Description
This crispy Bang Bang Shrimp recipe features a sweet-spicy blushing chili cream sauce, offering a restaurant-quality meal that is perfect for busy weeknights and family-friendly dining.
Ingredients
- 450 g (1 lb) shrimp, medium to large (21–25 count), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
- 0.5 cup (60 g) all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for extra crispness)
- 1 large egg, whisked
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) buttermilk (or 0.25 cup regular milk with 0.5 tsp (2.5 ml) lemon juice or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp (5 g) salt
- 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
- 1 tsp (5 g) garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp (2.5 g) paprika
- 0.5 cup (120 g) mayonnaise (or light mayo or plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 0.25 cup (60 ml) sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 Tbsp (15–30 ml) Sriracha (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) honey (or agave syrup for a vegan option)
- 1 tsp (5 ml) lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 2 cups (470 ml) vegetable oil (like canola or sunflower) for shallow frying, or cooking spray if air frying
Instructions
- Prep the Shrimp: Pat shrimp very dry with paper towels to ensure breading sticks well. In one shallow bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk. In a second shallow bowl, combine flour or cornstarch with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Dip shrimp first in the wet mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the dry mixture, ensuring a full, even coating.
- Cook the Shrimp: For shallow frying, heat 1-2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Fry shrimp in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan. For air frying, preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray breaded shrimp with cooking spray. Cook for 8-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden.
- Whip Up the Blushing Chili Cream: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice or sweetness to your liking.
- Toss and Serve: Once shrimp are cooked, add them to the bowl with the blushing chili cream and gently toss to coat thoroughly. Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
Patting shrimp very dry is crucial for breading adhesion and crispness. Avoid overcooking shrimp; they cook fast and can become rubbery. Cook in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan or air fryer, ensuring even crispiness. Consider gluten-free (GF flour/cornstarch), dairy-free (DF milk + vinegar, DF mayo), or vegan (plant-based shrimp, vegan mayo) substitutions. Garnish with fresh cilantro, green onions, or sesame seeds. A pinch of cayenne pepper or lime zest can enhance flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying (Shallow Fry or Air Frying)
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 5-7 pieces of shrimp with sauce)
- Calories: 400 calories
- Sugar: 25 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg