Boom Boom Shrimp

crispy, golden-brown shrimp dripping with a sauce so irresistible, you’ll want to lick your fingers clean. That’s boom boom shrimp for you – the appetizer that’s taking social media by storm. As someone who’s spent countless hours perfecting this recipe (and maybe eating a few too many test batches), I’m here to share everything you need to know about this addictive dish.

What Is Boom Boom Shrimp?

Boom boom shrimp is a modern twist on fried shrimp that combines crispy, panko-breaded shrimp with a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce. Think of it as the perfect marriage between comfort food and bold flavors. The dish gets its playful name from the “explosive” flavor combination that hits your taste buds – sweet, spicy, and tangy all at once.

The Origin Story

While similar to bang bang shrimp popularized by certain restaurant chains, boom boom shrimp has evolved into its own distinct dish, characterized by a unique sauce profile that leans more towards sweet heat rather than pure spiciness.

The Perfect Boom Boom Sauce

The heart and soul of this dish lies in its signature sauce. Here’s what makes it special:

Key Ingredients:

• Mayo base for creaminess
• Sweet chili sauce for that perfect sweet-heat balance
• Sriracha for an extra kick
• Honey for natural sweetness
• Garlic powder for depth
• A touch of lime for brightness

Customization Options:

• Adjust the heat level by varying the sriracha
• Make it tangier with extra lime
• Add garlic for more punch
• Experiment with different hot sauces

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound large shrimp (21-25 count), peeled and deveined
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 large eggs
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Boom Boom Sauce:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
• 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

Prepare the Sauce (Make Ahead):

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, garlic powder, and lime juice
2. Taste and adjust seasonings
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld Time: 5 minutes + 30 minutes resting

Prepare the Shrimp:

1. Pat shrimp completely dry with paper towels
2. Remove tails if desired (I recommend it for easier eating)
3. Season shrimp lightly with salt and pepper Time: 5-7 minutes

Set Up Breading Station:

1. First bowl: Mix flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
2. Second bowl: Beat eggs until well combined
3. Third bowl: Pour in panko breadcrumbs Time: 3-4 minutes

Bread the Shrimp:

1. Working one at a time:
   • Dredge shrimp in seasoned flour, shaking off excess
   • Dip in beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off
   • Roll in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere
2. Place breaded shrimp on a clean plate or baking sheet Time: 15-20 minutes for all shrimp

Frying Instructions:

1. Heat oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C)
   • Oil should be about 2 inches deep
   • Use a thermometer to maintain temperature
2. Working in batches of 6-8 shrimp:
   • Carefully add breaded shrimp to hot oil
   • Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown
   • Turn halfway through for even cooking
3. Remove to paper towel-lined plate
4. Maintain oil temperature between batches Time: 15-20 minutes total for all batches

Air Fryer Alternative:

1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
2. Spray breaded shrimp with oil spray
3. Cook in single layer for 5-6 minutes
4. Flip halfway through cooking Time: 12-15 minutes total for all batches

Final Assembly:

• Serve immediately while hot and crispy Time: 2-3 minutes
• Transfer fried shrimp to serving plate
• Drizzle generously with boom boom sauce
• Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds (optional)

Temperature Guidelines:

• Oil Temperature: Maintain at 350°F (175°C)
• Safe Internal Temperature for Shrimp: 145°F (63°C)
• Storage Temperature: Refrigerate leftovers below 40°F (4°C)

Pro Tips for Perfect Results:

1. Pat shrimp completely dry before breading
2. Use one hand for wet ingredients and one for dry to avoid clumpy fingers
3. Don’t overcrowd your frying pan
4. Make the sauce ahead for better flavor development

Common Questions Answered

Is Boom Boom Shrimp Spicy?

While the dish does pack some heat, it’s more of a sweet-spicy balance that most people find pleasantly warm rather than overwhelming. You can easily adjust the spice level to your preference.

How Healthy Is Boom Boom Shrimp?

While not a low-calorie dish, it can be made healthier by:

• Air frying instead of deep frying
• Using light mayo in the sauce
• Serving with a side salad
• Opting for larger, fewer shrimp instead of many small ones

What to Serve with Boom Boom Shrimp?

Perfect pairings include:

• Asian slaw
• Steamed rice
• Crispy noodles

Variations and Inspirations

• Try our Panko Fried Shrimp for a classic take
• Love pasta? Check out our Marry Me Shrimp Pasta
• For a Cajun twist, explore our Shrimp Jambalaya Recipe

Whether you’re planning a party appetizer or craving a special dinner, boom boom shrimp delivers on all fronts. The combination of crispy shrimp and that addictive sauce creates a dish that’s simply impossible to resist.

Ready to make your own boom boom shrimp? Share your creations with us using #BoomBoomShrimpSuccess, and don’t forget to check out our complete collection of seafood recipes for more inspiration!