Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe is a dish known for its bold flavor, crispy texture, and crowd-pleasing appeal. Imagine bite-sized shrimp, perfectly fried to a golden crisp and drizzled in a spicy, creamy sauce with just the right kick. The sauce is what makes this dish special – a mix of creamy mayo, tangy sweet chili, and a little heat from sriracha. This combination of flavors brings out the best in shrimp, making it a top choice at parties, restaurants, or even for a cozy night in.
Why This Recipe is So Popular
People love Boom Boom Shrimp for its unique flavor blend and the satisfying crunch of each bite. It’s a dish that manages to be comforting and a bit adventurous all at once. Boom Boom Shrimp first gained popularity in seafood restaurants and quickly became a favorite. Its appeal isn’t just in the taste – it’s also easy to eat and versatile. From serving it as an appetizer to making it the main course, Boom Boom Shrimp can do it all. Plus, the sauce can be adjusted to suit personal spice levels, making it a dish for everyone.
Ingredients Overview and Tools Needed
To make Boom Boom Shrimp at home, you’ll need a few key ingredients and basic kitchen tools.
Ingredients:
- Shrimp: Fresh or thawed, peeled, and deveined. Medium size works well for bite-size portions.
- Flour: For that light coating before frying.
- Cornstarch: This helps create a crispy finish.
- Eggs: Needed to bind the breading to the shrimp.
- Breadcrumbs or Panko: Adds extra crunch.
- Oil: Use a neutral oil, like canola or vegetable oil, for frying.
For the Boom Boom Sauce:
- Mayonnaise: This is the creamy base.
- Sweet Chili Sauce: Adds sweetness and a hint of spice.
- Sriracha or Hot Sauce: For that signature heat (adjust to your liking).
Tools:
- Frying pan or deep fryer: Ensures even frying and that perfect golden brown color.
- Tongs: For safely flipping shrimp.
- Mixing bowls: For the breading station and sauce.
- Paper towels: To drain any excess oil after frying.
Each ingredient and tool has a role to play in achieving the ideal texture and flavor. This simple setup is all you need to bring restaurant-quality Boom Boom Shrimp to your table.
How to Cook Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 lb. raw shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp pepper
- 2 large eggs
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)
For the Boom Boom Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust for desired heat level)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp lime juice (optional, for a tangy twist)
Directions
1Prep the Shrimp
- Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel – this helps the coating stick better.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, and pepper.
2Coat the Shrimp
- In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re frothy.
- Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and back into the flour mix for a double coating. This will give the shrimp extra crunch.
3Fry the Shrimp
- Heat about 1 inch of oil in your skillet or set the deep fryer to 350°F.
- Fry the shrimp in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Use tongs to remove the shrimp and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.
4Make the Boom Boom Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, and lime juice.
- Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust the sriracha for more or less heat, depending on your preference.
5Toss and Serve
- Toss the fried shrimp in the boom boom sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately on a plate with lime wedges or garnish with chopped green onions.
Tips for Perfect Boom Boom Shrimp Every Time
Achieving the Right Crispiness
The crispy texture of Boom Boom Shrimp is a big part of what makes it special. Here are some tricks to get it just right:
- Oil Temperature: Keep your oil at around 350°F. If it’s too hot, the shrimp will burn outside and stay undercooked inside. Too cool, and they turn soggy.
- Breading: For the best crunch, start with flour, dip in beaten eggs, and finish with breadcrumbs or panko. Cornstarch in the flour helps lock in that crisp.
- Small Batches: Fry only a few shrimp at a time so the oil temperature stays consistent.
These steps help create shrimp that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Adjusting Spice Levels
Everyone has their spice preference, and Boom Boom Shrimp’s heat level is easy to adjust:
- Milder Version: Reduce the sriracha in the sauce or replace it with a milder hot sauce. A splash of lime juice can add flavor without extra heat.
- Extra Heat: Add more sriracha, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or even a bit of chili powder in the breading for a kick that starts right from the first bite.
Adjusting the spice levels allows everyone to enjoy this dish, from those who like just a hint of spice to those who crave a fiery finish.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions
Boom Boom Shrimp is versatile and works well with many side dishes or as part of a larger meal. Here are some ideas:
- Rice: Serve it over steamed jasmine rice for a complete meal that balances the spicy shrimp with a mild base.
- Salad: Pair with a light, fresh salad – the cool veggies contrast well with the warm, crispy shrimp.
- Appetizer: Serve with toothpicks and extra sauce for dipping, making it a fun, interactive appetizer at parties.
Nutritional Information and Healthier Alternatives
Calorie and Nutrient Breakdown
Boom Boom Shrimp is tasty, but it’s definitely a treat. On average, a serving can contain about 400-500 calories, depending on how much sauce you use and whether you fry or bake the shrimp. Protein sits around 20-25 grams per serving, while fat is about 20 grams.
Tips for a Healthier Version
Want to make it a little lighter? Try these swaps:
- Air Fryer Method: Skip the deep frying. Coat the shrimp as usual and pop them in the air fryer at 375°F for about 8-10 minutes. They come out crispy with a fraction of the oil.
- Sauce Lightening: Try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for the sauce. You’ll get a similar creamy texture but with lower fat.
- Whole-Wheat or Almond Flour: For a lower-carb option, you can replace regular flour with whole-wheat or almond flour.
More Articles: Honey Smoked Salmon Recipe
FAQs About Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe
What makes boom boom shrimp different from other fried shrimp?
Boom boom shrimp stands out because of its sweet, spicy, and creamy sauce. While other fried shrimp recipes rely on tartar or cocktail sauce, boom boom shrimp is unique for its Asian-inspired, flavorful sauce.
Can I make boom boom shrimp in an air fryer?
Yes, air frying is a great alternative. Simply coat the shrimp as usual, spray with a bit of cooking oil, and air fry at 400°F for 7-8 minutes, flipping halfway.
How long will boom boom shrimp stay crispy?
Boom boom shrimp is best served fresh, but you can keep it crispy for about 15-20 minutes after frying. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Yes, frozen shrimp works fine, just make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking. This prevents excess moisture, which can make the coating soggy.
Final Thoughts
Boom Boom Shrimp is a fun and flavorful dish that’s bound to be a hit. It’s easy to tweak based on what you have in the kitchen or your flavor preferences.
Want to add a twist? Try spicing up the sauce with a touch of garlic powder or smoked paprika, or play around with different coating options like coconut or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch.