Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos (Dynamite Shrimp)
Posted November 7, 2023 by: Admin
This homemade Bang Bang Shrimp is both delightfully crispy and saucy, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. However, it truly shines when served as Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, generously drizzled with the famous Bang Bang Sauce.
If you’re a taco enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to add our renowned Fish Tacos to your meal rotation. You can also switch things up with a delectable Taco Salad or a comforting bowl of Taco Soup!
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp, made famous by Bonefish Grill, is also known as Dynamite Shrimp, a dish that gained popularity at the Cheesecake Factory restaurant.
The shrimp are masterfully battered and fried until they achieve an extra-crispy texture. They are then generously coated in a delectable sweet and spicy creamy sauce, crafted from just three simple ingredients: mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, and sriracha hot chili sauce. For those who crave an extra kick, you can always add more hot sauce to intensify the heat.
Ingredients
The key to achieving exceptional Bang Bang Shrimp lies in the use of cornstarch for dredging. This method results in an irresistibly crispy exterior that remains crunchy even after the sauce is added.
- Shrimp – We recommend using large 21-25 count raw shrimp, peeled and deveined with tails removed. If you prefer a quicker and easier prep, you can opt for pre-peeled shrimp.
- Marinade – Create a flavorful marinade by combining buttermilk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Buttermilk not only imparts tenderness and flavor to the shrimp but also helps the cornstarch adhere, forming a delectable crust.
- Cornstarch – This ingredient imparts a golden color and extreme crunchiness to the shrimp.
- Oil – For frying the shrimp, use 1 to 1 1/2 inches of high-heat oil, such as peanut oil or canola oil.
- Bang Bang Sauce – Crafted from just three ingredients: mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp
- Bang Bang Sauce – Begin by combining mayo, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha to create the delectable sauce.
- Marinate – Combine the marinade ingredients and pour them over the shrimp. Stir and allow the shrimp to marinate while you heat the oil to 375˚F, using a clip-on pot thermometer for precision.
- Dredge – One by one, remove the shrimp from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Dip the shrimp in cornstarch, tapping off the excess.
- Fry – Once all the shrimp are breaded, fry them in three batches for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until they turn golden brown, crispy, and fully cooked. Use a strainer to transfer the shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate.
- Add Sauce – Transfer the warm shrimp to a mixing bowl and drizzle them with half of the sauce.
- Make Tacos – Toast corn tortillas, add your favorite toppings, the shrimp, and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Serve with fresh lime wedges for a zesty touch.
Pro Tip: Use a clip-on pot thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at a steady 375˚F. Ensure the oil returns to the desired temperature before adding the next batch. If the oil cools too much, the shrimp may absorb more oil, while overheating can cause the shrimp to burn.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp
Over the years, people have embraced their creativity when it comes to serving Bang Bang Shrimp</strong >, enjoying it as both a starter and a main course.
- Appetizer – Garnish with chives and serve directly from the bowl with toothpicks for a delightful appetizer.
- Tacos – This option is a favorite, as the shrimp already come with a creamy sauce that can be drizzled over the assembled tacos.
- Pasta – Toss the saucy shrimp with your preferred pasta, and don’t forget to add a squeeze of lime juice, just as you would with tacos.
- Rice Bowls – Serve the shrimp over a bowl of cooked white rice, incorporating the same toppings as for tacos, and drizzle with the sauce for an amazing rice bowl experience.
Pro Tip: To make it easier to drizzle the sauce over your tacos, transfer the sauce to a ziplock bag, seal it, and snip off the tip of the bag with scissors. Then, drizzle the sauce over the tacos effortlessly.
The combination of flavors and textures in Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is truly ‘dynamite,’ and you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with the irresistible Bang Bang Sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp:
- In a small bowl, stir together Bang Bang Sauce ingredients and set aside.
- Make the marinade by combining buttermilk, salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Pour over peeled and deviled shrimp and stir to coat. Set aside while you start preheating your oil.
- Remove shrimp from the marinade one at a time, letting excess marinade drip off. Dip both sides in cornstarch until fully coated, tap off the excess and arrange breaded shrimp on a platter.
- Heat 1 1/2” of oil in a dutch oven or pot to 375˚F. Fry shrimp in 3 batches, cooking for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes until golden brown, crispy and cooked through (turn halfway if needed). Use a strainer to transfer shrimp to rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes.
- Transfer shrimp to a bowl and drizzle half of the sauce over warm shrimp. Toss gently until shrimp are coated and rest for 10 minutes to absorb the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos:
- Lightly toast corn tortillas on a griddle, skillet for 30 seconds per side, or over a gas flame if you want some charring.
- Add desired taco toppings, top with 2-3 shrimp per taco and drizzle with remaining sauce.
- Serve with a sprinkle of cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice.
