Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe: Fresh, Crispy, and Flavorful

Bang Bang Shrimp originated from the Bonefish Grill restaurant chain. This dish quickly became popular due to its unique combination of crispy shrimp and a creamy, spicy sauce. The restaurant’s blend of sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and mayonnaise gave it a distinctive flavor. Bonefish Grill first introduced Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer, which soon gained a massive following due to its bold taste and crunchy texture.

Popularity of the Copycat Version

Due to the widespread popularity of Bang Bang Shrimp, many home cooks have developed copycat versions to replicate this dish in their kitchens. These recipes often follow the same core ingredients: shrimp, cornstarch, buttermilk, and a mixture of sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and mayonnaise. Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp recipes allow you to control the spice level and adjust ingredients to personal preference. These homemade versions provide a cost-effective way to enjoy the iconic dish, offering convenience without compromising on flavor.

Key Ingredients in Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

The Role of the Shrimp

Shrimp serves as the primary ingredient in Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp. Use fresh, medium-sized shrimp (about 31-40 pieces per pound). Fresh shrimp ensures a tender and flavorful base. Remove the shells and devein each shrimp to ensure a clean and neat preparation. Battered shrimp get their crispy texture from a light cornstarch coating before frying. Frying the shrimp at 350°F results in a golden, crunchy exterior.

The Secret Sauce Ingredients

The sauce defines the flavor profile of Bang Bang Shrimp. Combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, and sweet chili sauce to create a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce. Use 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce, and 2 tablespoons Sriracha for a balanced flavor. Adjust the Sriracha quantity if you prefer a milder or spicier kick. Mix these ingredients until smooth and well-blended. Toss the fried shrimp in this sauce for an even coat before serving.

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

Preparing the Shrimp

Begin by cleaning the shrimp. Peel and devein 1 pound of fresh shrimp, leaving the tails intact. Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them dry with paper towels. This step ensures the shrimp are clean and ready for coating.

Set up a dredging station. In a shallow dish, combine 1 cup of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Toss the shrimp in the cornstarch mixture, ensuring each piece is coated evenly. This preparation creates the crispy texture Bang Bang Shrimp is known for.

Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F. Use enough oil to submerge the shrimp. Fry the shrimp in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pot. Fry each batch for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Mixing the Sauce

Combine the key ingredients. In a medium bowl, mix 1/2 cup of mayonnaise, 1/4 cup of sweet chili sauce, and 1-2 tablespoons of Sriracha. Adjust the Sriracha based on your preferred spice level. This sauce provides the creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavor characteristic of Bang Bang Shrimp.

Whisk the sauce until fully combined. Ensure the mixture is smooth and homogeneous. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary, adding more Sriracha for heat or sweet chili sauce for sweetness.

Final Assembly

Toss the fried shrimp in the prepared sauce. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Gently toss until each shrimp is evenly coated. This step ensures that every piece is covered with the savory sauce.

Serve immediately. Arrange the coated shrimp on a serving platter and garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro if desired. For an added touch, serve the shrimp over a bed of lettuce or alongside rice for a complete dish.

By following these steps, you can replicate the restaurant-quality Bang Bang Shrimp in your own kitchen, delivering the iconic crunch and zesty flavor right to your table.

Serving Suggestions for Copycat Bang Bang Shrimp

Ideal Side Dishes

Enhance your Bang Bang Shrimp experience with complementary side dishes. Serve it with seasoned rice, like jasmine or basmati, to balance the spicy and creamy notes. Fresh salads (e.g., mixed greens with a light citrus vinaigrette) add a refreshing contrast. For a heartier accompaniment, consider garlic mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables (like carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers).

Presentation Tips

Focus on visual appeal while presenting Bang Bang Shrimp. Arrange shrimp on a platter, garnishing with chopped green onions and sesame seeds for added texture. Use colorful plates to highlight the golden-brown shrimp. If serving individual portions, place the shrimp atop a bed of lettuce or cabbage for a crisp base. Finally, drizzle extra sauce over the shrimp for a tantalizing finish.

Conclusion

Creating your own Bang Bang Shrimp at home isn’t just about mimicking a restaurant favorite; it’s about crafting a dish that bursts with flavor and visual appeal. By focusing on fresh ingredients and thoughtful presentation, you can elevate this simple recipe into a memorable meal. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a tantalizing appetizer, the combination of crispy shrimp and zesty sauce is sure to impress. So go ahead and try it out—you’ll find that homemade Bang Bang Shrimp can be even more satisfying than the original.