Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite appetizer: Bang Bang Shrimp! If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re in for a treat. This dish has taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. It’s spicy, creamy, and oh-so-delicious! What I love most is how ridiculously quick it is to whip up—perfect for those last-minute gatherings or when you’re just craving something scrumptious at home.

Whenever I make Bang Bang Shrimp, I can’t help but think of the laughter and smiles shared around the table. It’s a crowd-pleaser, and trust me, everyone will be going back for seconds (maybe even thirds!). The combination of flavors is just out of this world, and the crispy shrimp tossed in that creamy sauce? Wow! It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a superstar in the kitchen, even if you’re not a pro. Grab your apron, and let’s get ready to dive into this delightful recipe!

Ingredients List

1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 cup mayonnaise, for that rich creaminess
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, adding a delightful sweetness
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce, adjust to your spice level preference
1 cup cornstarch, to give the shrimp that perfect crispy coating
1/2 cup vegetable oil, for frying and achieving golden perfection
Green onions, finely chopped, for a fresh garnish

How to Prepare Bang Bang Shrimp

Alright, let’s get to the good stuff! Preparing Bang Bang Shrimp is super simple, and I promise you’ll be amazed at how quickly it all comes together. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be savoring that spicy, creamy goodness in no time!

Making the Sauce

First things first, let’s whip up that delicious sauce! In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha sauce. I love that creamy base with a kick of heat! Just use a whisk or a fork to mix everything until it’s nice and smooth. Taste it, and feel free to add more Sriracha if you want to amp up the spice. Set it aside for now—trust me, it’s going to be the star of the show!

Coating the Shrimp

Now, let’s get those shrimp coated! Take your peeled and deveined shrimp and toss them into a bowl with the cornstarch. I like to do this in small batches to make sure every shrimp gets a nice, even coating. Just pick them up, shake off the excess cornstarch, and place them on a plate. This step is key for getting that perfectly crispy texture when they fry! Oops, don’t forget to wash your hands afterward—it can get a little messy!

Cooking the Shrimp

Time to heat things up! In a large skillet, pour in the vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. You’ll want the oil to be hot but not smoking—about 350°F (175°C) is ideal. Once it’s ready, gently add the shrimp in a single layer (don’t crowd the pan, or they won’t fry properly!). Fry them for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and crispy. You’ll know they’re done when they turn a beautiful golden color and the shrimp are opaque. Yum!

Combining and Serving

Once your shrimp are perfectly cooked, it’s time for the best part! Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil, letting any excess drip off. Then, toss them in that luscious sauce we made earlier. I like to do this in a bowl, gently mixing until every shrimp is coated in that delicious, creamy goodness. Serve them hot, garnished with a sprinkle of finely chopped green onions for a fresh touch. Wow, your guests will be raving about this dish for sure!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s super quick to prepare—ready in just 25 minutes!
The flavors are a perfect balance of spicy and creamy, making every bite irresistible.
It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser, great for parties or casual get-togethers.
With its crispy texture and rich sauce, it’s sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Easy to customize—adjust the spice level to suit your taste!
Gluten-free, making it a safe choice for those with dietary restrictions.
Perfect as an appetizer or served over rice for a filling meal.

Tips for Success

Alright, friends, if you want to take your Bang Bang Shrimp to the next level, I’ve got some fantastic tips to share! Trust me, these little nuggets of wisdom will help you nail this dish every single time.

Adjust the Spice: If you love a little heat, feel free to add more Sriracha to the sauce! But if you’re serving friends or family who might not be as brave, start with a smaller amount and let everyone customize their own plate. You can even serve extra sauce on the side!
Fry in Batches: To achieve that perfect golden-brown crust, don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. Give each shrimp some room to get crispy! Fry in batches if needed, and keep the cooked shrimp warm in a low oven while you finish up.
Check Your Oil Temperature: A simple kitchen thermometer can be your best friend here! Too hot, and the shrimp will burn; too cool, and they’ll turn out soggy. Aim for that sweet spot around 350°F (175°C) for perfectly fried shrimp!
Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp really make a difference in flavor and texture. If you can, go for wild-caught over farmed for the best taste. And make sure they’re properly peeled and deveined—no one wants to deal with that when they’re hungry!
Let the Shrimp Rest: After frying, let the shrimp sit for a minute before tossing them in the sauce. This helps the coating stay crispy by reducing excess moisture. Nobody likes a soggy shrimp!
Experiment with Garnishes: While green onions are a classic option, don’t hesitate to get creative! Fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, or even a squeeze of lime can elevate the dish and add a pop of color and flavor!

