This Bang Bang Shrimp Salad is a fun and tasty dish filled with crispy shrimp, fresh greens, and a zesty sauce that packs a punch. It’s colorful and perfect for any meal!
You know it’s a winner when you’ve got crunchy shrimp dancing on a bed of crunchy veggies! Serve it with extra sauce for those who like to get saucy. 😉
I love making this salad when I want something light yet filling. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up – just fry the shrimp, toss with salad, and drizzle with that spicy goodness!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Shrimp: Choose medium shrimp for the best balance between size and cook time. If you’re looking for a substitute, you can use chicken tenders or tofu for a vegetarian option. They both pair nicely with the bang bang sauce.
Flour and Cornstarch: A mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch gives a great crunch when frying. If you need a gluten-free option, try using a gluten-free flour blend!
Bang Bang Sauce: Mayonnaise is the main base for the sauce. If you want a healthier version, opt for Greek yogurt instead. Adding a bit of lemon juice can brighten the flavor.
Vegetables: Feel free to get creative! Add bell peppers, avocado, or even shredded red onion. If you’re missing any of the listed veggies, use what you have on hand.
How Do I Make Crispy Fried Shrimp?
Getting that perfect crispy shrimp can seem tricky, but with a few tips, you’ll be on your way to deliciousness. It’s all about the breading and frying technique:
- Make sure the shrimp are dry before breading. This helps the coating stick better.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature. If it’s too low, the shrimp will absorb oil and become soggy. Use a thermometer if you have one!
- Fry in small batches to avoid crowding, which can drop the oil temperature.
- Let the shrimp drain on paper towels right after frying to keep them crunchy.
With these tips, you’ll have crispy shrimp every time!
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Salad
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Shrimp:
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For the Salad:
- 4 cups mixed salad greens (romaine, leaf lettuce)
- 1 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp rice vinegar
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 30 minutes in total. You’ll need around 15 minutes for prep and another 15 minutes for cooking and assembling. It’s a quick and fun dish to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Shrimp:
Start by rinsing the shrimp in cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will create a nice crunchy coating for the shrimp.
2. Coat the Shrimp:
Dip each shrimp into the beaten eggs first, allowing the excess to drip off. Then, dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture until they are well-coated. This layer will give them that crispy texture once fried.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Use a thermometer to check when the oil reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small piece of the batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises, it’s ready!
4. Fry the Shrimp:
Carefully add the shrimp in batches to the hot oil, frying them for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan. Once cooked, drain them on paper towels to get rid of excess oil.
5. Make Bang Bang Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, rice vinegar, and garlic powder. Mix until the sauce is smooth and well-blended. Set aside half of the sauce for drizzling later.
6. Toss the Shrimp:
In a large mixing bowl, gently toss the fried shrimp with half of the Bang Bang sauce, ensuring they are well-coated. This gives them that signature spicy flavor!
7. Assemble the Salad:
In a large salad bowl, combine the mixed greens, red cabbage, cucumber, shredded carrots, and half of the chopped green onions. Toss them together for a colorful base.
8. Plate and Serve:
To serve, place the salad mixture on a plate and top it with the coated shrimp. Drizzle the remaining Bang Bang sauce over the top and garnish with the rest of the green onions and sesame seeds for added crunch.
9. Enjoy!
Dig in right away and relish the delightful mix of flavors and textures in your Bang Bang Shrimp Salad!
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen shrimp, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. You can thaw shrimp overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a bowl of cold water for about 20-30 minutes. Just be sure to pat them dry before proceeding with the recipe.
What Should I Do if I Don’t Have Cornstarch?
No worries! If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use an equal amount of more all-purpose flour or rice flour as a substitute. This will still give you a nice crispy coating for the shrimp.
How Do I Make This Salad Spicier?
If you want more heat in your Bang Bang Salad, simply increase the amount of Sriracha in the bang bang sauce, or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the shrimp mixture before frying. You can adjust to your spice preference!
Can I Prepare This Salad in Advance?
While the fried shrimp are best served fresh for maximum crunch, you can prep the salad ingredients and the bang bang sauce ahead of time. Just store the salad ingredients separately in the fridge and assemble right before serving to keep everything fresh and crunchy.