Looking to ignite your dinner table with a burst of flavor that’s both quick and unforgettable? Enter the Quick & Zesty Bang Bang Shrimp-a dish that masterfully blends crispy, tender shrimp with a lively, spicy sauce that dances on your palate. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you simply want to impress without the fuss, this recipe brings the bold tastes of your favorite restaurant appetizer right into your kitchen. Get ready to spice up dinner with a vibrant punch that’s as easy to make as it is delicious!
Quick & Zesty Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe to Spice Up Dinner delivers a sensational blend of crispy texture and a spicy, creamy sauce that elevates any meal in a flash. Originating from the vibrant culinary scenes of Southern cuisine, this dish marries perfectly fried shrimp with a bold, tangy bang bang sauce, creating layers of flavor that dance on the palate. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser with its irresistible crunch and lively zest. Dive into this flavorful journey and discover how easy it is to recreate restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp right in your kitchen.
Prep and Cook Time
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 as an appetizer, or 2 as a hearty main dish
Difficulty Level
Easy – Perfect for cooks of all skill levels, even beginners.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) jumbo shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
- 1 cup all-purpose flour, sifted
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 3 cups)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (for the sauce)
- 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for preferred spice level)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh chopped chives or cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, optional, for serving
Instructions
- Prepare the shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp into the egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to form an even coating. Place coated shrimp on a wire rack to rest for 5 minutes; this helps the coating set for extra crispiness.
- Heat the oil: In a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for perfect frying.
- Fry the shrimp: Fry shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes until shrimp are golden brown and crispy, turning occasionally for even cooking. Use a slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a paper-towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Make the bang bang sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust spice or sweetness according to your preference.
- Toss and serve: Gently toss the crispy shrimp with the prepared sauce until each piece is evenly coated, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping. Garnish with freshly chopped chives or cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a bright finishing touch.
Tips for Success
- Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed frozen shrimp yield the best texture and taste.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keeping the oil at 350°F is critical-too hot burns the coating, too cool leads to sogginess.
- Double coating tip: For extra crunch, dip shrimp twice into the egg and flour mixtures.
- Sauce adjustments: For a milder version, reduce or omit sriracha; add more honey for sweetness.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the sauce a day ahead and keep refrigerated to deepen flavors.
- Healthier option: Oven-bake coated shrimp at 425°F (220°C) for 12-15 mins, flipping halfway through.
Creative Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Dinner Experience
For a visually stunning presentation, lay the glazed shrimp atop a vibrant bed of fluffy jasmine rice or crunchy Asian slaw. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions, toasted sesame seeds, and a wedge of lime on the side for a citrusy burst. Turn this into a bowl meal by adding steamed broccoli, avocado slices, and pickled carrots, creating a balance of crisp textures and creamy richness. Alternatively, serve as a show-stopping appetizer alongside crisp tortilla chips or in mini lettuce wraps for a fresh, handheld delight perfect for entertaining.
| Nutrition per Serving | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bang Bang Shrimp | 420 kcal | 32g | 30g | 20g |
Explore more zesty seafood recipes like this in our Easy Seafood Dinners category to keep your dinner table vibrant and exciting. For an in-depth look at the health benefits of shrimp, visit the FDA seafood safety guidelines.
Q&A
Q: What makes this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe “quick and zesty”?
A: This recipe combines a speedy cooking method with a lively, tangy sauce that packs a punch. The shrimp are lightly battered and fried to crispy perfection in minutes, then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that balances heat with a zesty zing-making dinner a bold flavor adventure without the wait.
Q: What ingredients do I need for the zesty bang bang sauce?
A: The magic happens with a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. These ingredients create a creamy, sweet, spicy, and citrusy sauce that clings to every crispy bite of shrimp.
Q: Can I make this recipe healthier without sacrificing flavor?
A: Absolutely! Swap out deep-frying for a quick sauté or oven-baking with a light coating of panko breadcrumbs. You can also use Greek yogurt mixed with a little mayo for the sauce to lighten the creaminess while keeping that signature tang and spice.
Q: How can I serve Bang Bang Shrimp to spice up my dinner presentation?
A: Serve the shrimp over a bed of fluffy jasmine rice or crunchy lettuce leaves for a refreshing crunch. Garnish with chopped green onions, cilantro, and extra lime wedges. Pair it with a crisp cucumber salad or pickled veggies for a complete, vibrant meal.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for a beginner cook?
A: Yes! The recipe is straightforward and fast, with easy-to-follow steps. Even if you’re new to cooking, the frying and sauce mixing make for an uncomplicated, satisfying dish that impresses every time.
Q: Can I customize the spice level in this Bang Bang Shrimp?
A: For sure! Adjust the sriracha to your preferred heat-add more for fire, or reduce it for just a mild kick. You can also toss in a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for an extra smoky zing.
Q: What makes shrimp the perfect choice for this quick dinner recipe?
A: Shrimp cook incredibly fast and have a tender, slightly sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with bold sauces. Their natural juiciness absorbs the bang bang sauce, making each bite bursting with flavor while keeping prep time short.
The Conclusion
There you have it-a quick and zesty bang bang shrimp recipe that’s ready to elevate your dinner game in no time. With its perfect balance of spicy kick and creamy tang, this dish is sure to become a weeknight favorite or a show-stopping appetizer for your next gathering. Whether you’re short on time or simply craving a burst of bold flavors, this recipe proves that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. So go ahead, dive in, and let these bang bang shrimp bring a little extra zing to your table tonight!
