Bang Bang Shrimp has quickly become a favorite dish in both restaurants and home kitchens. Known for its crispy, fried shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, this dish offers an explosion of flavors with every bite. Crunchy shrimp with a tangy, sweet sauce is a great appetizer or light meal. It will make you want more.
Whether you’ve tasted it at Bonefish Grill or heard about it, Bang Bang Shrimp is popular for a reason. With just a few basic ingredients, you can recreate this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser at any event, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
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The History of Bang Bang Shrimp
The origins of Bang Bang Shrimp can be traced back to the Bonefish Grill, where the dish first gained widespread popularity. The balanced combination of crispiness and flavor has made it a must-try appetizer on their menu. The name “Bang Bang” describes the bold and spicy taste of the shrimp. It combines sweet chili sauce and sriracha, giving a strong flavor in every bite.
The dish draws inspiration from Asian cuisine, particularly Japanese and Thai influences. Japanese mayonnaise is creamier and a bit sweeter than regular mayonnaise. When combined with Southeast Asian flavors, it creates a tasty fusion.
The result is a dish that is now famous in American restaurants. Soon after, it also appeared in home kitchens.
The dish is easy to make. This recipe has moved from restaurant menus to home kitchens. You can prepare it in under 30 minutes.
Essential Ingredients for Bang Bang Shrimp
Creating the perfect dish at home is all about using the right ingredients to get that signature crunch and flavor. Here’s a breakdown of the essential components:
The Shrimp
Shrimp is, of course, the star of the dish. When choosing shrimp for this recipe, it’s best to go with large, peeled, and deveined shrimp. Removing the tails is optional, but it makes for easier eating. Soaking shrimp in buttermilk makes them tender and helps the crispy coating stick better when frying.
- Shrimp Preparation: Make sure the shrimp are completely dry before dipping them into the buttermilk and flour mixture. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from adhering properly.
The Sauce
The creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce is what sets this dish apart. This iconic sauce is a balance of heat and sweetness, made with:
- Japanese Mayo: Unlike regular mayonnaise, Japanese mayo like Kewpie is creamier and slightly sweeter, making it perfect for Bang Bang Shrimp.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: This sauce adds a mild sweetness with a bit of tang, creating balance with the spicy elements.
- Sriracha: The source of the “bang” in Bang Bang, sriracha adds a spicy kick to the sauce. You can adjust the amount based on your preferred level of heat.
The Coating
A blend of flour and cornstarch is used to create that perfect crispy exterior. The flour provides structure, while the cornstarch helps to achieve a light, airy crunch. When frying, this coating crisps up beautifully, creating a satisfying contrast to the soft shrimp inside.
- Cornstarch and Flour Ratio: A 1:1 ratio of cornstarch to flour ensures that the shrimp have a perfectly light, golden exterior.
- Seasoning the Coating: Don’t forget to season the flour and cornstarch mixture with salt and pepper. This adds flavor directly to the coating, ensuring every bite is delicious.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Bang Bang Shrimp
Making Bang Bang Shrimp at home is easier than it looks, and with these steps, you can achieve crispy, flavorful shrimp every time.
Prepare the Shrimp
- Start by cleaning, peeling, and deveining the shrimp. For presentation purposes, you can leave the tails on, but removing them makes the shrimp easier to eat.
- Soak the shrimp in a bowl of buttermilk for about 15-20 minutes. The buttermilk tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick during frying.
Coat the Shrimp
- In a shallow dish, mix equal parts flour and cornstarch, along with a pinch of salt and pepper for seasoning.
- Take the shrimp out of the buttermilk and dredge them in the flour mixture, ensuring you coat each piece thoroughly.
Fry the Shrimp
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp to avoid them becoming greasy.
- Fry the shrimp in small batches for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.
- Remove the shrimp and drain them on a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Make the Bang Bang Sauce
- While the shrimp are frying, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a bowl, mix ½ cup of Japanese mayo and ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce. Add 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha to reach your preferred spiciness.
- Stir the sauce until it’s smooth and creamy.
Toss the Shrimp
- Once the shrimp have been fried and are crispy, gently toss them in the Bang Bang sauce. Make sure each piece is well-coated without letting them sit too long in the sauce, as this could make the shrimp soggy.
Popular Variations
Healthy Version
If you’re looking for a lighter option, try making baked Bang Bang Shrimp. Preheat your oven to 400°F and place the coated shrimp on a wire rack over a baking sheet.
This allows the heat to circulate, crisping the shrimp without frying. Bake for about 10-12 minutes, flipping the shrimp halfway through. Serve with the same spicy sauce for a healthier yet still crispy version.
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
For a fun twist, turn Bang Bang Shrimp into tacos. Simply stuff the shrimp into soft tortillas and top with shredded cabbage, sliced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice. You can even drizzle extra Bang Bang sauce on top for added flavor. These tacos are perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner option.
Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp with Extra Heat
If you love spicy food, there are easy ways to increase the heat in your Bang Bang Shrimp. Add extra sriracha to the sauce or mix in some hot sauce. You can also sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes or dice up some fresh jalapeños for an even bolder kick.
Best Side Dishes
Pairing Bang Bang Shrimp with complementary side dishes can turn this appetizer into a complete meal. Here are some of the best sides to serve with this dish:
- Jasmine Rice: The simplicity of jasmine rice helps balance the bold, spicy flavors of the shrimp. The rice also absorbs the creamy sauce, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Fried Rice: For a heartier side, opt for fried rice. The combination of shrimp, fried rice, and vegetables makes for a filling and delicious meal.
- Asian Slaw is a light and fresh salad. It is made with cabbage and carrots. The dressing is tangy. This slaw is a great match for rich shrimp. The crunchiness of the slaw adds texture, while the acidic dressing cuts through the creaminess of the sauce.
- Steamed Vegetables: If you’re looking for a healthier option, serve the dish alongside steamed vegetables like broccoli, snap peas, or bok choy. This adds a fresh and nutritious element to the dish.
- Crispy Potatoes: For something more indulgent, roasted or fried potatoes make an excellent side dish. The crispy texture of the potatoes pairs well with the shrimp’s crunch.
FAQs about Bang Bang Shrimp
What makes Bang Bang Shrimp spicy?
The spiciness in the dish comes from sriracha, a hot chili sauce that adds heat to the dish. You can adjust the amount of sriracha depending on your heat tolerance.
Can you use frozen shrimp for the recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp for this recipe. Be sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before coating and frying. Removing excess moisture ensures the shrimp will fry up crispy.
Is Bang Bang Shrimp gluten-free?
The traditional recipe for Bang Bang Shrimp is not gluten-free, as it uses flour in the coating. However, you can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch to make the dish gluten-free.
Can you air-fry Bang Bang Shrimp instead of frying?
Yes, air frying is a great alternative to deep frying. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the shrimp for 6-8 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking.
How do you keep Bang Bang Shrimp crispy after tossing them in the sauce?
To keep the shrimp crispy, toss them in the sauce right before serving. If the shrimp sit in the sauce too long, they can become soggy. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
Conclusion
Bang Bang Shrimp is an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing dish that delivers the perfect balance of crispy shrimp and creamy, spicy sauce. This dish is perfect as a quick snack or a full meal with tacos or rice, and it’s sure to be a favorite.
You can tailor the dish with simple ingredients and customizable variations to suit your taste preferences. Try the classic fried version, opt for a baked alternative, or get creative by making Bang Bang Shrimp tacos or adding extra spice.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, Bang Bang Shrimp offers an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone coming back for more!