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Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

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4.5 from 763 reviews

Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, crunchy fried shrimp dish coated in a spicy, creamy sauce with sweet chili and sriracha flavors. Perfect as an appetizer or a flavorful main, this recipe features shrimp marinated in buttermilk and spices, dredged in cornstarch, fried to golden perfection, then tossed in a zesty bang bang sauce.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Bang Bang Shrimp

  • 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup corn starch

For the Bang Bang Sauce

  • 1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Marinate the shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well and let this marinate for 10 minutes to infuse flavor and tenderize the shrimp.
  2. Prepare dredging station: Add the cornstarch to a shallow dish or bowl. This will be used to coat the shrimp before frying to create a crispy crust.
  3. Dredge the shrimp: Working one at a time, pull a piece of shrimp from the buttermilk marinade. Shake off any excess liquid, then dredge thoroughly in the cornstarch, coating evenly. Transfer the coated shrimp to a baking sheet while you bread the rest.
  4. Heat the oil: Pour 1 ½ inches of oil into a large pot and heat to 350°F (175°C). Proper oil temperature is key to achieving crispy shrimp without greasiness.
  5. Fry the shrimp: Fry the shrimp in 3 batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Cook each batch for about 2 minutes until the shrimp appears golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F. Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  6. Make the sauce and toss: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha hot sauce. Stir to blend well. Add the fried shrimp to this bowl and toss gently but thoroughly to coat the shrimp evenly with the bang bang sauce.
  7. Serve: Serve the bang bang shrimp immediately while hot and crispy. They make an excellent appetizer or can be enjoyed as part of a main meal.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of Sriracha to control the heat level of the sauce.
  • Use fresh shrimp for best flavor and texture.
  • Maintain oil temperature to ensure shrimp fry evenly and stay crispy.
  • You can substitute mayonnaise with a lighter alternative for a lower-fat version.
  • Serve with a wedge of lime or lemon for a fresh citrus kick.