Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

The Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich is a delightful twist on a classic favorite, perfect for any occasion—be it a casual family dinner or a festive gathering with friends. This dish brings together crispy shrimp with a spicy kick, all nestled in soft sub buns and topped with fresh veggies. The combination of flavors and textures makes this sandwich truly irresistible, while the ease of preparation ensures you can whip it up quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Incredible Flavor: The unique bang bang sauce adds a bold and zesty taste that elevates the shrimp to new heights.
• Quick Preparation: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this sandwich is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out the shrimp for other proteins if desired, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this fun and flavorful sandwich, making it a hit at the dinner table.
• Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or sauces to personalize each sandwich!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make everything run smoothly.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Frying pan: Ensures even cooking while achieving that perfect crispy texture on the shrimp.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients easily without any mess.
• Whisk: Great for blending sauces and marinades thoroughly for maximum flavor.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely flipping and removing the hot shrimp from the oil.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp

• 1 pound shrimp (deveined with shells removed (about 21-26 shrimp))
• 2 teaspoons mustard
• 2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 egg beaten
• Vegetable oil for frying

For the Sandwich

• 1 pack of soft white sub buns
• 1 head butter lettuce
• 2 tomatoes off the vine

For the Breading and Sauce

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 cup mayo
• 1 tablespoon sweet chili sauce
• 1 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 tablespoon rice grape juice vinegar

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: bang bang shrimp, bang bang shrimp recipe, easy shrimp recipe, fried shrimp recipe, po boy recipe

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

Begin by rinsing your deveined shrimp under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Make the Breading Mixture

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, lemon pepper, garlic powder, seasoned salt, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix well until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

In another bowl, whisk together mustard, hot sauce, and beaten egg. Dip each shrimp into this mixture first, then coat it in the flour mixture. Ensure they are fully covered.

Step 4: Heat the Oil

Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan generously.

Step 5: Fry the Shrimp

Once the oil is hot (test by dropping in a small piece of batter), carefully place coated shrimp into the pan. Fry until golden brown on both sides (about 2-3 minutes per side). Remove them with tongs and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 6: Prepare Your Sauce

In a clean mixing bowl, combine mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice grape juice vinegar. Stir until smooth.

Step 7: Assemble Your Sandwich

Spread a generous amount of sauce on each sub bun. Layer with butter lettuce and sliced tomatoes before adding your crispy fried shrimp. Drizzle more sauce on top if desired.

Step 8: Serve Immediately

Enjoy your delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich while it’s still warm!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

The Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich is a delightful dish that combines crispy shrimp with fresh toppings, all nestled in a soft bun. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your sandwich game.

Fresh Toppings

• Butter Lettuce: Use crisp leaves for a refreshing crunch.
• Sliced Tomatoes: Juicy vine-ripened tomatoes add sweetness and moisture.

Sauce Options

• Spicy Mayo: A mix of mayo and sriracha for extra heat.
• Sweet Chili Drizzle: Adds a touch of sweetness that balances the spice.

Accompaniments

• Pickles: Add tangy slices for an extra flavor punch.
• Coleslaw: A crunchy side that complements the sandwich perfectly.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

Creating the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich comes down to a few key techniques. Follow these tips to ensure your sandwich is top-notch.

• Bold seasoning: Use the right blend of spices for the shrimp to enhance their flavor.
• Proper frying temperature: Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Fresh ingredients: Always use fresh vegetables and buns for the best taste.
• Layer smartly: Start with sauce on the bottom, followed by shrimp, then toppings, for optimal flavor distribution.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

Pairing your Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy with the right side dishes can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Crispy French Fries: Golden fries seasoned with salt complement the sandwich’s flavors perfectly.
2. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad adds a rich texture and balances the spice of the shrimp.
3. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn adds sweetness and crunch to your plate.
4. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread offers a savory addition that pairs beautifully with seafood.
5. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy chips served with fresh salsa provide a refreshing contrast.
6. Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette will cleanse your palate between bites of that flavorful sandwich.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich, it’s easy to stumble upon common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to avoid for a perfect sandwich.

• Bold seasoning mistakes: Not seasoning the shrimp properly can lead to bland flavors. Ensure you use the right mix of spices for a tasty result.
• Bold overcooking the shrimp: Cooking shrimp too long can make them rubbery. Fry them just until they’re pink and opaque for the best texture.
• Bold using stale bread: Old or stale buns will ruin your sandwich’s experience. Always choose fresh, soft sub rolls for that perfect bite.
• Bold skipping the sauce: The sauce is essential for flavor! Don’t skip it; mix it well and adjust to your taste before adding it to your sandwich.
• Bold overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, leading to soggy shrimp. Fry in batches for crispy results.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months before baking.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake wrapped in foil for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power in 30-second intervals until warm. Be mindful not to overcook.
• Stovetop: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, flipping occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich?

A Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich features crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce served on soft bread with fresh toppings.

Can I use chicken instead of shrimp?

Yes! Chicken can be used as an alternative. Simply adjust cooking times accordingly, ensuring it’s fully cooked through.

How do I customize my Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich?

You can add different toppings like avocado, pickles, or various greens to suit your taste preferences.

What sides pair well with a Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich?

Consider serving with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a light salad for a complete meal experience.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich is not just delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite toppings and sauces. Try this recipe today and enjoy a delightful blend of flavors and textures!

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