Description
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer featuring jumbo shrimp coated in a crunchy cornstarch batter, fried until golden and tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This dish offers a perfect balance of crispy texture and spicy tang, garnished with fresh green onions, making it an irresistible finger food or starter.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb Jumbo Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup whole milk and 1 tbsp lemon juice, let sit 5 minutes)
- 3/4 cup cornstarch (or potato starch/tapioca starch)
- 3/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or any neutral oil for frying)
Bang Bang Sauce & Garnish
- 1/2 cup Japanese mayonnaise (or normal mayonnaise)
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for spice preference)
- 1 green onion (finely chopped for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the peeled and deveined shrimp with buttermilk. Let the shrimp soak for 10 minutes to tenderize and add moisture, which helps keep the shrimp juicy and flavorful.
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, mix Japanese mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld while preparing the shrimp coating.
- Mix Coating: In a shallow bowl or baking sheet, whisk together cornstarch, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. This dry mix will create the crispy exterior when fried.
- Coat the Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring both sides are evenly coated. This step is crucial for achieving a crunchy texture.
- Heat Oil and Fry Shrimp: In a large 10-inch skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Fry shrimp in batches for about 1.5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding to maintain the oil temperature and crispiness.
- Drain Excess Oil: Remove the fried shrimp and place them on a wire rack or paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil, which keeps them crisp.
- Toss with Sauce: Transfer the drained shrimp to a large bowl, pour the prepared Bang Bang Sauce over them, and gently toss until each shrimp is evenly coated in the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle finely chopped green onions over the shrimp for freshness and a mild onion flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy texture and vibrant flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute cornstarch with potato starch or tapioca starch for the coating if preferred.
- If buttermilk is unavailable, use whole milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar as a substitute.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the spice level.
- Serve immediately after coating with sauce to maintain crispiness.
- Use a thermometer to ensure oil reaches the correct temperature for optimal frying results.
- Prep Time: 12 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American