Introduction
Welcome, friends! Today, we’re diving into a delightful dish that brings a burst of flavor straight from your kitchen to the table: Bang Bang Shrimp! Crispy, golden-brown shrimp are tossed in a creamy, tangy sauce that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Perfect for a cozy dinner or a party appetizer, this recipe is simple yet impressively delicious. Let’s start cooking!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Directions and Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine the buttermilk and shrimp. Allow them to marinate for about 30 minutes. This will help to tenderize the shrimp and add flavor.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This dry mixture will give the shrimp that irresistible crispy coating.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oil is hot enough to achieve that perfect crunch!
- Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess liquid drip off, and dredge them in the flour mixture. Ensure each shrimp is completely coated for maximum crunch.
- Carefully fry the shrimp in batches, cooking them for about 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust the sriracha to your spice preference.
- In a large bowl, toss the freshly fried shrimp with the Bang Bang sauce until each piece is generously coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions if desired, and enjoy the deliciousness!
Notes or Tips
- If you want to make this dish a little spicier, add more sriracha or a dash of hot sauce to the Bang Bang Sauce!
- For a healthier version, you can bake the shrimp instead of frying. Just coat them and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet; bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- These shrimp are great served over a bed of rice or alongside a fresh salad.
Cooking Techniques
Frying shrimp may seem intimidating, but with a few techniques, you’ll achieve that perfect golden color. The key is to ensure your oil is hot enough before adding the shrimp. This helps them cook quickly, resulting in a crispy exterior and tender interior. Dredging each piece thoroughly and avoiding overcrowding the pan also aids in achieving that desired crunch! Also, marinating in buttermilk not only adds flavor but also helps to tenderize the shrimp.
FAQ
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before marinating and frying.
What can I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
These scrumptious shrimp are fantastic on their own, but pair beautifully with fried rice, a salad, or even tacos!
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can mix the sauce a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Conclusion
There you have it — a delectable recipe for Bang Bang Shrimp that’s sure to delight family and friends! With its crispy exterior and creamy, spicy sauce, it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply treating yourself, these shrimp will surely make your taste buds sing. Enjoy every crispy bite!