Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Delight
This Crisp and Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp Delight is a tantalizing dish that captures the essence of your favorite seafood restaurant while adding a touch of homemade comfort! Perfect for a family dinner or a weekend gathering with friends, this recipe features succulent shrimp that is lightly battered and perfectly fried to golden brown perfection. Tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that packs a punch, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving something savory for dinner or an enticing appetizer for a party, this dish combines the flavors of sweet, spicy, and savory in a way that keeps you coming back for more. Get ready to impress everyone with this restaurant-quality dish right at home!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
shrimp
1 1/2 lbs (cleaned and deveined)
mayonnaise
1 cup (none)
Huy Fong chili-garlic sauce
3 tablespoons (none)
Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon (none)
lemon juice
2 teaspoons (freshly squeezed (about 1/2 lemon))
buttermilk
enough to soak shrimp (none)
cornstarch
3/4 cup (none)
cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (none)
garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (none)
peanut oil
for frying (heated)
iceberg lettuce
1 head (chopped)
green onions
1/2 cup (finely chopped)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Delight?
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Delight is a popular appetizer or main dish featuring succulent shrimp that is battered, fried to a golden brown, and tossed in a creamy, spicy, and sweet sauce.
How do I make the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce is made by whisking together 1 cup of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of Huy Fong chili-garlic sauce, 1 tablespoon of Thai sweet chili sauce, and 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice.
What kind of shrimp should I use?
You should use 1 1/2 lbs of shrimp that have been cleaned and deveined. Large or jumbo shrimp are typically preferred for this recipe.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp, but ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before soaking them in the buttermilk.
What is the purpose of the buttermilk?
Soaking the shrimp in buttermilk helps the cornstarch coating adhere better and adds a slight tanginess and tenderness to the seafood.
Why use cornstarch instead of flour?
Cornstarch creates a much crispier and lighter coating than regular flour, which is essential for the signature texture of Bang Bang shrimp.
Is Bang Bang shrimp very spicy?
It has a moderate kick from the chili-garlic sauce and cayenne pepper, but the mayonnaise in the sauce helps to mellow out the heat.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Yes, you can increase the amount of Huy Fong chili-garlic sauce for more heat or add more Thai sweet chili sauce for a sweeter profile.
What is the best oil for frying the shrimp?
Peanut oil is recommended for frying because it has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, but vegetable or canola oil can also be used.
How long does it take to fry the shrimp?
Shrimp cook very quickly; they usually take about 2 to 3 minutes per side until they are golden brown and opaque throughout.
How do I know when the shrimp are done?
The shrimp are cooked through when they turn opaque, firm up, and the exterior coating becomes a golden brown color.
What should I serve with Bang Bang shrimp?
It is traditionally served over a bed of chopped iceberg lettuce and garnished with finely chopped green onions.
Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying them?
While frying provides the best crunch, you can bake them at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until crispy, though the texture will be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry the coated shrimp at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 8 to 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The recipe is largely gluten-free since it uses cornstarch for the breading, but you should verify that your chili sauces and mayonnaise are certified gluten-free.
What is Huy Fong chili-garlic sauce?
It is a thick, spicy condiment made from salted chili peppers and garlic. It adds both heat and a savory depth to the sauce.
Can I substitute the chili-garlic sauce?
If you cannot find chili-garlic sauce, Sriracha can be used as a substitute, though it will have a smoother consistency and a slightly different flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on 1.5 lbs of shrimp, this recipe typically serves 4 to 6 people as an appetizer or 3 to 4 people as a main course.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes, the sauce can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for several days until you are ready to use it.
Should I toss the shrimp in the sauce immediately?
For the best texture, toss the fried shrimp in the sauce right before serving to prevent the coating from becoming soggy.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days, though the shrimp will lose their crispness.
What is the best way to reheat the shrimp?
The best way to reheat them is in an oven or air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until warmed through; avoid the microwave as it makes the shrimp rubbery.
Can I use lime juice instead of lemon?
Yes, lime juice works well as a substitute and provides a similar citrusy brightness to the creamy sauce.
What spices are in the cornstarch mixture?
The coating is seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
Can I use this recipe for other proteins?
Absolutely! This batter and sauce combination works excellently with bite-sized pieces of chicken or even cauliflower florets.
Why is the shrimp cleaned and deveined?
Cleaning and deveining removes the digestive tract and shell, ensuring a better texture and presentation for the final dish.
Is this considered an Asian-inspired dish?
Yes, it is an Asian-fusion style dish that uses traditional ingredients like Thai chili sauce and chili-garlic sauce in a Western-style preparation.
Can I use a low-fat mayonnaise?
You can, but full-fat mayonnaise provides the creamiest texture and best balance against the spicy elements of the sauce.
Does the shrimp need to be room temperature before cooking?
It is better to keep the shrimp cold in the buttermilk until you are ready to coat and fry them to ensure they don't overcook too quickly.
What garnish is best for this dish?
Finely chopped green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color that complements the spicy shrimp perfectly.