This baked version of Bang Bang Shrimp offers a lighter way to enjoy this popular dish while maintaining the satisfying crunch of fried shrimp. Using natural panko breadcrumbs keeps the ingredients clean and simple, free of unwanted preservatives. Each shrimp is coated and baked to golden perfection, then tossed in a spicy-sweet Bang Bang sauce.
Did You Know?
What Does "Veining" and "Deveining" Shrimp Mean?
The vein in shrimp is actually its digestive tract, which can appear as a dark or translucent line running along the back. Deveining is the process of removing this tract, which can be done for aesthetic reasons or to avoid any gritty texture. While the vein is safe to eat, it can sometimes contain sand or partially digested food. Removing it ensures a cleaner, more visually appealing dish. When you buy peeled and deveined shrimp, the outer shell and the vein have already been removed, making them easier to prepare.
Yield:
4 servings (approximately 20 jumbo shrimp)
Ingredients:
For the Shrimp:
1 lb jumbo shrimp (about 10-15 shrimp per pound), peeled and deveined, tails on or off
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup natural panko breadcrumbs
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Olive oil spray or cooking spray
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
2 tablespoons Sriracha (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon honey or sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
Instructions:
-
Marinate the shrimp:
Combine shrimp and buttermilk in a large bowl. Let soak for about 10 minutes.
Personal Tip: Keeping the tails on adds a nice presentation, making the shrimp easier to pick up for appetizers. However, if you prefer easy eating, remove the tails before coating. -
Make the sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, and honey (if using) until smooth. Set aside.
Personal Tip: Adjust the Sriracha for more or less heat according to your preference. -
Prepare the coating:
In a shallow dish, place the flour. In a separate dish, mix the natural panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Personal Tip: Use panko breadcrumbs without preservatives for a more natural and cleaner flavor. -
Coat the shrimp:
Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in the flour, then press into the panko mixture until evenly coated. Place coated shrimp on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with cooking spray.
Personal Tip: For even baking, place the shrimp in a single layer, with a bit of space between each. -
Bake the shrimp:
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray the tops of the shrimp with olive oil spray. Bake for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the shrimp are golden brown and crispy.
Personal Tip: For an extra-crispy texture, turn on the broiler for the last 2 minutes of baking. -
Toss with sauce or serve on the side:
Once baked, you can toss the shrimp in the Bang Bang sauce or serve it on the side for dipping.
Personal Tip: If tossing, add the shrimp to the sauce right before serving to maintain their crispiness.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 290, Protein: 28g, Carbohydrates: 28g, Fiber: 1g, Net Carbohydrates: 27g, Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 190mg, Sodium: 650mg, Sugars: 8g, Glycemic Index: Medium
Kitchen Tips, Great Ideas, How to Save Money:
- Choose natural panko: Look for panko breadcrumbs that use unbleached flour and sea salt, avoiding preservatives for a cleaner option.
- Shrimp size matters: Using jumbo shrimp means you’ll get about 10-15 shrimp per pound, resulting in 3-4 shrimp per serving. Adjust your quantities based on the shrimp size.
- Use a wire rack: Baking the shrimp on a wire rack allows for better air circulation, keeping the coating crispy all around.
- Adjust the sauce: For a lighter version, replace half of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.
- Freeze for later: Bread the shrimp and freeze them on a baking sheet. Bake directly from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes to the cooking time.
- DIY chili sauce: Mix a bit of hot sauce and a tablespoon of honey for a quick, homemade version of sweet chili sauce.
- Avoid overcooking: Bake just until the shrimp are opaque and golden. Overcooking can make the shrimp rubbery.
- Serve with a salad: Pair the shrimp with a crisp salad for a balanced meal.
- Keep the tails on: If serving as an appetizer, leaving the tails on makes the shrimp easier to handle.
- Reheat in the oven: If you have leftovers, reheat them in a hot oven to bring back some of the crispiness.
Let’s Learn About Panko Breadcrumbs
Why Natural Panko Breadcrumbs Matter
Natural panko breadcrumbs, made from crustless bread, are ideal for creating a crispy coating when baking. They avoid the use of preservatives, ensuring a cleaner ingredient list. These breadcrumbs create a light, airy texture that crisps up beautifully without the use of heavy oils or chemicals. Choosing natural panko means you’re getting the crunch you love with the pure ingredients you prefer. Look for options labeled non-GMO or organic for the best quality.