This article provides a guide to making a keto-friendly version of Bang Bang Shrimp, a popular appetizer known for its crispy texture and sweet and spicy sauce. This recipe caters to those following a ketogenic diet by eliminating added sugar and using grain-free breading options.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
This Keto Bang Bang Shrimp recipe offers a way to enjoy a favorite takeout dish while staying in ketosis. It's a creative and easy-to-make recipe that delivers a mouthful of delight in every bite. The combination of the aromatic Bang Bang sauce and the crispy fried coating makes it a satisfying meal or appetizer.
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang bang fried shrimp is a popular appetizer. It consists of breaded shrimp fried until golden brown and served with a creamy, spicy, sweet sauce.
Ingredients
The main ingredients for this recipe include shrimp, breading, and Bang Bang sauce.
- Shrimp: Large or jumbo shrimp are recommended as they're less likely to overcook when fried. Frozen shrimp can be used after thawing. It is preferable to use already peeled and deveined shrimp to save time.
- Breading: Traditional Bang Bang Shrimp uses cornstarch for breading. This keto-friendly version uses alternatives like almond flour, parmesan cheese, or crushed pork rinds.
- Bang Bang Sauce: The sauce is a combination of mayonnaise, a chili sauce (like chili garlic sauce or Thai chili sauce), and sriracha for spice. Some variations include lime juice for added flavor. A keto-friendly sweetener can be added if a sweeter sauce is desired.
Making Keto Bang Bang Shrimp
Here are the steps to make Keto Bang Bang Shrimp:
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1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
The Bang Bang sauce can be prepared ahead of time. In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, Sriracha, Wasabi Coconut Aminos, garlic powder, and black pepper. If you want it to be spicier, add more sriracha. Set it aside.
2. Prepare the Shrimp
Dry the shrimp with a paper towel. If using frozen shrimp, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or submerge them in a bowl of cold water for 30 minutes. Peel and devein the shrimp if they aren't already.
3. Create the Breading Station
Prepare a breading station with the following:
- Egg Mixture: In one bowl, add one beaten egg.
- Dry Mixture: In another medium-sized bowl, combine almond flour, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed. Alternatively, you can use crushed pork rinds. For a finer breading, blend almond flour, Parmesan, salt, and pepper in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs. Transfer to a shallow bowl.
4. Bread the Shrimp
Coat each piece of shrimp in the egg mixture, then dredge it in the almond flour and parmesan mixture (or pork rind mixture) until evenly coated. Place the coated shrimp on a plate until all are coated.
5. Fry the Shrimp
In a large skillet, add 2 tablespoons of your favorite keto-friendly oil (like avocado oil or olive oil) and heat over medium-high heat. Once the oil is heated, add the shrimp and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side, or until the shrimp turns pink all the way through. Transfer the cooked shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
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6. Assemble and Serve
Toss the fried shrimp with the Bang Bang sauce. Serve immediately.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Air Fryer Method
- After prepping the shrimp, gently toss them in the pork rind mixture.
- Fry at 350F for about 15 minutes, shaking the air fryer basket halfway through.
- Alternatively, cook in the air fryer at 360F for 4 minutes, then turn up the temperature to 400F and cook for 4 more minutes.
Oven Method
- Lay the breaded shrimp on a lined sheet pan.
- Bake in a 400F oven for 10 minutes, then hi broil until they start to brown. Flip and broil for a few minutes more.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your favorite Asian-inspired sides along with this crispy keto Bang Bang Shrimp. Some suggestions include creamy keto Thai coconut soup, keto sushi rolls, or keto cauliflower fried rice.
Tips and Variations
- Make the sauce ahead of time: This will save time when you fry up this meal and it will give you another sauce to use in other recipes.
- Use your favorite keto-friendly oil for frying the shrimp: I used olive oil, but avocado oil is another fantastic choice.
- Buy deveined shrimp: This will save you quite a bit of time.
- Add Pepperjack Moon Cheese: Add Pepperjack Moon Cheese to this recipe for an extra flavor crunch.
- Use different proteins: You can use the same breading ingredients and Bang Bang sauce to coat pork chops, chicken strips, or even chicken legs. However, steak is not recommended.
Nutritional Information
A serving of Keto Bang Bang Shrimp contains approximately 3 grams of net carbs. Most of the carbs come from the breading and the sauce. The nutritional information can vary based on the exact products used.
Storage
Leftover shrimp can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For longer storage, you can freeze Bang Bang Shrimp. Fry them up, let them cool, and then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Place the baking sheet in the freezer. Once the shrimp is completely frozen, store it in a freezer-safe food storage bag and keep it in the freezer for up to 6 months.
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