Ever wondered what makes boom boom shrimp so dang irresistible? As a food blogger who’s totally obsessed with trying new dishes, I gotta tell ya – this appetizer is a flavor bomb that’ll make your taste buds do the happy dance! Let me break down exactly what makes this dish so special.
The Taste Profile: A Perfect Storm of Flavors
Boom boom shrimp delivers a magical combination of
- Sweet & Spicy: The signature sauce balances sweetness with a kick of heat
- Creamy: Thanks to the mayo-based sauce that coats each piece
- Crunchy: The crispy fried coating adds amazing texture
- Tender: Perfectly cooked shrimp inside stays juicy and plump
- Garlicky: Subtle garlic notes round out the flavor profile
The Key Components That Make It Special
The Star of the Show: The Boom Boom Sauce
Y’all, the sauce is what makes this dish legendary! Here’s what gives it that signature taste:
- Mayonnaise base for creaminess
- Sweet chili sauce adds sweetness
- Sriracha or chili garlic sauce brings the heat
- Garlic powder adds depth
- Ketchup gives tang and color
- A touch of sugar balances everything
The Perfect Shrimp
The shrimp itself needs to be
- Medium to large sized
- Double-dredged in seasoned flour
- Fried till golden brown and crispy
- Juicy on the inside
- Not overcooked (nobody likes rubbery shrimp!)
How Does It Compare to Other Shrimp Dishes?
While some folks mix up boom boom shrimp with bang bang shrimp, they’re actually different! The boom boom sauce has more garlic and ketchup in the mix, while bang bang sauce leans more on sweet chili and rice vinegar.
Ways to Enjoy Boom Boom Shrimp
I’ve tried this dish every way possible. and here are my fave ways to eat it
- As an appetizer over fresh greens
- In tacos with slaw
- Over rice as a main dish
- In a po’ boy sandwich
- Added to salads for protein
Tips for the Best Boom Boom Shrimp Experience
From my kitchen experiments, here’s what I’ve learned:
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Temperature Matters: Serve it hot! The contrast between crispy coating and warm shrimp is chef’s kiss
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Sauce Application: Don’t drown the shrimp – a light coating keeps it crispy
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Perfect Pairings:
- Fresh greens
- French fries
- Jasmine rice
- Coleslaw
- Onion rings
My Personal Take
Listen, I’ve made this dish countless times, and lemme tell you – it’s a crowd-pleaser! The first time I served it at a family gathering, my cousin literally asked for the recipe before finishing his first bite. That’s how good it is!
Health Considerations
While this ain’t exactly health food, you can make it lighter by:
- Baking instead of frying
- Using Greek yogurt in the sauce
- Reducing sugar content
- Air frying the shrimp
Storage Tips
If you somehow end up with leftovers (which, trust me, rarely happens), here’s what you need to know:
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Keep sauce separate if possible
- Reheat in air fryer or oven to restore crispiness
- Not suitable for freezing (gets soggy)
The Bottom Line
Boom boom shrimp is basically a party in your mouth – crunchy, creamy, sweet, and spicy all at once. It’s got that addictive quality that keeps you coming back for “just one more piece” until the plate is empty!
If you haven’t tried it yet, whatcha waiting for? Get cooking or hit up your local restaurant that serves it. Just don’t blame me when you get hooked!
Would y’all like me to share my personal recipe for the perfect boom boom shrimp? Drop a comment below!
Remember, good food is meant to be shared, and boom boom shrimp definitely fits that bill!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
- Bursting with flavor! The juicy shrimp are fried to perfection and drizzled in a homemade spicy sauce that really packs the flavor in every bite.
- Perfect finger food for parties, game night, or a Friday night in!
- Easy to make!
- Simple Ingredients!
(Exact amounts in the recipe card)
Large Shrimp – uOpt for fresh, high-quality shrimp that are firm and have a mild, sweet aroma. Larger shrimp tend to be easier to work with and offer a satisfying bite. It’s also helpful if the shrimp comes deveined and is already peeling, however, if not, here’s an article on how to peel and devein shrimp.
For starters, we’ll make the boom boom sauce that will serve as both a marinade and a dipping sauce. For this, you’ll need:
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup
- Sweet chili sauce
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Sriracha
- Sugar (just a pinch)
- Buttermilk – for the marinade. If you don’t have any buttermilk, here’s how to make buttermilk at home with just two ingredients.
- Eggs – also for the marinade
The sauce will be divided into two parts. One bowl will be put aside for the dip. The other bowl with the remaining sauce will be used to marinate the shrimp – we’ll be adding buttermilk and eggs to this bowl as well.
