There is nothing quite like the spicy-sweet thrill of a perfectly cooked Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe to brighten up your meal times. Bursting with flavor, these tender shrimp are coated in a creamy, zesty sauce that delivers just the right kick without overwhelming the natural sweetness of the seafood. This dish is both a feast for the eyes and your taste buds, combining simplicity and elegance in every bite. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving an indulgent treat, this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is guaranteed to become a cherished favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients makes this recipe super approachable yet spectacular. Each component plays its part, combining to create a perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors that make this dish shine.
- 1 pound shrimp (26-30, peeled & deveined): Choose fresh or thawed shrimp for the best tender, juicy texture.
- ½ cup Bang Bang Sauce (click for recipe): This creamy, tangy sauce is the heart of the dish, delivering that signature flavor punch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (sliced at an angle, divided): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of vibrant color to finish the dish.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Skewers and Sauce
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 10 minutes before threading the shrimp to prevent burning during cooking. Then, pour half of the Bang Bang Sauce into a smaller bowl to reserve as a dipping sauce—this way, you don’t run out when it’s time to serve!
Step 2: Thread and Sauce the Shrimp
Thread about 4-5 of your peeled and deveined shrimp onto each skewer. This makes flipping them on the pan easier and adds a nice presentation touch. Brush the remaining Bang Bang Sauce generously over each skewer, ensuring every shrimp is coated with that luscious, flavorful glaze.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp to Perfection
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and drizzle in about 2 tablespoons of oil to keep things from sticking. Place your shrimp skewers on the hot surface and cook for 1 to 2 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re ready when the shrimp turns opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 120°F. Remember, shrimp cook very quickly, so keep a close eye to avoid overcooking.
Step 4: Finish and Garnish
Once cooked, transfer the shrimp to a serving platter and lightly brush with the reserved sauce for an extra burst of flavor. Sprinkle the chopped green onions over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish that adds a mild crunch and brightens the entire dish.
Step 5: Serve with Dipping Sauce
Serve immediately, pairing your shrimp with the reserved dipping sauce on the side. This allows everyone to adjust their spice and creaminess levels to taste, making each bite perfectly satisfying.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions is classic, but feel free to try a little fresh cilantro or thinly sliced red chili for an unexpected pop of color and flavor. A light squeeze of lime right before serving can also brighten up the entire dish wonderfully.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Shrimp pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its richness. Think steamed jasmine rice, garlic butter noodles, or even a crisp Asian slaw for a refreshing crunch. For a lighter meal, serve it with a mixed greens salad topped with sesame dressing.
Creative Ways to Present
Toss the shrimp into a crunchy lettuce wrap for a fun handheld appetizer, or pile them over a bowl of fluffy rice and sautéed vegetables to create a colorful, satisfying dinner bowl. For parties, serve skewers upright in a tall glass or rustic wooden block to make a stunning centerpiece that guests will love dipping into that creamy sauce.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover cooked Bang Bang Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’s best to add any sauce or garnish just before serving the next day to keep the shrimp fresh and flavorful. They will keep well for up to 2 days but are always tastiest fresh.
Freezing
Though fresh is always best with seafood, you can freeze uncooked shrimp (peeled and deveined) to use later. Place them in a sealed freezer bag with the Bang Bang Sauce separate. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with the recipe for optimal results.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm shrimp in a skillet over low to medium heat for just a couple of minutes, avoiding overcooking. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make shrimp rubbery. Re-brush with a little extra sauce after reheating to restore that delicious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the shrimp completely before cooking so they cook evenly and have the best texture. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture before applying the sauce.
How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce?
The Bang Bang Sauce offers a perfect balance of creamy and mildly spicy notes. It delivers just the right amount of heat that’s approachable for most palates, but you can always adjust by adding more chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a stronger kick.
Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce from scratch?
Yes! Making the sauce at home is easy and allows you to tweak ingredients to your liking. Typically, it includes mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a little honey for sweetness. Homemade sauce brings fresh flavor that really elevates the dish.
What is the best way to serve Bang Bang Shrimp if not on skewers?
If you’re skipping skewers, simply toss the shrimp in the Bang Bang Sauce and pan-fry them in batches. Make sure to space them out for even cooking. Serve on a platter with extra sauce for dipping to keep things casual and delicious.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Definitely! This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is very flexible. Just adjust the ingredients proportionally and keep an eye on cooking times if you are making a larger batch. It’s perfect for both intimate dinners and lively parties.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe enough to anyone who loves bold, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors in their meals. It’s quick to prepare, fun to eat, and always impresses. Whether you’re cooking for friends or just treating yourself, give this recipe a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s truly unforgettable.
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Bang Bang Shrimp recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to enjoy juicy shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a light main dish, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and can be served with extra dipping sauce and fresh green onions for added zest.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Sauce
- 1 pound shrimp (26–30 count, peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup Bang Bang Sauce (click for recipe)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (sliced at an angle, divided)
- 2 tablespoons oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Soak Skewers (Optional): If using wooden skewers, place them in a shallow baking dish and cover with water. Let soak for 10 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: Pour half of the Bang Bang Sauce into a small bowl to serve as dipping sauce later. Set aside.
- Skewer the Shrimp (Optional): Thread 4-5 peeled and deveined shrimp onto each skewer. Brush the remaining Bang Bang Sauce over the skewered shrimp to coat evenly.
- Heat the Skillet: Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil onto the surface to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Shrimp: Place the shrimp (on skewers or loose) onto the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until shrimp turns opaque and reaches an internal temperature of 120°F. Shrimp cooks quickly, so watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
- Brush with Sauce and Garnish: Transfer cooked shrimp to a serving dish. Lightly brush with the reserved Bang Bang Sauce and sprinkle with the remaining chopped green onions for freshness and crunch.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the shrimp hot with the prepared dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning when cooked on the skillet.
- Adjust cooking time depending on the size of the shrimp for optimal texture.
- You can omit skewers and cook shrimp loose if preferred.
- Serve with steamed rice or a fresh salad to make a complete meal.
- Use fresh green onions sliced on an angle for best presentation and flavor.
