We’ve always been hooked on Boom Boom Shrimp – that irresistible mix of crispy fried goodness and a sweet-spicy sauce that packs a flavorful punch. Originating from popular seafood eateries it’s become a go-to favorite for its bold taste and easy appeal.
Ingredients
To bring our irresistible Boom Boom Shrimp recipe to life, we gather fresh, high-quality ingredients that deliver that signature crispy texture and sweet-spicy kick. Below, we list them in the order they’re typically prepared, with prep notes for accuracy and ease.
Shrimp and Breading
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined – We select fresh or thawed shrimp for the best flavor and texture; pat dry to ensure even frying.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour – Used as the first coating; sift if clumpy for a smooth dredge.
- 2 large eggs, beaten – Whisk thoroughly to create a sticky binder that helps the breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs – Opt for Japanese-style for extra crunch; we toast them lightly if needed for deeper flavor.
Sauce Components
- ½ cup mayonnaise – Forms the creamy base of our bold sauce; choose full-fat for richness.
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce – Adds the perfect sweet-spicy balance; we recommend a reputable brand like Mae Ploy for authentic taste.
- 2 tablespoons sriracha – Provides the heat; adjust based on spice preference to customize our sauce’s intensity.
- 1 tablespoon honey – Enhances sweetness; we use raw honey for a natural, subtle depth.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Infuses aromatic notes; fresh minced garlic can substitute if we want a more pungent flavor.
Additional Essentials
- Vegetable oil, for frying – We need about 2 cups to reach a 2-inch depth in the pan; use a neutral oil with a high smoke point like canola.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste – Season the shrimp before breading; freshly ground pepper elevates the dish’s vibrancy.
- Optional garnishes: 2 green onions, thinly sliced, and 1 lemon, cut into wedges – These add a fresh, zesty finish; we chop onions just before serving for maximum crispness.
Tools and Equipment
To prepare our irresistible Boom Boom Shrimp, we need a few essential tools and equipment that ensure efficient preparation and that signature crispy texture. Building on our ingredients list, which includes fresh shrimp and flavorful sauces, these items help us achieve professional results right in our kitchen.
- Deep Frying Pan or Dutch Oven: We rely on this for frying the shrimp to golden perfection. Choose one with high sides to minimize oil splatter and maintain even heat for consistent results.
- Mixing Bowls (Medium and Large): These are crucial for combining our flour mixture, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. We suggest glass or stainless steel bowls for easy cleaning and to avoid any flavor transfer.
- Whisk or Fork: We use a sturdy whisk to blend the sweet-spicy sauce ingredients like mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha smoothly, ensuring a creamy consistency.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in our recipe, so we always use these to measure out ingredients precisely—think 1 cup of flour or 1 tablespoon of honey—to avoid imbalances in flavor.
- Tongs or Slotted Spoon: For safely flipping and removing the fried shrimp from hot oil, we prefer heat-resistant tongs to maintain that crispy exterior without sogginess.
- Cutting Board and Sharp Knife: We need these for prepping shrimp and any optional garnishes like green onions, allowing for quick and safe chopping.
- Paper Towels or Wire Rack: Essential for draining excess oil after frying, helping us keep the shrimp light and not greasy—a simple step that enhances the dish’s bold flavors.
- Thermometer (Optional but Recommended): If we’re aiming for precision, we use a deep-fry thermometer to monitor oil temperature at around 350°F, ensuring the shrimp fries evenly without overcooking.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to move seamlessly into the preparation steps and create Boom Boom Shrimp that impresses every time.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients and essential tools, let’s guide you through preparing our irresistible Boom Boom Shrimp step by step to achieve that perfect crispy texture and bold flavor.
Prepare the Shrimp
First, we rinse 1 pound of fresh shrimp under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This ensures a crispier coating later. Next, we peel and devein the shrimp if needed, then season them with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper for enhanced taste.
To bread the shrimp, we set up a three-part station: In one bowl, we place 1 cup of flour mixed with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder. In a second bowl, we beat 2 large eggs until smooth. In a third bowl, we add 2 cups of panko breadcrumbs for that extra crunch. We dip each shrimp first into the flour mixture to coat evenly, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere. This method creates a golden, irresistibly crispy exterior that locks in the shrimp’s juicy sweetness.
Make the Sauce
We start by combining the sauce ingredients in a medium bowl to create the signature sweet-spicy glaze that defines Boom Boom Shrimp. Add ½ cup of mayonnaise, ¼ cup of sweet chili sauce, 2 tablespoons of sriracha for heat, 1 tablespoon of honey for balance, and ½ teaspoon of garlic powder.
Using a whisk, we mix everything thoroughly until the sauce is smooth and glossy, with a vibrant red hue that hints at its fiery kick. For the best flavor, we let the sauce rest for 5-10 minutes at room temperature, allowing the ingredients to meld into a tangy, addictive blend that will coat the shrimp perfectly.
