Bang Bang Shrimp Bites are crunchy, spicy little pieces of shrimp that pack a punch! They are coated in a creamy, zesty sauce that makes them super tasty. Perfect for sharing or snacking!
These bites are absolutely addictive! I often make extra just in case, because they disappear fast. Pair them with a nice drink, and you’re all set for a fun time! 🍤✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Using medium shrimp is great, but if you can’t find them, large shrimp also work well. Just keep in mind that larger shrimp will take a bit longer to cook. For a twist, you could even use chicken pieces or cauliflower for a vegetarian option.
Mayonnaise: I love using regular mayonnaise for creaminess, but you can swap it for Greek yogurt for a lighter option. It’ll give a nice tangy taste too!
Sweet Chili Sauce: This is key for that delicious sweetness, but if you’re out, honey or agave can be a decent substitute. Just adjust the amount of sriracha as it’s spicy!
Panko Breadcrumbs: These provide an awesome crunch, but if you can’t find them, regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers will work too. Just be sure to check they’re not too finely ground.
How Do You Get Your Shrimp Bites Extra Crispy?
For perfectly crispy shrimp bites, the coating process is essential! Be sure to follow these steps closely for amazing texture:
- Make sure the shrimp are dry before coating; this helps the batter stick better!
- In the coating station, ensure each piece is evenly coated in flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. This layer makes all the difference.
- Fry in small batches! Overcrowding the pan drops the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp.
- Let them rest on paper towels after frying, as this absorbs extra oil and keeps the crunch intact.
These tips will help you achieve that wonderful crispy texture that everyone loves. Happy cooking!
Bang Bang Shrimp Bites
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1-2 tsp sriracha (adjust to taste for spice)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and 10 minutes to cook, making it a fantastic choice for a quick appetizer. You’ll love how fast it all comes together, and in just 30 minutes, you’ll have a scrumptious dish ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Mix well until smooth. This creamy, spicy sauce is the star of the dish! Feel free to adjust the sriracha to your desired level of spice. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the shrimp.
2. Prepare the Shrimp:
Take your shrimp and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps them get a nice crisp while frying. If you want, you can cut each shrimp into bite-sized pieces. Season the shrimp with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika to give them some extra flavor.
3. Set Up Your Coating Station:
Create a little assembly line for the coating. In one bowl, pour the flour. In the second bowl, beat the eggs. In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. This will make it easy to coat each shrimp evenly!
4. Coat the Shrimp:
Take one shrimp piece, dip it into the flour first, making sure to shake off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, letting any extra drip off. Finally, coat it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure it sticks well. Set the coated shrimp aside on a plate and repeat with the rest.
5. Fry the Shrimp:
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the shrimp bites in batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan to keep them crispy!
6. Drain the Shrimp:
Once cooked, transfer the fried shrimp bites to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will help keep them nice and crispy.
7. Serve and Garnish:
Now it’s time to serve! Arrange the crispy shrimp bites on a serving platter. Drizzle your homemade bang bang sauce generously over the top and sprinkle the sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant touch.
8. Enjoy!
Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Bites immediately with extra bang bang sauce on the side for dipping. They’re super tasty as an appetizer or snack, and they won’t last long on the table!
Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Bites! They’re sure to impress!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the shrimp before using. The best way to thaw them is by placing them in the fridge overnight, or you can run them under cold water in a sealed bag for quicker results.
How Can I Make the Recipe Spicier?
If you like it hot, you can increase the amount of sriracha in the bang bang sauce or add red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix for the shrimp. Another option is to serve with extra hot sauce on the side!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place shrimp in a preheated oven or toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to regain some crispiness, rather than microwaving which may make them soggy.
Can This Recipe Be Made Gluten-Free?
Absolutely! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free options. There are great gluten-free flour blends and panko available in most supermarkets!
