There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of perfectly fried shrimp, a nod to the coastal flavors that dance on our tongues with every bite. One evening, while dreaming up something delicious, I decided to blend the crispy goodness of shrimp with a sweet and spicy twist that transported my taste buds straight to Thailand. This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is not just a dish; it’s an invitation to bring your kitchen to life, transforming ordinary moments into flavorful celebrations.
Picture this: shrimp coated in a silky buttermilk bath, enveloped in a delicate dusting of cornstarch, and then kissed by hot oil until golden perfection. The pièce de résistance? A luscious dip of Thai sweet chili sauce that perfectly balances sweetness with a hint of heat. Whether you’re treating yourself after a long day or impressing your friends at your next gathering, this dish is incredibly easy to whip up and guarantees to be a crowd-pleaser. Ready to dive in? Let’s make some Bang Bang Shrimp that will have everyone reaching for seconds!
Why is Bang Bang Shrimp a must-try?
Irresistible Crunch: The crispy, golden texture creates a mouthwatering experience with every bite.
Flavor Explosion: The fusion of sweet chili sauce and Sriracha adds a delightful kick to your palate.
Quick and Easy: This recipe is straightforward, ideal for busy weeknights or spontaneous dinner parties.
Versatile Star: Perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even a tasty snack that everyone will love.
Home-Cooked Goodness: Say goodbye to fast food! Enjoy your own delicious homemade take that’s simply unforgettable.
Bang Bang Shrimp Ingredients
For the Sauce
- Mayonnaise – Adds creaminess and balances the spice of the Sriracha.
- Thai sweet chili sauce – A must-have for that sweet and spicy flavor explosion.
- Sriracha – Use to adjust the heat to your preference, or omit for a milder sauce.
- Honey – Enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the sauce.
For the Shrimp
- Shrimp – Fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp will yield the best results.
- Buttermilk – This tenderizes the shrimp and helps the cornstarch adhere better.
- Cornstarch – Creates that irresistibly crispy coating when fried.
For Frying
- Canola oil – A great choice for frying due to its high smoke point and mild flavor.
With these ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating scrumptious Bang Bang Shrimp that will have everyone coming back for more!
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
-
Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Blend everything together until smooth and set aside for later.
-
Prepare the Shrimp: In a second bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Pour the buttermilk over them, ensuring each shrimp is thoroughly coated for that tender texture.
-
Coat with Cornstarch: In a third small bowl, place the cornstarch. This will be your magic dust that gives the shrimp that delightful crunch when fried.
-
Heat the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottom pot, add about 1 inch of canola oil. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 375°F, which will ensure a perfectly crispy finish.
-
Fry the Shrimp: Working in small batches, remove shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Coat them in cornstarch before gently placing them into the hot oil.
-
Achieve Golden Perfection: Fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes, turning them until they are golden brown on each side. Carefully remove and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
-
Coat and Serve: Once all shrimp are fried, toss them in the prepared sauce while they are still hot, ensuring they are fully coated. Serve immediately for the best experience!
Optional: Garnish with chopped scallions or cilantro for an extra pop of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Bang Bang Shrimp are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prep the sauce up to 3 days in advance; simply mix the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Additionally, the shrimp can be soaked in buttermilk for up to 24 hours before frying, which helps them stay tender. To maintain their crispy texture, coat the shrimp in cornstarch just before frying, ensuring that they don’t become soggy. When you’re ready to serve, simply heat the oil and fry the shrimp, then toss them in the prepared sauce for delicious, restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Bang Bang Shrimp
Fridge: Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To keep them as crispy as possible, avoid stacking them.
Freezer: For longer storage, place cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 400°F. Bake the shrimp on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispiness is restored.
Avoid Sogginess: If you can, store the sauce separately. This helps maintain the crunch of the shrimp when you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers!
What to Serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
Imagine a vibrant meal spread where the zesty flavors of shrimp take center stage, inviting delicious companions to join in.
- Coconut Rice: This fluffy and fragrant rice adds a sweet, tropical contrast that perfectly complements the rich, spicy shrimp.
- Crunchy Asian Slaw: A mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing brings a crisp, fresh element that balances the dish beautifully.
- Thai Basil Fried Rice: Loaded with aromatic herbs and spices, this rice dish enhances the vibrant flavors of your Bang Bang Shrimp.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Their natural sweetness and tender crunch create a delightful contrast that plays well with the shrimp’s heat.
