Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my love for Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp! This dish takes me right back to those sun-soaked beach vacations where the salty breezes filled the air, and I could practically taste the ocean’s magic on my lips. You know, that feeling when you’re sitting at a seaside restaurant, the sun is dipping below the horizon, and a plate of crispy, spicy shrimp is placed in front of you? That’s exactly how I feel every time I whip up this recipe at home!
What makes Bang Bang Shrimp so delightful is the combination of crispy, golden shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s a fantastic party appetizer or simply an indulgent treat for yourself. I remember the first time I made it for friends during a summer barbecue; they couldn’t stop raving about the flavors and begged for the recipe! Now, I can’t wait to share it with you all, so you can savor this experience, too.
What’s in Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp?
Shrimp: The star of the show! I prefer to use large shrimp, as they hold up beautifully on the grill and get that scrumptious char. Make sure to peel and devein them before marinating.
Buttermilk: This adds an incredible tenderness to the shrimp. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also use yogurt as a substitute for a tangy twist.
Cornstarch: This ingredient is key for that crispy coating! Cornstarch creates that crunchy texture we all crave.
Bang Bang Sauce: Made with a blend of mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha, this sauce provides the perfect balance of creaminess, sweetness, and heat. It’s so good you’ll want to slather it on everything!
Lime Juice: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the shrimp and adds a zesty kick that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.
Is Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Good for You?
Let’s dive into the health benefits of this succulent shrimp!
Shrimp: Ah, the protein powerhouse! Shrimp is low in calories yet packed with protein, making it a guilt-free option if you’re watching your diet. Plus, it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart health.
Buttermilk or Yogurt: Both options bring probiotics to the table, promoting a healthy gut. Just keep an eye on the amount you use when making the sauce, as it can add some calories.
While this dish is delicious, keep in mind the sauce does contain some sugar from the sweet chili sauce, so enjoy it in moderation. However, the good news is that you can always adjust the spice levels to your preference!
Ingredients for Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined (serves 4)
– 1 cup buttermilk (or plain yogurt)
– 1/2 cup cornstarch
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
– 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Skewers for grilling (if using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning)
How to Make Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp?
1. Begin by marinating your shrimp in buttermilk. Just toss them in a bowl, cover, and let them hang out in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (an hour is even better!).
2. While the shrimp are getting cozy in the buttermilk, prepare the Bang Bang sauce. In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice until well combined. Taste and adjust spice levels if you like it extra zesty!
3. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
4. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk and let excess liquid drip off. Toss the shrimp in the cornstarch until they are well-coated.
5. Skewer the shrimp if desired, and then sprinkle with salt and pepper.
6. Grill the shrimp for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until they turn pink and opaque. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
7. Once cooked, toss your shrimp in a bowl with the Bang Bang sauce until they are evenly coated.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra lime wedges and perhaps some chopped green onions for a pop of color!
Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Hacks!
– Want a spicy twist? Add some cayenne pepper to the cornstarch before coating the shrimp.
– Feel free to get creative with the sauce! Adding a touch of garlic or fresh herbs like cilantro can elevate the flavor even more.
– Serve these scrumptious shrimp over a bed of rice or with a fresh salad to make it a full meal.
I’m genuinely excited for you to try making Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp at home! It’s a crowd-pleaser that creates memories around the dinner table, just like it has for me. So let your inner chef shine, and don’t forget to come back and share how your batch turned out! Happy cooking!
