What is Bang Bang Shrimp Made Of? A Mouthwatering Deep Dive into This Popular Appetizer

Let me tell ya about one of the most addictive appetizers that’s taken the restaurant scene by storm – Bang Bang Shrimp! As someone who’s absolutely obsessed with trying to recreate restaurant favorites at home, I’ve spent countless hours perfecting this dish. Today, I’m gonna break down exactly what goes into making this crispy, creamy, spicy sensation.

Quick Answer

Bang Bang Shrimp consists of crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy spicy sauce made primarily of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The shrimp is typically breaded in cornstarch or panko breadcrumbs before frying, then tossed in the signature sauce and served over lettuce.

The Key Components

1. The Shrimp

• Size: Medium to large shrimp (31-40 count or 26-30 count)
• Type: Fresh or thawed frozen shrimp
• Preparation: Peeled, deveined, tail-off
• Pro tip: Pat them dry before breading for best results!

2. The Breading

We’ve got two popular options here

• Traditional method: Cornstarch coating
• Alternative method: Panko breadcrumbs

The breading ingredients typically include:

• Cornstarch or panko
• Garlic powder/granules
• Onion powder/granules
• Salt and pepper

3. The Famous Bang Bang Sauce

Here’s where the magic happens! The sauce combines

• Mayonnaise (base)
• Sweet Thai chili sauce
• Sriracha sauce
• Optional add-ins:
  • Lemon juice
  • Garlic
  • Red pepper flakes

How It’s Made

1. Marinade Stage

- Soak shrimp in buttermilk + sriracha mixture (10-15 mins)- This helps tenderize the shrimp

1. Breading Process

- Drain excess buttermilk- Coat in seasoned cornstarch mixture- Shake off excess

1. Frying Time

- Heat oil to 375°F- Fry in batches (1.5-2 mins per side)- Look for golden brown color

1. The Final Touch

- Drain on paper towels- Toss in bang bang sauce- Garnish with green onions

Tips for Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp

1. Temperature Matters

• Keep oil at 375°F
• Don’t overcrowd the pan
• Work in batches if needed

1. Texture Tips

• Pat shrimp very dry before breading
• Don’t overcoat with cornstarch
• Fry until just golden (overcooked shrimp = rubber)

1. Sauce Secrets

• Mix sauce ingredients until completely smooth
• Make extra sauce for dipping
• Add sauce right before serving

Common Variations

Y’all can get creative with this recipe! Here are some popular twists

• Coconut Bang Bang Shrimp: Add coconut flakes to breading
• Gluten-Free Version: Use only cornstarch
• Baked Version: For a healthier option
• Low-Fat Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo
• Extra Spicy: Add cayenne to the sauce

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp:

• As an appetizer over shredded lettuce
• In tacos with slaw
• Over rice as a main dish
• With Asian noodles
• In lettuce wraps

Storage Tips

• Best served: Immediately after cooking
• Fridge storage: Up to 3 days in airtight container
• Reheating: 375°F oven for 5-7 minutes
• Freezing: Not recommended (gets soggy)

The Bottom Line

Now ya know exactly what makes Bang Bang Shrimp so dang irresistible! It’s that perfect combo of crispy shrimp and creamy-spicy sauce that keeps everyone coming back for more. Whether you’re making it for game day, as an appetizer, or just because you’re craving something awesome, this dish is sure to be a hit.

I’d love to hear how your Bang Bang Shrimp turns out! Remember, practice makes perfect, and don’t be afraid to adjust the spice levels to your taste. Happy cooking, y’all!

Would you like me to explain or break down any part of this recipe in more detail?

Bang Bang sauce is typically made from a combination of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha, with honey and sometimes other ingredients like soy sauce or lime juice added for extra flavor.

While both Bang Bang Shrimp and Boom Boom Shrimp are popular, crispy, and spicy shrimp dishes, they differ primarily in their sauces. Bang Bang Shrimp is typically coated in a sweet and spicy sauce made with mayonnaise and chili sauce, often including sriracha and Thai sweet chili sauce.