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A plate of crispy golden Boom Boom Shrimp coated in a creamy, spicy sauce, garnished with green onions and served with a side of dipping sauce.

Boom Boom Shrimp

Mia
Crispy, flavorful Boom Boom Shrimp recipe ready in 25 minutes! Perfect for quick dinners or party appetizers. Easy, delicious, and irresistible!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 24 minutes
Course Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine American, Asian
Servings 4 servings
Calories 320 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Making Boom Boom Shrimp at home is quick and easy requiring just a few simple ingredients. Below is everything you need, plus some helpful tips to get the best results ev

For the Shrimp:

  • 1 lb 450g large shrimp – peeled and deveined (you can leave the tails on or off based on your preference).
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch – creates a crispy light coating.
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder – enhances the natural flavor of the shrimp.
  • 1/2 tsp paprika – adds a mild smokiness and color.
  • 1/4 tsp salt – seasons the shrimp perfectly.
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper – brings a touch of warmth.
  • Oil for frying – use vegetable canola, or avocado oil for the best results.

For the Boom Boom Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise – provides a rich and creamy base.
  • 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce – adds a delicious balance of sweetness and tang.
  • 1 tbsp sriracha – brings a bold spicy kick (adjust to your spice preference).
  • 1 tsp garlic powder – enhances the overall depth of flavor.
  • 1 tsp honey – helps mellow out the heat with a touch of sweetness.
  • 1 tsp lime juice – brightens the sauce with a hint of citrusy zest.

Pro Tips:

  • Fresh vs. Frozen Shrimp: If starting with frozen shrimp be sure to thaw them fully and pat them dry with a paper towel before cooking to ensure they turn out crispy.
  • Customizing the Sauce: Want more heat? Swap sriracha for your favorite hot sauce or sprinkle in a little cayenne pepper. Looking for a lighter alternative? Try using Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise for a tangy creamy twist.
  • Gluten-Free Option: If you’re avoiding gluten make sure your cornstarch and sauces are labeled gluten-free.

Instructions
 

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

  • Clean and Dry: If your shrimp haven’t been peeled and deveined yet, take a few minutes to prepare them. Once cleaned, pat them completely dry with paper towels—this is key for achieving a crispy, golden exterior.
  • Season the Shrimp: In a mixing bowl, toss the shrimp with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This light seasoning enhances their natural sweetness without overpowering the dish.

Step 2: Coat the Shrimp

  • Dredge in Cornstarch: Pour the cornstarch into a shallow dish and coat each shrimp evenly. Shake off any extra starch to prevent excess buildup. This step helps create that signature crispy texture when fried.
  • Pro Tip: For an even crunchier bite, let the coated shrimp rest for about 5–10 minutes before frying. This allows the starch to better adhere to the shrimp for a perfect crisp.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

  • Heat the Oil: In a large skillet or frying pan, pour in enough oil to create a shallow layer (about ½ inch) and warm it over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop in a small piece of coated shrimp—if it sizzles and floats, it’s ready.
  • Fry to Perfection: Cook the shrimp in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry each side for about 2–3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked shrimp onto a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
  • Alternative Cooking Methods: Want a lighter option?
  • Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping them halfway.
  • Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket once for even crispiness.

Step 4: Make the Boom Boom Sauce

  • Blend the Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, garlic powder, honey, and lime juice. Stir vigorously until the sauce is velvety smooth and well combined.
  • Adjust to Taste: Sample the sauce and tweak it based on your preference. Want more heat? Add an extra squeeze of sriracha. Prefer a bit more sweetness? A touch more honey will do the trick.

Step 5: Toss and Serve

  • Coat the Shrimp: Transfer the crispy shrimp to a large bowl and drizzle the Boom Boom sauce over the top. Gently toss until each shrimp is lightly coated, ensuring they remain crispy.
  • Serve Immediately: Boom Boom Shrimp is best enjoyed fresh and hot! Serve it as an appetizer, over a bowl of rice, or alongside a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Pro Tips for the Best Results:

  • Extra Sauce, Extra Flavor: If you love dipping, double the sauce recipe and serve some on the side.
  • Keep the Crunch: To preserve the crispiness, toss the shrimp in the sauce right before serving.
  • Garnish for a Finishing Touch: Sprinkle with chopped green onions, sesame seeds, or a fresh squeeze of lime for added flavor and a pop of color.

Notes

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Fat: 16g
    • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 150mg
  • Sodium: 500mg
  • Carbohydrates: 22g
    • Fiber: 1g
    • Sugar: 8g
  • Protein: 22g
  • Vitamin D: 10% DV
  • Calcium: 6% DV
  • Iron: 8% DV
  • Potassium: 10% DV
Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.