- Spicy Pickled Vegetables: These tangy bites invigorate your palate and cut through the rich sauce, adding brightness to your plate.
- Mango Salad: A refreshing salad with juicy mango and mint offers sweetness and zest, making it a delightful way to awaken your taste buds.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly sweet Riesling pairs effortlessly, enhancing the dish without overwhelming its flavors.
- Lime Sorbet: For dessert, this light and refreshing frozen treat cleanses the palate after enjoying those rich, spicy flavors.
- Coconut Water: This hydrating drink adds a light sweetness that complements the Thai-inspired flavors while refreshing your senses.
- Lychee Martini: Elevate your meal with this exotic cocktail that offers a sweet, fruity finish, perfectly capping off your delicious dining experience.
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp
Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh shrimp for the best flavor and texture; frozen shrimp can work in a pinch but may result in a watery coating.
Preheat Oil Properly: Ensure your oil is heated to 375°F before frying; not hot enough will lead to soggy shrimp, while too hot can burn them.
Fry in Batches: Fry shrimp in small batches to prevent overcrowding, allowing each piece to cook evenly and achieve that desired crunch.
Coat Evenly: Make sure each shrimp is evenly coated in buttermilk and cornstarch to create a uniform crispy crust—oversaturating the shrimp can lead to a messy fry.
Sauce Quickly: Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce immediately after frying for the best flavor integration; waiting too long can lead to sogginess in the coating.
Bang Bang Shrimp Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe by exploring these tasty options that can elevate your Bang Bang Shrimp experience!
- Gluten-Free: Swap cornstarch for a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or chickpea flour for the same crispy bite.
- Low-Calorie: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to lighten up the sauce while keeping it creamy and delicious.
- Spicy Kick: Add minced garlic or ginger to the sauce for an aromatic boost, perfect for those who crave an extra kick.
- Coconut Twist: For a tropical flair, replace half the cornstarch with shredded coconut for a delightful crunch and flavor.
- Crispy Broccoli: Toss some broccoli florets in the buttermilk and cornstarch, then fry them alongside the shrimp for a colorful, crispy addition.
- Zesty Lime: Squeeze fresh lime juice into the sauce for a bright kick that complements the sweetness of the chili sauce beautifully.
- Herb-Infused: Mix in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or basil into the sauce for a refreshing, fragrant twist.
- Orange Zest: Add the zest of an orange to the sauce to introduce a citrusy sweetness that sings alongside the shrimp.
Whichever variation you choose, let your taste buds guide your culinary adventure!
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe FAQs
What type of shrimp should I use?
Absolutely! For the best results, always opt for fresh, peeled, and deveined shrimp. If you only have frozen shrimp on hand, that’s okay too; just ensure they are completely thawed and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture which can lead to a soggy coating.
How do I store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp?
Very easy! Store any leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispy texture, I recommend placing parchment paper between layers if you’re stacking them.
Can I freeze Bang Bang Shrimp?
Yes, you can! After frying and cooling the shrimp, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag and store them for up to 3 months. This method helps maintain their texture for later enjoyment.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen shrimp?
To reheat, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the frozen Bang Bang Shrimp on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes or until heated through and crispy. This method will help restore their delightful crunch!
How can I adjust the spice level?
For those who prefer a milder sauce, simply reduce the Sriracha or omit it altogether! You can also balance the flavor by adding a little extra honey to the sauce if you want to maintain that sweet touch without the heat.
Can I serve Bang Bang Shrimp as a meal?
The more the merrier! Bang Bang Shrimp makes a fantastic centerpiece for your dinner table. Serve it over rice or alongside a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal that’s just as satisfying as it is delicious!
Bang Bang Shrimp with Sweet Chili Bliss You’ll Crave!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey. Blend until smooth and set aside.
- In a second bowl, add the peeled and deveined shrimp. Pour the buttermilk over them.
- In a third small bowl, place the cornstarch.
- In a large pot, heat about 1 inch of canola oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F.
- Working in small batches, remove shrimp from the buttermilk, coat them in cornstarch, and place them into the hot oil.
- Fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes, turning until golden brown. Remove and repeat with remaining shrimp.
- Toss the fried shrimp in the prepared sauce while still hot, then serve immediately.