When you’re gearing up to make Bang Bang Shrimp, let’s talk about what will complement this dish perfectly. Imagine crispy lettuce wraps as the base, or serve it over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice to soak up that divine sauce.
You might also consider crunchy Asian slaw for an added texture punch. Or, if you’re in a mood for something refreshing, a light cucumber salad could work wonders alongside. Each of these options brings something unique to the table, transforming your meal into a delightful experience.
some dishes don’t just satisfy our hunger; they dance on our taste buds and spark joy. Bang Bang Shrimp is one such dish. It’s a combination of crispy shrimp, a sweet and spicy sauce, and a crunch that leaves you wanting more.
I first encountered this delightful dish at a local seafood restaurant, and I couldn’t forget it. The moment I took that first bite, I was hooked!
Today, I’ll take you through how to create your very own Bang Bang Shrimp at home. Trust me; this recipe is not just about throwing some ingredients together.
It’s an experience that you’ll want to replicate time and time again. You’ll find yourself raving about it to friends and family. Are you ready to dive in? Let’s go!
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary sensation. Originating from the shores of Southeast Asia, this dish features succulent shrimp that are battered, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a luscious sauce that’s sweet and a little spicy.
The balance of crunchiness from the crispy shrimp combined with the creamy, zesty sauce creates a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist.
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Why This Recipe Works
1. Crispy Texture: The shrimp is coated in fine corn flour, giving it a satisfying crunch. Unlike other batters that can be heavy, this coating keeps it light and airy.
2. Balanced Flavors: The sauce combines sweet Thai chili glaze with spicy sriracha and creamy mayo. This trifecta of flavor brings a perfect harmony to the dish, making it enjoyable to a wide range of palates.
3. Quick to Prepare: With a total prep and cook time of around 30 minutes, you can whip this dish up even on the busiest days. It’s perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. Versatile Pairing Options: This recipe allows you to serve Bang Bang Shrimp with a variety of sides. Whether it’s rice, slaw, or lettuce wraps, the world is your oyster.
Ingredients You’ll Need To Make This Bang Bang Shrimp
Shrimp Coating & Frying:
¾ cup fine corn flour
1 cup tangy cultured buttermilk
1 lb large jumbo prawns, peeled and cleaned
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 cup neutral-flavored frying oil
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
1 small green onion, finely sliced for garnish
¾ teaspoon garlic granules
¾ teaspoon sea salt
Bang Bang Sauce:
¼ cup sweet Thai chili glaze
2 tablespoons spicy sriracha sauce
½ cup creamy Japanese-style mayo
How To Make These?
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by ensuring your shrimp are clean, peeled, and dried. This is crucial. Excess moisture can hinder the crispiness.
Step 2: Make the Coating Mixture
In one bowl, combine the fine corn flour, garlic granules, onion powder, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3: Soak the Shrimp
In another bowl, pour the cultured buttermilk. This will act as the adhesive for the coating and will help make your shrimp juicy.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
Dunk each shrimp into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s fully covered. Then, place it in the coating mixture. Press gently so the dry ingredients adhere well. Set them aside on a plate or baking sheet.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan, heat the frying oil over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, about 350°F. To check if it’s ready, sprinkle a tiny bit of flour into the oil. If it sizzles, you’re good to go.
Step 6: Fry the Shrimp
Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in small batches to avoid crowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, usually about 2–3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them; overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp.
Step 7: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
While your shrimp is frying, combine the sweet Thai chili glaze, sriracha sauce, and creamy mayo in a bowl. Stir until smooth. This delicious sauce is what makes your Bang Bang Shrimp “bang.”
Step 8: Toss the Shrimp in Sauce
Once the shrimp are cooked, drain them briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil. Then, in a large bowl, gently toss them with your prepared Bang Bang sauce. Make sure each shrimp is well-coated.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Plate the shrimp and sprinkle with finely sliced green onions for that pop of freshness. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Tips for Making the Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
1. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This ensures each shrimp gets that perfect crisp without steaming.
2. Let the Oil Heat Up: A hot oil temperature guarantees that the shrimp fry quickly, sealing in juices.
3. Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the sriracha to suit your taste.
4. Use Fresh Shrimp: The fresher the shrimp, the better the flavor. Frozen shrimp works, but try to avoid shrimp that has been previously thawed multiple times.
5. Experiment with Coating: For an interesting twist, try adding other spices to the corn flour mix, like cayenne pepper or even Italian seasoning for a fusion flair.
Nutrition Information
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe Nutrition Facts
How to Store the Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), make sure to store them in an airtight container. Refrigerate right away and consume within 2–3 days. Reheat gently in an oven for the best texture. Microwave if you’re in a rush, but you may lose some crispiness.
What are some recommended side dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp?
When pairing sides with Bang Bang Shrimp, consider these options:
1. Fluffy Jasmine Rice: This neutral base is perfect to soak up the luscious sauce from the shrimp. Simply cook jasmine rice according to package instructions, and you’ve got a perfect match!
2. Asian Slaw: A mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and bell peppers tossed in a tangy vinaigrette adds crunch and freshness to balance the richness of the shrimp.
