Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer found on many restaurant menus. It features crispy breaded shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy mayonnaise-based Bang Bang sauce. With its crunchy texture and bold, Asian-inspired flavors, Bang Bang Shrimp makes a great starter for a variety of meals. But what should you serve alongside or after this tasty appetizer? Here are some delicious options to consider when planning a meal featuring Bang Bang Shrimp.
What is Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp consists of shrimp that is battered and fried, then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. The breaded shrimp provide a satisfying crunch, while the sauce delivers a balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Though there are many variations, a typical Bang Bang sauce contains mayonnaise, sriracha, brown sugar, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and other ingredients to create its signature taste. The name comes from the Sichuan province of China, where “Bang Bang” refers to the sensations of numbing heat alternating with sweet. This appetizer was popularized by restaurants in the United States in the 1990s. Crispy, saucy Bang Bang Shrimp has become a favorite starter, though it can also stand alone as a light entrée.
What Goes Well Before Bang Bang Shrimp
While Bang Bang Shrimp shines as an appetizer, it’s tasty enough to be the main attraction. If you want to start your meal with something a bit lighter to complement the Bang Bang Shrimp:
Salads
A fresh salad is a perfect opening act for indulgent Bang Bang Shrimp. The greens and vegetables provide a nice crisp, bright contrast to the fried shrimp. Opt for a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette, or get creative with spinach salad, Caprese salad, kale salad, or other fresh options. Salads with citrus flavors, like orange slices or a citrus dressing, pair especially nicely.
Light Soups
Another ideal starter before Bang Bang Shrimp is a broth-based soup. Chicken noodle, won ton, egg drop soup, or hot and sour soup would perfectly whet the appetite. The light, comforting broth prepares the palate for the assertive flavors of the Bang Bang Shrimp.
Fresh Vegetable Crudités
For a lighter start, begin with a platter of fresh vegetables for dipping. Carrots, celery, cucumber, bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini are all tasty options. Serve with hummus, ranch dressing, or another dip for a nice crunch. The veggies help balance the rich shrimp.
What Goes Well with Bang Bang Shrimp
While it can be a meal on its own, Bang Bang Shrimp also pairs wonderfully with several side dishes when served as an appetizer. Consider one of these options to accompany your Bang Bang Shrimp:
Rice
You can never go wrong pairing seafood and rice. The starchy mildness of rice balances the spicy shrimp. Jasmine rice, brown rice, coconut rice, or fried rice are particularly good options. Rice helps soak up the bold Bang Bang sauce.
Noodles
Slurping down noodles alongside crispy Bang Bang Shrimp is deeply satisfying. Lo mein, pad thai, udon noodles, or ramen all make excellent pairings. The sweet and spicy shrimp flavor jazzes up a big bowl of noodles.
Fresh Vegetables
Fresh veggies like stir-fried broccoli, sautéed snap peas, or bok choy complement Bang Bang Shrimp’s richness. They provide color and additional nutrition to balance the fried shrimp. Steam or lightly cook the vegetables to retain their crunch.
Bread
Crunchy bread or rolls let you soak up all that flavorful Bang Bang sauce. Garlic bread, biscuits, or even simple bread sticks hit the spot. The starch and shrimp make a tasty one-two punch.
| Side Dish | Pairing Notes |
|---|---|
| Rice | Soaks up sauce, balances spice |
| Noodles | Absorbs flavor, satisfying contrast |
| Fresh Vegetables | Adds color and nutrition |
| Bread | Soaks up sauce, provides crunch |
What are Good Drinks with Bang Bang Shrimp?
Bang Bang Shrimp packs some heat, so you’ll want something refreshing to drink alongside it.Here are some beverage ideas that complement this appetizer well:
Beer
A light, crisp beer is the classic pairing for breaded shrimp. Go for lagers, pilsners, or wheat beers. The carbonation and mild bitterness help tame the spice. Try Tsingtao, Corona, or Blue Moon.
Wine
White wine is another excellent match for Bang Bang Shrimp. A bright, citrusy Sauvignon Blanc or a floral Riesling both work well. The acidity cuts through the rich sauce nicely.
Cocktails
If you want something stronger, make fruity cocktails like a margarita, mai tai, or Hurricane. Drinks with orange or pineapple juice help counter the heat. A ginger ale and vodka is another good call.
Tea
For alcohol-free options, brew up some iced tea. Sweet tea, peach tea, or Thai tea all make refreshing partners for spicy shrimp. The sweetness balances out the heat nicely.
Lemonade
A tart, lemony drink like fresh lemonade goes great with seafood. For an adult spin, add vodka or white rum to your lemonade. The citrus cuts through the richness perfectly.
