Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp

If you’re looking for a taste of the sea in the comfort of your own home, these Spicy Bang Bang Shrimp are for you! This nightshade free recipe features golden, crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce. It’s also a synch to put together!

You can serve these any night of the week. They also make great appetizers for entertaining. I’ll show you how to get your wild caught shrimp nice and crispy using tapioca starch. I’ll also show you how to make a creamy, dairy free Bang Bang Shrimp sauce. Did I mention it’s AIP-friendly and The Myers Way® approved?

Crispy Shrimp

Shrimp is a low calorie food that’s rich in nutrients. These crustaceans belong to the same  family as crab and lobster. Shrimp also falls into the category of shellfish.

In addition to being delicious, shrimp is an excellent source of lean protein. You need protein for muscle and tissue repair. Shrimp is also a source of selenium. Selenium is a mineral that may help promote heart health and reduce inflammation. Shrimp also contains iodine. Iodine is important to optimal thyroid function. It also promotes brain health. 

As if that wasn’t enough, shrimp is high in omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3s can help lower blood pressure, reduce triglyceride levels, and increase ‘good’ HDL cholesterol¹

When selecting your shrimp, always look for wild caught. Wild caught shrimp are more nutritious because of their more natural diets. Farm-raised shrimp are typically raised on pellets made with fish and soybean meal. In addition, many farms use antibiotics to keep disease at bay² These antibiotics can then transfer to you as you eat them. Wild caught shrimp also taste better!

Tapioca Starch

Many recipes use a flour coating to give crispy shrimp that famous crunch. Since wheat flour contains gluten, I use tapioca starch instead. Tapioca starch is a star ingredient in this Bang Bang Shrimp recipe. If you’re battling Candida or other gut health issues, the idea of using starch may concern you. Rest assured that you only need a little bit to coat the shrimp and create the bang bang sauce.

Tapioca starch comes from the root of the cassava plant. That said, it’s not the same as cassava flour. It is a great, gluten-free alternative to wheat and other grains. Tapioca starch is also a good alternative to cornstarch. In fact, you can use it to help thicken sauces, soups, and desserts.

The shrimp gets a perfect coating, which gives it that crispy shrimp texture. Additionally, the tapioca starch helps absorb any extra moisture. That means you don’t need to cook them in a heavy layer of bread. You also don’t have to fry them in inflammatory oils.

This nightshade free recipe also uses freshly grated garlic and sea salt. Add a pinch of ground black pepper to give it your shrimp exceptional flavor!

Bang Bang Sauce

This spicy Bang Bang sauce is the perfect for those following The Myers Way® lifestyle because it is dairy-free, gluten-free, and nightshade free. Don’t let that fool you, though, because it’s full of flavor! The secret to maintaining a creamy texture lies in the coconut milk. Coconut milk is high in antioxidants and electrolytes such as magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus³ Electrolytes help maintain healthy muscles, bones, and teeth. They also support the immune system and keep you hydrated. 

Unsweetened coconut milk has a naturally tangy flavor. This makes it an excellent alternative to dairy milk products in many creamy sauces. I also use a tablespoon of tapioca starch to help thicken the sauce. This helps it stick to the crispy shrimp.

Traditional Bang Bang Shrimp recipes include peppers and other nightshades. These vegetables can cause discomfort and inflammation in some people. This nightshade free recipe uses horseradish, garlic, lime juice, and salt. It’s a delightful combination of spices and flavor that gives this Bang Bang Shrimp a zesty zing!

Horseradish is a nightshade free ingredient that adds the right hint of heat to your recipe. I used grated horseradish and whisked it into the coconut milk along with finely grated garlic. 

You can find grated horseradish in many stores. Make sure it doesn’t contain any nasty additives such as sugar, cornstarch, or even egg yolks. 

Alternatively, you can grate a small piece of horseradish root and use it for this recipe, similar to how you would grate a piece of ginger.

How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp

Take your wild caught shrimp and give them a good rinse in a strainer. Pat the shrimp dry with a paper towel or a clean kitchen towel. Place the shrimp in a large bowl and add the salt and grated garlic. Using a large spoon or tongs, mix well to ensure each shrimp is well coated. After this, you’ll add the tapioca starch. Give it a good toss to completely coat each shrimp. Remember, this is how you get that delicious, crispy shrimp taste!

Once you’re finished, set the bowl to the side. In a large skillet, heat the coconut oil over high heat until melted. Carefully place the shrimp in the hot oil using tongs. Place a cover on the skillet and cook for two to four minutes, or until the shrimp is fully cooked. Once they’re cooked, remove shrimp from the pan and set aside.

Now it’s time to make the sauce. Combine the coconut milk, lime juice, and horseradish in a small saucepan. Add the garlic, salt, and tapioca starch. Gently whisk until you get a smooth, creamy consistency. Taste the sauce, and if you like more spice you can add more grated horseradish. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently to prevent the coconut milk from burning. Once you reach a gentle boil, reduce the heat and cook for an additional five minutes. Keep an eye on it, stirring occasionally.

Once the bang bang sauce is done, you’re ready to enjoy! Toss the crispy shrimp in the bang bang sauce, garnish with diced scallions, and serve warm with additional lime wedges.

How To Serve Bang Bang Shrimp

This flavorful dish is The Myers Way® approved and fun to serve at outdoor parties or cozy, indoor dinners. Serve warm with creamy Cilantro Chimichurri sauce drizzled on top. This Uruguay-inspired condiment combines zesty lime juice with shallots and onions. It also has a zingy apple cider vinegar base and an extra dose of fiber thanks to my Prebiotic Fiber Complete™. You can also serve this as a dipping sauce! 

As for side items, I like to eat this bang bang shrimp with a side of Cheesy’ Cauliflower Bake or Shaved Radish Cucumber Salad. 

This Bang Bang Shrimp is a true delight. It’s the perfect nightshade free, dairy-free, and gluten-free seafood treat to satisfy your taste buds and encourage optimal health. Plus, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes. Enjoy!