Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe: The Ultimate Crispy & Flavorful Delight

Boom Boom Shrimp is a crispy, spicy, and creamy shrimp dish coated in a signature sauce that’s full of flavor. Whether served as an appetizer or main dish, this recipe delivers a satisfying crunch with a perfect balance of heat and tanginess.

In this article, we’ll cover:

• How to make the best Boom Boom Shrimp at home
• The key ingredients for an authentic sauce
• Why soaking shrimp in milk enhances flavor and texture
• Delicious side dishes to pair with Boom Boom Shrimp
• How Boom Boom Sauce differs from Yum Yum Sauce

Let’s dive into the crispy, spicy, and absolutely delicious world of Boom Boom Shrimp!

What is Boom Boom Shrimp?

A Quick Overview

Boom Boom Shrimp is a Southern-inspired crispy shrimp dish often served at seafood restaurants. The shrimp is battered and fried to a golden crisp, then tossed in a creamy, spicy sauce that’s both sweet and tangy.

Why It’s So Popular

• Crispy texture with a flavor-packed sauce
• Quick & easy to make at home
• Perfect for appetizers, tacos, or rice bowls

Ingredients for Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe

To make the best Boom Boom Shrimp, you’ll need a few key ingredients for both the crispy shrimp and the creamy, spicy Boom Boom sauce.

For the Shrimp

The secret to perfectly crispy shrimp is in the batter and frying method. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 lb raw shrimp (peeled & deveined) – Medium or large shrimp work best.
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk) – Helps tenderize the shrimp.
• 1 cup all-purpose flour – Creates a light, crispy coating.
• ½ cup cornstarch – Adds extra crunch.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Enhances the savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Gives a mild smokiness.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances flavors.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper – Adds a slight heat.
• 1 egg – Helps bind the coating to the shrimp.
• Vegetable oil – For deep frying.

For the Boom Boom Sauce

Boom Boom Sauce is what makes this dish truly special. It’s spicy, creamy, and tangy—perfect for coating the crispy shrimp.

• ½ cup mayonnaise – The creamy base.
• 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce – Adds a touch of sweetness and spice.
• 1 tablespoon sriracha – Adjust to taste for heat.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Boosts the savory flavor.
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional) – For a slight sweetness.
• ½ teaspoon lemon juice – Balances the flavors.

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Cornstarch & flour combo: This creates an extra crispy texture.
• Milk soak: Helps remove any fishy smell and keeps shrimp tender and juicy.
• Sweet chili sauce + sriracha: Gives Boom Boom Sauce its sweet heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s go through the step-by-step process to make the crispiest, most flavorful Boom Boom Shrimp at home.

Step 1: Prep the Shrimp

Before frying, it’s important to prepare the shrimp properly for the best texture and flavor.

1. Soak the shrimp in buttermilk (or regular milk) for 15-20 minutes – This helps tenderize the shrimp and removes any fishy odor.
2. In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients:
   • 1 cup all-purpose flour
   • ½ cup cornstarch
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
   • ½ teaspoon salt
   • ½ teaspoon black pepper
3. In another bowl, whisk the egg with 2 tablespoons of water to create an egg wash.

Step 2: Coat & Fry the Shrimp

The key to extra crispy shrimp is a double coating method.

1. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F (175°C).
2. Take each shrimp out of the milk and pat it dry with a paper towel.
3. Dip each shrimp in the flour mixture → then into the egg wash → then back into the flour mixture for a thick, crispy coating.
4. Carefully place shrimp into the hot oil and fry in small batches for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
5. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Step 3: Make the Boom Boom Sauce

While the shrimp is frying, prepare the signature Boom Boom Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, mix together:
   • ½ cup mayonnaise
   • 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
   • 1 tablespoon sriracha
   • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
   • ½ teaspoon lemon juice
2. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

Taste the sauce and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha if needed.

Step 4: Toss & Serve

1. Place the fried shrimp in a large bowl and drizzle with Boom Boom Sauce. Toss to coat.
2. Alternatively, serve the sauce on the side as a dipping sauce.
3. Garnish with chopped green onions or sesame seeds for extra flavor.

Your crispy, spicy, and creamy Boom Boom Shrimp is ready to be served!

What Goes with Boom Boom Shrimp?

Boom Boom Shrimp is delicious on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the dish and turn it into a complete meal. Whether you prefer light, fresh sides or hearty comfort food, here are some of the best options.

Best Side Dishes for Boom Boom Shrimp

1. Steamed Rice (Classic & Simple)

A side of steamed jasmine or basmati rice soaks up the delicious Boom Boom Sauce, creating a satisfying meal. Add a drizzle of soy sauce or sriracha for extra flavor.

