimp create a tantalizing texture that will leave you wanting more.
- It’s easy to make, even for beginners!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the shrimp in a zesty mixture while preparing the sauce to save time. This will enhance the flavors and ensure the shrimp are perfectly cooked.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu, or add extra spices like cayenne pepper for more heat. Get creative with your flavor combinations!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover bang bang shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve crispy shrimp, ensure your oil is hot enough before frying.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
- Pair it with fresh veggies for added crunch and color.
Sharing this dish with friends brought back memories of my first dinner party where I nervously introduced them to my culinary experiment—thankfully, they loved it!
FAQ
What makes bang bang shrimp so special?
The combination of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors creates an irresistible dish that everyone loves.
Can I make bang bang shrimp gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and check sauces for gluten content to keep it safe.
How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add more sriracha or red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick of heat.
Bang Bang Shrimp
Indulge in this crispy, creamy bang bang shrimp recipe that’s perfect for entertaining or a cozy night in. Your taste buds will thank you!
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 green onions (thinly sliced)
Instructions
- Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Toss shrimp with cornstarch until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth.
- Combine the fried shrimp with the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
- Serve on a platter, garnished with green onions.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in your favorite spices before coating.
- Swap shrimp for chicken or tofu for varied options.
- To make it gluten-free, ensure sauces are labeled as such.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5 shrimp (150g)
- Calories: 342
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
