Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe is a popular appetizer or main course dish served in many restaurants. It features crispy fried shrimp coated in a tangy, slightly spicy, and creamy sauce, known as Boom Boom Sauce. The dish is widely adored for its texture and flavor contrast — the crunch of fried shrimp paired with the creaminess of the sauce makes for an irresistible bite.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll learn how to make restaurant-quality Boom Boom Shrimp at home. Plus, we’ll delve into the history behind the dish, pairing suggestions, cooking tips, and some creative recipe variations. And if you’re a fan of seafood, don’t miss our recommendations for internal recipes that pair perfectly with this dish.
Ingredients for Boom Boom Shrimp
To begin with, let’s take a look at the key ingredients you will need:
- For the shrimp:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Vegetable oil for frying
- For the Boom Boom Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp sriracha (adjust for heat preference)
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp lime juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Boom Boom Shrimp
1: Preparing the Shrimp
- Clean the shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Prepare the coating: In a bowl, mix together the flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Set up a dredging station: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, and place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
- Coat the shrimp: Dip each shrimp in the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring the shrimp is evenly coated.
2: Frying the Shrimp
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pan to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the shrimp and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
3: Making the Boom Boom Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, lime juice, and minced garlic until smooth and creamy.
- Adjust the level of sriracha to taste. If you like your sauce spicier, add more; if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount.
4: Serving Boom Boom Shrimp
- Once the shrimp are fried, toss them in the prepared Boom Boom Sauce until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately, garnished with chopped green onions or cilantro. For a little extra flair, consider serving the shrimp with a wedge of lime on the side.
Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe: The Origins of a Trendy Dish
Boom Boom Shrimp has its roots in fusion cuisine, blending Asian-inspired sweet chili sauce with classic American fried shrimp. It gained widespread popularity in restaurants, particularly those that specialize in seafood or offer Southern-style fare. Some argue that the dish draws inspiration from Bang Bang Shrimp, a similar dish served at the popular Bonefish Grill chain. Regardless of its origins, Boom Boom Shrimp has become a fan-favorite for its bold flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal.
Tips for Making the Perfect Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe
Achieving crispy and flavorful Boom Boom Shrimp requires a few key techniques:
- Dry the shrimp: Ensure your shrimp is completely dry before coating it. Excess moisture can lead to a soggy coating instead of a crispy one.
- Use panko breadcrumbs: Panko adds extra crunch to the shrimp, making it much crispier than regular breadcrumbs.
- Double dredging for extra crispiness: For an even crunchier shrimp, you can double dip the shrimp in the egg and panko breadcrumbs.
- Fry in batches: Overcrowding the frying pan can cause the temperature of the oil to drop, resulting in soggy shrimp. Fry a few shrimp at a time to maintain the oil temperature.
For more seafood cooking tips, check out our guide on How Do Chinese Restaurants Make Shrimp So Tender?. It offers insights into various shrimp-cooking techniques to elevate your seafood dishes.
Creative Variations of Boom Boom Shrimp
Boom Boom Shrimp is a versatile dish, and there are plenty of ways to switch it up to suit your tastes or dietary preferences.
1. Grilled Boom Boom Shrimp
For a healthier alternative, try grilling the shrimp instead of frying them. Marinate the shrimp in a bit of the Boom Boom Sauce before grilling and then brush more sauce on while they cook. This method results in a lighter dish without compromising on flavor.
2. Baked Boom Boom Shrimp
Another healthier alternative to frying is baking the shrimp. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and bake the breaded shrimp for about 12-15 minutes, turning them halfway through for even crispiness. Serve them with extra Boom Boom Sauce for dipping.
3. Boom Boom Shrimp Tacos
Boom Boom Shrimp makes an excellent filling for tacos. Simply place the crispy shrimp inside soft flour tortillas, and top with shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, and extra Boom Boom Sauce. Add a squeeze of lime for a refreshing finish.
4. Boom Boom Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich
Turn Boom Boom Shrimp into a Southern classic by using the shrimp in a po’ boy sandwich. Serve the shrimp on a French baguette with lettuce, tomato, and pickles, and drizzle extra Boom Boom Sauce for that signature tangy flavor.
For more fusion-inspired dishes, you may want to explore the Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Tortellini Pasta, a creative combination of classic cheesesteak and Italian tortellini.
Perfect Pairings for Boom Boom Shrimp
Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe is a dish that packs a lot of flavor, so pairing it with complementary sides and beverages is essential for a well-rounded meal.
Sides
- Rice Pilaf: A light, fluffy rice pilaf with herbs can balance out the richness of the Boom Boom Sauce.
- Caesar Salad: The crispness of a Caesar salad adds freshness to the meal, and the tangy dressing complements the shrimp’s bold flavors.
- French Fries: Keep things classic with a side of crispy French fries. You can even drizzle a bit of Boom Boom Sauce over the fries for added flavor.
For more shrimp pairings, take a look at our Ultimate Guide to Shrimp with Avocado and Edamame Salad, which offers a lighter, healthier alternative with a vibrant mix of flavors.
Beverages
Boom Boom Shrimp pairs well with light, refreshing drinks that cut through the richness of the dish:
- Citrus Cocktails: A margarita or a mojito with fresh lime or orange juice balances out the spiciness of the sriracha.
- Beer: A light, cold lager or a pilsner is a great match for fried shrimp.
- Iced Tea: For a non-alcoholic option, a sweet iced tea with lemon adds a refreshing touch to your meal.
Boom Boom Shrimp: A Versatile Dish for Every Occasion
One of the best things about Boom Boom Shrimp is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re serving it as a quick appetizer at a family gathering or making it the star of your next dinner party, it fits in anywhere. The rich, tangy sauce is addictive, making it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.
Plus, it’s easy to scale the recipe up or down depending on the number of guests. Double or even triple the recipe for large gatherings, or make a smaller batch for a weeknight dinner.
If you’re hosting a party and need another crowd-pleaser, check out our Ultimate Philly Cheesesteak Recipe, which offers detailed steps to making the perfect cheesesteak for your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Boom Boom Shrimp
1. Can I make Boom Boom Shrimp ahead of time?
Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe is best served fresh to maintain its crispy texture. However, you can prepare the shrimp by coating it and refrigerating it for up to 4 hours before frying. Make the Boom Boom Sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. What kind of shrimp is best for Boom Boom Shrimp?
Large shrimp (16-20 count per pound) work best for this recipe. They are big enough to provide a satisfying bite but not so large that they take too long to cook. You can use fresh or frozen shrimp, but if you’re using frozen shrimp, be sure to thaw and dry them thoroughly before coating.
3. Is Boom Boom Shrimp gluten-free?
To make Boom Boom Shrimp gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. The Boom Boom Sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, but double-check the labels on your sweet chili sauce and sriracha to ensure no hidden gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts: Why Boom Boom Shrimp Should Be in Your Recipe Rotation
Boom Boom Shrimp is a dish that never fails to impress, whether you’re serving it to guests or simply treating yourself to a delicious meal. The crispy shrimp paired with the creamy, spicy Boom Boom Sauce creates a harmony of flavors and textures that keep people coming back for more. Plus, with endless variations and pairing possibilities, it’s a versatile recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
To explore more dishes that offer a balance of flavor and texture, don’t forget to try our Honey Garlic Shrimp recipe. It’s another shrimp-based dish that balances sweetness with savory flavors, offering a different take on your favorite seafood.
This extended guide to Boom Boom Shrimp provides everything you need to make this dish a standout in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re new to shrimp recipes or an experienced seafood lover, this dish is sure to satisfy.