2. Coleslaw (Crunchy & Refreshing)

The cool, tangy crunch of coleslaw balances out the spiciness of the shrimp. A simple mix of shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo dressing works perfectly.

3. French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries

For a restaurant-style experience, serve Boom Boom Shrimp with crispy fries. Sweet potato fries add a slightly sweet contrast to the spicy sauce.

4. Garlic Butter Noodles (Rich & Flavorful)

Lightly toss spaghetti or ramen noodles in garlic butter and Parmesan cheese for a rich, comforting side.

5. Grilled Vegetables

If you’re looking for a lighter option, grilled zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers make a great complement to Boom Boom Shrimp.

Serving Boom Boom Shrimp in Different Ways

If you want to get creative, try these fun serving ideas:

1. Boom Boom Shrimp Tacos 🌮

• Warm soft tortillas
• Add shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and diced tomatoes
• Drizzle with extra Boom Boom Sauce

2. Boom Boom Shrimp Rice Bowl 🍚

• Steamed white or brown rice
• Topped with sautéed bell peppers and onions
• Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

3. Boom Boom Shrimp Salad 🥗

• Fresh romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• Topped with crispy shrimp
• Drizzled with a light lemon vinaigrette

4. Boom Boom Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich 🥖

• Crispy shrimp inside a toasted baguette
• Topped with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles
• Drizzled with extra Boom Boom Sauce

Looking for more great seafood recipes? Check out this Crispy Crab Balls Recipe for another seafood favorite!

Why Soak Shrimp in Milk Before Frying?

Many recipes recommend soaking shrimp in milk or buttermilk before frying, but why? This simple step has big benefits for flavor, texture, and overall quality.

1. Enhances Flavor & Tenderness

Milk contains natural enzymes and mild acids that help break down proteins in the shrimp. This results in:

• More tender shrimp with a juicy bite
• A richer, milder seafood flavor

For even better results, use buttermilk, which has a slight tanginess that adds depth to the taste.

2. Reduces Fishy Smell

Fresh shrimp can sometimes have a slightly strong seafood smell. Soaking them in milk neutralizes this odor by binding to compounds responsible for the “fishy” scent.

💡 Tip: If your shrimp smell ammonia-like or sour, they may not be fresh and should not be used.

3. Helps the Coating Stick Better

Soaking shrimp in milk also helps bind the flour or cornstarch mixture to the shrimp, resulting in:
✔ A thicker, crispier crust
✔ Even golden-brown frying

The proteins in milk act as a natural adhesive, ensuring the batter sticks to every piece.

How to Soak Shrimp in Milk

1. Place raw, peeled, and deveined shrimp in a bowl.
2. Pour in ½ cup buttermilk or regular milk.
3. Let the shrimp soak for 15-20 minutes in the refrigerator.
4. Drain and pat dry with paper towels before coating and frying.

Is Boom Boom Sauce the Same as Yum Yum Sauce?

Many people confuse Boom Boom Sauce with Yum Yum Sauce, but they are actually quite different. While both are creamy and flavorful, they have distinct ingredients and uses.

Boom Boom Sauce vs. Yum Yum Sauce: Key Differences

Feature	Boom Boom Sauce	Yum Yum Sauce
Spiciness	Medium to high (due to sriracha)	Mild, slightly sweet
Base	Mayonnaise + Sweet Chili Sauce + Sriracha	Mayonnaise + Ketchup
Flavor	Spicy, tangy, slightly sweet	Creamy, mild, and slightly smoky
Best For	Seafood, shrimp, chicken, tacos	Hibachi, grilled meat, rice
Color	Light orange	Pale pink

What is Boom Boom Sauce Best For?

Boom Boom Sauce has a bold, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor that pairs well with:
✔ Fried shrimp or chicken
✔ Tacos, wraps, and sandwiches
✔ Dipping sauce for fries and onion rings

What is Yum Yum Sauce Best For?

Yum Yum Sauce is creamy, slightly smoky, and mild, making it perfect for:
✔ Japanese hibachi dishes (steak, chicken, shrimp, fried rice)
✔ Vegetables (grilled or steamed)
✔ Burgers and sandwiches

💡 Main takeaway: If you love a bit of spice, go for Boom Boom Sauce. If you prefer a milder, creamy taste, Yum Yum Sauce is your best choice.

What is Boom Boom Seasoning?

Boom Boom Shrimp gets its bold and addictive flavor not just from the sauce, but also from the seasoning blend used to coat the shrimp before frying. This savory, smoky, and slightly spicy mix enhances the shrimp’s taste and pairs perfectly with the creamy Boom Boom Sauce.

