This truly amazing Boom Boom Shrimp recipe starts with juicy shrimp that are lightly fried until crispy. They are then covered in the tastiest sweet and spicy sauce. The taste is out of this world, and the recipe is so quick and easy that you can make it in no time.
Crispy fried shrimp dunked in a sticky, sweet, spicy, and tangy boom boom sauce is one of the most crave-worthy appetizers around. While the light and crispy coating on the shrimp is important, it’s really the boom boom sauce that takes this dish over the top. This rich, creamy, and complex sauce clings to each piece of shrimp, providing the perfect balance of flavors in every single bite.
In this comprehensive guide I’ll walk you through exactly how to make authentic boom boom shrimp sauce from scratch. With just a few simple pantry ingredients you can whip up this restaurant-worthy sauce in minutes. Once you learn my tips and technique for preparing the perfect boom boom sauce, you’ll be hooked! Let’s get saucy.
What is Boom Boom Sauce?
Boom boom sauce is the name for a creamy, sweet and spicy dipping sauce commonly paired with fried shrimp. It combines mayonnaise for richness and moisture, Thai sweet chili sauce for a sticky sweetness, Sriracha for heat, and spices like garlic. The name comes from the flavor explosion or “boom boom” you experience when eating the shrimp coated in this dynamic sauce.
Why Make Homemade Boom Boom Sauce?
Here are some of the biggest benefits of making your own boom boom shrimp sauce from scratch rather than buying a pre-made version:
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Customize the flavor – Tailor the ingredients to your preferred level of sweetness, spice, tang, etc.
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Avoid preservatives and artificial flavors – Make it with simple, natural ingredients you recognize.
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Save money – Homemade sauce costs just a fraction per batch compared to store-bought.
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Fresher taste – You can make just what you need and enjoy it at peak freshness.
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Impress guests – Pull off gourmet flavors with a sauce made right in your own kitchen.
Tips for Perfect Boom Boom Shrimp Sauce
Follow these helpful tips for making the best, most balanced boom boom sauce every time:
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Use high quality mayonnaise – Duke’s, Kewpie, or Hellmann’s work well.
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Add seasoning gradually – You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
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Mix in small batches – The sauce emulsifies best when made 1-2 cups at a time.
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Refrigerate leftovers – Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.
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Adjust sweetness or heat – Cater the sauce to your preferences.
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Shake sauce before using – Re-emulsify so flavors distribute evenly.
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Toss hot shrimp in sauce – The residual heat helps the sauce coat the shrimp.
Boom Boom Sauce Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that go into boom boom sauce and why each one matters:
Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise forms the base of the sauce. It provides creaminess, richness, and tang. Duke’s is my top choice, but Hellmann’s also works well. The mayo should be the predominant flavor.
Thai Sweet Chili Sauce
This sticky Thai condiment brings sweetness along with a touch of chili pepper heat. It also contains garlic, vinegar, and ginger. The sauce’s syrupy texture helps the sauce cling to the shrimp.
Sriracha
For bold spiciness, Sriracha packs a punch. This tart, garlicky chili sauce adds lingering heat as well as savoriness. Use it moderately so it doesn’t overwhelm the other flavors.
Ketchup
A spoonful of ketchup contributes additional sweetness, acidity, saltiness, and body to balance out the spice.
Garlic Powder
Garlic powder provides a subtle punch of garlicky flavor without having to use fresh cloves. Just 1/4 to 1/2 tsp is plenty.
Cayenne Pepper
A pinch of cayenne pepper helps boost the heat level and overall flavor dimension. But go light on this one!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Boom Boom Sauce
Ready to get saucy? Here is a simple step-by-step method for making phenomenal boom boom shrimp sauce from scratch:
Gather Ingredients
- 1⁄2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp Thai sweet chili sauce
- 1 Tbsp Sriracha sauce
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- 1⁄4 tsp garlic powder
- 1⁄2 tsp kosher salt
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
Mix the Mayonnaise
Start by measuring out 1⁄2 cup of mayonnaise into a mixing bowl. I recommend using Duke’s or Hellmann’s mayo. Use a silicone spatula to get all the mayo out of the jar.
Add the Sweet Chili Sauce
Next, measure 3 Tbsp of Thai sweet chili sauce and add it to the bowl. The chili sauce’s sticky, thick texture is important for the right sauce consistency.
Include the Sriracha
Measure out 1 Tbsp of Sriracha hot chili sauce and add it to the mayo-chili sauce blend. The Sriracha brings a bold, tangy heat.
Incorporate the Ketchup
Add 1 Tbsp of ketchup to balance the sweet and spicy flavors. Choose a good quality ketchup for the best flavor.
Sprinkle in Garlic Powder
Add just 1⁄4 tsp of garlic powder. A little goes a long way, as it can become overpowering.
Include Kosher Salt
For enhanced flavor, stir in 1⁄2 tsp of kosher salt. Table salt works too.
Add Cayenne (Optional)
Here you can add a pinch or dash of cayenne pepper if you want extra heat and zing. But go slowly with the cayenne!