Just keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be a Bang Bang Shrimp pro in no time! Happy cooking!

Serving Suggestions

Now that you have your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp ready to impress, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! I love to get a little creative with my pairings to elevate the meal experience even further. Here are some of my favorite ideas:

Steamed Jasmine Rice: A fluffy bed of jasmine rice is the perfect accompaniment. It soaks up all that creamy sauce and balances out the spice beautifully. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Lettuce Wraps: For a light and refreshing option, serve the shrimp in crisp lettuce leaves. It adds a nice crunch and makes for a fun, hands-on meal. Just scoop, wrap, and enjoy!
Asian Slaw: A vibrant slaw made with cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing adds a delightful crunch and freshness to your meal. It’s a colorful side that complements the flavors of the shrimp perfectly!
Vegetable Stir-Fry: Whip up a quick stir-fry with your favorite veggies—think bell peppers, broccoli, and snap peas—for a nutritious and colorful side that pairs wonderfully with the shrimp.
Coconut Rice: For a tropical twist, try serving Bang Bang Shrimp over coconut rice. The subtle sweetness of the coconut will balance the spiciness of the shrimp in a delightful way!
Chilled Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad with a zesty dressing is refreshing and light, making it a great counterbalance to the rich flavors of the dish.
Garlic Noodles: If you’re feeling a bit indulgent, garlic butter noodles tossed with herbs and a sprinkle of sesame seeds make a fantastic and satisfying side!

Whatever you choose, these sides will take your Bang Bang Shrimp to the next level and make your meal a hit! Enjoy experimenting and finding your perfect pairing!

Nutritional Information

Now, let’s chat about the nutritional side of things! While I’m all about enjoying delicious food, it’s nice to have an idea of what we’re putting on our plates. Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional information for each serving of Bang Bang Shrimp:

Calories: 300
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 15g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 600mg
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific brands of ingredients or if you decide to make any tweaks to the recipe. If you’re looking to lighten things up a bit, you can always adjust the amount of sauce or oil used. But let’s be honest, a little indulgence is part of the fun, right? Enjoy every bite of your Bang Bang Shrimp!

FAQ Section

Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking. You can do this by leaving them in the fridge overnight or placing them in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. Pat them dry before coating with cornstarch for the best results.

What if I don’t have Sriracha?
No worries! If you’re in a pinch, you can substitute it with another hot sauce, like Frank’s RedHot or even a bit of chili powder. Just taste as you go to achieve your desired level of heat!

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can! The sauce actually keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Just give it a good stir before using, as it might thicken a bit. It’s a great time-saver for meal prep!

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
Definitely! You can try air-frying the shrimp instead of deep-frying. Just spray them lightly with oil and cook in an air fryer at about 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through. You can also use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter sauce option.

How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can vary depending on how much Sriracha you add. If you’re sensitive to heat, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase it to your liking. Remember, you can always add more heat, but it’s tough to take it out once it’s in!

What should I serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
I’ve got you covered! It’s great served over rice, in lettuce wraps, or alongside a fresh salad. You can also pair it with a side of Asian slaw for a crunchy contrast. Get creative and find what you love!

How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, try to crisp them up again in a skillet or air fryer to maintain that delicious crunch!

Sticky Ginger and Molasses Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze

Author: Louna Cakes
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delicious Sticky Ginger Molasses Cake topped with a creamy cream cheese glaze, perfect for any occasion.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare an 8-inch square baking pan by greasing it and lining the bottom with parchment paper.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves.
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and dark brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the molasses and milk until well combined.
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, until just combined.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
For the cream cheese glaze, beat together the softened cream cheese, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk as needed to reach desired consistency.
Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle the cream cheese glaze over the top and allow it to set before slicing.

Notes

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Use parchment paper to help the cake come out easily from the pan.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice
Calories: 250
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 50mg

Keywords: Ginger Cake, Molasses Cake, Cream Cheese Glaze, Dessert Recipe

Spread the love

Bang Bang Shrimp: 7 Irresistible Secrets to Perfection