Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crunchy texture with a creamy, spicy kick, you absolutely cannot miss this Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe. Tender shrimp get bathed in a flavorful buttermilk marinade, coated in a crisp layer of starch, then fried to golden perfection before being tossed in a vibrant, luscious bang bang sauce. Every bite bursts with an irresistible combination of savory, smoky, and tangy notes, making this dish an instant crowd-pleaser that you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple but essential to building the flavorful layers of Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp. Each one plays a distinct role in creating the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color that makes this dish shine so brightly.
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed): The star of the dish, tender and juicy shrimp offer the perfect canvas for bold flavors.
- ½ cup buttermilk: Adds mild tanginess and tenderizes shrimp while helping the coating stick.
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the natural shrimp flavor and seasons the marinade.
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika: Boosts the dish with subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses a comforting, savory aroma that complements the shrimp perfectly.
- ¾ cup corn starch (or potato/tapioca starch): Creates the crispy exterior that’s key to a good bang bang shrimp experience.
- Avocado oil (for frying): Ideal for deep-frying thanks to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped for garnish): Adds fresh color and a mild oniony note to finish the dish beautifully.
- 4 ounces bang bang sauce: The creamy, spicy sauce brings everything together with its classic sweet-heat flavor.
How to Make Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp
Step 1: Marinate the Shrimp
Start by mixing the buttermilk, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl until fully combined. Pour this flavorful marinade over the peeled and deveined shrimp, stirring gently to coat every piece. Let the shrimp soak up this mixture for just a little while as you prepare for frying—this step tenderizes shrimp and adds depth to each bite.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
One at a time, remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dip both sides of each shrimp into the corn starch, ensuring a full and even coating. Lightly tap off any extra starch and place the shrimp on a platter ready for frying. This cornstarch coating is the secret to achieving that signature crispy crunch in every bite.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Fill a dutch oven or deep pot with about two inches of avocado oil and heat it to 375˚F. The right temperature is crucial here: too low and the shrimp will be greasy, too high and they could burn before cooking through. Using an oil with a high smoke point like avocado oil guarantees a clean, crispy fry.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Fry the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding, cooking each batch for 1 to 2 minutes. You’re looking for a glorious golden brown color and a satisfyingly crispy exterior. Use a slotted spoon or strainer to remove the shrimp and drain them on paper towels to keep them perfectly crisp.
Step 5: Toss with Bang Bang Sauce
Place the fried shrimp in a mixing bowl and drizzle with the luscious bang bang sauce. Gently toss to ensure each piece is fully coated in the creamy, spicy sauce without losing that incredible crispiness. Finish with a sprinkle of finely chopped chives or green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch. Now they’re ready to serve and delight!
How to Serve Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp
Garnishes
A simple garnish can elevate your Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp beautifully. Finely chopped chives add a pop of vibrant green and a mild onion flavor that pairs well with the rich sauce. You can also try thinly sliced green onions or scatter some toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty crunch that compliments the shrimp.
Side Dishes
This dish works wonderfully with a range of sides that balance its bold flavors. Serve alongside steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the sauce, or try a light slaw with crisp, tangy vegetables for contrast. Roasted vegetables or a simple cucumber salad also make excellent companions, keeping the meal fresh and vibrant.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp in small lettuce cups for a handheld appetizer. You can also pile the shrimp over a creamy bowl of mashed potatoes or even crispy fries for a decadent take on surf and turf comfort food. If you’re hosting a party, thread shrimp onto skewers with chunks of pineapple or bell peppers for a colorful, tasty presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The shrimp will stay at their best for about 2 days before losing some crispiness, but the sauce keeps a bit longer. Keeping them separate helps retain texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing fried shrimp is generally not recommended because it can cause the crispy coating to become soggy upon thawing. However, if you must freeze, place the cooked, cooled shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag. Thaw them gently in the fridge and re-crisp in an oven or air fryer.
Reheating
The best way to bring back that crispy magic is by reheating the shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes rather than microwaving, which can leave them limp. Reheat at 350˚F for about 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through and crispy once again—then toss with fresh bang bang sauce before serving.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp thoroughly and pat them dry before marinating to avoid excess moisture, which can affect the crispiness of your coating.
What if I don’t have buttermilk? Can I substitute it?
You can easily make a buttermilk substitute by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to one cup of milk and letting it sit for a few minutes. This will provide the necessary tang and tenderizing effect.
Is it possible to bake the shrimp instead of frying?
While frying gives the best classic crispiness, you can bake the shrimp coated in corn starch at 425˚F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway. They won’t be quite as crunchy but still delicious and lighter.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The bang bang sauce usually offers a mild to moderate heat with a creamy sweetness that balances the spice beautifully, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less chili sauce or sriracha according to your preference.
Can I make the bang bang sauce from scratch?
Definitely! A homemade bang bang sauce typically combines mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey or sugar. It’s quick and easy, letting you customize the flavor to your liking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend trying the Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp enough if you want a dish full of bold, vibrant flavors wrapped in an unbeatable crispy coating. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself to a special meal. Once you give this recipe a go, it’s bound to become one of your favorite go-to dishes to impress and satisfy every time.
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Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe features perfectly battered and fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. Easy to prepare and ideal as an appetizer or a main course, these shrimp deliver a satisfying crunch and bold flavors with every bite.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Coating
- ¾ cup corn starch (or substitute with potato starch/tapioca starch)
- Avocado oil (for frying shrimp, about 2 inches deep)
For Garnish and Sauce
- 4 ounces bang bang sauce
- 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well until fully mixed. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp to this marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Set aside and let the shrimp marinate while you prepare your frying oil.
- Coat the shrimp: Remove shrimp one at a time from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch until thoroughly coated on both sides. Tap off any excess starch and place the breaded shrimp on a platter or plate, ready for frying.
- Heat the oil: Pour avocado oil into a dutch oven or deep pot until it is about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C), using a thermometer to monitor the temperature for optimal frying.
- Fry the shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature. Cook each batch for 1 to 2 minutes or until the shrimp turn golden brown, are crispy, and fully cooked through. Flip shrimp halfway through cooking if necessary. Once done, transfer the shrimp with a strainer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Toss with bang bang sauce and garnish: Place the fried shrimp in a mixing bowl, drizzle with the bang bang sauce, and gently toss to coat each piece evenly. Sprinkle finely chopped chives over the top for a fresh garnish. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, ensure the cornstarch or alternative starch is certified gluten-free and use gluten-free bang bang sauce.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, mix ½ cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 375°F to ensure shrimp cook evenly and stay crispy rather than greasy.
- Bang bang sauce can be store-bought or homemade using mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey or sugar.
- Use avocado oil for frying due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 6-8 shrimp)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: bang bang shrimp, crispy shrimp, fried shrimp, appetizer, spicy shrimp, seafood recipes
