Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe: How to Make This Spicy, Crispy Appetizer

Introduction

Few things are as satisfying as biting into crispy, golden shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy sauce. Boom boom shrimp is a dish that brings together the best of both worlds: crunch and flavor. Whether you’ve had it at a restaurant or are discovering it for the first time, making boom boom shrimp at home is a great way to enjoy a restaurant-quality appetizer that’s bursting with bold taste. This recipe will walk you through each step, helping you create shrimp that’s crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and perfectly coated in that unforgettable sauce. Ready to make this spicy, crowd-pleasing dish? Let’s dive in.

Why Boom Boom Shrimp Is a Must-Try

Perfect Balance of Spice and Crunch

Boom boom shrimp offers a unique texture and flavor profile, combining the crunchiness of fried shrimp with the bold taste of boom boom sauce. The sauce is a mix of spicy, creamy, and slightly sweet elements, which perfectly complements the crispy shrimp, making it a hit at any gathering or as a delicious appetizer before dinner.

Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing

This dish is perfect for all kinds of occasions. Serve it as an appetizer, a game-day snack, or even as a main dish with rice or a side salad. The shrimp’s spicy kick and addictive crunch are sure to be a favorite among friends and family.

Key Ingredients for Boom Boom Shrimp

To achieve the ideal crispy texture and bold flavor, you’ll need some essential ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each element is important.

Main Ingredients

• Shrimp: Medium to large shrimp work best for this recipe. Make sure they’re peeled, deveined, and patted dry. Fresh shrimp is preferred, but frozen shrimp works well if fully thawed.
• Flour and Cornstarch: These are used for dredging the shrimp, giving them a crispy coating when fried. Cornstarch adds an extra crunch, while flour helps create a golden-brown color.
• Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and paprika add flavor to the flour mixture, enhancing the taste of the shrimp.
• Buttermilk and Egg: This wet mixture allows the flour and cornstarch to stick to the shrimp, creating a thick, crispy crust when fried.
• Oil for Frying: Use vegetable or canola oil, as they have a high smoke point. Heat the oil to 350°F to ensure even frying.

Ingredients Table

How to Make Boom Boom Shrimp: Step-by-Step Guide

Boom Boom Shrimp

Follow these steps to make boom boom shrimp that’s perfectly crispy and packed with flavor.

Print Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Quick Meals

Cuisine American

Servings 4 Servings

Calories 300 kcal

Notes

 

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

1. Clean and Dry the Shrimp: Rinse the shrimp under cold water, then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step helps the coating stick and ensures the shrimp fry evenly.
2. Season the Shrimp: Lightly season the shrimp with salt and pepper for added flavor.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Stations

1. Flour Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
2. Buttermilk and Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk the buttermilk and egg together until smooth.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

1. Dredge in Flour Mixture: Dip each shrimp into the flour mixture, coating it fully.
2. Dip in Buttermilk Mixture: Transfer the floured shrimp into the buttermilk and egg mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
3. Final Flour Coating: Return each shrimp to the flour mixture for a second coating, which will help create an extra crispy crust when fried.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

1. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the oil to 350°F.
2. Fry in Batches: Add the shrimp in small batches to avoid overcrowding, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
3. Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the shrimp from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.

Keyword boom boom shrimp

Making the Boom Boom Sauce

Boom boom sauce is what gives this dish its signature flavor. It’s creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet, making it the perfect complement to crispy shrimp.

Key Ingredients for Boom Boom Sauce

• Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, providing a rich, creamy texture.
• Sriracha or Hot Sauce: Adds heat and depth of flavor. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.
• Sweet Chili Sauce: Balances the spice with a hint of sweetness, essential for the signature boom boom sauce flavor.
• Garlic Powder: Adds savory notes, enhancing the complexity of the sauce.

Boom Boom Sauce Ingredients Table

Instructions for Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sriracha, sweet chili sauce, and garlic powder.
2. Adjust to Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level if needed. You can add more sriracha for heat or more chili sauce for sweetness.

Assembling and Serving Boom Boom Shrimp

1. Drizzle or Toss in Sauce: Allow the shrimp to cool slightly, then drizzle with the boom boom sauce. Alternatively, toss the shrimp in the sauce for a fully coated option.
2. Garnish and Serve: For added flavor and presentation, garnish with lemon wedges, chopped scallions, or a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

Tips for the Best Boom Boom Shrimp

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp will give you the best texture and flavor. Pat them dry to help the coating stick.
• Monitor Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a consistent 350°F. If it’s too hot, the shrimp will cook too quickly, and if it’s too cool, they may turn soggy.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Fry in small batches to ensure each shrimp cooks evenly and crisps up perfectly.

Variations on Boom Boom Shrimp

Want to make this dish your own? Here are a few ways to customize it to suit different tastes and dietary needs.

Baked Boom Boom Shrimp

• Instructions: Follow the recipe as directed, but instead of frying, bake the coated shrimp in a preheated oven at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Air Fryer Boom Boom Shrimp

• Instructions: Place the coated shrimp in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray with cooking spray and cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway through for even cooking.

Grilled Boom Boom Shrimp

• Instructions: Marinate the shrimp in a small amount of boom boom sauce, then grill on medium heat for 2-3 minutes on each side. Serve with additional sauce for dipping.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is boom boom sauce made of?

Boom boom sauce is a creamy, spicy sauce made from mayonnaise, sriracha or hot sauce, sweet chili sauce, and garlic powder. It’s a perfect balance of creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet flavors.

Can I make boom boom shrimp ahead of time?

While boom boom shrimp is best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce and coat the shrimp in advance. Just fry the shrimp right before serving to ensure they’re crispy.

What can I serve with boom boom shrimp?

Boom boom shrimp pairs well with rice, salad, or roasted vegetables. It also makes a great topping for tacos or wraps.

Is boom boom shrimp very spicy?

The spiciness depends on the amount of sriracha in the sauce. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less sriracha to suit your preference.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, frozen shrimp works well; just ensure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before coating for the best results.

Conclusion

Boom boom shrimp is an irresistible appetizer that combines the best of crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re serving it as an appetizer at a gathering or enjoying it as a main course, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavor to your kitchen. The bold taste, perfect crunch, and versatility make boom boom shrimp a must-try dish.

So, gather your ingredients and follow these easy steps to enjoy a delicious, crowd-pleasing appetizer that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds. For more tasty recipes and cooking tips, visit chewyrecipes.com and discover ways to elevate every meal!