It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like….

If you’ve been called on to pony up an appetizer or two this holiday season here are three tasty treats that are sure to please. Each offers a unique taste profile and they all have three fundamental things in common to all. Each contains Shrimp & Sriracha and they all leave you feeling glad all over. Our three appetizers are “Before It Was Famous Bang Bang Shrimp, Firecracker Shrimp and Spicy Tamarind Ginger Shrimp.

The Dishes

“Before It Was Famous” Bang Bang Shrimp

Bonefish Grill & The Cheesecake Factory have made their respective Bang Bang Shrimp recipe’s the gold standard of shrimp appetizers for over fifteen years. Alas, neither organization is transparent when it comes to sharing of the recipes:) We are left to concoct something of our own then in an attempt to get close to the originals.

With this recipe I set to do two things; blend the best of each of the originals approaches in an easy to create experience. There are only four things you need to do to pull this one together: Dredge, Bread, Fry & Sauce. That’s it.

The Shrimp

Prepare 1lb of shrimp, shelled, tails removed and deveined. Rinse, pat dry and set aside in the refrigerator.

The Dredge

3/4 Cup – Flour

1/2 Cup – Corn Starch

1 – Egg

1 Cup – Buttermilk

1 Tsp – White Pepper

2 Tbsp – Sriracha

• Whisk ingredients together in a large bowl

The Breading

1 Cup – Panko

1/2 Tsp – Onion Powder

1/2 Tsp – Garlic Pawder

1/2 Tsp – Salt

1/2 Tsp – White Pepper

1/2 Tsp – Dried Basil

1/2 Tsp – Dried Oregano

• Mix ingredients together in a large bowl

The Frying

1 skillet w/sufficient oil for pan frying

The Sauce

1/2 Cup – Mayonaise

1/4 Cup – Sweet Chili Dipping Sauce

2 Tbsp – Sriracha

2 Tsp – Rice Vinegar

Dash – Hot Chile Powder (I use Dust O’ Death)

Dash – White Pepper

• Mix ingredients together and set aside – keep cool

Instructions

Heat oil to 375 (med-hi) in a heavy skillet. When heated, one at a time, drag shrimp through the dredge, coat thoroughly with breading and drop into the hot oil. Fry in batches of 6-8 at a time, flipping the shrimps over once for a total of 2 minutes cooking time or until they reach a golden brown. Be careful not to overcook.

When all of the shrimp are cooked and while still warm, toss in the sauce and top with sliced green onion.

Firecracker Shrimp

Attribution & inspiration for this dish goes to the incredible Ree Drummond (Pioneer Woman). I lifted this one whole adding only one ingredient…. Dust O’ Death hot chile powder. This is a family fave and so quick and easy to put to together that it is perfect for a holiday appetizer.

The Shrimp

Prepare 1lb of shrimp, shelled, tails removed and deveined. Rinse, pat dry and set aside in the refrigerator.

The Sauce

2 Tbsp – Sriracha

2 Tbsp – Olive Oil

1-3 Cloves – Garlic

Solid Pinch – Dried Chile powder (I use Dust O’ Death)

Dash – White Pepper

Pinch – Sugar

• Mix ingredients together and set aside – keep cool

Instructions

Mix the sauce and the shrimp. Let set for 5 minutes. Pour off excess sauce. Flash cook the shrimp in a saute pan for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve. Easy!

Spicy Tamarind Ginger Shrimp

This shrimpy delight came straight out of our kitchen. I am always looking for a SE Asian take on things and with a plethora of ingredients at hand, this is what we came up with. Tamarind (available at your local oriental market) imparts a tart flavor, mellowed by the sugar and accented by the ginger and fish sauce (also available at your local oriental grocer). Hot chiles top this off to deliver a shrimp dish your friends and family will not soon forget.

The Sauce

1/3 Cup – Tamarind Concentrate

2 Tbsp – Sriracha

1 Tbsp – Fish Sauce

1 Tbsp – Grated Ginger

Dash – White Pepper

Dash – Cardamom

2-3 Chopped – Hot Chile Peppers

• Mix ingredients (leave the chiles aside for now) together and set aside – keep cool

Instructions

Mix the sauce and the shrimp. Let set for 5 minutes. Pour off excess sauce. Flash cook the shrimp in a saute pan for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, add chopped fresh hot chiles and serve. Easy!

And, there you have it. Three delightful and easy to prepare appetizers fit for any holiday occasion.

Tight lines, Merry Christmas and may the shrimp be with you….:)