Bang Bang Shrimp

Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer known for its crispy texture and creamy, spicy sauce. It's typically made by coating shrimp in a seasoned flour mixture, deep-frying them until golden and crispy, and then tossing them in a tangy and spicy sauce.

Ingredients: For the shrimp:

• 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce (adjust to your spice preference)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon rice vinegar or lime juice

For garnish (optional):

• Chopped green onions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Prepare the shrimp:
   • In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
   • Pat dry the shrimp with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
   • Coat the shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
2. Fry the shrimp:
   • In a deep skillet or pot, heat vegetable oil to a depth of about 2 inches over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
   • Working in batches, carefully add the coated shrimp to the hot oil and fry them until they turn golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 2-3 minutes per batch.
   • Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all the shrimp is fried.
3. Make the sauce:
   • In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha sauce, honey, and rice vinegar (or lime juice) until well combined. Adjust the amount of sriracha sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
4. Coat the shrimp with the sauce:
   • Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl.
   • Pour the sauce over the shrimp and toss them gently until they are evenly coated.
5. Serve:
   • Transfer the coated shrimp to a serving platter.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds, if desired.
   • Serve the Bang Bang Shrimp immediately as an appetizer or alongside steamed rice or salad as a main dish.

Enjoy the crispy and flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp with its creamy and spicy sauce. It's a crowd-pleasing dish that's perfect for parties or as an indulgent treat.