Papaya Bang Bang Shrimp

Papaya Bang Bang Shrimp is a delightful fusion of tropical flavors and crispy fried seafood. It’s a unique blend that combines fried shrimp with a sweet and spicy papaya-infused sauce. This dish marries the tropical sweetness of papaya with the heat of Sriracha and the tang of lime juice, creating a bold, flavorful combination that will transport your taste buds to the tropics.

The preparation starts with crispy shrimp coated in a seasoned breading made from flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, paprika, and garlic powder. These shrimp are fried to golden perfection, creating a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender shrimp. The crispiness of the shrimp is the perfect vehicle for the rich flavors of the Papaya Bang Bang Sauce, which brings the dish to life.

The sauce is a tropical twist on the traditional bang bang sauce. This sauce perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors by blending ripe papaya with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, lime juice, and garlic. The sweet chili sauce and honey add sweetness, while the sriracha and garlic bring a touch of heat and spice. The papaya brings a refreshing tropical flavor, making this sauce stand out from the classic bang-bang sauces.

For those who love tropical shrimp dishes, this papaya-infused shrimp recipe offers a new take on the traditional bang bang shrimp. The addition of papaya adds a unique sweetness that complements the spice from the chili and sriracha, and the lime juice adds a touch of acidity that enhances the overall flavor profile. The sauce clings to the crispy shrimp, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

This take on fried shrimp with papaya chili sauce is ideal for serving as an appetizer or a light entrée. Its tropical flavors make it an excellent dish for summer gatherings or beach-themed dinners. The sweet and spicy papaya shrimp pairs well with a simple side of rice or a light salad, but it also shines on its own. The bell pepper slices add a fresh crunch, contrasting the shrimp’s softness and the sauce’s creaminess, making each bite a delightful combination of textures.

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The visual appeal of this tropical bang bang shrimp is stunning. The golden brown shrimp, vibrant orange papaya sauce, and bright red or green bell peppers create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Whether entertaining guests or looking for a unique seafood dish, Papaya Bang Bang Shrimp will impress with its bold flavors and tropical flair.

This dish offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors. The crispy shrimp, creamy papaya-infused sauce, and spicy kick create an unforgettable seafood experience. It’s an ideal recipe for anyone who enjoys bold, tropical flavors with a hint of spice.

Papaya Bang Bang Shrimp

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: New American, FusionDifficulty: Medium

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

25

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

45

minutes

Papaya Bang Bang Shrimp is a tropical twist on a classic dish. It features crispy fried shrimp tossed in a sweet and spicy papaya-infused sauce, with a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and bold flavors. It’s ideal for summer gatherings as a vibrant seafood appetizer.

Ingredients

• For the Shrimp

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 2 large eggs, beaten

• 1 cup breadcrumbs

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 large red or green bell pepper, thinly sliced

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• for frying, vegetable oil

• For the Papaya Bang Bang Sauce

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup ripe papaya, diced

• 1 clove of garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce

• 1 tablespoon honey

• 1 tablespoon lime juice

• 1 teaspoon sriracha sauce

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Prepare the Papaya Bang Bang Sauce:
  In a blender or food processor, combine the diced papaya, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, lime juice, minced garlic, sriracha sauce, salt, and ground black pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Transfer the sauce to a bowl, cover, and refrigerate while you prepare the shrimp.
• Bread and Fry the Shrimp:
  Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs. Season the flour with paprika, garlic powder, and salt and ground black pepper.
  
  Dip each shrimp into the flour, coating it lightly and shaking off any excess. Next, dip the shrimp into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, coat the shrimp in the breadcrumbs, pressing the breadcrumbs onto each shrimp to adhere. Place the breaded shrimp on a baking sheet.
• Heat and Fry:
  Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to 350°F. Fry the breaded shrimp in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
  
  In the same skillet, add the sliced bell peppers and fry them until they are tender and slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
• Toss with Papaya Bang Bang Sauce:
  In a large bowl, add the fried shrimp and the fried bell peppers. Drizzle the chilled Papaya Bang Bang Sauce over the shrimp and peppers. Gently toss everything in the sauce until its evenly coated.
• Serve:
  Transfer the Papaya Bang Bang Shrimp and Bell Peppers to a serving platter. Garnish with extra diced papaya or fresh cilantro, if desired.