Are you craving that addictive, crispy, and creamy Bang Bang Shrimp you get at your favorite restaurant? Well, get ready to ditch the takeout menus because this Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is here to save the day (and your wallet!). This easy recipe delivers all the incredible flavor and satisfying crunch you love, all from the comfort of your own kitchen. It’s a fantastic quick dinner idea, perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun appetizer for gatherings. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this delicious dish!
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 sweet chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons sriracha (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon honey (optional, for extra sweetness)
- Chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up beautifully when frying.
- Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- 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 batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. 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.
- Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the Bang Bang sauce ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed – add more sriracha for extra heat, or more honey for added sweetness.
- Combine and Serve: Gently toss the fried shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately. This is best served hot!
Cooking Tips for the Best Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp instead of crispy ones. Fry in batches for best results.
- Adjust the spice level: Feel free to adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh shrimp will yield the best flavor and texture.
Variations:
- Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or more sriracha to the sauce for extra heat.
- Garlic Bang Bang Shrimp: Add more garlic powder to the flour mixture or incorporate minced garlic into the sauce.
- Lemon Bang Bang Shrimp: Add the zest and juice of half a lemon to the Bang Bang sauce for a bright, citrusy twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Protein: Approximately 25-30g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This homemade Bang Bang Shrimp recipe offers a delicious and healthier alternative to restaurant versions, allowing you to control the ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy this easy, healthy meal and savor every bite! It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of quick dinner ideas and best recipes. Perfect for homemade cooking enthusiasts of all levels!