Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl
This Bang Bang Shrimp Bowl combines crispy shrimp with a creamy, spicy sauce and fresh vegetables, delivering restaurant-quality flavors in a fraction of the time and cost. Perfect for busy weekdays or meal prep Sundays, this bowl packs protein, vegetables, and complex carbs into one perfectly balanced meal that's ready in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Mixing Bowls
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound large shrimp peeled and deveined
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise can substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon lime juice
For the Bowl Base
- 2 cups jasmine rice cooked (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb option)
- 2 cups lettuce shredded
- 1 cucumber thinly sliced
- 1 carrot julienned or grated
- 1 avocado sliced
- 2 green onions thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro chopped
- lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, toss the shrimp with cornstarch, salt, and pepper until evenly coated. The cornstarch creates that perfect crispy exterior that's essential for authentic bang bang shrimp. Make sure each piece is well-coated but shake off any excess to prevent clumping during cooking.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering but not smoking, add the shrimp in a single layer (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and slightly crisp on the edges. The shrimp should have a beautiful golden color – this indicates they'll have that perfect texture contrast with the creamy sauce.
- While the shrimp is cooking, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and lime juice in a small bowl. Taste and adjust the heat level by adding more sriracha if desired. The sauce should have a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, tangy, and spicy elements that make bang bang sauce so irresistible.
- Divide the rice among four bowls, creating a base layer. Arrange the lettuce, cucumber, carrot, and avocado around the rice. The colorful arrangement isn't just Instagram-worthy – it also ensures you get a good variety of nutrients and textures in each bite.
- Place the crispy shrimp on top of each bowl and drizzle generously with the bang bang sauce. The warm shrimp will slightly melt the sauce, creating a delicious coating that infuses flavor throughout the bowl.
- Sprinkle green onions and cilantro over each bowl. Serve with lime wedges on the side for an extra punch of freshness. A final squeeze of lime juice just before eating brings all the flavors together brilliantly.
Notes
- Store assembled bowls without sauce for up to 3 days in airtight containers
- Keep the sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- For meal prep, prepare all components except avocado and store separately
- The shrimp is best enjoyed within 2 days but will keep for up to 3 days
- Don't overcook the shrimp: They'll continue cooking slightly after removal from heat
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice
- Keep the sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 5 days
- For meal prep, prepare all components except avocado and store separately
- The shrimp is best enjoyed within 2 days but will keep for up to 3 days
- Don't overcook the shrimp: They'll continue cooking slightly after removal from heat
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and cauliflower rice instead of jasmine rice
Nutrition
Calories: 420kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 28gFat: 18gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 680mgFiber: 6gSugar: 5g
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