Homemade Bang Bang Shrimp - A Favorite Spicy Shrimp Appetizer!

Summary

In this video, the host demonstrates how to make delicious homemade Bang Bang Shrimp. The recipe features crispy fried shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, and cayenne pepper. The host provides tips on adjusting the heat level, offers alternative methods of cooking the shrimp (grilled or sautéed), and shares ideas for serving, including as an appetizer, sandwich, or over rice. The video also includes fun suggestions for garnishing and creative variations, making it a versatile and flavorful dish for spice lovers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, lightly fried shrimp dish served with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce.
• 😀 The sauce is made with mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, honey, lemon juice, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
• 😀 You can adjust the heat level of the sauce by adding more or less sriracha or cayenne pepper to taste.
• 😀 Soak the shrimp in buttermilk for a few minutes before breading them in a seasoned cornstarch mixture to ensure crispy coating.
• 😀 The cornstarch mixture includes cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper, and can be adjusted to suit your preferred spice level.
• 😀 Fry the shrimp in vegetable oil heated to 375°F for about 1 minute per side until golden and crispy.
• 😀 It’s recommended to fry the shrimp in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can cause the shrimp to stick together.
• 😀 After frying, drain the shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
• 😀 Toss the fried shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce until well coated. Save some sauce for extra dipping on the side.
• 😀 Garnish the dish with chopped parsley and chili flakes for added flavor and visual appeal.
• 😀 Bang Bang Shrimp can be served as an appetizer, on a bed of greens, as a sandwich, or with rice or noodles for a complete meal.

Q & A

What is Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp is a dish featuring crispy, lightly fried shrimp served with a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The sauce is typically made from mayonnaise, chili garlic sauce, sriracha, honey, and cayenne pepper.

Can I adjust the heat level of the sauce?

Yes, you can easily adjust the heat of the sauce by adding more or less sriracha or cayenne pepper. For a milder version, you can substitute paprika for cayenne and reduce the amount of sriracha.

What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?

The recipe works well with small, popcorn-sized shrimp, but slightly larger shrimp (around 30 count per pound) can also be used. The key is to ensure the shrimp are peeled and deveined.

Why should the shrimp be soaked in buttermilk?

Soaking the shrimp in buttermilk helps to tenderize them and allows the cornstarch coating to stick better, resulting in a crispier texture when fried.

Can I skip the frying step?

Yes, you can skip the frying process. Instead, you can grill or sauté the shrimp with a little oil and then toss them in the Bang Bang sauce for a healthier version.

What should the oil temperature be for frying the shrimp?

The oil should be heated to 375°F (190°C) for optimal frying. You can check the temperature by dropping a small amount of cornstarch into the oil; if it sizzles, the oil is ready.

How can I avoid the shrimp sticking together while frying?

To prevent the shrimp from sticking together, avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry the shrimp in batches, ensuring enough space between each piece for even cooking.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a few days. Just make sure to give it a good stir before using it.

What are some alternative ways to serve Bang Bang Shrimp?

Bang Bang Shrimp can be served as an appetizer, over a bed of greens or lettuce, in a sandwich (like a shrimp Po'boy), or over rice or noodles for a complete meal.

What are some possible garnish options for Bang Bang Shrimp?

Garnish options include chopped parsley for a fresh flavor and color, and spicy chili flakes for extra heat and a pop of color.