Is Boom Boom Shrimp Spicy? Getting to the Bottom of This Southern Favorite

Boom boom shrimp has become a beloved Southern staple in recent years. But if you haven’t tried it yet, you may be wondering – is boom boom shrimp spicy?

The short answer is yes…and no. While boom boom shrimp certainly packs some heat, the level of spiciness depends on how it’s prepared.

In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into boom boom shrimp flavor profiles so you know exactly what to expect with your first crunchy crispy bite.

What is Boom Boom Shrimp?

Boom boom shrimp refers to large shrimp that is fried in a light tempura-style batter, then tossed in a creamy, tangy sauce with a kick of heat.

The name comes from the flavor explosion or “boom boom” effect created by the contrast of the crispy fried shrimp and the spicy flavor-packed sauce.

While there are many variations, a classic boom boom shrimp sauce contains mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, sriracha, ketchup or tomato paste, garlic, and seasonings.

The mayonnaise and/or ketchup provide a creamy base, while the sweet chili sauce brings sweetness and moderate spiciness. Sriracha amps up the heat level.

The end result is a dish that combines crunchy, juicy shrimp with a sauce that mixes cooling creamy elements and slow-building heat. The flavors and textures balance for a bold, yet approachable experience.

Is Boom Boom Shrimp Considered Spicy?

In general, boom boom shrimp derives its spiciness from two main sources:

• Thai sweet chili sauce: This condiment often contains a blend of chili peppers, garlic, vinegar, and sugar. It provides a sticky sweet heat that builds slowly.

• Sriracha: Made from a paste of red jalapeño peppers, garlic, vinegar, and salt, sriracha can pack some serious punch. Just a spoonful or two per batch amps up the spiciness.

However, since the heat in boom boom shrimp comes from condiments that are blended into a sauce, the level of spiciness can vary quite a bit depending on recipe ratios.

If you’re very sensitive to spice, starting with just a teaspoon or two of sriracha is a safe bet. You can always add more as desired.

For most people though, boom boom shrimp makes for a moderately spicy experience – enough heat to keep things interesting, but not so much that you can’t taste all the complex flavors. The creaminess helps balance the burn.

Think of it like a spicy mayo sauce on shrimp rather than an overwhelmingly fiery dish.

Taming the Heat in Boom Boom Shrimp

If you’re spice-averse or cooking for kids, you have a few options for dialing down the heat:

• Use less or omit the sriracha altogether. You’ll still get light sweet heat from the chili sauce.

• Swap in a milder hot sauce like Tabasco instead of sriracha.

• Increase the ratio of mayo and/or ketchup to dilute the chili impact.

• Add a spoonful of honey or brown sugar to sweeten the sauce and counter the heat.

• Switch to a “sweet chili sauce” with minimal or no heat for the tamest version.

With just small tweaks, you can easily customize boom boom shrimp to be mild enough for the whole family to enjoy.

Adding Extra Zing with Spicy Toppings

For those who crave an extra zing, boom boom shrimp lends itself perfectly to stepping up the spice level in creative ways.

Try these fiery toppers:

• Fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper slices
• Diced fresh chilies like habanero or Thai chilies (add just a pinch at a time)
• Chili oil or chili crisp
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Cayenne pepper or ancho chili powder
• Ground chipotle powder or paprika
• Hot sauce drizzle like Cholula or Tapatío

Garnishing the sauced shrimp with any of these extras allows you to add as much or as little extra heat as you want with each bite.

The Best Way to Tame the Burn

No matter what your preferred spice level, the creaminess of boom boom shrimp sauce does help take the edge off the heat.

That said, it’s wise to have a cooling element on hand just in case. Here are some top options:

• Dairy products: Sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, and ranch dressing all help extinguish heat.

• Starchy sides: Rice, bread, and noodles are great heat buffers.

• Crunchy vegetables: Celery, cucumber, bell pepper strips, and salads with lettuce give crunch to counter the heat.

• Fruits: Juicy pineapple, mango, melon, or citrus help tame fiery flavors.

• Herbs: Cilantro, parsley, basil, and mint offer fresh relief.

With the right accompanyments, you can comfortably enjoy boom boom shrimp at any spice level!

Putting It All Together: How Spicy Should Boom Boom Shrimp Be?

When preparing boom boom shrimp at home, start by considering your own tolerance and preferences, as well as who you’re cooking for.

• For mild boom boom flavor, use minimal or no sriracha and lean heavier on the mayo or ketchup. Sweet chili sauce gives just a tinge of heat.

• For medium spice, add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha to balance the creaminess without overpowering other flavors.

• To really turn up the heat, use extra sriracha and consider extra spicy toppings. But provide cooling options for relief!

The beauty of boom boom shrimp is that you’re in control. The crisp, saucy flavor profile adapts well to any preferred spice level.

Ready to Get Your Boom Boom On?

Now that you know what to expect when it comes to the potential heat of this addictive appetizer, it’s time to get cooking!

Start with a simple boom boom shrimp recipe that allows flexibility with ingredients ratios. Test a small batch first to find your ideal blend of flavors and spice.

Just be sure to have plenty of cold drinks on hand for taming the heat. Extra sauce for dipping is a must – because once you start boom boom shrimp, it’s hard to stop!