Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious appetizer known for its crispy texture and addictive spicy-sweet flavor. Popularized by restaurant chains like Bonefish Grill, this dish combines succulent shrimp with a creamy, tangy sauce that has a hint of heat.

The dish is perfect for parties, casual gatherings, or even a special dinner at home. This recipe will guide you through making restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.

Ingredients

For the Bang Bang Shrimp recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons Sriracha sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed (optional)

For Garnishing:

• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
• Lime wedges, for serving

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Step 1: Preparing the Shrimp

Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Stir to coat the shrimp evenly, then cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step helps to tenderize the shrimp and enhance the flavor.

Step 2: Making the Bang Bang Sauce

Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha sauce, honey, and lime juice (if using). Whisk together until smooth and well blended. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less Sriracha according to your preference. Set the sauce aside.

Step 3: Coating and Frying the Shrimp

Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Coat the Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the coated shrimp on a plate or baking sheet.

Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). There should be enough oil to submerge the shrimp completely, about 2 inches deep.

Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 4: Assembling the Dish

Toss with Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated. Be sure to do this step quickly while the shrimp are still hot to ensure they absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Garnish and Serve: Transfer the sauced shrimp to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro (if using), and lime wedges on the side.

Chef’s Notes

Shrimp: Fresh shrimp yield the best results, but frozen shrimp can also be used. If using frozen shrimp, make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.

Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can make a substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s a versatile sauce that can be used for other dishes, such as chicken or fish.

Frying: Maintain the oil temperature at around 350°F (175°C) to ensure the shrimp cook evenly and become crispy. Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature if needed.

Healthier Option: For a lighter version, you can bake the shrimp in a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven for 10-12 minutes, or until they are crispy, instead of frying.

Nutrition Value

The nutritional values for Bang Bang Shrimp can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. Below is an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):

Calories: 450-500 kcal

• Protein: 25-30g
• Fat: 25-30g
• Saturated Fat: 5-8g
• Carbohydrates: 30-35g
• Fiber: 1-3g
• Sugars: 5-8g
• Cholesterol: 200-250mg
• Sodium: 1000-1200mg
• Vitamin A: 10-15% DV
• Vitamin C: 10-15% DV
• Calcium: 8-10% DV
• Iron: 8-10% DV

Conclusion

Bang Bang Shrimp is a delectable dish that combines crispy fried shrimp with a bold, flavorful sauce.

The balance of spicy, sweet, and tangy elements makes this appetizer a crowd-pleaser. Perfect for entertaining or as a special treat, this recipe brings restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp to your home.

Follow these steps, and you’ll create a dish that’s sure to impress. Enjoy this flavorful journey and happy cooking!

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