Oh, let me tell you about my obsession with Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp! This dish is nothing short of fantastic, and it has a special place in my heart. You see, my love for these spicy, crispy little morsels ignited during a vacation at a beachside restaurant where the sound of the ocean mixed with laughter and the smell of grilled seafood wafted through the air. Yes, that was my first encounter with Bang Bang Shrimp, and it was love at first bite!
Now, I whip them up at home as a delightful appetizer or even a main course. The blend of spicy and sweet flavors, combined with the grill’s smokiness, creates an unforgettable treat. These shrimp cakes will have your friends begging for seconds, and trust me, you’ll want to add this recipe to your regular rotation!
What’s in Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp?
Let’s break down the star players in this recipe!
Shrimp: You’ll want to go for the freshest shrimp you can find. I usually choose medium to large shrimp (21/25 count). The sweet, tender bite of shrimp really shines through in this dish.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs are my secret to achieving that perfect crunch on the outside of the shrimp. They toast beautifully on the grill and give a delightful texture.
Mayonnaise: This creamy base helps bind everything together and gives extra richness. I prefer using a good-quality mayonnaise, or homemade if I’m feeling adventurous!
Hot Sauce: This is where the “bang” really comes in! I usually opt for Sriracha for its perfect balance of spice and flavor, but feel free to adjust it according to your heat preference.
Honey: This sweetener counterbalances the heat and adds a lovely flavor depth. I like to use raw honey for its natural goodness.
Lime Juice: A splash of lime juice elevates the whole dish, bringing a bright freshness that cuts through the richness.
Is Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp Good for You?
Great question! Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp can be a delightful treat, and its health benefits might surprise you:
Shrimp: Rich in protein and low in calories, shrimp packs plenty of nutrients like Vitamin B12 and Selenium, making it a healthy choice for seafood lovers!
Panko Breadcrumbs: While they do add some carbs, the texture they provide is just too good to pass up. Consider using whole wheat panko for a slightly healthier option.
Honey: A natural sweetener, honey has some antioxidants and can provide a quick energy boost. Just keep in mind that it’s still sugar, so moderation is key!
However, if you are watching your calorie intake or sugar levels, it’s wise to keep an eye on the amounts of mayonnaise and honey used in the recipe.
Ingredients for Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp (Serves 4)
– 1 pound of medium to large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
– ½ cup of mayonnaise
– 2 tablespoons of Sriracha (adjust according to spice preference)
– 1 tablespoon of honey
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or oil for grilling
How to Make Grilled Bang Bang Shrimp?
1. **Preheat Your Grill:** Start by heating your grill to medium-high heat while you prepare the shrimp.
2. **Make the Sauce:** In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until well combined. Set aside about a tablespoon of the sauce for drizzling later.
3. **Prepare the Shrimp:** Toss the cleaned shrimp in the sauce until they are lightly coated. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
4. **Coat with Panko:** Dip each shrimp into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. This is where that lovely crunch comes from, folks!
5. **Grill the Shrimp:** Lightly oil the grill grates or use cooking spray. Place the shrimp on the grill and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they are perfectly cooked and have beautiful grill marks.
6. **Serve:** Remove the shrimp from the grill and drizzle with the reserved Bang Bang sauce. Serve with extra lime wedges on the side.
Bang Bang Tips for Extra Sizzle!
– If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a touch of garlic powder or paprika to the panko crumbs for added flavor!
– For a low-carb option, you can skip the breadcrumbs entirely and grill the shrimp as is, enhancing their natural flavors.
– Pair these bang bang beauties with a refreshing salad, or toss them in tacos for a fun twist!
I hope you give this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe a whirl! It’s such a crowd-pleaser, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you. Remember to share your cooking adventures with me – I absolutely love hearing how your dishes turn out! Happy grilling!
