Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Introduction
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful appetizer featuring tender shrimp coated in a flavorful marinade, fried to golden perfection, and tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce. This dish offers a wonderful combination of crunch and zest that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ cup corn starch (or substitute with potato starch or tapioca starch)
- Avocado oil (for frying shrimp)
- 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped for garnish)
- 4 ounces bang bang sauce
Instructions
- Step 1: Make the marinade by combining buttermilk, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder in a bowl. Mix well to combine. Pour over peeled and deveined shrimp and stir to coat. Set aside while you begin preheating the oil.
- Step 2: Remove shrimp from the marinade one at a time, letting excess marinade drip off. Dip both sides in cornstarch until fully coated, then tap off the excess. Arrange the breaded shrimp on a platter.
- Step 3: Heat 2 inches of avocado oil in a Dutch oven or heavy pot to 375˚F (190˚C).
- Step 4: Fry shrimp in batches, cooking for 1-2 minutes or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Turn shrimp halfway through if needed. Use a strainer or slotted spoon to transfer shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Step 5: Place the fried shrimp in a bowl, drizzle with bang bang sauce, and gently toss to combine. Sprinkle with finely chopped chives and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra crispiness, let coated shrimp rest on a rack for 10 minutes before frying to help the coating set.
- Swap corn starch with potato or tapioca starch for a slightly different texture or if you have dietary preferences.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce the amount of bang bang sauce or mix it with a bit of mayonnaise to mellow the spice.
- Garnish with sliced green onions instead of chives for a different fresh flavor.
Storage
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a hot oven or air fryer to help retain crispiness, but note that fried shrimp are best enjoyed fresh to maintain their texture. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Make sure to thaw them completely, pat dry to remove excess moisture, and then proceed with the marinade and coating steps for best results.
What can I substitute for bang bang sauce if I can’t find it?
You can make a simple bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a bit of sriracha or hot sauce. Adjust the ratios to suit your preferred level of sweetness and heat.
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Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp is a flavorful and crunchy appetizer featuring large shrimp marinated in a buttermilk and spice mixture, coated in cornstarch, and deep-fried until golden. Tossed in a creamy and spicy bang bang sauce, this dish is garnished with fresh chives for a vibrant finish, perfect for parties or a delicious snack.
Ingredients
Shrimp Marinade
- 1 pound large shrimp (peeled and deveined, tails removed)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Coating
- ¾ cup corn starch (or substitute with potato starch/tapioca starch)
Frying
- Avocado oil (for frying shrimp, enough to fill 2 inches in pot)
Garnish and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon chives (finely chopped for garnish)
- 4 ounces bang bang sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, kosher salt, smoked paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well to create a flavorful marinade. Add the peeled and deveined shrimp, stirring to coat them evenly. Set aside to marinate while you prepare the oil.
- Coat the shrimp: Remove the shrimp one at a time from the marinade, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Dip each shrimp into the cornstarch coating both sides thoroughly. Tap off any extra starch and place the coated shrimp on a platter, spacing them out to prevent sticking.
- Heat the oil: Pour avocado oil into a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 375˚F (190˚C), using a thermometer to ensure the proper frying temperature.
- Fry the shrimp: Carefully add the shrimp to the hot oil in small batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry each batch for 1-2 minutes or until the shrimp turns golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Turn the shrimp halfway during frying if needed to ensure even crispiness. Use a slotted spoon or strainer to remove the shrimp and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Toss with sauce and garnish: Place the fried shrimp in a mixing bowl and drizzle with the bang bang sauce. Gently toss until the shrimp are evenly coated. Sprinkle with finely chopped chives (or green onions) for a fresh finish. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Ensure oil temperature stays consistent at 375˚F for optimal crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan while frying to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm your cornstarch or substitute starch is certified gluten-free.
- Serve immediately after tossing with sauce to keep the shrimp crispy.
- Bang bang sauce can be homemade or store-bought; adjust the quantity based on your preference for spice and creaminess.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: crispy shrimp, bang bang shrimp, fried shrimp appetizer, buttermilk shrimp, spicy shrimp appetizer
