Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

The Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich is a delightful dish that combines crispy shrimp with a spicy, creamy sauce, all snugly nestled in a soft sub bun. This sandwich is perfect for game day, a casual lunch, or even a fun dinner. Its unique blend of flavors and textures makes it a standout choice for any occasion. Plus, you can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy Preparation: With just 30 minutes of total time, this recipe is simple enough for anyone to master.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of spices and sauces creates a mouthwatering taste that will keep you coming back for more.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect as a main course or as part of a picnic spread, this sandwich caters to various dining situations.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, its bold flavors will impress family and friends alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your kitchen essentials. Having the right tools on hand makes preparation smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Deep frying pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Tongs
• Knife

Why These Tools Matter

• Deep frying pan: Allows for even cooking and crisping of the shrimp.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for combining ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Helps in achieving a smooth sauce consistency.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping shrimp while frying without damaging them.

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

Start by seasoning the shrimp. In a mixing bowl, combine mustard and hot sauce. Add the deveined shrimp and toss until well coated.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

Prepare three bowls: one with beaten egg, one with seasoned flour (mix flour with lemon pepper, garlic powder, seasoned salt, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper), and one empty bowl for holding coated shrimp.

Step 3: Bread the Shrimp

Coat each shrimp first in flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash before returning to the flour mixture. Ensure they are well coated.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Heat vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot (test by dropping in a small piece of bread; it should sizzle), carefully add the breaded shrimp in batches. Fry until golden brown (about 3-4 minutes). Remove and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Make Bang Bang Sauce

In another mixing bowl, whisk together mayo, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice grape juice vinegar until smooth. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Step 6: Assemble Your Po’ Boy

Slice open each sub bun. Layer with butter lettuce and slices of tomato. Add fried shrimp generously on top followed by drizzling with Bang Bang sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve your sandwiches immediately while hot for best flavor experience!

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

Serving a Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich is all about enhancing its delicious flavors and textures. These sandwiches can be enjoyed in various ways that complement their spicy and creamy nature.

Classic Serving

• With Pickles: Add tangy pickles for an extra crunch and flavor contrast.
• Extra Hot Sauce: For those who love heat, serve with additional hot sauce on the side.

Fresh Toppings

• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and balances the spiciness.
• Coleslaw: A side of coleslaw provides a crunchy, refreshing texture, enhancing the sandwich’s overall appeal.

Fun Dips

• Garlic Aioli: Offer garlic aioli as a dip for added creamy goodness.
• Spicy Mayo: A mix of mayo and sriracha gives an extra kick and pairs well with the shrimp.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

Creating the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp provide better flavor and texture than frozen options.
• Control Oil Temperature: Ensure your frying oil is hot enough; this way, the shrimp will be crispy rather than greasy.
• Season the Flour Well: Properly seasoning the flour ensures every bite is flavorful.
• Crisp Lettuce: Use fresh, crisp butter lettuce for added crunch and freshness in each sandwich.
• Customize Sauce Levels: Adjust the amount of sriracha or sweet chili sauce to fit your preferred spice level.
• Serve Immediately: For the best experience, serve these sandwiches right after assembling them to maintain their crunchiness.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

Pairing sides with your Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich can enhance your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement its flavors perfectly.

1. French Fries: Crispy fries are a classic choice that pairs well with any sandwich.
2. Sweet Potato Wedges: These provide a sweet contrast to the spicy shrimp and are easy to bake or fry.
3. Onion Rings: Crunchy onion rings add a nice texture and flavor that complements the sandwich wonderfully.
4. Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad brings sweetness and a bit of crunch alongside your meal.
5. Vegetable Chips: Lightly salted vegetable chips make for a healthy, crispy side option.
6. Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers a refreshing palate cleanser after each spicy bite of your sandwich.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few tips to help you nail this delicious dish.

• Skipping the marinade: Not marinating the shrimp can result in bland flavors. Allow the shrimp to soak in the mustard and hot sauce mixture for at least 15 minutes before cooking.
• Overcrowding the frying pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lead to uneven cooking. Fry in small batches to ensure each piece is crispy and perfectly cooked.
• Not drying the shrimp: If you skip drying the shrimp after rinsing, they won’t get crispy when fried. Pat them dry with paper towels before coating.
• Using stale buns: Freshness matters! Always use soft, fresh sub buns for the best texture and taste.
• Neglecting seasoning: Forgetting to season your flour mixture can leave your shrimp lacking flavor. Don’t skip adding spices like garlic powder and seasoned salt.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich in an airtight container.
• It will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

• For long-term storage, wrap individual sandwiches tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 1 month for best quality.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the sandwich in foil and bake for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in short intervals until warm, about 1-2 minutes total.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat, place the sandwich in, and cover. Heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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 spicy mayonnaise sauce, served on a soft sub bun with fresh lettuce and tomatoes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute regular flour with gluten-free flour, ensuring all other ingredients are also gluten-free.

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

Feel free to add toppings like avocado, pickles, or different sauces based on your preferences!

What sides pair well with this sandwich?

Consider serving it with coleslaw, sweet potato fries, or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

The Bang Bang Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it according to your taste by adding various toppings or adjusting spice levels. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe at home; it’s sure to impress family and friends!