Can I make Bang Bang shrimp ahead of time for a party?

You can prepare the sauce and bread the shrimp in advance, storing them separately in the refrigerator. For the best texture, fry the shrimp just before serving. If needed, you can fry them an hour ahead and keep warm in a 200°F oven, though they're truly best fresh from the fryer.

What can I substitute for buttermilk if I don't have any?

Make your own substitute by combining 1 cup of regular milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar. Let the mixture sit for 5-10 minutes until it begins to curdle slightly, then use as directed in the recipe.

Is there a non-fried version of this recipe?

Absolutely! For a healthier option, bake the breaded shrimp at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, turning halfway, or use an air fryer at 390°F for 5-7 minutes. The coating won't be quite as crispy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

What's the best way to devein shrimp?

Using kitchen shears or a small paring knife, cut along the back of the shrimp about ¼-inch deep. Look for the dark vein running along the back, and gently pull it out. Rinse the shrimp under cold water to remove any remnants.

Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe

Name: Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup mayonnaise; ¼ cup Thai sweet chili sauce; 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce; 1 egg, beaten; 1 cup buttermilk; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup panko breadcrumbs; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon ground black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined; Vegetable oil (for frying)

Description

Crispy, golden shrimp coated in a flavorful breading and tossed in a creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy bang bang sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a snack, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that combines crunch, sweetness, and heat in each bite.

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Sauce

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce

For the Egg Mixture

1 egg, beaten
1 cup buttermilk

For the Breading Mixture

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika

For Frying

1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
Vegetable oil (for frying)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce
In a small mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and chili garlic sauce. Mix well until smooth. Set aside for later use.
Prepare the Egg Mixture
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk until smooth. This will serve as the wet coating for the shrimp.
Prepare the Breading Mixture
In another mixing bowl, combine all-purpose flour, panko breadcrumbs, salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk to ensure the seasonings are well incorporated.
Bread the Shrimp
Dip each shrimp into the breading mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, dip the shrimp into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat it again in the breading mixture. Set aside on a plate. Repeat for all shrimp.
Chill the Shrimp
Place the breaded shrimp on a plate or tray and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes. This step helps the breading adhere securely to the shrimp during frying.
Heat the Oil
In a skillet with deep sides, pour vegetable oil until it is 2 inches deep. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches 350°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Fry the Shrimp
Carefully place shrimp into the hot oil in small batches. Fry for approximately 3 minutes, turning halfway through, until the shrimp are golden brown. Once cooked, remove shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Toss in Sauce
Place the fried shrimp in a large mixing bowl. Add ¼ cup of the prepared sauce and toss gently to coat. Serve immediately with the remaining sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

For convenience, frozen shrimp can be used; to thaw, submerge them in a bowl of cold water for 20 minutes.
Fresh, unopened mayonnaise at room temperature can enhance the sauce’s flavor noticeably.
If you don’t have buttermilk, make your own by mixing 1 cup of whole or 2% milk with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar, letting it sit for 5 minutes.
Ensure the oil temperature remains at 350°F during frying for evenly cooked shrimp.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 450
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 20g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 20g
Cholesterol: 180mg