The Best Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer known for its crispy texture and bold flavors. The dish features succulent shrimp marinated in buttermilk, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and fried to golden perfection. It's then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. This delectable combination creates a tantalizing balance of heat and sweetness, making it a crowd favorite.

Ingredients

🍤 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

🥛 1 cup buttermilk

🥚 1 egg

🧄 1 teaspoon garlic powder

🧅 1 teaspoon onion powder

🌶️ 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika

🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

🍚 1 cup all-purpose flour

🌽 1/2 cup corn starch

🛢️ Vegetable oil, for frying

For the Sauce

🥄 1/2 cup mayonnaise

🌶️ 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce

🌶️ 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)

🌶️ 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)

🌶️ 1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

1- Prepare the Shrimp:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
Add the shrimp and let them marinate for about 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.

2- Prepare the Coating:

In another bowl, mix together the flour, corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

3- Coat the Shrimp:

Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Dredge the shrimp in the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Shake off any excess coating.

4- Cook the Shrimp:

In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
Cook each batch for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Remove the shrimp and let them drain on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate.

5- Prepare the Sauce:

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha until smooth and well combined.

6- Assemble:

In a large bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with the sauce until evenly coated.
Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4

Equipment: Medium bowl, large skillet or deep fryer, wire rack or paper towels