Sure, let’s dive into the delicious world of Bang Bang Shrimp. This dish has a way of lighting up any gathering, and I can’t wait to share the secrets behind it.
There’s just something magnetic about crispy, spicy shrimp tossed in a creamy sauce that makes you want to skip the main course and just dive into a mountain of these little treasures. I remember the first time I had Bang Bang Shrimp at a local restaurant; I was instantly hooked. The flavor was a perfect dance of sweetness and heat, and the crunch was simply irresistible. Ever since then, making my own version became a must, and I’ve perfected it over the years. Ready to turn your kitchen into a mini seafood paradise? Let’s do this!
Why you’ll love this recipe
Now, why should you take the time to whip up a batch of these luscious Bang Bang Shrimp? First off, they’re a total crowd-pleaser. Think about it: crispy bites of perfectly seasoned shrimp, coated in a creamy and tangy sauce with a hint of spice. Whether it’s a cozy dinner for two or a lively gathering with friends, these shrimp act like the life of the party.
Not only are they packed with flavor, but they also give you that gratifying feeling of crafting something special at home. Plus, they take less time than you might think! In just a little over an hour, you can go from shrimp novice to culinary rock star. It’s also a fantastic way to enjoy a taste of the coast, especially if you’re landlocked like me. So, grab your apron and let’s get those taste buds tingling!
Ingredients overview
Now, let’s talk about what you need, because the magic is all in the details.
- Shrimp: Get 1 lb of fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined. Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp works great too. These beauties are the star of the show—plump, juicy, and ready to soak up all those amazing flavors.
- Buttermilk: You’ll need 1 cup. This is the secret to getting that juicy tenderness! If you’re out of buttermilk, don’t fret; just mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes.
- All-Purpose Flour and Cornstarch: Grab 1 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of cornstarch. The flour gives structure while cornstarch adds that unforgettable crunch—trust me, don’t skip it!
- Spices: You’ll need 1 teaspoon of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of salt. These guys add layers of flavor and make your shrimp sing with personality.
- Oil for Frying: This is what’ll make those shrimp crisp up beautifully. Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola.
- Sauce: For the luscious coating, you’ll need 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, and a tablespoon of sriracha if you’re feeling a bit feisty. This sauce is where all the magic happens.
- Green Onions: These are for garnishing, bringing a fresh crunch that complements the richness of the shrimp.
Preparing Bang Bang Shrimp
Alright, let’s take a step-by-step stroll through this culinary adventure:
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Marinate the Shrimp: Start by soaking your shrimp in buttermilk for about 30 minutes. This will make them incredibly tender and flavorful. Don’t rush this step; it’s worth the wait!
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Mix the Dredging Coating: In a bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. This will create a lovely coating that gives your shrimp that crunchy exterior we crave.
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Heat the Oil: Get your frying pan hot by adding your oil and setting it over medium-high heat. You want the oil to shimmer but not smoke; we’re looking for that perfect frying temperature.
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Dredge and Fry: Once the shrimp have marinated, dredge them in the flour mixture. Make sure they’re nicely coated! Fry your shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until they’re golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Ah, the sound of crispy shrimp is music to my ears!
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Make the Sauce: As the shrimp cool slightly, whip up your sauce. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Adjust the sriracha to your taste; some like it spicy, some don’t.
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Toss to Coat: Once the shrimp are cool enough to handle, toss them in the sauce until they’re beautifully coated. You’ll want to get every nook and cranny covered—it’s what makes it Bang Bang!
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Serve in Style: Plate them up and garnish generously with green onions. Just look at those beauties!
Best way to enjoy it
Now that your Bang Bang Shrimp is ready, how can you elevate your dining experience? You can serve them as an appetizer or make them the star of your meal. Pair them with crunchy slaw for contrast or serve with a side of crispy fries for a fun twist on a classic combo. A chilled, crisp white wine or a refreshing beer can pair beautifully. If you’re feeling adventurous, try mixing the shrimp with some tossed greens or serve them in tacos for a fusion approach—why not?
Storage and reheating tips
What to do with leftovers? First off, can you believe it? Leftovers! If you happen to have any, let them cool completely before storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll taste best eaten within a couple of days. To reheat, toss them in a hot pan for a few minutes until they’re warm and crispy again. If you’re thinking of freezing, I recommend freezing them before they’re fried; simply coat and freeze the seasoned shrimp, then fry from frozen when you’re ready. Safe food handling, my friend, ensures you enjoy these delights at their best.
Pro chef tips
Before you dash off to the kitchen, here are a few insider tricks to elevate your Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Oil Temperature: A good oil temperature is key to crispness. Too cold and they’ll soak up oil; too hot and they’ll burn. Use a thermometer if you’re unsure.
- Batter Alternatives: Feel free to swap out the flour for a gluten-free blend or use panko for an extra crunch!
- Flavor twists: Try adding a splash of lime juice to the sauce for some zing, or infuse different spices into the flour mix, like cayenne for heat or onion powder for depth.
Creative Twists
Want to give this dish your unique touch? Here are a few playful ideas:
- Tropical Vibes: Add some crushed pineapple to the sauce for a sweet, fruity kick!
- Herbaceous: Toss in some chopped cilantro or basil for a fresh burst.
- Asian-inspired: Use sesame oil in the frying oil and add sesame seeds to the sauce for an added crunch.
Ingredients
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Oil for frying
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (optional)
- Green onions for garnish
Directions to follow
- Marinate the shrimp in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.
- Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
- Dredge the marinated shrimp in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
- Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until fully coated.
- Serve garnished with green onions.
FAQs
- How long does it take to make Bang Bang Shrimp? Typically, it takes about an hour including the marinating time.
- Can I bake these instead of frying? Baking is possible, but you won’t achieve the same level of crispiness. If you bake, consider spraying the shrimp with a little oil.
- What if I don’t have sweet chili sauce? An alternative would be mixing regular chili sauce with a bit of honey or sugar to mimic the sweetness.
- How do I know when shrimp are cooked? They should turn pink and opaque. Too long and they’ll get rubbery!
- Can I add vegetables? Absolutely! Toss in some bell peppers or snap peas for a colorful and nutritious twist.
Now you have it—your very own guide to crafting the decadent delight that is Bang Bang Shrimp. It’s all about layering flavors and having fun in the kitchen. So next time you’re looking for something that’ll impress while also satisfying those cravings, remember this recipe. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out for you, so don’t hesitate to share your experiences! The culinary world is all about connection and creativity, and I’m thrilled you’re a part of it. Happy cooking!
Bang Bang Shrimp
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crowd-pleasing dish featuring crispy shrimp tossed in a spicy, creamy sauce that's both sweet and savory.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
-
Marinate the Shrimp
Soak your shrimp in buttermilk for about 30 minutes.This will make them incredibly tender. -
Mix the Dredging Coating
In a bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, and salt.This will create the coating for crunch. -
Heat the Oil
Get your frying pan hot by adding your oil and setting it over medium-high heat.The oil should shimmer but not smoke. -
Dredge and Fry
Dredge the marinated shrimp in the flour mixture and fry until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.Don’t overcrowd the pan. -
Make the Sauce
In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.Adjust sriracha to your taste. -
Toss to Coat
Once shrimp are cool enough to handle, toss them in the sauce until fully coated. -
Serve in Style
Plate up and garnish generously with green onions.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 400kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 28g44%
- Saturated Fat 4g20%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 180mg60%
- Sodium 1200mg50%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 1g4%
- Sugars 5g
- Protein 21g42%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 3 mg
- Calcium 50 mg
- Iron 1 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
