Hey there, shrimp lovers! I’ve noticed lots of confusion about whether bang bang shrimp is gluten-free, especially at popular spots like Bonefish Grill As someone who’s been cooking gluten-free for years, I’m here to break it down for ya!
The Quick Answer
Traditional bang bang shrimp is NOT gluten-free because it’s typically breaded with wheat flour. However, you can totally enjoy gluten-free versions by making it at home or ordering modified versions at some restaurants!
Bang Bang Shrimp at Bonefish Grill
Bonefish Grill’s famous Bang Bang Shrimp contains gluten in its traditional form But here’s some good news – many locations can make a gluten-free version if you ask! Just make sure to
- Request the gluten-free menu specifically
- Tell your server about your gluten-free needs
- Ask for unbreaded shrimp with the bang bang sauce
Making Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp at Home
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound jumbo shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup cornstarch (or tapioca starch for corn-free option)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Avocado oil or vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce (make sure it’s gluten-free!)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Step-by-Step Instructions
-
Prep the Shrimp
- Pat shrimp dry with paper towels
- Season with salt and pepper
- Coat in cornstarch
-
Fry the Shrimp
- Heat oil in a large pan
- Fry shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side
- Place on paper towels to drain
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Make the Sauce
- Mix all sauce ingredients in a bowl
- Adjust spiciness to taste
-
Finish & Serve
- Drizzle sauce over crispy shrimp
- Garnish with green onions
- Serve immediately while hot!
Tips for Perfect Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp
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Coating Options
- Cornstarch works great
- Gluten-free breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- Try potato starch or tapioca starch
-
Serving Suggestions
- Over rice
- In lettuce wraps
- As an appetizer
- In corn tortillas for tacos
-
Storage Tips
- Best eaten fresh
- Can store leftovers for up to 2 days
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not checking sauce ingredients – Some sweet chili sauces contain gluten
- Cross-contamination in restaurants
- Overcrowding the pan when frying
- Using cold shrimp straight from fridge
Restaurant Tips for Gluten-Free Bang Bang Shrimp
When eating out:
- Always mention your gluten-free needs
- Ask about dedicated fryers
- Request to see ingredient lists
- Consider calling ahead
FAQs
Q: Can I air fry gluten-free bang bang shrimp?
A: Yep! Cook at 380°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: Is the sauce naturally gluten-free?
A: Most ingredients are, but always check your sweet chili sauce label.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free too?
A: Sure can! Just use vegan mayonnaise in the sauce.
My Personal Experience
I gotta tell ya, when I first tried making gluten-free bang bang shrimp, it was kinda scary. But after some trial and error (and a few burnt batches lol), I’ve got it down pat! The key is really in getting that coating just right – not too thick, not too thin.
Final Thoughts
Making gluten-free bang bang shrimp at home is totally doable and super yummy! While the restaurant version might be off-limits, this homemade version is just as good (maybe even better!). Plus, you can control exactly what goes in it.
Remember to always double-check your ingredients and don’t be afraid to experiment with different coatings until you find your perfect match. Happy cooking, friends! ✨
Bang Bang Sauce 1/2 cup nonfat Greek yogurt (gluten free if needed) 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce 1 Tbsp sriracha sauce 1 Tbsp honey
- In a small bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until well combined. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve with the shrimp.
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Step 1
Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large rimmed baking with parchment paper and set aside
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Step 2
Place three medium mixing bowls in a line. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second, whisk together the eggs, water, black pepper and salt. In the third, mix together the bread crumbs, rosemary, garlic powder, onion powder and smoked paprika.
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Step 3
In small batches (about 4 or 5 shrimp at a time), coat the shrimp in the flour, then dredge in the egg mixture and then coat with the panko mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheet and repeat with the remaining shrimp.
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Step 4
Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking spray. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes until the tops are lightly golden. Remove from the oven, gently turn the shrimp over with tongs and lightly spray with cooking spray again. Return to the oven and bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, or until crispy and lightly golden brown. Transfer to a serving platter.
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Step 5
Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce lightly over the top of the shrimp and garnish with sliced green onion. Serve the remaining sauce in a small dipping bowl.
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Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp in the air fryer?
Yes, for a crispy crunchy bite, you can cook your Bang Bang Shrimp in the air fryer in small batches (4 or 5 at a time). Air fry the shrimp for 12 minutes at 400°F, flipping them halfway through. Here’s the full recipe for Healthy Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp.
Recipe yields 10 servings