Name: Bang Bang Shrimp
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 450g (1 lb) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; 120g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs; 60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional); 2 large eggs, beaten; vegetable oil, for frying; 120g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise; 60g (1/4 cup) sweet chili sauce; 1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce; 1 tablespoon honey or sugar; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Bang Bang Shrimp is the kind of dish that effortlessly blends crispy, tender shrimp with a tantalizing sauce, making it a perfect crowd-pleaser for any gathering. With its golden, crunchy exterior and a spicy, creamy finish, each bite is a delightful explosion of flavor that will keep your taste buds eagerly coming back for more. This recipe captures the essence of that beloved appetizer you might find in your favorite American fusion restaurant right in the comfort of your home. You’ll love that it’s not just quick and easy, but also budget-friendly, making it perfect for weekday dinners or special occasions.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bang Bang Shrimp

I still remember the first time I tasted Bang Bang Shrimp at a local seafood spot. My mouth watered with anticipation as I watched it arrive at the table, beautifully presented and promising an exciting mix of textures and flavors. After trying my hand at replicating it, I was thrilled to see how easily it could be made from scratch. Now it’s a staple at my home, ideal for game day or a fun dinner party with friends. So roll up your sleeves, and let’s get started on making this irresistible dish that’s guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Prep the shrimp in just 15 minutes and have them ready in under 30 minutes.
Irresistible Flavor: Experience a delightful crunch paired with a creamy and spicy sauce that’s downright addictive.
Eye-Catching Appeal: These bite-sized beauties look fantastic on any platter—perfect for impressing your guests!
Flexible Serving: Enjoy them as a scrumptious appetizer, snack, or even as the star of a cozy meal at home.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily tweak ingredients for gluten-free or lighter preparations suitable for various diets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh or frozen shrimp work well—just ensure they’re thawed if previously frozen for even cooking.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs create that delightful crunch. You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs in a pinch but won’t achieve the same light texture.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Flour provides a base for the coating. Use gluten-free flour if you need a gluten-free option.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the overall flavor. Adjust based on dietary needs.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Freshly ground pepper adds a zesty kick; feel free to increase this for more spice.
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional): Adds color and a subtle smokiness. You can replace this with cayenne for extra heat.
2 large eggs, beaten: Acts as a binding agent for the coating. Ensure they’re at room temperature for better adhesion to the shrimp.
Vegetable oil for frying: Choose a neutral oil like canola or peanut for frying to keep flavors at the forefront.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the base of the Bang Bang sauce. For a lighter version, you can swap in Greek yogurt.
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: This brings the sweetness to balance out the heat. Use homemade for a fresher taste or store-bought for convenience.
1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Adjust according to your spice preference to add some kick.
1 tablespoon honey or sugar: Sweetens the sauce; use honey for a natural taste or sugar for a standard approach.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice: Vital for cutting through richness; both options add a tangy note.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a subtle garlicky flavor without the hassle of fresh garlic.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the 1 lb medium shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. Dry shrimp ensure the coating sticks better, leading to a crunchier bite.

Mix the coating: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika, if using. This combination creates a perfect blend for that delicious crunch.

Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth. This step is essential for proper coating adhesion.

Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, making sure they’re fully coated. Then, transfer them into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. The panko breadcrumbs will make your shrimp so delightful and crispy.

Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for effective temperature management, as maintaining heat is key to crispy results.

Fry the shrimp: Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches, taking care not to crowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until they reach a beautiful golden brown. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels.

Make the Bang Bang sauce: While the shrimp are frying, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tablespoons sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey or sugar, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a bowl until smooth. This sauce is your secret weapon—it’s creamy, tangy, and perfectly spicy.

Coat the shrimp or serve on the side: Once the shrimp have cooled slightly, toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until thoroughly coated. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping, allowing your guests to decide just how saucy they want to get.

Serve immediately: Garnish your Bang Bang Shrimp with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired, and pair with steamed rice or a crisp salad to elevate your meal.

Storing & Reheating

For optimal freshness, store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. If you need to refrigerate, place the shrimp in a container and use them within 2-3 days. To freeze, ensure they are completely cooled and transfer to a freezer-safe bag, where they can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, keeping in mind that the texture may slightly change. A quick spray of oil before reheating could help them regain some crispiness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the shrimp in the pan, as this can lead to soggy coatings.
Ensure your shrimp are completely dry before coating; moisture can disrupt the frying process.
Try using a food thermometer to monitor the oil temperature for best results; too hot will burn, while too cool will make the shrimp greasy.
Customize the sauce to your preference—add more sriracha for a spicier kick or a dash of lime juice for extra tanginess.
If planning to make ahead, coat the shrimp and keep them in the fridge until you are ready to fry.

Bang Bang Shrimp is a recipe that ticks all the boxes for a satisfying meal or an impressive appetizer. The spicy, creamy sauce combined with crispy shrimp means you’re in for a delicious treat each time you make it. As you gain confidence, feel free to play around with the spices in the sauce or adjust the shrimp coating to your liking. Trust me, this dish is bound to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before use. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or quickly thaw them under cold running water. Dry them thoroughly before proceeding to ensure they coat well.

How can I make the sauce less spicy?

To tone down the spice level, simply reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce. You can also use just sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise without adding the sriracha for a milder flavor, perfect for those sensitive to heat.

Are there alternative cooking methods?

Yes! If you’re looking to make this dish lighter, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated shrimp on a baking sheet with parchment paper, spray them lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

How do I keep leftovers crispy?

Leftovers can lose their crunch after refrigeration. You can revitalize them by reheating in an oven to crisp them up again instead of using the microwave. A quick spray of oil on the shrimp will help restore some of that wonderful crunch.