Bang Bang Shrimp (+ serving ideas!)

close up shot of bang bang shrimp on silver fork

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Here I'll show you how to make the crispiest and juiciest bang bang shrimp!

Prep Time18

Cook Time7

Total Time25

Course: Appetizer, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Author: Chris Collins

Cost: £4 / $5

Equipment

Small Bowl (for sauce)
Kitchen Roll/Paper Towels
Large Mixing bowl & Whisk (for batter)
Large Shallow Dish (for breadcrumbs)
Large Tray & Wire Rack
Kitchen Thermometer
Large Heavy-Based Pan & Tongs (for frying)

Ingredients

Sauce

120g / 1/2 cup full-fat Mayo
60g / 1/4 cup Sweet Chilli Sauce
2 tbsp Sriracha
1 tsp Soy Sauce, optional (see notes)

Shrimp

330g / 12oz Raw Jumbo King Prawns/Shrimp (see notes)
40g / 1/4 cup EACH: Plain Flour, Cornflour (Cornstarch in US)
1 tsp EACH: Paprika, Mild Chilli Powder, Salt
1/2 tsp EACH: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Black Pepper
300ml / 1 1/4 cups Buttermilk, or as needed (see notes)
1 Egg
100g / 1 1/2 cups Panko Breadcrumbs
120ml / 1/2 cup Veg Oil, or more as needed

Tacos (see notes for other serving ideas)

8 Small Tortillas, warmed or lightly charred
thinly shredded Cabbage, as needed
Fresh Lime Juice, as needed
thinly sliced Avocado
finely diced Coriander/Cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Combine the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Taste for preference and adjust quantities if desired.
Pat the prawns dry to remove excess moisture.
In a large mixing bowl whisk the flour, cornflour and all of the seasoning besides 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper. In a large shallow dish next to the bowl combine the Panko with the leftover salt and pepper.
Add the prawns to the large bowl of flour and toss to coat, then shake and remove, leaving the excess flour in the bowl. Whisk in the egg and enough buttermilk to create a thick(ish) batter. I find different brands of buttermilk have different consistencies so use your best judgement. It should be able to comfortably coat the back of a spoon, but not so thick it's sludgy and firm to mix.
Use one hand to take a prawn and coat it in the batter (hold it by the tail), give it a shake then add to the Panko. Use your other hand to coat it in the breadcrumbs, then place it on a tray. Repeat with the remaining prawns.
Add enough oil to comfortably coat the base of a heavy-bottom pan and place it over medium-high heat. Once the oil hits 180C/350F (a crumb should rapidly sizzle) add half of the prawns (don't overcrowd the pan). Cook for around 3 minutes, turning once halfway, or until golden, crisp and cooked through the centre. Remove and place on a wire rack above the tray, then repeat. They won't take long so just be vigilant they don't overcook.
If you're making the tacos toss the cabbage in a good squeeze of lime juice (work to taste) then add to the tortillas with avocado, prawns, a drizzle of sauce and coriander if using.

Video

Notes

a) Prawns/Shrimp - This is an American dish, hence me keeping the original name of Bang Bang 'Shrimp'. In the UK you're looking for prawns though. Most pre-packed prawns will come ready to cook (deveined etc). You can use frozen, just make sure you thaw them first. They won't take long to cook and if you're wary just test with one first. I ended up with 28 prawns in total.

b) Sauce - You can easily adjust this to suit your taste (more mayo for creamier, more sriracha for spice, more sweet chilli for more sweetness). I like a dash of soy sauce to add a touch of salty flavour, but it's completely optional.

c) Buttermilk/Batter - You'll find buttermilk in most supermarkets. I find they're often different consistencies, meaning you'll need slightly different amounts to make the batter. For reference, I get mine from Sainsbury's and use the whole 300ml pot to make the batter.

d) Breadcrumbs - You'll find Panko in most supermarkets in the Asian section. To coat the prawns, just press the crumbs into the prawn. The batter might slide/clump a little, just make sure it doesn't come right off.

e) Serving ideas - These are typically served as an appetiser, but I love turning them into a dinner! Here are some serving ideas:

Noodles - To film I just stir fried some beansprouts and spring onion with some fresh noodles, alongside a pre-packaged sauce. Although you can use my Chicken Chow Mein or Chicken Noodles Stir Fry for some easy sauce inspo.
Salad - I combined chopped romaine lettuce with baby plum tomatoes, cucumber and avocado, then added the prawns and sauce on top. Go wild and follow your tastebuds on whatever you want to include!
Tacos - As discussed in the recipe.
Rice - If you're not looking for anything extravagant then just serve over rice!

f) Calories - Just an estimate for 1 serving of the prawns + sauce.

Nutrition