Bang Bang Shrimp Bites are crispy little wonders that bring a delicious kick! These tender shrimp are coated in a crispy batter and tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. Yum!
They’re perfect for a fun snack or as a party appetizer. Trust me, you’ll be tempted to eat them all by yourself. (No judgment here!) 😄
I love serving these with some fresh veggies on the side for a fun crunch. Plus, they’re super easy to whip up—so tasty and perfect for sharing! Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Medium shrimp work best for this dish because they’re easy to handle and fry quickly. If you can’t find medium shrimp, feel free to use large or even shrimp that are already cooked for quicker prep.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a wonderful crunch. If you don’t have any, you can use regular breadcrumbs; just keep in mind they’ll be less crispy. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are a great alternative if you need to avoid gluten.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk adds moisture and helps the batter stick. If you don’t have buttermilk handy, a mix of milk and vinegar (1/2 cup milk + 1/2 tablespoon vinegar, let sit for 5 minutes) can substitute well!
Sriracha: Sriracha is key for that spicy kick! Adjust the amount to control the heat. If you like something milder or different, try a dash of hot sauce or even chili powder for flavor.
How Do You Get Perfectly Crispy Shrimp Bites?
Getting that perfect crunch is all about the frying technique. Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350°F or 175°C) before frying. If you put shrimp in oil that’s not hot enough, they’ll turn out greasy rather than crispy.
- Work in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan; it lowers the oil temperature.
- Fry for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them!
- After frying, place them on a paper towel to absorb excess oil. This keeps them crispy!
Enjoy making your Bang Bang Shrimp Bites! They’re sure to be a hit!
Bang Bang Shrimp Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 2-3 fresh jalapeño slices, for garnish
- Fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped, for garnish
- For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey or sugar
- 1 tsp lime juice
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes for frying, making a total time of approximately 30-35 minutes. It’s a quick and satisfying treat perfect for appetizers or game day snacks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey or sugar, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth. Taste it and adjust the sriracha if you want it spicier. Set this sauce aside for later.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. If your shrimp are large, chop them into bite-sized pieces so they are easy to eat.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get three shallow bowls ready. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs and mix them with the buttermilk. In the last bowl, put the panko breadcrumbs. You’ll be coating the shrimp in this order: flour first, then egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs.
4. Coat the Shrimp:
Take each piece of shrimp and first dip it into the flour, shaking off any extra. Next, dunk it into the egg and buttermilk mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, coat it well with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing a little to make sure they stick.
5. Fry the Shrimp:
In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You can test if the oil is ready by dropping in a small piece of bread; if it sizzles, it’s good to go. Fry the shrimp in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they’re golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and let them drain on paper towels.
6. Assemble and Garnish:
Once all the shrimp are fried, place them on a serving dish. Drizzle the Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp, and then sprinkle with fresh jalapeño slices and chopped cilantro or parsley for a nice finishing touch.
7. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Bites immediately with extra dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy the crispiness, spiciness, and delicious flavor!
Now you have a delightful dish that everyone will love. Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before using them. You can thaw them overnight in the fridge or quickly by placing them in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 20-30 minutes. Pat them dry before breading!
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No worries! You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, but they won’t be as crispy. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, try using gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead!
Can I Make the Bang Bang Sauce Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the Bang Bang sauce a day in advance! Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This resting time can actually enhance the flavor!
How Do I Store Leftover Shrimp Bites?
To store leftovers, place the shrimp bites in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to help restore their crispiness instead of using the microwave, which can make them soggy.