Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed

If you’re craving something crispy, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy, this Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine perfectly golden shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce, then tucked inside soft lettuce cups or mini buns. Every bite is a flavor explosion — crunchy, saucy, and irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes you close your eyes for a second just to savor it.

Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born from a love of restaurant-style bang bang shrimp, that creamy-spicy creation that everyone fights over at the table. I wanted to make something fun and handheld — something you could serve at a party or enjoy as a light dinner. So the idea of stuffing that famous shrimp into crisp lettuce cups came to life. It’s playful, vibrant, and so satisfying to make.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

The original bang bang shrimp recipe comes from Asian-inspired fusion cuisine, known for its bold, creamy, and slightly sweet chili sauce. It became popular in American restaurants where it was served as a crispy appetizer. Over time, people started reinventing it — wrapping it in tacos, tossing it with pasta, and yes, stuffing it into lettuce cups for a fresher take. This version captures all that flavor while keeping things light and balanced.

Why You’ll Love Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed

Here’s what makes this dish truly special:

Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, a party snack, or even a light meal.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple ingredients that deliver restaurant-level flavor.
Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
Customizable: Adjust the sauce heat and sweetness to your liking.
Crowd-Pleasing: Crispy, creamy, and spicy — everyone loves that combo.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prep the sauce and shrimp ahead for quick assembly.
Great for Leftovers: The shrimp stay delicious even the next day with a quick reheat.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

To get the best texture and flavor, here are a few expert tips:

• Dry your shrimp well before coating so they fry up extra crisp.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan, cook in small batches for even crisping.
• Use cold mayo and sweet chili sauce to create that signature creamy glaze.
• Add the sauce to the shrimp just before serving to keep them crunchy.
• A squeeze of lime on top adds a burst of freshness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Before you start, make sure you have these tools ready:

Mixing Bowls: For coating the shrimp and making the sauce.
Skillet or Deep Fryer: To cook shrimp to golden perfection.
Tongs: For flipping shrimp while frying.
Paper Towels: To drain excess oil.
Serving Platter: For assembling and serving beautifully.

Ingredients in Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed

This recipe brings together bold, creamy, and crispy textures in one irresistible bite.

1. Shrimp: 1 pound large, peeled and deveined — the star of the show.
2. Cornstarch: ½ cup, for that light, crispy coating.
3. Buttermilk: ½ cup, to help the coating stick and add tenderness.
4. Mayonnaise: ½ cup, for a creamy, rich sauce base.
5. Sweet Chili Sauce: ¼ cup, adds that sweet-spicy kick.
6. Sriracha Sauce: 1 tablespoon, for an extra punch of heat.
7. Rice Vinegar: 1 teaspoon, to balance flavors.
8. Lettuce Cups or Mini Buns: 8 pieces, as the perfect vessel for stuffing.
9. Green Onions: 2 stalks sliced, for garnish and freshness.
10. Sesame Seeds: 1 teaspoon, adds a nutty finish.
11. Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
12. Oil: For frying, about 2 cups depending on pan size.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can adapt this easily with what’s on hand:

• Buttermilk: Substitute with milk plus a splash of lemon juice.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Use honey mixed with chili paste for a homemade twist.
• Shrimp: Try using cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version.
• Rice Vinegar: Swap with apple cider vinegar for similar tang.

Ingredient Spotlight

Shrimp: Tender, juicy, and naturally sweet, shrimp take on the sauce beautifully while staying crisp on the outside.
Bang Bang Sauce: That signature blend of mayo, chili sauce, and sriracha is what gives the dish its creamy heat and addictive flavor.

Instructions for Making Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed

Here’s the fun part, where everything comes together:

1. Preheat Your Equipment: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2. Combine Ingredients: Mix cornstarch, salt, and pepper in one bowl and buttermilk in another.
3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Dip shrimp into buttermilk, then dredge in cornstarch to coat completely.
4. Assemble the Dish: Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy, then drain on paper towels.
5. Cook to Perfection: In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and rice vinegar until smooth.
6. Finishing Touches: Toss the fried shrimp gently in the sauce until evenly coated.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Spoon the shrimp into lettuce cups or buns, sprinkle with sesame seeds and green onions, and serve immediately.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The magic lies in contrast — crunchy shrimp, creamy sauce, and cool lettuce. The spicy sweetness from the chili sauce dances perfectly with the crisp bite of the shrimp, while the creamy mayo ties everything together for a balanced, addictive mouthfeel.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Keep oil at a steady temperature for consistent frying.
• Make the sauce ahead and chill it for richer flavor.
• For a lighter option, bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep frying.

What to Avoid

Watch out for these common mistakes:

• Don’t let shrimp sit in sauce too long, they’ll lose their crunch.
• Avoid overcrowding when frying, it cools the oil and softens the crust.
• Don’t skip draining on paper towels — it keeps them light and crisp.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 340

Note: These are approximate values.

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

You can prepare the sauce and prep the shrimp coating in advance. Fry shrimp just before serving for the best crunch. Leftovers can be reheated in an air fryer or oven to bring back that crispy texture.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed

Serve them as appetizers in lettuce cups with extra sauce on the side or in slider buns for a fun main course. A sprinkle of lime juice and chopped herbs takes it to the next level.

Creative Leftover Transformations

Chop leftover shrimp and toss them with rice or noodles for a flavorful next-day lunch. You can also use them as a taco filling with cabbage and lime crema.

Additional Tips

If you love heat, add extra sriracha to the sauce. For extra crunch, double-fry the shrimp quickly before tossing in sauce.

Make It a Showstopper

Serve them on a large platter lined with lettuce cups, drizzle extra bang bang sauce on top, and finish with sesame seeds and lime wedges. It’s guaranteed to impress.

Variations to Try

• Taco Style: Serve the shrimp in soft tortillas with shredded cabbage.
• Rice Bowl: Layer over jasmine rice with cucumber and green onions.
• Spicy Version: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce.
• Sweet Twist: Mix honey into the sauce for a gentle sweetness.
• Asian Fusion: Add chopped cilantro and a splash of soy sauce for depth.

FAQ’s

1. Can I air fry the shrimp?

Yes, air frying works perfectly. Cook at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead?

You can prep everything in advance but coat and fry the shrimp just before serving.

3. Is it spicy?

It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the sriracha to your taste.

4. Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw and pat dry completely before coating.

5. Can I bake instead of frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F for 12–15 minutes for a lighter option.

6. What lettuce works best?

Butter lettuce or romaine hearts are sturdy and fresh.

7. Can I use a different protein?

Yes, try chicken bites or tofu for variation.

8. How long do leftovers last?

Up to 2 days in the fridge, best reheated in an air fryer.

9. Can I make it gluten-free?

Use cornstarch and gluten-free buns or lettuce cups.

10. What’s the best way to serve for parties?

Serve on a platter with small cups of sauce for dipping.

Conclusion

These Bang Bang Shrimp Stuffed bites are crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor in every mouthful. They’re the perfect mix of indulgent and fresh, and they’re guaranteed to be the star of any meal. Trust me, once you taste that sweet-spicy sauce clinging to crunchy shrimp, you’ll be hooked for life.

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