Description
Bang Bang Shrimp is a crispy, spicy, and creamy appetizer featuring large shrimp marinated in buttermilk and spices, coated in cornstarch, and deep-fried until golden. Tossed in a flavorful sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, this dish delivers a perfect balance of heat and sweetness that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Coating
- 3/4 cup corn starch
Sauce
- 1/4 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 1 ½ tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce (or to taste)
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the shrimp are evenly coated. Let marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- Prepare the Coating: Pour the corn starch into a shallow dish or bowl. This will be used to coat the shrimp before frying to create a crispy exterior.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the marinade one at a time, letting excess liquid drip off. Dredge each shrimp in the corn starch until fully coated. Place the coated shrimp onto a baking sheet to keep them ready for frying.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat 1 ½ inches of oil in a large pot or deep pan to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches (about 3 batches) for approximately 2 minutes each, until they turn golden brown and crispy. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for food safety. Drain the fried shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Make the Sauce and Toss: In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Add the fried shrimp to the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly with the bang bang sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, fry shrimp in small batches and do not overcrowd the pot.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level.
- Use fresh shrimp for best results, and pat dry before marinating if very wet.
- Serve with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover shrimp are best enjoyed immediately as they may lose crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