What’s in Boom Boom Seasoning?

Boom Boom Seasoning is a simple blend of spices that adds depth to the dish. Here are the key ingredients:

Ingredient	Flavor Contribution
Smoked Paprika	Adds a mild smoky depth
Garlic Powder	Enhances savory umami taste
Onion Powder	Provides subtle sweetness
Cayenne Pepper	Brings heat and spice
Black Pepper	Adds warmth and slight heat
Salt	Enhances all flavors
Dried Oregano	Adds an herby, earthy touch

How to Use Boom Boom Seasoning

This spice blend can be sprinkled onto shrimp before frying or even mixed into the Boom Boom Sauce for extra flavor.

Other great ways to use it:
✔ Seasoning for fries or potato wedges
✔ Sprinkled over popcorn for a spicy twist
✔ Rubbed onto chicken, fish, or tofu before grilling
✔ Mixed into aioli or dipping sauces

💡 Pro Tip: Make a batch of Boom Boom Seasoning and store it in an airtight container for future use!

Variations & Serving Ideas

Boom Boom Shrimp is incredibly versatile! Whether you want to keep it classic or experiment with new flavors, there are many creative ways to serve this crispy, spicy dish.

1. Boom Boom Shrimp Tacos 🌮

One of the most popular ways to enjoy Boom Boom Shrimp is in tacos. The crispy shrimp, combined with fresh toppings, makes for a mouthwatering bite.

How to Make Boom Boom Shrimp Tacos

• Soft flour or corn tortillas – Lightly warmed for a soft, flexible texture.
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage – Adds crunch and freshness.
• Avocado slices – Creamy contrast to the crispy shrimp.
• Diced tomatoes – A juicy, fresh topping.
• Extra Boom Boom Sauce – Drizzled over the top for maximum flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of citrusy goodness!

2. Boom Boom Shrimp Rice Bowl 🍚

This is a perfect quick and easy meal with a balance of carbs, protein, and vegetables.

What You’ll Need

✔ Steamed jasmine or brown rice
✔ Sautéed bell peppers and onions
✔ Boom Boom Shrimp on top
✔ Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

💡 Variation: Swap out rice for cauliflower rice to make it a low-carb option.

3. Boom Boom Shrimp Salad 🥗

If you’re looking for a lighter option, toss the shrimp onto a salad for a crunchy, flavorful twist.

Salad Ingredients

• Fresh romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• Sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions
• Crispy Boom Boom Shrimp on top
• Drizzle with a light lemon vinaigrette or extra Boom Boom Sauce

💡 Want more protein? Add a boiled egg or some grilled chicken to the salad.

4. Boom Boom Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich 🥖

Inspired by the classic New Orleans Po’ Boy, this sandwich is crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor.

How to Make a Boom Boom Shrimp Po’ Boy

• Toasted baguette or hoagie roll
• Crispy Boom Boom Shrimp
• Lettuce, tomato, and pickles
• Generous drizzle of Boom Boom Sauce

💡 Pro Tip: Add a few slices of jalapeño for extra heat!

5. Air Fryer Boom Boom Shrimp (Healthier Version)

Want to skip the deep frying but still enjoy crispy shrimp? The air fryer is a great alternative.

How to Make Air Fryer Boom Boom Shrimp

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking oil.
3. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Toss in Boom Boom Sauce and serve!

💡 Why Air Fryer? Uses less oil, still crispy, and lower in calories!

6. Spicy Boom Boom Shrimp Pasta 🍝

Turn your Boom Boom Shrimp into a creamy seafood pasta dish!

What You’ll Need

✔ Linguine or spaghetti – Cooked until al dente.
✔ Sautéed garlic and cherry tomatoes – Adds depth of flavor.
✔ Boom Boom Sauce + a splash of cream – Creates a smooth, spicy pasta sauce.
✔ Crispy Boom Boom Shrimp on top – For the perfect finishing touch.

💡 Want extra heat? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce!

7. Boom Boom Shrimp Sushi Rolls 🍣

If you love sushi, try making a Boom Boom Shrimp Roll at home!

How to Assemble a Sushi Roll

1. Lay out nori (seaweed sheets) on a bamboo mat.
2. Spread a layer of sushi rice over the nori.
3. Add Boom Boom Shrimp, avocado, and cucumber in the center.
4. Roll tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.
5. Drizzle with extra Boom Boom Sauce.

