Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

A delicious Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl is your new favorite dinner idea! This dish combines crunchy shrimp, a creamy sauce, and a variety of fresh add-ins over a bed of rice. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe stands out with its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 50 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Flavorful Sauce: The creamy Bang Bang sauce adds a delightful kick that elevates the dish.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste.
• Fresh and Colorful: The vibrant colors from fresh veggies make this bowl as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will enjoy the crunchy shrimp and tasty toppings!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowls (3 shallow)
• Slotted spoon
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Thermometer

Importance of Each Tool

• Cast iron skillet: Retains heat well, ensuring even cooking for crispy shrimp.
• Mixing bowls: Keeps ingredients organized while you prepare each component of the dish.

Ingredients

Here are all the ingredients you’ll need to create your Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl:

For the Sauce

• 1 cup mayo
• 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (sub Sriracha)
• 2 tablespoons Thai sweet chili sauce

For the Crunchy Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, (remove shell + tail)
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 large egg
• 1 1/4 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• avocado oil

For Serving

• 4 cups cooked rice of your choice
• 1 large avocado, sliced
• 1 cup edamame, shelled
• 1 cup carrot, julienned
• 1-2 cups English cucumber, sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 4 lime wedges

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth. Set aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare the Shrimp Coating Station

Add avocado oil to a cast iron skillet and heat on medium-high. Make sure shrimp are thawed with shells removed. Set up three shallow bowls:
1. In one bowl, add cornstarch.
2. In another bowl, whisk together almond milk, lemon juice, and egg.
3. In the final bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs with salt, pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.

Step 3: Coat the Shrimp

Line up the bowls in order. Take one shrimp at a time:
1. Toss in cornstarch until fully coated; shake off excess.
2. Dip in milk mixture until covered.
3. Finally, coat in panko mixture completely before placing on a plate.
Repeat until all shrimp are coated.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Heat oil in the skillet to 375 degrees F (use a thermometer). In batches:
– Add shrimp carefully into the hot oil.
– Cook for about 2-3 minutes total, flipping halfway through until golden brown and cooked through.
– Use a slotted spoon to transfer cooked shrimp onto a paper towel-lined plate.

Step 5: Toss with Sauce

Once all shrimp are cooked, place them in a large bowl and toss with half of the prepared sauce. Reserve remaining sauce for topping or dipping.

Step 6: Assemble Your Bowls

Divide rice among four bowls. Top each with sliced avocado, edamame, carrots, cucumber slices, and cooked shrimp. Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges before serving.

Enjoy your flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

Serving a Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl is all about presentation and flavor. With vibrant colors and textures, this dish can be customized to suit individual preferences. Here are some fun serving suggestions to elevate your meal.

Bowl Assembly

• Start with a base of rice for a hearty foundation.
• Layer on the shrimp, ensuring each bowl gets an equal share of the crispy goodness.

Garnishes

• Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color.
• Lime wedges not only look appealing but enhance the dish with zesty freshness.

Add-Ins

• Sliced avocado provides creaminess and healthy fats.
• Edamame adds protein, making the dish more filling.

Saucing Options

• Drizzle additional Bang Bang Sauce on top for extra flavor.
• Serve some sauce on the side for dipping, allowing everyone to customize their bowl.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

Creating the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl involves attention to detail and technique. Follow these tips for a delicious outcome.

• Use fresh shrimp: Fresh or properly thawed shrimp ensure the best texture and flavor in your dish.
• Maintain oil temperature: Keeping oil at 375 degrees F ensures that shrimp fry evenly and achieve that perfect crunch.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Fry shrimp in batches to maintain oil temperature and get evenly cooked, crispy shrimp.
• Experiment with toppings: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or radishes for added crunch and nutrition.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of chili garlic sauce according to your heat preference for an enjoyable meal.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl can enhance the overall dining experience. Here are some great options that complement your main dish beautifully.

1. Crispy Asian Slaw: A refreshing mix of cabbage, carrots, and sesame dressing adds crunch and balance.
2. Grilled Vegetable Skewers: Colorful skewers of zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms bring smoky flavors.
3. Miso Soup: This light soup offers umami richness that pairs well with shrimp flavors.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli adds a nutritious option without overwhelming flavors.
5. Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness complements the savory spices in the rice bowl.
6. Chilled Cucumber Salad: A tangy cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the warm rice bowl.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl, it’s easy to overlook certain details. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the sauce preparation: The sauce is essential for flavor. Always prepare it in advance and set it aside before cooking the shrimp.

• Not properly coating the shrimp: Ensure each shrimp is fully coated in cornstarch, milk mixture, and panko breadcrumbs. This step is crucial for achieving that crispy texture.

• Using incorrect oil temperature: Cooking shrimp at the wrong temperature can lead to soggy or burnt results. Use a thermometer to maintain the oil at 375°F for perfect frying.

• Overcrowding the skillet: Adding too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, causing uneven cooking. Fry in batches for optimal crispiness.

• Neglecting garnishes: Fresh cilantro and lime wedges add brightness and flavor. Don’t skip these toppings when serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• item Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
• item Consume within 2 days for best quality.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

• item The cooked shrimp can be frozen separately from other ingredients.
• item Use freezer-safe containers or bags; consume within 1 month for best taste.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place shrimp on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10 minutes until hot.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely with a lid, and heat in short bursts (30 seconds) until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, add a little oil, and sauté shrimp until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl?

A Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl features crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy spicy sauce served over rice with fresh veggies, creating a delicious one-bowl meal.

How do I make the sauce for my Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl?

To make the sauce, mix mayo, chili garlic sauce (or Sriracha), and Thai sweet chili sauce together until well combined. Set aside before preparing the shrimp.

Can I use different proteins instead of shrimp?

Yes! You can substitute shrimp with chicken, turkey, or even tofu if you’re looking for a different protein option in your rice bowl.

How can I customize my Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl?

Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas. You can also vary the rice type or use quinoa for added nutrition.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This recipe works great for meal prep as you can store components separately and assemble bowls when ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

The Bang Bang Shrimp Rice Bowl is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite veggies or proteins while still enjoying that signature crunchy texture and creamy sauce. Give this recipe a try—it’s perfect for an easy dinner or meal prep!