Bang Bang Shrimp Bites: A Crispy Delight with a Spicy Kick

Ingredients

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• to taste salt and pepper
• as needed oil for frying
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• as needed fresh green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Begin by marinating the shrimp in buttermilk for about 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor them.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper.
3. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
4. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Dredge each shrimp in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
6. Dip the floured shrimp back into the buttermilk and then coat thoroughly with panko breadcrumbs.
7. Heat about 2 inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat.
8. Fry the shrimp in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9. For the Bang Bang Sauce, mix the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and lime juice in a bowl until smooth and well blended.
10. Serve the crispy shrimp hot, drizzled with the Bang Bang sauce and garnished with fresh green onions.