This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is an irresistible copycat version of the beloved appetizer from Bone Fish Grill. Perfect for parties, game nights, or a cozy dinner at home, this dish features succulent shrimp tossed in a spicy and creamy sauce that tantalizes your taste buds. With its crispy texture and bold flavors, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to become a favorite in your household.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe requires minimal effort and is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of Sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and garlic creates a unique flavor profile that will impress your guests.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as an appetizer, main dish, or salad topping; the possibilities are endless.
- Crispy Texture: The use of panko breadcrumbs gives the shrimp a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the amount of Sriracha to suit your spice tolerance; it’s all about making it your own!
Tools and Preparation
To make this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe efficiently, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Spider or strainer
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Frying pan: Essential for frying the shrimp evenly and achieving that golden-brown crispiness.
- Mixing bowls: Useful for marinating shrimp and preparing the various sauces without mixing flavors prematurely.
- Spider or strainer: Helps to remove fried shrimp safely from hot oil while allowing excess oil to drain away.
- Paper towels: Perfect for draining excess oil after frying, keeping your shrimp crispy without being greasy.
Ingredients
This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is a copycat version of the popular appetizer originally served at the Bone Fish Grill chain of restaurants.
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound raw (41-50 size) shrimp
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 ½ teaspoons Sriracha sauce, divided
- 1 cup corn starch
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1 ½ teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
For Serving
- Oil for frying
- Half a head of iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 4 scallions, sliced
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
- Peel and de-vein the shrimp if it isn’t already done and remove the tails.
- In a medium bowl, place buttermilk and 1 teaspoon of Sriracha.
- Add shrimp to the buttermilk mixture and marinate for 1 hour.
Step 2: Prepare Coating Mixture
- While shrimp is marinating, in another medium bowl, combine corn starch, panko breadcrumbs, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir until mixed well.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- In a separate medium bowl, mix mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, garlic chili sauce, agave nectar, and remaining ½ teaspoon of Sriracha. Set aside.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
- After marinating, heat several inches of oil in a pan to 350 degrees F.
- Drain the shrimp thoroughly from the marinade and coat each piece with the corn starch mixture.
- Discard any leftover marinade and corn starch mixture.
- Carefully drop half of the coated shrimp into hot oil one at a time; cook for about two minutes until golden brown.
Step 5: Toss with Sauce
- Use a spider or strainer to remove cooked shrimp from oil; place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Transfer drained shrimp to a medium bowl and pour on half of the prepared sauce; toss gently to coat.
- Repeat frying process with second half of shrimp; toss with remaining sauce once cooked.
Step 6: Serve Your Dish
To serve, place shredded lettuce into a medium serving bowl and top with fried Bang Bang Shrimp. Sprinkle sliced scallions over everything for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy!
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful appetizer that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a tasty snack, these serving suggestions will enhance your experience.
On a Bed of Lettuce
- Fresh iceberg lettuce creates a crunchy base for your shrimp. It adds a refreshing element and helps balance the rich flavors.
With Dipping Sauces
- Offer additional sauces on the side, such as sweet chili sauce or spicy mayo. This allows guests to customize their flavors.
As Tacos
- Use soft tortillas to wrap the shrimp with shredded lettuce and other toppings like avocado or pico de gallo for a fun twist.
Over Rice or Noodles
- Serve the shrimp over steamed rice or noodles for a satisfying meal. The flavors meld beautifully with these bases.
In a Salad
- Combine the shrimp with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for a light yet flavorful salad option.
As Part of a Platter
- Include Bang Bang Shrimp on an appetizer platter alongside other finger foods like spring rolls or dumplings for variety at parties.
How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp
To achieve the best Bang Bang Shrimp, follow these helpful tips that elevate your dish to restaurant-quality levels.
Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp enhances flavor and texture compared to frozen options. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a slight ocean smell.
Keep oil temperature steady: Maintaining oil at 350 degrees F ensures even cooking and prevents sogginess. Use a thermometer to monitor the heat closely.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many shrimp at once drops the oil temperature, leading to less crispy results. Work in batches for optimal crunchiness.
Marinate adequately: Allowing the shrimp to soak in buttermilk helps tenderize them while adding flavor. One hour is ideal for maximum taste absorption.