Soda
Sometimes you just want something fizzy and sweet, making soda an ideal beverage for Bang Bang Shrimp. Root beer, cream soda, or ginger ale are all good choices.
What are Good Desserts to Follow Bang Bang Shrimp?
After the spicy, indulgent Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer, you’ll want a refreshing dessert to cleanse your palate. Here are some sweet treats that make perfect endings to this meal:
Sorbet
The cool, fruity flavors of sorbet provide the ideal contrast to rich, spicy Bang Bang Shrimp. Mango, raspberry, lemon, and passionfruit are all light, citrusy choices. Sorbet cools your mouth after the heat.
Ice Cream
Creamy ice cream is the classic dessert for toning down spices. Vanilla, chocolate, or cookies and cream all work nicely. Top your scoops with crumbled cookies or chocolate sauce. The cold sweetness balances the shrimp.
Fruit Salad
Fresh fruit makes a bright, healthy dessert after heavier appetizers. Mix chopped pineapple, mango, berries, kiwi, orange segments, and other fruits. The natural sugars and acidity cut the heat.
Panna Cotta
This chilled Italian custard has a luxurious creamy texture that’s perfect following shrimp. Make it with sweetened cream and gelatin, flavored with vanilla, almond extract, or fruit purees. It provides rich decadence after the spicy starter.
Yogurt Parfaits
For a healthier, satisfying sweet, alternate layers of yogurt with fresh fruit and granola. The tangy, cooling yogurt and sweet fruits like bananas, strawberries, or blueberries make a perfect palate cleanser.
Full Meal Ideas with Bang Bang Shrimp
If you want to build an entire meal around beloved Bang Bang Shrimp, here are some delicious full menu ideas:
Asian Fusion Feast
– Miso Soup
– Bang Bang Shrimp
– Vegetable Fried Rice
– Thai Iced Tea
Starting with miso soup, then moving on to the Thai-inspired Bang Bang Shrimp over fried rice keeps the Asian theme. Sweet Thai tea balances the spices.
Surf and Turf
– Caesar Salad
– Bang Bang Shrimp
– Steak
– Loaded Baked Potato
– Beer
The salad starts things off lightly before enjoying shrimp and steak together. The starchy baked potato and a crisp beer complement the duo nicely.
Low Country Boil
– Corn on the Cob
– Bang Bang Shrimp
– Red Beans and Rice
– Peach Cobbler
– Sweet Tea
For Southern flavors, serve Bang Bang Shrimp alongside classic boiled corn, red beans and rice. Peach cobbler and sweet tea round out the down-home menu.
Taco Tuesday
– Guacamole & Chips
– Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
– Spanish Rice
– Churros
– Margaritas
For a fun taco night, put Bang Bang Shrimp in soft tacos with all the fixings. Guacamole, rice, churros, and margaritas make it a fiesta.
Mediterranean Dinner
– Hummus & Pita Bread
– Bang Bang Shrimp
– Roasted Vegetables
– Baklava
– White Wine
Hummus, shrimp, veggies, baklava, and wine create a flavorful Greek-inspired meal. The yogurt in the hummus and baklava cools the palate.
Tips for Serving Bang Bang Shrimp
To get the most out of this tasty appetizer, keep these serving tips in mind:
– Serve Bang Bang Shrimp hot and fresh from the fryer for maximum crunch. Letting it sit will cause the crispy coating to soften.
– Provide plenty of napkins, as the sauce can get messy. Wet wipes can also help clean up sauce-covered fingers.
– Accompany the shrimp with lemon or lime wedges to squeeze over for a little extra flavor and freshness.
– For convenience, the shrimp can be fried earlier in the day, then tossed in sauce right before serving. Just fry until the coating is crispy, then sauce and serve.
– If reheating leftovers, do so in a hot oven rather than the microwave to preserve the delicate crunch.
– Add extra sauce on the side for dipping or pouring over rice. The sauce is so addictive, people will want more.
– Adjust the amount of sriracha in the Bang Bang sauce to control the heat level. More gives it extra kick.
– Skewers make it easier for guests to eat the shrimp without utensils. Provide picks along with forks.
Conclusion
With its irresistible flavor and crunchy appeal, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to wow guests. Complement this crowd-pleasing appetizer with bright, fresh salads, rice, noodles, or bread to balance the textures and flavors. Cool, fruity drinks and desserts help tame the heat. Building a full meal around this shrimp is easy with sides that pick up on global flavors from Asian to Southern cuisine. However you choose to serve it, Bang Bang Shrimp is sure to bring excitement to any menu.