If you are craving a dish that perfectly combines crispiness, a little kick, and creamy indulgence all at once, then you have to try this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe. It’s a fantastic crowd-pleaser that delivers a delightful balance of spicy and sweet with tender shrimp enveloped in a luscious sauce. This recipe is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight but impressive enough to serve at gatherings, making it a personal favorite that I’m excited to share with you.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to nailing the vibrant flavors and textures that make this Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe so irresistible. Each component plays a crucial role—from the fresh shrimp to the creamy, zesty sauce, and the bright green onions that add a fresh crunch.
- 1 pound shrimp (26-30, peeled & deveined): Medium-sized shrimp work perfectly for quick cooking and a tender bite.
- ½ cup Bang Bang Sauce ((click for recipe)): This creamy, spicy sauce is the star of the dish, combining heat and sweetness in every bite.
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (sliced at an angle, divided): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor and a splash of vibrant green color to finish off the dish.
- 2 tablespoons oil: Used for cooking the shrimp, ensuring they get a nice sear without sticking.
- Optional skewers: For those who want to serve the shrimp kebab-style, soaking them beforehand prevents burning.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Skewers (if using)
This step might seem small but soaking your wooden skewers in water for about 10 minutes keeps them from catching fire during cooking. If you’re not skewering, no worries—just skip this part and go straight to prepping your shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
Pour half of your Bang Bang Sauce into a smaller bowl to serve as a dipping option later on. Setting aside some sauce keeps the flavor versatile—tangy, spicy, and creamy whenever you want an extra kick.
Step 3: Skewer and Sauce the Shrimp
If you’re using skewers, thread 4 to 5 shrimp onto each one. Then brush the remaining Bang Bang Sauce generously over the shrimp. This step marinates them lightly and ensures the bold flavors coat every piece before cooking.
Step 4: Heat the Skillet
Warm up a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add about 2 tablespoons of oil. This will create the perfect environment for shrimp to get that golden edge and cook evenly without sticking.
Step 5: Cook the Shrimp
Place the shrimp onto the skillet and cook them for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side. You’ll know they’re done when they turn opaque and reach an internal temperature of around 120°F. Be cautious not to overcook; shrimp cook incredibly fast and can become rubbery if left on too long.
Step 6: Sauce and Garnish
Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving dish and brush them lightly with the reserved Bang Bang Sauce to seal in all that luscious flavor. Scatter the chopped green onions on top to add freshness and some delightful crunch.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp immediately with a generous dollop of the dipping sauce on the side. The contrast between crispy, saucy shrimp and the creamy extra sauce is what makes this dish such a winner every time.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped green onions not only adds a crisp bite but visually brightens up the plate. For a little extra zing, try adding a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lime juice, which elevates the flavors to a whole new level.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Shrimp pairs wonderfully with light and simple sides. A crisp green salad, steamed jasmine rice, or even some tangy coleslaw complements the richness without overwhelming the palate. These sides help balance the spicy, creamy sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the shrimp on crispy lettuce cups for a fun handheld appetizer, or layer them atop a refreshing noodle salad for a satisfying lunch. You can even pile the shrimp high on tacos with fresh cilantro and avocado for a playful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the shrimp and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This keeps the shrimp from getting soggy and preserves the vibrant flavors of the Bang Bang Sauce.
Freezing
While shrimp generally freeze well, the sauce’s creamy texture may change after thawing. If you plan to freeze, freeze the shrimp alone and add freshly made sauce after reheating for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat the shrimp gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for short bursts to avoid rubberiness. Add a little fresh Bang Bang Sauce after warming to refresh the dish’s signature creamy kick.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear nicely and aren’t watery, which can affect the sauce’s consistency.
Is Bang Bang Sauce very spicy?
Bang Bang Sauce usually has a gentle kick balanced by sweetness and creaminess, making it approachable for those who dislike intense heat. You can always adjust the spice level by adding more or less sauce to suit your taste.
Can I make the Bang Bang Sauce from scratch?
Yes! Many homemade Bang Bang Sauces combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and hot sauce, creating that perfect sweet-and-spicy creamy flavor that brings this dish to life.
How long does it take to cook the shrimp?
Shrimp cook very quickly—typically about 1 to 2 minutes per side. Keep a close eye to prevent overcooking and ensure they stay tender and juicy.
What’s the best way to eat Bang Bang Shrimp?
It’s a versatile dish—enjoy them as an appetizer with dipping sauce, served over rice for a main meal, or even tucked inside lettuce wraps or tacos for a fun twist.
Final Thoughts
This Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe is truly a little celebration on a plate. Crisp shrimp wrapped in a spicy, creamy sauce with fresh green onion garnish will delight your taste buds every time. I encourage you to give it a try—it’s quick, fun, and endlessly satisfying to share with friends and family. Once you do, I’m sure it’ll become a star in your recipe collection too!
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
A quick and flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp recipe featuring tender shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy Bang Bang sauce, cooked on the stovetop for a perfectly seared finish. Ideal as an appetizer or main dish, garnished with fresh green onions and served with a side of extra sauce for dipping.
Ingredients
Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp (26–30 count, peeled & deveined)
Sauce & Garnish
- ½ cup Bang Bang Sauce (see separate recipe)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (sliced at an angle, divided)
- 2 tablespoons oil (for cooking)
Instructions
- Prepare skewers (optional): If using skewers, soak them in a shallow baking dish filled with water for 10 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Reserve dipping sauce: Pour half of the Bang Bang sauce into a smaller bowl and set aside to serve as a dipping sauce.
- Skewer and coat shrimp: Thread 4-5 peeled and deveined shrimp onto each skewer and brush the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the shrimp evenly.
- Heat skillet: Warm a skillet or griddle over medium heat and drizzle 2 tablespoons of oil to prevent sticking.
- Cook shrimp: Place the shrimp in the hot skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn opaque and reach an internal temperature of 120°F. Adjust cooking time if shrimp size varies.
- Finish and garnish: Transfer the cooked shrimp to a serving dish, lightly brush with the reserved sauce, and garnish with extra chopped green onions.
- Serve: Serve immediately with the remaining dipping sauce on the side for extra flavor.
Notes
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents them from burning during cooking.
- The shrimp cooks quickly; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- You can serve Bang Bang Shrimp as an appetizer or over rice or salad for a meal.
- Ensure shrimp is fully cooked to an internal temperature of 120°F for safety and optimal texture.
