Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a favorite for seafood lovers, featuring crispy, golden shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. The combination of mayonnaise, sriracha, and sweet chili sauce creates a perfect balance of heat and sweetness. Quick to make and bursting with flavor, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sriracha
• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Place shrimp in a medium bowl and coat with buttermilk.
2. Drain the buttermilk and shake off any excess.
3. Coat the shrimp in cornstarch and set aside.
4. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sriracha, Thai sweet chili sauce, and honey until smooth.
5. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 375°F.
6. Fry shrimp for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.
7. Remove shrimp and place on paper towels to remove excess oil.
8. Toss the shrimp in the prepared sauce and serve immediately.

Serving and Storage Tips

• Serve Bang Bang Shrimp immediately after tossing in the sauce for the best crispy texture.
• Pair with steamed rice, a fresh green salad, or in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Store leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain the crispiness; avoid microwaving as it can make shrimp soggy.
• The sauce can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Variations

• Baked Bang Bang Shrimp: Instead of frying, bake the shrimp at 400°F for 10-12 minutes for a healthier option.
• Air Fryer Version: Air fry shrimp at 390°F for 8-10 minutes to achieve a crispy texture with less oil.
• Garlic Bang Bang Shrimp: Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic to the sauce for extra flavor.
• Honey-Lime Bang Bang Shrimp: Substitute honey with honey-lime glaze for a tangy twist.
• Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp: Coat shrimp in shredded coconut mixed with cornstarch before frying for a tropical variation.
• Spicy Kick: Increase sriracha to ½ cup for extra heat.
• Low-Calorie Sauce: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce.
• Vegetarian Version: Replace shrimp with cauliflower florets, fry or bake, and toss in the Bang Bang sauce.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: Serve the shrimp in soft tortillas with cabbage slaw and sauce.
• Crunchy Toppings: Sprinkle with sesame seeds or chopped green onions before serving for added texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, but make sure to thaw completely and pat them dry to avoid excess moisture, which can prevent crispiness.
2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
   You can prepare the sauce in advance, but fry the shrimp just before serving to keep them crispy.
3. What type of oil is best for frying?
   Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.
4. Is the Bang Bang sauce very spicy?
   The sauce has a mild to medium heat, which can be adjusted by reducing or increasing the sriracha.
5. Can I make a healthier version?
   Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F for 10-12 minutes or air fry them instead of deep-frying.
6. Can I substitute mayonnaise in the sauce?
   Yes, Greek yogurt can be used for a lighter, tangier version of the sauce.
7. How should leftovers be stored?
   Store shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
8. Can I add extra flavor to the sauce?
   Absolutely! Try adding minced garlic, ginger, or a splash of lime juice for added depth.
9. Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
   Yes, replace shrimp with cauliflower florets, fry or bake them, and toss with the Bang Bang sauce.
10. What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
    It pairs well with rice, fresh salads, noodles, in lettuce wraps, or as a taco filling.

Bang Bang Shrimp is a quick, flavorful dish that impresses every time. Crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce makes it perfect for gatherings or a simple dinner at home. Serve immediately for the best texture and enjoy a dish that is both easy and irresistible.

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