💡 Pair it with: A side of soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

Variations & Serving Ideas

Boom Boom Shrimp is incredibly versatile! Whether you want to keep it classic or experiment with new flavors, there are many creative ways to serve this crispy, spicy dish.

1. Boom Boom Shrimp Tacos 🌮

One of the most popular ways to enjoy Boom Boom Shrimp is in tacos. The crispy shrimp, combined with fresh toppings, makes for a mouthwatering bite.

How to Make Boom Boom Shrimp Tacos

• Soft flour or corn tortillas – Lightly warmed for a soft, flexible texture.
• Shredded lettuce or cabbage – Adds crunch and freshness.
• Avocado slices – Creamy contrast to the crispy shrimp.
• Diced tomatoes – A juicy, fresh topping.
• Extra Boom Boom Sauce – Drizzled over the top for maximum flavor.

💡 Pro Tip: Add a squeeze of fresh lime juice for an extra burst of citrusy goodness!

2. Boom Boom Shrimp Rice Bowl 🍚

This is a perfect quick and easy meal with a balance of carbs, protein, and vegetables.

What You’ll Need

✔ Steamed jasmine or brown rice
✔ Sautéed bell peppers and onions
✔ Boom Boom Shrimp on top
✔ Garnished with green onions and sesame seeds

💡 Variation: Swap out rice for cauliflower rice to make it a low-carb option.

3. Boom Boom Shrimp Salad 🥗

If you’re looking for a lighter option, toss the shrimp onto a salad for a crunchy, flavorful twist.

Salad Ingredients

• Fresh romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• Sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions
• Crispy Boom Boom Shrimp on top
• Drizzle with a light lemon vinaigrette or extra Boom Boom Sauce

💡 Want more protein? Add a boiled egg or some grilled chicken to the salad.

4. Boom Boom Shrimp Po’ Boy Sandwich 🥖

Inspired by the classic New Orleans Po’ Boy, this sandwich is crispy, creamy, and packed with flavor.

How to Make a Boom Boom Shrimp Po’ Boy

• Toasted baguette or hoagie roll
• Crispy Boom Boom Shrimp
• Lettuce, tomato, and pickles
• Generous drizzle of Boom Boom Sauce

💡 Pro Tip: Add a few slices of jalapeño for extra heat!

5. Air Fryer Boom Boom Shrimp (Healthier Version)

Want to skip the deep frying but still enjoy crispy shrimp? The air fryer is a great alternative.

How to Make Air Fryer Boom Boom Shrimp

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Lightly spray the shrimp with cooking oil.
3. Cook for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
4. Toss in Boom Boom Sauce and serve!

💡 Why Air Fryer? Uses less oil, still crispy, and lower in calories!

6. Spicy Boom Boom Shrimp Pasta 🍝

Turn your Boom Boom Shrimp into a creamy seafood pasta dish!

What You’ll Need

✔ Linguine or spaghetti – Cooked until al dente.
✔ Sautéed garlic and cherry tomatoes – Adds depth of flavor.
✔ Boom Boom Sauce + a splash of cream – Creates a smooth, spicy pasta sauce.
✔ Crispy Boom Boom Shrimp on top – For the perfect finishing touch.

💡 Want extra heat? Add red pepper flakes to the sauce!

7. Boom Boom Shrimp Sushi Rolls 🍣

If you love sushi, try making a Boom Boom Shrimp Roll at home!

How to Assemble a Sushi Roll

1. Lay out nori (seaweed sheets) on a bamboo mat.
2. Spread a layer of sushi rice over the nori.
3. Add Boom Boom Shrimp, avocado, and cucumber in the center.
4. Roll tightly and slice into bite-sized pieces.
5. Drizzle with extra Boom Boom Sauce.

💡 Pair it with: A side of soy sauce, wasabi, and pickled ginger.

FAQs About Boom Boom Shrimp

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about Boom Boom Shrimp and its signature sauce.

Conclusion

Boom Boom Shrimp is a crispy, flavorful, and spicy seafood dish that’s incredibly easy to make at home. With its golden-fried shrimp and creamy, tangy Boom Boom Sauce, it’s the perfect appetizer, main dish, or even a taco filling.

This recipe delivers:

• Crunchy, golden shrimp with a light, crispy coating
• A bold, creamy sauce that’s both spicy and tangy
• Endless serving possibilities, from tacos to rice bowls and sandwiches

By using simple ingredients and easy techniques, you can recreate restaurant-quality Boom Boom Shrimp in your own kitchen. Whether you deep-fry or air-fry, this dish will quickly become a favorite for seafood lovers.

Looking for more seafood recipes? Try this Easy Egg Casserole for a delicious, comforting meal.

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