Introduction
Transform humble shrimp into a show-stopping appetizer with this incredibly easy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe! Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for parties, game nights, or a quick weeknight treat. We’ll elevate simple ingredients with a touch of creativity and bold flavors, resulting in a dish that’s both impressive and surprisingly effortless.
Why This Works
This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe works because it strikes the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory. The creamy sauce is addictive, coating perfectly cooked shrimp for an explosion of flavor in every bite. The simplicity of the ingredients makes it accessible to everyone, while the stunning presentation belies the minimal effort required. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will impress your guests without hours spent in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients
🍤 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
🥣 1/2 cup mayonnaise
🌶️ 1/4 cup sriracha (or more, to taste)
🍯 2 tablespoons honey
🍋 1 tablespoon lime juice
🧄 1 clove garlic, minced
🧂 1/4 teaspoon salt
🌿 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
🌱 1/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Shrimp: Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them crisp up nicely when cooked.
2️⃣ Make the Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Adjust the amount of sriracha to your desired level of spiciness.
3️⃣ Cook the Shrimp: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Avoid overcrowding the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
4️⃣ Toss and Serve: Transfer the cooked shrimp to the bowl with the Bang Bang sauce. Gently toss to coat the shrimp evenly. Garnish with chopped green onions and serve immediately with crackers or baguette slices.
Handy Tips
- Shrimp Size: Using large shrimp ensures they cook quickly and evenly. Smaller shrimp will cook faster.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of sriracha to your preference. Start with less and add more gradually until you reach your desired heat.
- Mayonnaise: For a richer flavor, use a high-quality mayonnaise.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
Heat Control
Medium-high heat is ideal for cooking the shrimp. This ensures they cook through quickly without becoming tough or rubbery. The shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking, as this will result in dry, tough shrimp.
Crunch Factor
While this recipe doesn’t focus on a crunchy texture for the shrimp themselves, serving them with crunchy crackers or baguette slices adds a satisfying textural contrast to the creamy sauce.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- Prep Ahead: Make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.
- Double the Recipe: Easily double or triple this recipe for larger gatherings.
- Flavor Boost: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for an extra kick.
- Cleanup Hack: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to make cleanup a breeze.
Storage Tips
Leftover Bang Bang shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or skillet before serving.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This appetizer is perfect for gifting! Package the Bang Bang sauce separately in a small jar and the cooked shrimp in a container, allowing the recipient to assemble just before serving. Tie it with a ribbon and add a cute label for a thoughtful presentation.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spicy Mango Bang Bang: Add diced mango to the sauce for a sweet and spicy twist.
🌟 Garlic Parmesan Bang Bang: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and extra minced garlic to the sauce.
🌟 Lemon Herb Bang Bang: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley and dill, and increase the lime juice for a brighter flavor profile.
🌟 Sweet Chili Bang Bang: Substitute sweet chili sauce for some of the sriracha for a less spicy, sweeter version.
Troubleshooting
- Overcooked Shrimp: Overcooked shrimp will be tough and rubbery. Cook them only until pink and opaque.
- Sauce Too Thin: If the sauce is too thin, add a tablespoon or two of mayonnaise to thicken it.
- Sauce Too Spicy: If the sauce is too spicy, add a teaspoon or two of honey or mayonnaise to balance the heat.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen shrimp? Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.
- Can I make this ahead of time? Yes, you can make the sauce ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the shrimp just before serving for optimal texture.
- How can I scale this recipe? Easily double or triple the recipe by multiplying the ingredient quantities proportionally.
- Is this recipe gluten-free and dairy-free? The base recipe is gluten-free. To make it dairy-free, substitute the mayonnaise with a dairy-free alternative.
Conclusion
This Easy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for any occasion! We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delicious appetizer with your friends and family. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavor variations and make it your own! Happy cooking!
Bang Bang Shrimp: Party-Perfect Appetizer
Crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. Perfect for parties and gatherings!
Ingredients
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 green onions, sliced for garnish
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Add shrimp and marinate for 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour with a pinch of salt. Dredge marinated shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Heat oil in a deep pan over medium heat. Fry shrimp in batches until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth.
- Toss the fried shrimp in the sauce until evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with green onions.
Tips
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the shrimp by dipping them in the buttermilk mixture again after dredging in flour.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level according to your preference.