Description
This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe delivers crispy, creamy, and irresistibly spicy shrimp coated in a crunchy cornstarch crust and tossed in a flavorful, tangy bang bang sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Perfect as an appetizer or a main dish, these shrimp are quick to prepare and fried to golden perfection for a delightful texture and bold taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb Medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup Buttermilk (for marination)
- 1 cup Cornstarch (for dredging)
- 2 cups Sunflower oil (for frying)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (creamy base)
- 1/4 cup Sweet chili sauce (Mae Ploy preferred)
- 1-2 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Sea salt (to taste, plus a pinch for sauce)
Garnish
- Crisp lettuce (for serving)
- Sliced green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a pinch of sea salt. Stir well until smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate to let the flavors meld while you prepare the shrimp.
- Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a separate bowl. Pour in enough buttermilk to coat all the shrimp evenly. Allow them to marinate for about 10 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.
- Heat the Oil: Preheat sunflower oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the oil is hot enough for frying to achieve a crispy texture without absorbing too much oil.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each shrimp thoroughly in cornstarch, shaking off any excess to ensure a light, even coating that crisps up beautifully.
- Fry the Shrimp: Carefully add a few shrimp at a time into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch, or until the shrimp turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Toss with Sauce: While still warm, place the fried shrimp in a large bowl. Pour the prepared bang bang sauce over and gently toss until every shrimp is evenly coated with the creamy, spicy sauce.
- Serve: Arrange the sauced shrimp on a bed of crisp lettuce for freshness and crunch. Garnish with sliced green onions to add a mild, fresh bite. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of sriracha according to your preferred spice level for a milder or more intense kick.
- Use cornstarch instead of flour for a lighter, crispier coating on the shrimp.
- Make sure the oil temperature stays consistent during frying to avoid greasy shrimp.
- This recipe is best served immediately to enjoy the shrimp’s crispiness.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm that the sweet chili sauce and mayonnaise contain no gluten.
