Finger-Lickin' Boom Boom Shrimp

Ever had a dish so good it made you wanna shout “BOOM BOOM!”?  Well, get ready to meet your new favorite appetizer – Boom Boom Shrimp recipe. This crispy, saucy, flavor-packed delight is about to rock your world. Trust me, it’s sooo worth the mess!

One bite of that crunchy, tangy shrimp, and I was hooked. I knew I had to recreate this magic at home. 

Whether it’s a casual weekend hangout or a big family BBQ, these shrimp (Old Bay Seasoning Steamed Shrimp is also great, or all shrimp dishes are great, I guess 😉) are always the star of the show. And the best part? It’s super easy to make, even if you’re not a kitchen wizard. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! 

What is Boom Boom Shrimp?

Boom Boom Shrimp is a flavor-packed appetizer that's sure to make your taste buds sing! This dish features crispy, fried shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy sauce that's often described as having a “boom boom” effect on your palate.

While the exact origins of Boom Boom Shrimp are a bit unclear, it's believed to have originated in the United States, possibly as an Asian-inspired fusion dish. It gained popularity in the 1990s and has since become a beloved appetizer in restaurants and homes across the country.

One popular theory links the name to Sheetz, a convenience store chain in the eastern United States. Sheetz serves a “Boom Boom Sauce” with their fried pickles, and it's very similar to the sauce used for Boom Boom Shrimp. It's possible that the shrimp dish borrowed its name from this pre-existing.

Ingredients Used to Make Boom Boom Shrimp

best boom boom shrimp recipe

What do you need to make this Shrimp Boom Boom ? Here is the list:

Shrimp:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce

Batter:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Boom Boom Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sriracha (or your favorite hot sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Optional: Honey or brown sugar for extra sweetness, or a pinch of cayenne for a fiery kick 🔥

How to Make Boom Boom Shrimp

best boom boom shrimp recipe

  • Marinate those shrimp: Soak your peeled and deveined shrimp in a mixture of buttermilk and hot sauce for at least 30 minutes. This tenderizes the shrimp and adds a little zing!
  • Whip up the magic batter: Combine flour, cornstarch, and your favorite seasonings.
  • Get those shrimp crispy: Dredge the marinated shrimp in the batter and fry 'em up in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through. Mmmm, can you smell that deliciousness? 🤤
  • The sauce is the boss: While the shrimp are frying, whisk together all the sauce ingredients. Taste and adjust the sweetness and spiciness to your liking.
  • Boom boom time! Toss the crispy shrimp in the sauce until they're completely coated. Get ready for a flavor explosion! 💥

Boom boom shrimp is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It's perfect for game day, potlucks, or just a casual night in. Serve it up with some extra sauce for dipping, and watch it disappear in seconds! 😋   

Boom Boom Shrimp. webp

How to Serve Boom Boom Shrimp and Choose the Perfect Side Dishes

  • For a fantastic presentation, serve your Boom Boom Shrimp piled high on a bed of crisp lettuce. Garnish with a sprinkle of thinly sliced chives or scallions for a pop of color and fresh onion flavor. A final flourish of black pepper and/or sesame seeds adds visual appeal and another layer of taste.
  • To transform this appetizer into a satisfying meal, consider these pairing options:
  • Rice is Nice: Serve your Boom Boom Shrimp over a bed of fluffy sushi rice. The mild sweetness of the rice complements the bold flavors of the shrimp. You can find an easy sushi rice recipe [here – insert link to your recipe if you have one].
  • Cool as a Cucumber: A refreshing cucumber salad provides a cool and crisp counterpoint to the spicy shrimp.
  • Veggie Power: Add a vibrant vegetable stir-fry to your plate for a nutritious and colorful meal.
  • Taco Time: For a fun twist, turn your Boom Boom Shrimp into tacos! Grab some warm flour tortillas and your favorite slaw for a spicy and satisfying handheld meal.

With these serving suggestions and side dish pairings, your Boom Boom Shrimp can be enjoyed as a sophisticated appetizer or a complete and satisfying meal.

Quick Cooking Recipe

  • Preparation Time: 15 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10 minutes
  • Inactive Time: 30 minutes (marinating)
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Author: Jen Sharpin | So Damn Delish
  • Yield: 4-6 servings

 This boom boom shrimp recipe is the perfect appetizer for any occasion. It's crispy, saucy, and packed with flavor. Get ready to wow your guests with this easy and delicious dish! 

Ingredients:

  • Shrimp:
    • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • Batter:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Boom Boom Sauce:
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
    • 2 tablespoons sriracha
    • 1 tablespoon ketchup
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Dredge the shrimp in the batter and fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Drain the shrimp on paper towels.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, ketchup, and garlic powder.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Note:

  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the boom boom sauce. 
  • Serve with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies for a complete meal. 

Nutrition Facts (per serving):

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1050mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 200mg

Want more delicious recipes like this one? Check out So Damn Delish for all your cooking needs! 👩‍🍳

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Finger-Lickin' Boom Boom Shrimp

Finger-Lickin' Boom Boom Shrimp

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews
  • Author: SoDamnDelish
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Inactive Time: 30 minutes (marinating)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 4-6 servings 1x

Description

So Damn Delish introduces you to the best Boom Boom Shrimp with our easy and delicious recipe. Crispy shrimp tossed in a zesty sauce that can not be refused.


Ingredients

Scale
  • Shrimp:
    • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
    • 1 cup buttermilk
    • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • Batter:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 cup cornstarch
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
    • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Boom Boom Sauce:
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    • 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
    • 2 tablespoons sriracha
    • 1 tablespoon ketchup
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp, buttermilk, and hot sauce. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
  3. Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  4. Dredge the shrimp in the batter and fry in batches until golden brown and cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.
  5. Drain the shrimp on paper towels.
  6. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, ketchup, and garlic powder.
  7. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

  • For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the boom boom sauce. 
  • Serve with rice, noodles, or your favorite veggies for a complete meal. 

Nutrition

  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 1050mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 20g
  • Cholesterol: 200mg

Write A Comment

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star