Craving a restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or hassle? Then look no further! This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is your answer. Crispy, succulent shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy, and tangy sauce – it's a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer for game day, or an impressive dish for your next gathering. Prepare to be amazed by how delicious and simple this homemade cooking masterpiece truly is!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This ensures they get extra crispy when frying. In a bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Add the shrimp and toss to coat evenly.
Step 2: Fry the Shrimp
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a pinch of flour should sizzle immediately), carefully add the shrimp in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and place them on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Step 3: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
While the shrimp are frying, whisk together all the Bang Bang sauce ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed; you might want more sriracha for extra heat or more honey for sweetness.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked shrimp to the Bang Bang sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions, if desired. This delicious dish is best enjoyed hot!
Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding the pan will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp instead of crispy ones. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Adjust the spice level: Sriracha varies in heat, so start with less and add more to your preference. You can also substitute with your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it ahead: The sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Fry the shrimp just before serving for the best texture.
Variations:
- Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the Bang Bang sauce for extra heat.
- Garlic Bang Bang Shrimp: Add a minced clove of garlic to the flour mixture before coating the shrimp.
- Bang Bang Chicken: Substitute chicken tenders for shrimp for a delicious alternative.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 300-350 (depending on shrimp size and oil used)
- Protein: Around 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Around 10-15g
This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It's a quick dinner idea that's perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy this healthy and delicious meal – your taste buds will thank you!