Whisk Thoroughly
Use a wire whisk to vigorously mix together all the sauce ingredients until fully blended and uniform in color and texture.
Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and tweak any flavors as needed. Add more chili sauce for sweetness, Sriracha for heat, or ketchup for saltiness and body.
And that’s it – you just made your own homemade boom boom shrimp sauce! Now you’re ready to fry up some succulent shrimp and coat them in this finger-licking sauce.
Recipe Variations
Once you master the basic boom boom sauce, get creative with these tasty variations:
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Add 1 tsp sesame oil or toasted sesame seeds
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Use spicy mayo instead of regular mayo
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Swap in chili garlic sauce for the Sriracha
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Mix in a spoonful of orange marmalade
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Replace ketchup with hoisin sauce
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Use lemon zest and juice instead of garlic powder
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Stir in a dash of Worcestershire sauce
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Mix in some chopped cilantro, parsley or scallions
How to Use Boom Boom Shrimp Sauce
Of course this sauce is ideal for boom boom shrimp, but here are some other fun ways to enjoy it:
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As a dip for fried foods like egg rolls, wontons, or spring rolls
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Drizzled on top of a veggie stir fry
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As a sauce for grilled or blackened fish
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To coat fried shrimp tacos or po’ boy sandwiches
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Served alongside seared scallops or shrimp skewers
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Tossed with crispy Brussels sprouts or broccoli
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Dolloped on top of burgers or chicken sandwiches
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Used as a spicy mayo for California rolls
The possibilities are endless! This bold, complex sauce adds flavor to anything it touches.
Serving Suggestions for Boom Boom Shrimp
When serving boom boom shrimp coated in this sticky sauce, here are some tasty additions:
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Steamed white rice to soak up the sauce
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Dipped in spicy mayo on the side
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Garnished with sliced scallions and sesame seeds
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Alongside an Asian noodle salad
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In shredded lettuce cups or taco shells
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Skewered on frilly toothpicks for appetizers
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Sprinkled with red pepper flakes for extra heat
How To Make Boom Boom Shrimp: Step-by-Step Directions
- You should start by making the boom boom sauce because the shrimp only needs a minute to cook. Put the ketchup, garlic powder, Sriracha hot sauce, Thai sweet chili sauce, and a pinch of cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Mix the mayo, Sriracha hot sauce, and ketchup together. Mix until fully combined and set aside.
- Warm up the oil. In a large skillet or deep fryer set over medium-high heat, heat the canola or peanut oil until it reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Put the flour, salt, onion powder, and garlic powder in a shallow dish or container and mix them together. This is what will be used to cover the shrimp and make it crispy.
- Toss the shrimp in buttermilk. Put the large shrimp in a separate bowl or container and coat them well. That buttermilk will help make the shrimp tender and give the dish a little tang.
- Spread the flour mixture all over the shrimp. Take each shrimp out of the buttermilk and coat it well. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before frying.
- Fry the shrimp: When the oil is hot, carefully add each shrimp to the pan, being careful not to crowd it. Fry each side for two to three minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. When they’re done, put them on a plate lined with paper towels to cool.
- Cover the shrimp in the sauce. Once the shrimp are cool, put them in a different bowl and pour the boom boom sauce over them. Toss the shrimp in the sauce until fully coated.
- Enjoy: Put your boom boom shrimp on a plate and serve them as a starter, main dish, or party snack. Enjoy the crispy, spicy, and flavorful goodness!.
The cooking tools and utensils you need
- Some important things you’ll need are bowls, a cooking thermometer, and a wok or Dutch oven for frying.
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Can you make Boom Boom shrimp at home?
Make your favorite Boom Boom Shrimp at home with our popular Boom Boom Sauce! This shrimp recipe is the perfect balance of crunchy, savory, sweet, and spicy. More shrimp recipes to check out: Honey Walnut Shrimp, Hunan Shrimp, Shrimp Francese, Coconut Shrimp and Lemon Garlic Shrimp. The basis of this recipe is the sauce!
What is Boom Boom shrimp sauce?
It’s simply a two-dredge fried shrimp recipe with a tasty Boom Boom Shrimp Sauce. Made with mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and toasted sesame oil, the flavorful condiment takes this shrimp recipe to the next level. Fry the shrimp on wooden skewers for an easy and fun method of cooking and serving the food.
How long does Boom Boom shrimp take to cook?
Boom boom shrimp is a classic recipe with a spicy twist. It serves 8 people and only takes 15 minutes to whip up. What is boom boom shrimp, you may ask? It’s simply a two-dredge fried shrimp recipe with a delightfully tasty boom boom shrimp sauce. Bubba Blue once said, “Shrimp is the fruit of the sea.
How do you eat Boom Boom shrimp?
Coat the shrimp in the sauce: Once the shrimp has cooled, transfer them to a separate bowl and drizzle the boom boom sauce over the top. Toss the shrimp in the sauce until fully coated. Serve and enjoy: Plate your boom boom shrimp and serve them as an appetizer, main dish, or party snack. Enjoy the crispy, spicy, and flavorful goodness!