Bang Bang Shrimp
Baked Bang Bang Shrimp has become a household favorite, offering an irresistible combination of crispy shrimp and a creamy, zesty sauce. The crunchy panko breadcrumbs create a perfect contrast to the tender shrimp, while the bang bang sauce imparts a delightful spicy-sweet flavor that has you reaching for one more bite. When you serve this dish, you’ll find it’s not just a treat for your taste buds but also a feast for the eyes, making it an ideal appetizer for gatherings or a simple weeknight meal.
Table of Contents
I first fell in love with Bang Bang Shrimp at a local restaurant, where the crispy texture and vibrant flavors were utterly mesmerizing. Now, I enjoy preparing this recipe in my own kitchen, and I think you’ll appreciate how easy and fun it is. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up a batch to satisfy any craving or impress your guests. Trust me, once you’ve tasted this homemade version, you might just forget you ever tried the restaurant kind.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: Ready in just 45 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or spontaneous gatherings.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of sweet honey, spicy sriracha, and tangy rice vinegar creates a mouthwatering experience.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: These crispy shrimp look as good as they taste, making them a hit at any party.
- Flexible Serving: Great as a party appetizer, a fun snack, or even a light dinner.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily substitute shrimp with chicken or tofu for a delicious twist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined and peeled: Fresh shrimp add a sweet, oceanic flavor. Make sure to choose the best quality for that authentic taste. Frozen shrimp work as well, just thaw them first.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs give the shrimp an extra crispy texture. If you want a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free panko.
- ½ cup mayonnaise: This provides creaminess and acts as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs adhere to the shrimp.
- 3 tbsp sriracha sauce: This adds a spicy kick, but you can adjust the amount based on your heat preference. For extra heat, feel free to add more sriracha or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
- 2 tbsp honey: A touch of sweetness balances out the heat from the sriracha sauce beautifully.
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar: This gives a tangy element to the sauce, enhancing the flavor profile.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Garlic enhances the overall taste and adds depth to the dish.
- Salt, to taste: Basic seasoning that brings all the flavors together. Adjust according to your preference.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
Preheat the oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will ensure your shrimp come out crispy and easy to serve.
Prepare the shrimp: In a large bowl, combine 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs with salt to taste. Take each shrimp, dip it into ½ cup of mayonnaise, allowing any excess to drip off, then coat it with the panko mixture. Place the shrimp in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them to achieve maximum crispiness.
Make the bang bang sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together ½ cup of mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons of sriracha sauce, 2 tablespoons of honey, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, and 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. This creamy sauce is what gives the bang bang shrimp its distinctive flavor – combine until smooth and creamy.
Bake the shrimp: Place the shrimp in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Halfway through the baking time, flip the shrimp to ensure even cooking and browning, taking a moment to appreciate the delicious aroma filling your kitchen.
Finish with sauce: Once the shrimp are perfectly baked, remove them from the oven and drizzle the baked shrimp generously with the bang bang sauce before serving. You may want to reserve some sauce for dipping – it’s that good!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If you’re storing the shrimp, it’s crucial to keep them chilled to maintain freshness. For longer storage, you can freeze the baked shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container once frozen solid. They can last up to three months in the freezer, although the texture may change slightly upon reheating. For the best results, reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Avoid sogginess by ensuring the shrimp is well-coated with panko and not overcrowding the baking sheet.
- Use large shrimp for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- All ingredients should be at room temperature before you begin to ensure they blend well, especially the mayonnaise.
- If using frozen shrimp, thaw them completely and pat dry before coating to prevent excess moisture.
- Experiment with the sauce by adding lime juice or adjusting the sweetness to suit your taste preference.
Baked Bang Bang Shrimp packs a punch with its crispy texture and vibrant flavors, making it an instant crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on what you have on hand. Don’t hesitate to explore ingredient substitutions or variations. Enjoy the process of making it, and delight in every delicious bite that follows!
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the shrimp and sauce in advance. Just store both separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, bake the shrimp just before your guests arrive for that fresh, crispy texture.
What can I substitute for shrimp?
If you prefer, you can easily swap out shrimp for chicken or tofu. Just ensure they’re cut to a similar size so they cook evenly. Follow the same coating and baking instructions.
How spicy is Bang Bang Shrimp?
The spice level can be adjusted according to your preference. The base recipe is moderately spicy with 3 tablespoons of sriracha, but feel free to reduce the amount or add more if you like it hotter.
Can I serve Bang Bang Shrimp as a meal?
Absolutely! While it’s great as an appetizer, you can serve it alongside rice or a salad to create a complete meal. The bright flavors pair nicely with a refreshing side.
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📖 Recipe Card
Bang Bang Shrimp
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp boasts an irresistible flavor with its crunchy coating and spicy sauce. Perfect for a quick dinner or a delightful appetizer, it features large shrimp, panko breadcrumbs, and a delicious homemade sauce that is both simple to prepare and satisfying to enjoy.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, deveined and peeled
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- salt, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix panko breadcrumbs and salt in a bowl. Dip each shrimp in mayonnaise, letting the excess drip off, then coat with the panko. Arrange shrimp on the prepared baking sheet.
- Prepare the bang bang sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder in another bowl.
- Bake shrimp for 12-15 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through the cooking time.
- Drizzle the baked shrimp with the bang bang sauce before serving.
Notes
Using large shrimp is recommended for optimal texture.
You can adjust the amount of sriracha for a spicier or milder flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