For the fried shrimp, we’re using a flour mixture that consists of:
- all purpose flour
- cornstarch (to make the shrimp extra crispy)
- baking soda – this also helps make the shrimp beautifully golden brown and crispy
- garlic powder
- Vegetable oil or Canola oil (for frying)
Tips for Frying Shrimp
- Heat the oil to the right temperature: Use a deep fryer or a deep, heavy-bottomed pan filled with enough oil to fully submerge the shrimp. Heat the oil to around 350-375°F (175-190°C) for optimal frying. A thermometer can help you maintain the temperature throughout the cooking process.
- Coat the shrimp evenly: Dip each shrimp into the batter, allowing any excess to drip off. For an extra crispy texture, you can dip the shrimp in flour first, then in the batter.
- Fry in small batches: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan, as it can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy shrimp. Fry the shrimp in small batches, allowing enough space for them to cook evenly. This way, the oil temperature stays constant, leading to crispier results.
- Fry until golden brown: Gently lower the coated shrimp into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry them for approximately 2-3 minutes per side or until they turn a golden brown color. Be mindful not to overcook them to maintain their tender texture.
- Drain excess oil: Once the shrimp are cooked, transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels or a wire rack to drain any excess oil. This helps remove any residual grease and keeps the shrimp crispy.
Boom Boom Shrimp
FAQ
What does boom boom shrimp sauce taste like?
Boom Boom sauce is a deliciously addictive sweet and spicy, mayonnaise-based sauce. While it’s perfect as a dip for crispy fries or chicken tenders, my personal favorite use is a coating over crispy shrimp. (Find my fan-favorite Boom Boom shrimp recipe here.)
What are boom boom shrimp?
Boom Boom Shrimp, also known as Bang Bang Shrimp or Pow Pow Shrimp, is a popular appetizer or dish featuring crispy, fried shrimp coated in a sweet and spicy sauce, often with a mayonnaise base.
What does boom boom taste like?
What does Boom Boom Sauce taste like? The best way to describe it is – it’s a little spicy, a little tangy, and a little sweet. It has the consistency of mayonnaise but has this sweet chili flavor and subtle heat.
Is boom boom shrimp spicy to eat?
Although boom boom shrimp has a hint of fire, it is not very spicy. If you like your sauce less hot, you can cut less on the sriracha.
What is Boom Boom shrimp?
Boom boom shrimp is an easy homemade appetizer of fried shrimp tossed in delicious boom boom sauce. The batter is light and airy and the crunchy shrimp get coated in a slightly spicy, creamy, and sweet sauce. These tasty shrimp are great as an appetizer, or make them into a meal by adding them to steamed rice, a crusty roll, or a tortilla!
How to make the sauce for Boom Boom shrimp?
To make the Boom Boom sauce, in a small mixing bowl combine mayonnaise, chili sauce, peanut butter, and sriracha along with a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix all this together and then drizzle over the shrimp directly. Alternatively, put it into a small dish to use as a dip. Enjoy your delicious Boom Boom Shrimp meal!
What is Boom Boom sauce?
Saucy – Boom boom sauce is creamy, sweet, and spicy! It’s made with sweet chili sauce, mayonnaise, and sriracha and coats the crisp fried shrimp all over for deliciousness in every bite. Simple – This recipe is really easy to make. You’ll mix up the sauce, mix up the batter, and fry the shrimp.
What is Northern Chef’s Boom Boom Shrimp?
Northern Chef’s Boom Boom Shrimp is our signature dish that brings dining out to your kitchen. Our responsibly sourced shrimp are lightly coated in a naturally gluten-free batter for a crisp exterior and sweet, tender bite. Toss or dip with our Sweet Thai Chili Sauce or any sauce and enjoy! Precooked.
Can Boom Boom shrimp be reheated?
The boom boom shrimp is best enjoyed hot or warm after making. Store covered in the fridge for on additional day. Reheat on a sheet pan in a 375℉ oven, turning occasionally, until hot and somewhat crispy. Note they will not crisp up as they did immediately after frying. The shrimp will store and reheat best if no sauce has been added.
How long does it take to cook Boom Boom Shrimp?
Boom Boom Shrimp can be cooked in under 30 minutes! To make this dish, we need standard ingredients like flour, cornstarch, and baking powder for deep-fried shrimp. The unique aspect of this recipe is the requirement of ginger ale and peanut oil.