Bang Bang Shrimp is a delicious and popular appetizer that is crispy, juicy, and coated with a sweet and spicy sauce. The combination of fried shrimp and a creamy Thai chili sauce with a hint of sriracha creates a mouthwatering dish that can be enjoyed as a snack, in tacos, or as part of a larger meal. This recipe is simple to make and offers a great alternative to dining out, perfect for both casual gatherings and special occasions.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• For the Bang Bang Sauce:

  • ⅔ cup mayonnaise

  • ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce

  • 1 minced garlic clove

  • 1 tablespoon sriracha

• For the Milk Mixture:

  • ½ cup whole milk

  • 2 tablespoons sour cream

  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice

• For the Flour Mixture:

  • ½ cup all-purpose flour

  • ¼ cup cornstarch

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon paprika

• For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• For Frying:

  • Oil (canola, olive, or avocado oil)

Directions

1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:

   • In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and sriracha. Set aside.

2. Prepare the Milk Mixture:

   • In a bowl, combine milk, sour cream, and lemon juice.

   • Dredge the shrimp in the milk mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.

3. Prepare the Flour Mixture:

   • In a separate bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika.

   • Coat each shrimp in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure a thorough coating.

4. Fry the Shrimp:

   • Heat 1-1½ inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (325°F).

   • Fry the shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.

5. Toss in Sauce:

   • Once all the shrimp are cooked, gently toss them in the prepared bang bang sauce until evenly coated.

6. Serve:

   • Serve immediately as an appetizer or over rice, in tacos, or as part of a larger meal.

Nutrients

Per Serving (approximate, 1 serving):

• Calories: 406 kcal

• Fat: 30g

• Saturated Fat: 6g

• Trans Fat: 0.1g

• Polyunsaturated Fat: 17g

• Monounsaturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 23mg

• Sodium: 788mg

• Potassium: 88mg

• Carbohydrates: 29g

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 10g

• Protein: 3g

• Vitamin A: 117 IU

• Vitamin C: 4mg

• Calcium: 51mg

• Iron: 1mg

The Bang Bang Sauce: Sweet, Spicy, and Creamy

The key to the bold flavors of Bang Bang Shrimp lies in the sauce. The sauce combines mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, minced garlic, and sriracha to create a perfect blend of sweetness and heat. The mayonnaise provides creaminess, while the Thai sweet chili sauce adds a delightful sweetness, and the sriracha brings just the right amount of spice.

The garlic in the sauce provides depth of flavor, making it tangy and savory, with a touch of heat that enhances the shrimp’s flavor. This sauce is the star of the dish, and once tossed with the crispy shrimp, it makes for an irresistible combination.

The Milk Mixture: Tenderizing the Shrimp

Before frying, the shrimp are first coated in a milk mixture made with whole milk, sour cream, and lemon juice. This step ensures that the shrimp stay tender and juicy inside while becoming crispy on the outside. The sour cream adds richness, while the lemon juice helps to brighten the flavors and tenderize the shrimp. Dipping the shrimp in this mixture ensures that the flour mixture sticks properly, allowing for a crisp, golden coating when fried.

The Flour Mixture: Crispy Coating

To give the shrimp that perfect crispy texture, they are coated in a mixture of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. The flour and cornstarch work together to create a light, crispy exterior, while the seasonings add flavor to the coating. The paprika provides a subtle smokiness that complements the sweet and spicy sauce, while the salt and pepper enhance the overall flavor of the shrimp.

Coating the shrimp in the flour mixture ensures that they crisp up beautifully when fried, making each bite delightfully crunchy.

Frying the Shrimp: Golden Brown Perfection

The shrimp are fried in batches in a skillet with about 1 to 1½ inches of hot oil. The oil should be at around 325°F for optimal frying. Frying the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side results in a perfectly golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Once fried, the shrimp are placed on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy and not greasy. The frying process is quick, making this dish both easy and efficient to prepare, yet it feels indulgent with the crispiness of the shrimp and the richness of the sauce.

Tossing the Shrimp in the Sauce: Coating for Maximum Flavor

Once the shrimp are fried and crispy, they are gently tossed in the prepared Bang Bang sauce, ensuring each shrimp is evenly coated with the creamy, spicy sauce. The sauce sticks to the crispy shrimp, making every bite flavorful and satisfying. The combination of the tender shrimp, the crispy coating, and the rich sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that is hard to resist.

Serving the Bang Bang Shrimp: Versatile and Delicious

Bang Bang Shrimp can be served in a variety of ways. It’s perfect as an appetizer, served on its own with a garnish of fresh herbs, or over a bed of rice for a more substantial meal. It also works great in tacos or wraps, where the crispy shrimp and creamy sauce add a burst of flavor. The shrimp can also be served alongside a fresh salad or as part of a seafood platter, making it a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides.

Why Bang Bang Shrimp is Perfect for Any Occasion

Bang Bang Shrimp is a great choice for casual gatherings, family dinners, or even for impressing guests at a dinner party. It’s quick to prepare and offers a unique and flavorful dish that’s sure to be a hit with seafood lovers. The balance of crispy shrimp and creamy, spicy sauce makes it a crowd-pleaser, and it can easily be customized to suit different preferences.

Additionally, it can be made ahead of time, and the shrimp can be reheated in the oven for a crispy finish, making it a convenient option for meal prep or entertaining.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Bang Bang Shrimp contains approximately 406 calories, making it a rich yet satisfying option. The shrimp provide 3 grams of protein per serving, while the fried coating and the sauce contribute 30 grams of fat, including 6 grams of saturated fat. The dish also provides 29 grams of carbohydrates, including 1 gram of fiber and 10 grams of sugar, which comes primarily from the sweet chili sauce and the shrimp’s natural sugars.

The sodium content is 788mg per serving, which is something to keep in mind if you’re watching your salt intake. Despite this, the dish offers small amounts of vitamin A (117 IU) and a bit of calcium (51mg), as well as 4mg of vitamin C, which helps to support your immune system.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Bang Bang Shrimp is a flavorful, indulgent dish that combines crispy shrimp with a sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce. Whether served as an appetizer, in tacos, or over rice, this dish is versatile and easy to prepare, making it a perfect choice for both casual meals and special occasions. The combination of flavors and textures creates an unforgettable dish that will leave everyone craving more. With its bold flavors and crispy shrimp, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.