I love popcorn, but there are times when it feels too basic and just not enough when I am in the mood for a real snack. Especially on those game nights when I need something fulfilling to keep me hyped for yelling at the TV screen! Boom Boom Shrimp matches that energy perfectly- crispy, spicy, and with a side of sauce that compliments the delicious crunch!
You know what’s the tricky part about cooking shrimp?
It’s about getting that perfect crispy bite while still keeping them juicy inside! That’s why they are soaked in buttermilk first, giving them that extra tenderness. Then, they are coated in a flour-cornstarch mixture. The mixture is seasoned with salt, black pepper, garlic, and paprika powder, so every crunchy bite is packed with savory flavor!
Are you reaching for that ketchup bottle to dip your shrimp in?
Hold up! These crispy shrimp come with their own signature Boom Boom Sauce. Creamy with a spicy kick and a little sweet, you won’t need ketchup or extra dipping sauce with those fried shrimp anymore- this dish has everything you need in one plate!
What Is Boom Boom Shrimp?
‘Boom Boom Shrimp’ got the playful name from its bold combination of flavors. Sweet, spicy, tangy, creamy, and deliciously crunchy- it has all the best elements in one bite!
The signature of this dish is actually the boom boom sauce– a creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce that coats the crispy golden shrimp beautifully. The perfect balance between heat and richness of the sauce brings out the best in every bite of the crunchy shrimp. Together, it feels like an explosion of multiple flavors that leaves you craving for more with each mouthful!
Best Sides To Serve With Boom Boom Shrimp
Looking for a quick bite? Or are you going for a full-on dinner menu? Boom boom shrimp is incredibly versatile and can be served in so many delicious ways:
Rice Bowl
You can make a pretty solid rice bowl platter right in your kitchen with this boom boom shrimp! Just layer those crispy shrimp over fluffy steamed basmati rice, add some stir-fried veggies, and drizzle on boom boom sauce for the perfect finish.
Tacos
Wrap your crispy shrimp inside a flour or corn tortilla and add shredded cabbage, diced mango, chopped jalapenos and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a delicious taco experience.
Pasta
Cook up your favorite pasta and toss in some boom boom shrimp for a quick, flavor-packed meal that kids love!
Salad
Fresh salads and shrimp pair wonderfully together. Grab a bowl of cucumbers, tomatoes and avocados, top it with crunchy croutons and boom boom shrimp for a delicious experience!
Sushi Rolls
Boom boom shrimp works great as a sushi filling too! Drizzle some boom boom sauce on top and serve with pickled ginger for extra flavor.
How To Keep The Shrimp Crispy After Frying?
Fried stuff tastes great until it loses its crispiness! Well, with the proper techniques, you can help keep the shrimp crunchy for a good while. Here’s how you can keep the shrimp crispy after frying:
Drain Excess Oil
If you aren’t planning to serve the shrimp immediately, transfer them to a wire rack so that they don’t sit in excess oil and get soggy.
Avoid Covering
It might be tempting to cover the dish to keep it warm. However, doing so will trap the moisture inside the lid and soften the crispy coating.
Do NOT Stack!
I often make the mistake of stacking the shrimp while transferring them to a plate. It’s best to keep the shrimp in a single layer to prevent them from getting soggy.
Use Oven To Keep Warm
Place the shrimp in a preheated oven at 200 degrees Fahrenheit to keep them warm without overcooking.
What Is The Difference Between Boom Boom Shrimp And Bang Bang Shrimp?
Boom Boom Shrimp and Bang Bang Shrimp are quite similar dishes. People often get confused between these recipes; the main difference lies in the sauce. Boom Boom Sauce is spicy as well as tangy, and Bang Bang Sauce is milder and slightly sweeter than Boom Boom Sauce. Bang Bang Shrimp is a signature dish of Bonefish Grill restaurant, and Boom Boom Shrimp originated afterward in various restaurants.
Also, there are a few other variations in their process of cooking; for boom boom shrimp- they need to be dipped in buttermilk and then coated with flour-cornstarch mixture, whereas, for bang bang Shrimp – shrimps are coated with breadcrumbs or cornstarch batter.
