Bang Bang Shrimp

Shrimp is my absolute favorite seafood.  It's such a versatile ingredient, and it's so tasty no matter how it's cooked. 

Whenever I go to a restaurant, I always look for a yummy shrimp dish.  When bang bang shrimp is on the menu, I'll almost certainly order it.  There's something about battered, crispy fried shrimp smothered in a spicy and creamy Asian sauce that I simply can't resist!

This recipe is a copycat for Cheesecake Factory's bang bang shrimp.  I must say that it tastes nearly identical, and it's much cheaper to make yourself!  You can fry these babies up in half an hour.  Serve with a glass of sweet Moscato to balance out the spiciness of the dish.

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled, deveined
• 2 cups cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon creole seasoning
• cooking oil to saute
• green onions to garnish

• 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup light mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup Asian chili sauce
• 2 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Asian chili paste
• 2 tablespoons Asian chili oil
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Rinse, peel, and devein shrimp.  Leave tail on shrimp if desired.
2. Mix bang bang sauce ingredients and set aside. Add about 1/2 cup of sauce to shrimp and marinate for about 10 minutes.
3. Mix cornstarch and creole seasoning and set aside.
4. Place around 3 tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Coat shrimp in cornstarch, dusting off excess.
5. Cook shrimp in two batches in oil for about 3 minutes per side. Remove from oil place on paper napkin. Add more oil to pan if needed. Add shrimp back to pan and pour sauce over the shrimp.
6. Serve immediately; garnish with green onions if desired.

Originally posted at: Lafayette Real Estate News