Introduction to Bang Bang Shrimp
Alrighty seafood lovers! Today we’re diving into the world of Bang Bang Shrimp, a mouthwatering dish that’s sure to make your taste buds dance. This popular appetizer originated in the United States and had since become a favorite at many restaurants. It features crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce that’ll make you exclaim “Bang Bang!” with every bite.
Essential Ingredients and Substitutes
Before we start cooking let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice)
- 1 cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour if you’re in a pinch)
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying (or try avocado oil for a healthier option)
Bang Bang Sauce
The star of the show is undoubtedly the Bang Bang sauce. To prepare it you’ll require:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 Tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
Don’t worry if you can’t find Thai sweet chili sauce. As an alternative, you can use honey mixed with a bit of hot sauce.
Expert Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
To ensure your Bang Bang Shrimp turns out perfectly, consider these expert tips:
- Ensure your shrimp are completely dry before coating them. This step helps the cornstarch stick better.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying. Give those shrimps some space to crisp up!
- Adjust the spiciness of the sauce to your liking. Start with less sriracha and gradually add more if needed.
- For extra crunch, try adding some panko breadcrumbs to your cornstarch coating.
Bang Bang Shrimp
Equipment
- Dutch oven pot (for deep frying)
- Slotted spoon
- Dinner plate lined with paper towels
- 2 mixing bowls (for marinating and dredging)
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp peeled and deveined, tails removed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying or avocado oil for a healthier option
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 2 Tbsp sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- Chopped scallions
Instructions
- Marinate shrimp in buttermilk for 15 minutes.
- Dredge shrimp in cornstarch, shaking off excess.
- Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Deep fry shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per batch.
- Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Mix Bang Bang Sauce ingredients in a bowl.
- Toss fried shrimp in Bang Bang Sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
Adjust the level of spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of sriracha in the sauce.
For extra crunch, you can add a panko breadcrumb coating after the cornstarch before frying.
Nutrition
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now let’s get cooking! We’ll break this down into three easy steps.
1. Tenderize Shrimp & Create Sauce
First, marinate your shrimp in buttermilk for about 15 minutes. This process helps tenderize the shrimp and gives it a tangy flavor.
Meanwhile, mix all the Bang Bang sauce ingredients in a bowl. Set it aside for now.
Pro tip: Taste your sauce and adjust the flavors. If you prefer it spicier, simply add more sriracha!
2. Dredge Shrimp
After marinating, take each shrimp and coat it in cornstarch. Make sure it’s evenly covered for maximum crispiness.
Fun fact: This method of coating is called “dredging” in cooking lingo. Now you can impress your friends with your culinary knowledge!
3. Fry Shrimp & Mix with Sauce
Next, heat your oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread in it. If it sizzles and turns golden in about 60 seconds, you’re good to go!
Subsequently, fry your shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Then, drain the fried shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Finally, gently toss the crispy shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until they’re well coated.
And voila! Your Bang Bang Shrimp is ready to serve.
