Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Introduction

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp is a crave-worthy dish that replicates the iconic restaurant favorite. This dish features crispy fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and a hint of sriracha. Perfectly balanced with crunch and flavor, this recipe is ideal for appetizers, game-day snacks, or even as a light dinner served with rice or salad.

I first made this dish when I was craving the restaurant version but didn’t want to leave home. The result was just as satisfying! The shrimp turned out crispy, and the sauce had the perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy. What’s great about this recipe is how quick and easy it is to make, with just a few simple ingredients. The shrimp are crispy on the outside while staying juicy inside, and the sauce adds an irresistible kick.

Whether you’re serving this dish as an appetizer or enjoying it as a main, it’s sure to be a hit. Plus, with the simplicity of the ingredients and the process, you can enjoy this restaurant classic from the comfort of your own kitchen anytime!

Perfect for:

• Appetizers
• Game-day gatherings
• Family dinners
• Seafood lovers

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Here’s why Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp will become a regular in your meal rotation:

• Restaurant-Style Flavor at Home: Save money and enjoy this beloved dish anytime.
• Crispy and Juicy Shrimp: The shrimp are perfectly breaded and fried for an irresistible crunch.
• Sweet and Spicy Sauce: The sauce combines creamy, tangy, and spicy elements for the perfect balance.
• Quick to Make: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for a last-minute appetizer or weeknight meal.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as an appetizer, over rice, or as a taco filling for a fresh twist.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 400-450 calories

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1-2 teaspoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for added sweetness)

Ingredient Highlights

• Shrimp: Large shrimp work best for this recipe; their size allows for a perfect balance of breading and sauce.
• Buttermilk: Helps the coating stick to the shrimp while adding a slight tangy flavor.
• Cornstarch: Ensures the breading is light and crispy.
• Sweet Chili Sauce and Sriracha: Create the signature sweet and spicy sauce that coats the shrimp.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Shrimp

1. Clean the Shrimp: Peel and devein the shrimp, pat them dry with paper towels, and set aside.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip in Buttermilk: Pour buttermilk into a separate bowl. Dip each shrimp into the buttermilk, ensuring it’s fully coated.
4. Dredge in Coating: Transfer the shrimp to the flour mixture and coat evenly, pressing gently to adhere.

Fry the Shrimp

5. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C).
6. Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
7. Drain: Remove the shrimp and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Make the Sauce

8. Combine Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey (if using). Taste and adjust spice level as desired.
9. Toss the Shrimp: Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and gently toss them with the prepared sauce until fully coated.

How to Serve Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp is versatile and can be served in several ways:

• As an Appetizer: Serve on a platter with toothpicks for easy sharing.
• Over Rice or Noodles: Turn it into a meal by serving the shrimp over steamed rice or noodles.
• In Tacos: Use the shrimp as a taco filling with shredded cabbage and a drizzle of extra sauce.
• With a Salad: Pair the shrimp with mixed greens for a fresh and flavorful salad.

Additional Tips for Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Here are some tips to ensure your Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp turns out perfectly every time:

• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the shrimp in small batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste: Add more or less sriracha depending on how spicy you like it.
• Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the shrimp right after tossing in the sauce.
• Use a Deep Fry Thermometer: Maintaining the oil temperature at 375°F ensures crispy shrimp without being greasy.
• For a Lighter Version: Bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep-frying.
• Add Garnish: Sprinkle with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for a restaurant-style presentation.

Recipe Variations for Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Try these variations for a unique twist on Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp:

• Crispy Baked Bang Bang Shrimp
• Swap the deep-frying for a healthier baked version. Coat the shrimp in panko breadcrumbs and bake them until crispy, then toss with the Bang Bang sauce.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
• Add the crispy shrimp to soft tortillas with shredded cabbage, avocado, and a drizzle of extra Bang Bang sauce for a spicy, crunchy taco treat.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Salad
• Serve the shrimp over a bed of mixed greens, cucumbers, and tomatoes, then drizzle with the sauce and top with sesame seeds for a fresh salad version.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
• Toss the shrimp in a creamy Bang Bang sauce and mix with pasta (such as linguine or spaghetti), offering a flavorful seafood pasta dish.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Sushi Rolls
• Use the crispy shrimp in sushi rolls. Combine them with avocado and cucumber, roll them up, and drizzle with the sauce for a unique sushi experience.
• Bang Bang Shrimp Sliders
• Create mini sandwiches by placing crispy shrimp on slider buns with lettuce and a dollop of Bang Bang sauce for an irresistible appetizer or party snack.
• fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a bold pizza experience.

Freezing and Storage for Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

• Freezing: For best results, freeze the shrimp before tossing them in the sauce. Place the fried shrimp in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months.
• Storage: Store leftover shrimp (already coated with sauce) in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven to maintain crispiness.

Special Equipment for Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

These tools will make preparing Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp easier:

• Deep Fryer – To fry the shrimp evenly and achieve a crispy texture.
• Large Mixing Bowl – For tossing the shrimp in seasoning or batter.
• Tongs – To safely handle shrimp while frying.
• Meat Thermometer – To check the oil’s temperature to ensure the shrimp cook properly.
• Wire Rack – For draining excess oil from the fried shrimp.
• Skillet or Wok – If frying without a deep fryer, these provide a good option.
• Pastry Brush – To apply the Bang Bang sauce evenly on the shrimp.
• Sharp Knife – For peeling and deveining the shrimp.
• Slotted Spoon or Spider – To safely remove the shrimp from the hot oil.
• Small Saucepan – For making the Bang Bang sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions for Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

1. Can I make this recipe less spicy?
   Yes, reduce the amount of sriracha in the sauce or leave it out altogether for a milder flavor.
2. Can I bake the shrimp instead of frying?
   Absolutely! Bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
3. Can I use frozen shrimp?
   Yes, just thaw the shrimp completely and pat them dry before breading.
4. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes, this recipe scales easily—just double the ingredients for a larger batch.
5. How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
   Make sure the shrimp are dry before dipping them in buttermilk, and press the breading onto the shrimp firmly.

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Conclusion

Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp is the perfect way to bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table. With its crispy coating and signature sweet-and-spicy sauce, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer, snack, or main course, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

This recipe is as fun to prepare as it is to eat, making it ideal for everything from casual dinners to festive gatherings. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it on your own, these crispy, flavorful shrimp are sure to disappear in no time.

I’d love to see how your Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp turns out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your delicious creations. Happy cooking!