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
Scale
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
