Bang Bang Shrimp 

Bang Bang Shrimp is a beloved Chinese-American dish known for its crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy mayo-based sauce. Inspired by the popular Bonefish Grill appetizer, this homemade version is surprisingly easy to prepare and delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. The combination of crunchy shrimp and sweet-spicy sauce makes it a versatile dish perfect as an appetizer, main course, or even as a topping for tacos or ramen.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (peeled, deveined, and tails removed)

• ½ cup buttermilk

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ¼ teaspoon onion powder

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• ¾ cup cornstarch

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ¼ cup high-quality mayonnaise (e.g., Kewpie, Duke’s, or Hellmann’s)

• 1½ tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce

• 1–2 teaspoons Sriracha hot sauce (adjust to taste)

Directions

1. Marinate the Shrimp:
   In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes.

2. Coat the Shrimp:
   Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish. Working one at a time, dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch, ensuring it's fully coated. Transfer the coated shrimp to a baking sheet.

3. Fry the Shrimp:
   Heat about 1½ inches of oil to 350°F (175°C) in a large pot. Fry the shrimp in several batches for 2 minutes until golden and crispy. Use a metal spider or slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate.

4. Prepare the Sauce:
   In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Stir until well blended.

5. Toss and Serve:
   Add the fried shrimp to the bowl with the sauce. Gently toss to coat the shrimp evenly. Serve immediately for the best texture.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 400 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 25g

  • Saturated Fat: 3g

• Carbohydrates: 20g

  • Fiber: 1g

  • Sugars: 5g

• Sodium: 800mg