To make the Boom Boom sauce, you’ll need mayo, ketchup, and sriracha, which are very similar to Bang Bang Sauce. The only difference is Bang Bang Sauce contains honey or sugar to make it sweet.
Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
For Shrimp
- 1 lb Whole Shrimp (Peeled)
- 1 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup All Purpose Flour
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- ½ tsp Paprika
- ½ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper
- Oil For Frying
For Boom Boom Sauce
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp Sweet Chili Sauce
- 2 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Sriracha Sauce
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder
- ¼ tsp Salt
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper (cayenne pepper)
Instructions
Prepare The Boom Boom Sauce
- In a small mixing bowl, add 1/2 cup of mayo and 2 tbsp of sweet chili sauce.
- Stir in 2 tbsp of ketchup and 1 tbsp of sriracha hot sauce for a sweet and spicy flavor.
- Season the sauce with 1/2 tsp of garlic powder and 1/4 tsp of salt.
- Add ¼ tsp of Black Peppe or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Whisk to combine all the ingredients until smooth. Set the sauce aside for later use.
Soak Shrimp In Buttermilk
- Grab a large mixing bowl and add 1 lb of peeled whole shrimp in it.
- Pour 1 cup of buttermilk over the shrimp and let them soak for about 10 minutes.
- Place a large, heavy-bottomed wok on the stove and pour cooking oil into it.
- Heat the oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it reaches the right temperature for frying. Continue with the next steps while the oil heats up.
Prepare The Batter For Shrimp
- In a separate bowl, prepare the batter for the shrimp by mixing 1 cup of flour with 2 tbsp of cornstarch.
- Season the batter with 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1/2 tsp of paprika, 1/2 tsp of salt and black pepper.
- Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk and let the excess liquid drip off.
- Coat each shrimp in the flour mixture and press lightly to ensure the flour sticks.
Fry The Shrimp
- Carefully add the coated shrimp in batches into the hot oil in the wok.
- Fry the shrimp for 1-2 minutes until they turn opaque and reach an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Flip the shrimp halfway through once one side is golden and crispy.
Toss The Shrimp With Boom Boom Sauce
- Once fried, remove the shrimp from the hot oil and transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel.
- Allow the fried shrimp to cool on the plate for 2 minutes.
- Add the shrimp to a large bowl and toss with the boom boom sauce you prepared earlier.
Garnish, Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish the shrimp with chopped parsley or coriander leaves and sesame seeds.
- You can also serve with extra boom boom sauce on the side for dipping sauce, and enjoy the boom boom shrimp while they are still hot and crispy!
There should be something between quick bites and a full-fledged dinner, right? It is not quite the main course, but it is enough to satisfy your hunger and taste great. Well, boom boom shrimp does exactly that!
The sweet and spicy boom boom sauce takes every crunchy bite to the next level- adding an extra layer of heat and flavor to the shrimp. And the shrimp? Oh, they are just so crispy, juicy, and full of that deliciously savory goodness! The flour coating, seasoned with a perfect mix of garlic and paprika powder, gives these shrimp that extra savory punch- making every bite downright delicious!
Recipe FAQs
How Long Does Leftover Boom Boom Shrimp Last?
Shrimp are best enjoyed fresh, so they should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for no more than one day.
Can I Use Frozen Shrimp To Make Boom Boom Shrimp?
Yes, of course! Just make sure to thaw and dry the shrimp before marinating them with the buttermilk.
How Do I Prepare The Shrimp Ahead Of Time?
You can coat the shrimp and keep them in the refrigerator ahead of time. Fry when you are ready to serve, as the shrimp may lose their crispness otherwise.
Which Oil Is Best For Frying Shrimp?
Boom Boom shrimp recipe works just as fine with vegetable or canola oil; peanut oil is preferable as it gives a great crisp to the shrimp. Try to avoid olive oil, which has a lower smoke point.
Can I Use An Air Fryer Or Bake Instead Of Frying The Shrimp?
You can use the air fryer or oven to bake the shrimp. You have to preheat your air fryer to 400° Fahrenheit and 190° Celcius to air fry the shrimps for 8-10 minutes. Also, to bake the shrimp, preheat your oven to 400° Fahrenheit and 200° Celcius and bake for 10-12 minutes.
Leave a Reply