Bang Bang Shrimp are a delightful fusion of crispy seafood and a creamy, spicy sauce that can elevate any meal or gathering. The shrimp are perfectly coated in a crunchy panko crust, fried until golden brown, and then tossed in a lip-smacking sauce that has just the right amount of kick. This dish is not only delicious but also surprisingly simple to make, making it a fantastic addition to your appetizer repertoire. It’s amazing how something so quick can fill your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, turning any ordinary dinner into an extraordinary experience.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Bang Bang Shrimp

I discovered Bang Bang Shrimp during a casual night out, and I was immediately hooked. The combination of textures—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—was simply irresistible. Now, making this dish at home means I can enjoy it anytime with friends and family. Perfect for a cozy night in or as a crowd-pleaser at parties, this recipe will undoubtedly astound your guests. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to impress with this easy, spicy, and totally scrumptious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 40 minutes, from prep to plate.
Irresistible Flavor: The spicy, creamy sauce perfectly complements the crispy shrimp.
Eye-Catching Appeal: This dish looks as good as it tastes, making it a stunning addition to any table.
Flexible Serving: Enjoy as an appetizer or snack, or pair with rice for a complete meal.
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for gluten-free or low-carb diets with some straightforward swaps.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: Fresh shrimp are essential for the best flavor. Larger shrimp can be used, but the cook time may vary.
1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs provide an unbeatable crunch. Sub with regular breadcrumbs if needed, though the texture won’t be the same.
1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This helps the coating stick better to the shrimp. You can opt for gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the shrimp flavor. Adjust to taste.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a hint of spice to the coating.
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional): Provides a lovely color and subtle heat.
2 large eggs, beaten: This is the binding agent for your breadcrumbs.
Vegetable oil for frying: A neutral oil with a high smoke point works best. Peanut oil or canola are great choices.
1/2 cup mayonnaise: Forms the base of the sauce, giving it creaminess.
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the shrimp beautifully.
1-2 tablespoons sriracha sauce: Adjust based on how spicy you want it. This brings in a nice kick!
1 tablespoon honey or sugar: Balances the flavors in your sauce.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice: A splash of acidity brightens the dish.
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds depth of flavor. Fresh garlic can also be used for a stronger taste.

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Prepare the shrimp: Rinse the 1 lb medium shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is vital; removing excess moisture ensures that the coating adheres and becomes crisp during frying.

Mix the dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon paprika if you’re using it. This mixture will create a flavorful crust that enhances your shrimp.

Beat the eggs: In a separate bowl, beat 2 large eggs until smooth. This egg wash is what will help your breadcrumb mixture stick to the shrimp, creating that delicious crispy exterior we all love.

Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, then coat them evenly with the panko mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks well. This double-dipping process ensures a thick, crunchy crust that won’t fall off during frying.

Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer if you have one; maintaining this temperature is crucial for the shrimp to cook properly and not become greasy.

Fry the shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per batch, or until golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they are ready when they float to the top and look wonderfully golden. Once done, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.

Prepare the Bang Bang sauce: While the shrimp are frying, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, 1-2 tablespoons sriracha, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, and 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a bowl until smooth. This sauce is what elevates Bang Bang Shrimp to the next level, offering a burst of flavor with every bite.

Toss the shrimp in sauce: Once the shrimp have cooled slightly, toss them in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated. If you prefer, you can serve the sauce on the side for dipping, allowing everyone to control their spice level.

Serve and garnish: Serve your delightful Bang Bang Shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. Pair it with steamed rice or a crisp salad for a refreshing contrast. Enjoy your creation with friends and family!

Storing & Reheating

If you have any Bang Bang Shrimp leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 hours. For refrigeration, a good-quality, airtight container will keep them fresh for 1-2 days. You can freeze the shrimp, although it’s best to eat them fresh; if you must, do so for up to 3 months. To reheat, pop them in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes or until heated through, although the texture may not be quite as crunchy as when first made. Consider refreshing them in the oven instead of the microwave for best results.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcrowding the pan when frying; this ensures even cooking and better texture.
If your shrimp are still wet after rinsing, the coating may not stick well. Make sure to pat them dry thoroughly.
For extra flavor, marinate the shrimp in lime juice, garlic, and spices for 15 minutes before breading.
If you like an extra kick, use more sriracha in your sauce or add diced fresh chilies.
Consider making the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time; it’s great for sandwiches and dipping other appetizers.
Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a different twist on this recipe.

You’ve just discovered a new favorite dish that’s sure to impress! Bang Bang Shrimp provide the perfect blend of flavors and textures that will have everyone asking for the recipe. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the spice levels in your sauce or the type of shrimp you use. The joy of cooking is all about making it your own. Enjoy the process and, most importantly, enjoy every crispy, delicious bite!

Recipe FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! If using frozen shrimp, make sure to thoroughly thaw them before preparation. Rinse them under cold water, and pat them dry to achieve the right texture for frying.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

You can easily make Bang Bang Shrimp gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives. Look for gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour at your local grocery store for the best results.

What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?

These shrimp are perfect as an appetizer or main dish. Pair them with steamed rice, a fresh salad, or even add them to tacos for a fun twist. They also go wonderfully with a refreshing mojito or a cold beer!

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce in advance! It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using to ensure everything is well mixed again.

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Bang Bang Shrimp

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Author: Peter
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Asian

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Description

Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful dish featuring crispy shrimp coated in a creamy and spicy sauce. With simple ingredients and quick prep, this meal is perfect for a satisfying dinner or appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale

450g (1 lb) medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
120g (1 cup) panko breadcrumbs
60g (1/2 cup) all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
2 large eggs, beaten
vegetable oil, for frying
120g (1/2 cup) mayonnaise
60g (1/4 cup) sweet chili sauce
1–2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
1 tablespoon honey or sugar
1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

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Instructions

Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry.
In a medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, flour, salt, pepper, and paprika if desired.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it sticks.
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 175°C (350°F).
Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
Prepare the Bang Bang sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in a bowl.
Toss the fried shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro, alongside steamed rice or a crisp salad.

Notes

For extra crunch, ensure the oil is hot enough before frying.
Feel free to adjust the spiciness of the Bang Bang sauce to your preference.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.