Adjust spice levels: Tailor the amount of Sriracha and garlic chili sauce according to your preference for heat. Feel free to experiment!
Garnish creatively: Enhance presentation by garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. It adds color and freshness to your dish.
Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp
Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Shrimp can elevate your meal experience further. Here are some great options:
Coconut Rice: This sweet and creamy rice complements the spicy shrimp perfectly, offering a delightful contrast of flavors.
Garlic Noodles: Tossed in garlic butter, these noodles are simple yet packed with flavor, making them an excellent pairing with shrimp.
Steamed Broccoli: A nutritious green option that adds vibrant color and balances out the richness of fried shrimp.
Asian Slaw: A crunchy slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds freshness and texture alongside your dish.
Fried Rice: Flavorful fried rice can be an excellent filling side that absorbs excess sauce from the shrimp while enhancing overall taste.
Egg Rolls: Crispy egg rolls filled with vegetables add another layer of crunch and flavor, perfect for snacking alongside shrimp.
Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and complements the Asian-inspired flavors of your main dish beautifully.
Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickles help cleanse the palate between bites of rich Bang Bang Shrimp, providing a refreshing counterbalance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Bang Bang Shrimp, it’s easy to make some common mistakes that can affect your dish. Here are a few tips to ensure your shrimp turn out perfectly.
Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the shrimp to marinate can result in less flavor. Always marinate for at least an hour for the best taste.
Incorrect Oil Temperature: Cooking shrimp at too low a temperature can lead to sogginess. Use a thermometer to ensure your oil is heated to 350 degrees F before frying.
Overcrowding the Pan: Adding too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to uneven cooking. Fry in batches for a crispy texture.
Neglecting Coating: Failing to coat the shrimp thoroughly in corn starch can cause them to become dry. Ensure each piece is well-coated before frying.
Rushing the Sauce: Homemade sauce needs attention. Don’t skip ingredients; each one contributes to the flavor profile of Bang Bang Shrimp.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp
- Wrap cooked shrimp tightly in plastic wrap or place in freezer bags.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp
Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and reheat on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until crispy.
Microwave: Use short intervals at medium power, checking frequently; this may cause shrimp to lose crispness.
Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan and sauté the shrimp briefly until warm and crispy again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Bang Bang Shrimp that might help you along the way.
What does Bang Bang refer to in Bang Bang Shrimp?
The term Bang Bang reflects the explosive flavors of the sauce, combining spicy and sweet elements that tantalize your taste buds.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp works well; just ensure they are completely thawed and patted dry before marinating and coating.
How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp?
The spice level can be adjusted by modifying the amount of Sriracha sauce used in both the marinade and sauce according to your preference.
What’s a good substitute for panko breadcrumbs?
Regular bread crumbs can be used in place of panko, but they may not provide the same crunchiness characteristic of this dish.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe offers an incredible blend of flavors that make it addictive and satisfying. It’s versatile enough for any occasion—whether as an appetizer or part of a main meal. Feel free to customize it with extra spices or different sauces based on your tastes!
Bang Bang Shrimp
Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful, spicy seafood dish that brings the flavors of your favorite restaurant right to your home. This easy-to-follow recipe features succulent shrimp coated in a light, crispy panko breading and tossed in a creamy, tangy sauce made from Sriracha and sweet chili sauce. Perfect for any occasion—from game nights to intimate dinners—this dish is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying crunch. Serve it over a bed of fresh lettuce or as part of a vibrant salad for a delicious twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 1 pound raw shrimp (41-50 size)
- 1 ½ cups buttermilk
- 1 cup corn starch
- ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoons Sriracha sauce, divided
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons rice vinegar
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon agave nectar
- Oil for frying
- Half a head of iceberg lettuce, shredded
- 4 scallions, sliced
Instructions
- Peel and de-vein the shrimp, then marinate in buttermilk mixed with Sriracha for 1 hour.
- In another bowl, combine corn starch, panko breadcrumbs, and seasonings.
- Prepare the sauce by mixing mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sweet chili sauce, garlic chili sauce, agave nectar, and remaining Sriracha.
- Heat oil to 350°F and coat marinated shrimp in the corn starch mixture, frying them until golden brown (about 2 minutes).
- Toss cooked shrimp with half of the prepared sauce and serve on shredded lettuce topped with scallions.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 pieces (150g)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