3. Cucumber Salad: Thin slices of cucumber tossed with rice vinegar and sesame oil create a refreshing contrast. It’s light and complements the richness of the meal.
4. Lettuce Wraps: Use iceberg or romaine leaves to create wraps. They offer a satisfying crunch and work well with the flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp.
Substitute Options for the Ingredients
Running low on something? Here are some substitutes:
1. Corn Flour: If you can’t find fine corn flour, try using all-purpose flour or almond flour. Both can create a decent coating.
2. Buttermilk: No buttermilk? Mix regular milk with a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 10 minutes. Voilà—homemade buttermilk.
3. Thai Chili Glaze: In a pinch, sweet chili sauce can work as an alternative. You might need to adjust the sweetness depending on your preference.
4. Japanese-Style Mayo: If you can’t find it, regular mayonnaise will do. For a similar flavor, add a dash of lemon juice or vinegar for zing.
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Equipment
- Frying pan
Ingredients
Shrimp Coating & Frying:
- ¾ cup fine corn flour
- 1 cup tangy cultured buttermilk
- 1 lb large jumbo prawns peeled and cleaned
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup neutral-flavored frying oil
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 small green onion finely sliced for garnish
- ¾ teaspoon garlic granules
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt
Bang Bang Sauce:
- ¼ cup sweet Thai chili glaze
- 2 tablespoons spicy sriracha sauce
- ½ cup creamy Japanese-style mayo
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Start by ensuring your shrimp are clean, peeled, and dried. This is crucial. Excess moisture can hinder the crispiness.
Step 2: Make the Coating Mixture
- In one bowl, combine the fine corn flour, garlic granules, onion powder, smoked paprika, and sea salt. Mix these dry ingredients thoroughly.
Step 3: Soak the Shrimp
- In another bowl, pour the cultured buttermilk. This will act as the adhesive for the coating and will help make your shrimp juicy.
Step 4: Coat the Shrimp
- Dunk each shrimp into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s fully covered. Then, place it in the coating mixture. Press gently so the dry ingredients adhere well. Set them aside on a plate or baking sheet.
Step 5: Heat the Oil
- In a large frying pan, heat the frying oil over medium-high heat. You want it nice and hot, about 350°F. To check if it’s ready, sprinkle a tiny bit of flour into the oil. If it sizzles, you’re good to go.
Step 6: Fry the Shrimp
- Carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil in small batches to avoid crowding. Fry until golden brown and crispy, usually about 2–3 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them; overcooking can lead to rubbery shrimp.
Step 7: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
- While your shrimp is frying, combine the sweet Thai chili glaze, sriracha sauce, and creamy mayo in a bowl. Stir until smooth. This delicious sauce is what makes your Bang Bang Shrimp “bang.”
Step 8: Toss the Shrimp in Sauce
- Once the shrimp are cooked, drain them briefly on paper towels to remove excess oil. Then, in a large bowl, gently toss them with your prepared Bang Bang sauce. Make sure each shrimp is well-coated.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
- Plate the shrimp and sprinkle with finely sliced green onions for that pop of freshness. Serve immediately and watch them disappear!
Notes
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: This ensures each shrimp gets that perfect crisp without steaming.
- Let the Oil Heat Up: A hot oil temperature guarantees that the shrimp fry quickly, sealing in juices.
- Adjust the Spice: If you’re not a fan of heat, reduce the sriracha to suit your taste.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: The fresher the shrimp, the better the flavor. Frozen shrimp works, but try to avoid shrimp that has been previously thawed multiple times.
- Experiment with Coating: For an interesting twist, try adding other spices to the corn flour mix, like cayenne pepper or even Italian seasoning for a fusion flair.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I freeze Bang Bang Shrimp?
Yes! If you want to enjoy it later, you can freeze the shrimp before frying them. Just coat them and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. When you’re ready, fry them straight from the freezer, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
2. Is Bang Bang Shrimp spicy?
The spice level largely depends on how much sriracha you use. If you want it milder, you can cut back on the sriracha and focus on the sweet chili glaze.
3. Can I use other proteins instead of shrimp?
Absolutely! This sauce works well with chicken, tofu, or even vegetables like eggplant. In those cases, the cooking time may vary, especially for chicken. Always ensure it’s cooked through.
4. What can I do if the coating falls off during frying?
This happens sometimes. Make sure your oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp. Additionally, let the coated shrimp rest for a few minutes before frying. This helps the coating adhere better.
5. What drink pairs well with Bang Bang Shrimp?
A crisp, refreshing drink like a cucumber mint mocktail or a light beer complements the vibrant flavors beautifully. Some prefer a cold glass of Riesling for a more elegant touch.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Shrimp is more than just a dish you make; it’s an adventure that encapsulates bold flavors, textures, and the joy of cooking. Whether you prepare it for a casual dinner or a party with friends, it’s sure to impress.
This dish speaks to the heart of simple yet delicious home cooking. Use this recipe as your foundation, but don’t hesitate to experiment and make it your own. Happy cooking, and may every bite be as delightful as the first!