Hey there, flavor enthusiasts! If you’re craving a dish that’s not only packed with taste but also brings a crispy, spicy kick to the table, you’re in for a treat. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance and your guests ask for seconds: Bang Bang Shrimp. This dish is all about those perfectly fried shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that will have everyone coming back for more. Let’s get into it!
You might be wondering, “Why should I make Bang Bang Shrimp?” Let me break it down for you. First off, this dish combines the best of both worlds: crispy, golden shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s absolutely addictive. It’s the kind of meal that hits all the right notes—crunchy, spicy, and satisfying. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend gathering, or even a special occasion, Bang Bang Shrimp is versatile enough to fit any scenario.
This dish is not just about taste; it’s also about texture. The shrimp are coated in a light, crispy batter that provides the perfect crunch with every bite. And when you toss them in the creamy, tangy, and spicy sauce, you get a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. Plus, it’s a great way to impress guests with minimal effort. Ready to become the star of your next meal? Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to gather before we get started:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- Canola oil (for frying)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 2/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons garlic chili sauce
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1 teaspoon sriracha
Step-by-Step Guide to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
Ready to create something delicious? Follow these steps to make Bang Bang Shrimp that will have everyone raving:
1. Prepare the Sauce
- In a medium bowl, mix together 2/3 cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons garlic chili sauce, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon sriracha. Stir until well combined. Set this aside for later.
2. Prep the Shrimp
- Remove the tails from the shrimp if they’re still attached. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps ensure that the batter sticks well and the shrimp get crispy.
3. Prepare the Coatings
- In one bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup whole milk, 2 tablespoons sour cream, and 2 teaspoons lemon juice.
- In another bowl, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon ground paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper.
4. Coat the Shrimp
- Dip each shrimp into the milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Then, coat the shrimp generously in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere. Place coated shrimp onto a platter. Repeat with the remaining shrimp.
5. Fry the Shrimp
- Heat about 1 – 1 1/2 inches of canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (you can test this by dropping a small piece of bread in the oil—if it bubbles up quickly, it’s ready), add the shrimp to the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
6. Toss and Serve
- Once all the shrimp are cooked, place them in a large bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the shrimp and gently toss to coat evenly.
7. Enjoy
- Serve immediately and enjoy your crispy, spicy Bang Bang Shrimp!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Oil Temperature: Make sure your oil is at the right temperature before adding shrimp. Too hot, and they might burn; too cold, and they’ll be greasy. Aim for around 350°F (175°C).
- Avoid Overcrowding: Fry shrimp in batches to keep the oil temperature consistent and ensure each shrimp gets crispy.
- Double Coating: For an extra crunch, you can dip the shrimp back into the milk mixture and flour mixture before frying.
- Preheat Your Oil: Always preheat your oil before adding shrimp to avoid soggy results.
- Season the Flour Mixture: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture to suit your taste. A pinch of cayenne pepper or extra paprika can add a little extra kick.
15 Variations to Try
- Spicy Honey Bang Bang Shrimp: Add a tablespoon of honey to the sauce for a sweet and spicy combination.
- Lemon Herb Bang Bang Shrimp: Mix lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro into the flour mixture for a fresh twist.
- Garlic Parmesan Bang Bang Shrimp: Add grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic to the flour mixture for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp: Add shredded coconut to the flour mixture for a tropical touch.
- BBQ Bang Bang Shrimp: Mix barbecue sauce into the sauce for a smoky flavor.
- Sweet Chili Bang Bang Shrimp: Replace the garlic chili sauce with sweet chili sauce for a different sweet and spicy profile.
- Sriracha Lime Bang Bang Shrimp: Add lime juice and extra sriracha to the sauce for a zesty kick.
- Asian-Inspired Bang Bang Shrimp: Add a splash of soy sauce and a pinch of ginger to the sauce for an Asian twist.
- Buffalo Bang Bang Shrimp: Mix a bit of buffalo sauce into the sauce for a tangy, spicy variation.
- Cajun Bang Bang Shrimp: Season the shrimp with Cajun spices before coating them for a Southern flair.
