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Chipotle Bang Bang Shrimp Recipe: Spicy, Creamy & Crispy

Chipotle Bang Bang Shrimp

Crispy cornstarch-coated shrimp are quickly fried and tossed with a creamy chipotle bang bang sauce made with mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, lime, and adobo.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Shrimp
  • 1 pound Large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/2 cup Buttermilk
  • 1 cup Cornstarch
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Paprika
  • 3–4 cups Neutral frying oil, such as canola or vegetable oil
Chipotle Bang Bang Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup Thai sweet chili sauce
  • 1–2 tablespoons Finely minced chipotle peppers in adobo
  • 1 tablespoon Adobo sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon Honey, optional
  • 1/2–1 teaspoon Sriracha or other hot sauce, optional
  • 1 pinch Salt, if needed
Optional Garnishes
  • As desired Sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, sesame seeds, shredded cabbage, or lettuce

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Pat the shrimp dry, then place them in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let them stand for 15–20 minutes if using the optional marinade.
  2. In a separate bowl, stir together the cornstarch, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  3. Whisk the mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, lime juice, honey, and Sriracha together. Refrigerate the sauce until needed, tasting and adding a pinch of salt only if necessary.
  4. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip away. Toss them thoroughly in the seasoned cornstarch, then shake off the excess coating.
  5. Heat 3–4 cups of neutral oil to 350°F (175°C) in a heavy saucepan or deep skillet. Fry the shrimp in batches for about 2–3 minutes per batch, turning once, until crisp and opaque inside.
  6. Transfer the fried shrimp to a wire rack or paper towels. Toss with the sauce immediately before serving, or drizzle the sauce over the shrimp to preserve more crispness, then garnish as desired.

Notes

Keep the oil between 350°F and 360°F. Do not overcrowd the pan. For the crispest result, serve the sauce on the side or drizzle it over the shrimp rather than letting the shrimp sit fully coated.