If you’re craving a dish that packs a punch of flavor and a delightful crunch, you’re going to fall in love with this Bang Bang Shrimp with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe. Juicy shrimp lightly coated in a crispy, golden crust are drenched in a luscious, tangy, and spicy sauce that hits all the right notes. This dish is not only incredibly easy to prepare but also utterly addictive, making it perfect for weeknight dinners, special occasions, or when you simply want to impress your friends with a restaurant-worthy bite at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet punchy ingredients is the key to nailing the perfect balance in this Bang Bang Shrimp with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe. Each one plays a role, whether adding creaminess, heat, or that perfect crispy texture.
- Mayonnaise: The creamy base for the sauce providing richness and smooth texture.
- Ketchup (Whole30 compliant): Adds subtle sweetness and depth without overpowering.
- Buffalo or hot sauce: Brings that signature spicy kick that gives the sauce its bold personality.
- Coconut aminos: Enhances umami and adds a touch of soy-free saltiness.
- Minced garlic (or garlic powder): Infuses the sauce and shrimp batter with a fragrant, savory note.
- Salt: Essential for balancing flavors throughout the recipe.
- Peeled shrimp: The star of the dish, delivering sweet and tender seafood flavor.
- Eggs: Help the flour coating stick to the shrimp for a crispy finish.
- Coconut flour and arrowroot flour: Combine to create a gluten-free, light, and crispy breading.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that enhances the spice blend.
- Avocado oil: Perfect for shallow frying at high heat without smoking, ensuring a crispy crust on the shrimp.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by combining mayonnaise, ketchup, buffalo or hot sauce, coconut aminos, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir until perfectly smooth and creamy. This sauce is the soul of the dish, packing both heat and a touch of sweetness, so be sure to taste and adjust as you like. You can set it aside or pop it in the fridge to chill while you prepare the shrimp.
Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Coating
In a shallow dish, mix coconut flour, arrowroot flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This flour blend is mild but creates an irresistibly crisp crust on the shrimp, and the arrowroot adds a nice lightness without heaviness. The seasoning here is subtle but essential to build the layers of flavor.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
Whisk your eggs in a separate bowl. Dip each peeled shrimp into the eggs, then generously coat with the flour mixture. This two-step dipping ensures the shrimp have a sturdy, crunchy shell after frying that still feels light and airy.
Step 4: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—enough to shallow fry. Carefully place the coated shrimp in the hot oil in batches to avoid crowding; this keeps them crispy. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and perfectly cooked through. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to keep them from getting soggy.
Step 5: Toss Shrimp in the Bang Bang Sauce
Return the warm shrimp to a mixing bowl and pour over your creamy, spicy sauce. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly. The sauce clings beautifully, wrapping the shrimp in a glossy, flavorful coat that’s simply irresistible. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Consider sprinkling some finely sliced green onions or chopped fresh cilantro on top to add a fresh pop of color and herbal brightness that complements the rich sauce. A few sesame seeds also work great for an added crunch and visual appeal, making your dish look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
Bang Bang Shrimp pairs wonderfully with steamed jasmine rice or coconut rice to soak up the extra sauce. For crunch and freshness, a simple cucumber salad or crisp slaw with a light vinaigrette can help balance the spice and creaminess. If you want to keep it light, a bed of mixed greens or roasted vegetables always works beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the shrimp atop a bed of zoodles or spiralized vegetables for a low-carb option. You can also pile them onto crispy lettuce cups or stuff them into slider buns for an exciting appetizer or party snack. Whatever you choose, this Bang Bang Shrimp with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe is a crowd-pleaser that shines in any presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp should be cooled completely before being stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Because the shrimp are coated and sauced, they will stay flavorful for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible for better texture, then toss shrimp in sauce just before serving.
Freezing
While the shrimp are best fresh, you can freeze cooked, sauced shrimp if necessary. Spread them out on a baking sheet to flash freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Frozen shrimp will keep for up to one month; just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy. Instead, gently warm the shrimp in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat to help restore crispiness. Add sauce after reheating or warm it separately and drizzle for best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry so the coating sticks properly and fries up crisp.
Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?
Definitely. You can reduce or omit the hot sauce in the Bang Bang sauce for a milder version and still enjoy all the creamy goodness and texture.
What if I don’t have coconut flour or arrowroot flour?
You can substitute with regular all-purpose flour or cornstarch, but the texture will be a bit different—less light and gluten-free, but still tasty.
Can I bake instead of fry the shrimp?
Yes, baking works well if you want a lighter version. Coat the shrimp as usual and bake at 425°F (220°C) for about 10 minutes until crisp.
Is this sauce good on other dishes?
For sure! This creamy spicy sauce is fantastic on chicken, as a dip for veggies, or even drizzled on tacos.
Final Thoughts
There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that is both flavorful and quick to make, and this Bang Bang Shrimp with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe fits that bill perfectly. If you’re looking for a new favorite to wow yourself or company, dive right in—once you try it, it’s hard to resist making it again and again!
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Bang Bang Shrimp with Creamy Spicy Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Bang Bang Shrimp is a deliciously spicy and creamy appetizer featuring crispy shrimp coated in a flavorful blend of coconut and arrowroot flours, fried to perfection, and tossed in a zesty bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, hot sauce, and garlic. This dish offers a delightful balance of heat and creaminess, perfect for sharing or serving as a tasty main.
Ingredients
Bang Bang Sauce
- â…“ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp ketchup (Whole30 compliant)
- 1 tbsp buffalo or hot sauce
- 2 tsp coconut aminos
- 1 tsp minced garlic (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
- ¼ tsp salt
Shrimp
- 1 lb peeled shrimp
- 2 eggs, whisked
- ½ cup coconut flour
- ½ cup arrowroot flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Avocado oil, for shallow frying
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, mix all the bang bang sauce ingredients—mayonnaise, ketchup, buffalo or hot sauce, coconut aminos, minced garlic, and salt—until smooth. Set aside or chill to let the flavors meld.
- Prepare the shrimp coating: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs. In another bowl, combine the coconut flour, arrowroot flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat the shrimp: Dip each peeled shrimp into the whisked eggs, then dredge thoroughly in the flour mixture to coat evenly.
- Heat the oil: Pour avocado oil into a shallow frying pan to cover the bottom by about ¼ inch and heat over medium heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Fry the shrimp: Carefully place the coated shrimp into the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Toss in sauce: Place the fried shrimp into a large bowl and pour the prepared bang bang sauce over them. Toss gently to coat all shrimp evenly.
- Serve: Serve immediately as a flavorful appetizer or snack, optionally garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro.
Notes
- Use fresh or thawed shrimp for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the bang bang sauce according to your heat preference.
- Avocado oil is preferred for frying because of its high smoke point and health benefits.
- Ensure the oil temperature is medium to prevent the shrimp from burning or becoming greasy.
- For a gluten-free version, confirm all ingredients like ketchup are gluten-free.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger servings.
