Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp is a mouthwatering dish featuring juicy, golden shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or main course, this dish is a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The succulent shrimp, encased in a crispy coating, is drizzled with a tangy and slightly spicy sauce that leaves you craving more. Popularized by restaurants, this recipe allows you to recreate that same restaurant-quality experience in your own kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a special meal, this recipe will be a hit.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons pineapple juice
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon Sriracha sauce
For the Shrimp:
- 1 kg (2.2 lbs) 16/20 black tiger shrimp (peeled, deveined, and butterflied)
- Salt, to taste
For the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon onion flakes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
For Garnish:
- 2 teaspoons chopped green onion/scallions
- 1/2 teaspoon dried red chili flakes
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce, 2 tablespoons pineapple juice, ½ tablespoon lemon juice, and ½ tablespoon Sriracha sauce until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary, adding more Sriracha for extra heat or more pineapple juice for sweetness.
- Once mixed, store the sauce in the refrigerator to chill until ready to serve.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
- Clean the shrimp by peeling, deveining, and butterflying them. To butterfly, after deveining, make a deeper cut along the back of each shrimp.
- Season the shrimp lightly with salt, ensuring they are evenly coated. Set aside while preparing the coating mixture.
3. Prepare the Coating:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornstarch, 1 cup Panko bread crumbs, 1 teaspoon black pepper, 1 teaspoon cayenne powder, 1 teaspoon onion flakes, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon dried basil.
- Beat the two large eggs in a separate small bowl.
- Set up a workstation with the beaten eggs and the coating mixture nearby for easy dipping and coating.
4. Fry the Shrimp:
- Fill a wok or deep frying pan halfway with vegetable oil and heat over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches approximately 350°F (175°C). To test, you can insert a wooden spoon or chopstick into the oil. If bubbles form around the wood, the oil is ready.
- One by one, dip each shrimp into the beaten egg, then dredge in the flour and breadcrumb mixture, making sure the shrimp is thoroughly coated.
- Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in small batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried shrimp using a slotted spoon or tongs and transfer to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
5. Serve:
- Drizzle half of the prepared sauce over the fried shrimp and gently toss to ensure they are coated evenly.
- Arrange the shrimp on a serving dish (martini glasses or individual plates work well for presentation).
- Drizzle the remaining sauce over the shrimp and garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of dried red chili flakes for an extra kick.
- Serve immediately while the shrimp is hot and crispy.
Cooking Tips:
- Shrimp Preparation: Be sure to properly clean and butterfly the shrimp for better presentation and quicker, even cooking. This technique also allows the shrimp to hold more sauce, enhancing flavor with every bite.
- Oil Temperature: Keep the oil temperature steady at 350°F (175°C) for even frying. Too hot, and the coating will burn before the shrimp cooks through; too cool, and the shrimp will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
- Double Frying: For extra crispy shrimp, fry them twice. After the first fry, let the shrimp cool for a minute or two, then fry them again for another minute. This technique ensures extra crunchiness.
- Sauce: Adjust the spiciness of the sauce to your taste by altering the amount of Sriracha and chili flakes. For a milder sauce, reduce or omit the chili flakes.
Storage:
- Refrigeration: Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes or until crispy again.
- Freezing: You can freeze uncooked, breaded shrimp on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-lock bag. Fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra minute or two to the cooking time.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate):
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 160mg
- Sodium: 450mg
FAQs:
- Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
- Yes, you can bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes until crispy. Make sure to spray them lightly with cooking oil for a golden finish.
- What other sauces go well with this dish?
- You can try a spicy aioli, garlic butter sauce, or even a teriyaki glaze for a different flavor profile. Adjust to your taste!
- Can I use frozen shrimp?
- Yes, just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before using. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture before breading.
- Can I use different seafood for this recipe?
- Absolutely! This recipe works well with other seafood like scallops, calamari, or even fish fillets. Adjust the frying time based on the thickness of the seafood.
Conclusion:
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp is the ultimate dish for shrimp lovers who enjoy a blend of crispy texture and rich, bold flavors. The sauce perfectly balances sweet, tangy, and spicy notes that complement the golden-brown shrimp beautifully. Whether you serve this as an appetizer at your next gathering or as a special treat for yourself, the satisfying crunch and mouthwatering flavors will keep everyone coming back for more. Enjoy experimenting with variations of this dish, and feel free to adjust the sauce and seasonings to suit your personal taste. Bon appétit!