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
Scale
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
