Description
Bang bang shrimp is a mouthwatering appetizer featuring crispy, golden-fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. This irresistible dish balances textures and flavors, making it a perfect choice for a quick weeknight treat or a crowd-pleasing party starter. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you can recreate this restaurant favorite at home!
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ cup cornstarch (or all-purpose flour for a slightly different texture)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 tsp hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
Optional for Garnish:
- Chopped green onions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
-
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, hot sauce, and honey (if using). Whisk until smooth. Set aside. -
Prep the Shrimp:
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. Place them in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over, ensuring all shrimp are coated. -
Coat the Shrimp:
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt. Remove shrimp from buttermilk, shaking off any excess, and dredge in the cornstarch mixture until fully coated. -
Fry the Shrimp:
Heat about 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. -
Toss in Sauce:
Transfer the fried shrimp to a large bowl. Pour the bang bang sauce over and gently toss to coat. -
Serve:
Arrange the shrimp on a platter and garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides, like rice, salad, or even in tacos.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: ~220 kcal
- Sugar: ~7 g
- Sodium: ~400 mg
- Fat: ~10 g
- Saturated Fat: ~2 g
- Protein: ~15 g