Fry the Shrimp
We heat 2 cups of high-quality vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. To monitor this accurately, we recommend using a thermometer to avoid uneven cooking.
Once the oil is ready, we carefully add the breaded shrimp in batches using tongs, frying them for 2-3 minutes per side until they turn a deep golden brown and become delightfully crispy with a satisfying crunch. We remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil, preserving their light, airy texture without sogginess.
Combine and Serve
We toss the freshly fried shrimp in the prepared sauce, gently coating each piece to infuse them with that sweet-spicy essence that makes Boom Boom Shrimp a crowd-pleaser. For added freshness, we sprinkle on optional garnishes like chopped green onions and a squeeze of lemon juice.
To serve, we arrange the shrimp on a platter immediately, letting the aromas of garlic and chili waft up for an enticing presentation that highlights the dish’s bold flavors and perfect contrast of textures.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our Boom Boom Shrimp recipe even more convenient, we can prepare several components in advance without compromising that irresistible crispy texture and bold sweet-spicy flavor. This approach is perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping for gatherings, allowing us to focus on frying and serving when the time is right.
Preparing the Sauce Ahead
We recommend starting with the sauce, as it benefits from resting to enhance its flavors. Begin by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and garlic powder as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. Once mixed, transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. This gives the ingredients time to meld, resulting in a more vibrant and cohesive taste.
Breading the Shrimp in Advance
For the shrimp, we can handle the breading process ahead of time to streamline frying day. After rinsing and seasoning the shrimp, set up your breading station with flour, eggs, and panko breadcrumbs. Coat the shrimp as described, then place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Important: Freeze the breaded shrimp in a single layer until solid (about 1-2 hours), then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored this way for up to 1 month. When ready to cook, fry them directly from frozen, adding an extra 1-2 minutes to the frying time to ensure they’re golden brown and crispy.
Frying and Storing Fried Shrimp
If we prefer to fry the shrimp ahead, cook them according to the instructions until golden brown, then drain on paper towels or a wire rack. Allow the fried shrimp to cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Note: The texture may soften slightly, so we suggest reheating in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Storage Tips and Best Practices
To maintain safety and quality, here’s a quick overview of our recommended storage methods:
| Component | Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sauce | Refrigerate in airtight container | Up to 3 days | Stir before use to recombine. |
| Breaded Shrimp (Uncooked) | Freeze in single layer then bag | Up to 1 month | Thaw in fridge for 1-2 hours before frying if desired. |
| Fried Shrimp | Refrigerate in airtight container | Up to 2 days | Reheat in oven for best results. |
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure our Boom Boom Shrimp remains a flavorful, crowd-pleasing dish with minimal last-minute effort.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored these Boom Boom Shrimp recipes with us. This dish brings bold flavors and fun to any table, making it a go-to for gatherings or quick meals.
It’s all about creating memorable moments through simple, satisfying cooking.
Give it a try and tweak it to suit your tastes—we’re confident it’ll become one of your favorites too.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Boom Boom Shrimp?
Boom Boom Shrimp is a popular seafood dish featuring crispy fried shrimp coated in a sweet-spicy sauce. Originating from seafood restaurants, it’s loved for its bold flavors and widespread appeal, combining fresh shrimp with a tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and garlic powder.
What ingredients are needed for Boom Boom Shrimp?
You’ll need fresh shrimp, flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, and a sauce made from mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and garlic powder. Use high-quality vegetable oil for frying, and optional garnishes like green onions and lemon for added freshness.
What tools are required to prepare Boom Boom Shrimp?
Essential tools include a deep frying pan or Dutch oven, mixing bowls, a whisk or fork, measuring cups and spoons, tongs or a slotted spoon, a cutting board, sharp knife, and paper towels or a wire rack. An optional thermometer helps monitor oil temperature for even frying.
How do you make Boom Boom Shrimp step by step?
Start by rinsing and seasoning shrimp, then bread them in flour, eggs, and panko. Prepare the sauce by mixing mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and garlic powder. Fry the shrimp in hot vegetable oil until golden brown, toss with sauce, and garnish with green onions and lemon for serving.
Can you make Boom Boom Shrimp ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the sauce up to three days in advance and refrigerate it for better flavor. Bread and freeze shrimp for up to a month, or fry and store in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat in an oven to restore crispiness, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Why is Boom Boom Shrimp so popular?
Boom Boom Shrimp’s popularity stems from its irresistible combination of crispy texture and sweet-spicy sauce, making it a favorite in seafood restaurants. Its bold flavors appeal to a wide audience, and it’s easy to customize, ensuring it’s a go-to dish for gatherings or casual meals.
Are there any tips for frying Boom Boom Shrimp?
Use high-quality vegetable oil and maintain 350-375°F temperature for even frying. Avoid overcrowding the pan to keep shrimp crispy, and drain on paper towels afterward. For best results, use a thermometer and fry in small batches to prevent sogginess.