- Ranch Bang Bang Shrimp: Stir in a tablespoon of ranch seasoning into the sauce for a creamy, herby flavor.
- Mediterranean Bang Bang Shrimp: Add chopped olives and feta cheese to the sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
- Thai Bang Bang Shrimp: Mix in a bit of Thai red curry paste to the sauce for a rich, aromatic flavor.
- Buffalo Ranch Bang Bang Shrimp: Combine buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning for a tangy, creamy bite.
- Garlic Butter Bang Bang Shrimp: Mix melted garlic butter into the sauce for a rich, indulgent flavor.
What to Serve It With
- Over Rice: Serve with steamed white or brown rice for a complete meal.
- With Noodles: Pair with rice noodles or lo mein for a satisfying dish.
- On a Salad: Top a fresh salad with Bang Bang Shrimp for added protein.
- In Tacos: Use as a filling for tacos, topped with shredded lettuce and a squeeze of lime.
- With Fries: Serve with crispy French fries or sweet potato fries.
- On a Sub Roll: Make a Bang Bang Shrimp sub sandwich with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of extra sauce.
- With Slaw: Enjoy with a side of tangy coleslaw for a crunchy contrast.
- In a Wrap: Wrap in a tortilla with avocado, lettuce, and a sprinkle of cheese.
- With Cornbread: Pair with a slice of cornbread for a comforting meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve alongside garlic bread for a delicious combo.
- With Grilled Vegetables: Enjoy with a side of grilled veggies for a balanced meal.
- On a Bed of Quinoa: Top a bed of quinoa with Bang Bang Shrimp for a healthy twist.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Serve over mashed potatoes for a hearty dish.
- With a Dipping Sauce: Offer extra dipping sauces like ranch or sweet chili on the side.
- As an Appetizer: Serve as a delicious appetizer with cocktail sauce or extra sauce on the side.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The shrimp will stay crispy if stored properly.
- Freezing: For best results, freeze the cooked shrimp without the sauce. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. Consume within 2 months for optimal taste.
- Reheating: Reheat the shrimp in an oven or air fryer to restore the crispy texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the shrimp soggy.
How Much Bang Bang Shrimp to Make for Family Gatherings
For a family gathering, it’s always better to have too much than too little. Aim for about 1/2 pound of shrimp per person if it’s the main dish. For a larger gathering or if Bang Bang Shrimp is one of several dishes, 1/4 pound per person should suffice. For a party of 10, you might want to prepare around 5 pounds of shrimp to ensure everyone gets their fill.
How Far in Advance Can I Make Bang Bang Shrimp?
- Sauce: You can make the sauce up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Coated Shrimp: You can coat the shrimp up to 24 hours in advance. Keep them in a single layer on a baking sheet or plate and cover with plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
- Fried Shrimp: For best results, fry the shrimp just before serving to ensure they remain crispy. If you must, you can prepare the shrimp up to 2 hours in advance and reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Bang Bang Shrimp
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 lb Large Shrimp peeled and deveined
- Canola Oil for frying
Milk Mixture
- 1/2 cup Whole Milk
- 2 tbsp Sour Cream
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice
Flour Mixture
- 1/2 cup All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp Salt
- 1/4 tsp Ground Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Ground Black Pepper
Bang Bang Sauce
- 2/3 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Garlic Chili Sauce
- 1 Garlic Clove minced
- 1 tsp Sriracha
Instructions
How to make the Bang Bang Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, chili sauce, garlic and sriracha. Set aside
How to make Bang Bang Shrimp
- Devein and remove the tails on the shrimp. Pat shrimp completely dry
- In one bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the milk mixture. In a second bowl, combine the ingredients for the flour mixture
- Dredge shrimp in the milk mixture, then, generously coat in the flour mixture. Place onto a platter. Continue with the remaining shrimp
- In a large skillet, add about 1 – 1 1/2 inches of oil and heat over medium/high heat. Once the oil is hot add shrimp, don’t overcrowd the skillet
- In batches, fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, until crispy and cooked through
- Once all of the shrimp are cooked, pour the sauce over the shrimp and gently toss
- Serve and Enjoy!
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