As a food blogger and home cook, I’m always looking for tasty recipe combinations that take a meal to the next level. Boom boom shrimp, with its crunchy fried coating and spicy, creamy sauce, is so delicious on its own But served alongside the right side dishes, it becomes an unforgettable dining experience
In this article, I’ll share 15 of my favorite sides to serve with boom boom shrimp. From fresh salads to warm tortillas, crunchy wontons to hearty rice, there’s something here for every palate. These dishes complement the flavors of the shrimp perfectly, adding texture, brightness, and variety to balance out the rich, indulgent flavors.
Let’s get started with 15 sensational sides for boom boom shrimp
1. Steamed Rice
Fluffy steamed rice is a simple yet totally satisfying base for boom boom shrimp The mild flavor and soft texture of the rice allow the spicy shrimp flavors to take center stage. Drizzle the boom boom sauce over the shrimp and rice for an easy, complete meal. Steamed rice soaks up any extra sauce deliciously
2. Cucumber Salad
A cool, crisp cucumber salad balances the richness of fried boom boom shrimp wonderfully. Simply toss thinly sliced cucumbers with a light dressing of rice vinegar, sesame oil, a touch of sugar, and chopped cilantro. The fresh flavors and crunch refresh the palate between bites of shrimp.
3. Garlic Noodles
For a savory, garlicky side, try garlic noodles. Sauté minced garlic in oil, then toss with hot cooked pasta and chopped parsley. The garlic’s punchy aroma and flavor contrasts the shrimp’s spice perfectly. Toss the shrimp with the garlicky noodles for a more cohesive meal.
4. Grilled Pineapple
Add a touch of sweetness to balance the spice with grilled pineapple wedges. The caramelized, juicy fruit makes a tangy, tropical accompaniment. Marinate pineapple slices in a blend of pineapple juice, brown sugar, lime, and spices before grilling them until charred.
5. Edamame
Simple boiled edamame pods make a satisfying protein-packed side. Their delicate, mildly salty flavor doesn’t compete with the bold shrimp. Simply boil shelled edamame until warmed through and tender. Sprinkle with salt and serve warm.
6. Asian Slaw
For crunch and vibrant flavor, Asian slaw is a great pairing. Toss shredded cabbage and carrots with a dressing of lime juice, sesame oil, soy sauce, ginger, and chopped cilantro and peanuts. The tangy slaw cuts the richness of the shrimp beautifully.
7. Wonton Chips
Get your crunch on with wonton chips. Deep fry wonton wrappers cut into triangles until golden and crisp. Their satisfying texture and mild flavor lets the shrimp shine. Or use store-bought wonton strips. Dip the chips into the boom boom sauce for extra flavor.
8. Spring Rolls
Fresh spring rolls with shrimp, herbs, and crunchy veggies wrapped in rice paper offer brightness and contrast. Provide a tangy peanut or fish sauce for dipping. The light rolls prevent the meal from feeling too heavy or rich.
9. Caesar Salad
A classic Caesar salad with crunchy romaine, creamy dressing, croutons, and parmesan is a foolproof pairing. The salad’s tangy zest cuts the shrimp’s richness for balance. Add grilled chicken or shrimp to the salad for extra protein if desired.
10. Mango Salsa
For a fruity, tropical twist, make a mango salsa with diced mango, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and serrano or jalapeño peppers. The sweet mango balances the spice of the shrimp deliciously. Scoop up the shrimp with the vibrant salsa.
11. Tortillas
Warm corn or flour tortillas make excellent vehicles for the shrimp and let you turn it into tacos or burritos. Load the tortillas with boom boom shrimp and desired taco toppings like pico de gallo, avocado, cabbage, and lime wedges.
12. Fried Rice
Savory fried rice, loaded with veggies like peas, carrots, and onions, makes a satisfying base for the shrimp. Cook chilled cooked rice in sesame oil with the veggies, soy sauce, and eggs scrambled in. The fried rice soaks up any extra sauce nicely.
13. Steamed Broccoli
For a lighter, healthier option, try steamed broccoli florets. The broccoli’s mild, grassy flavor won’t compete with the shrimp. Toss the shrimp and boom boom sauce with the broccoli for a well-rounded meal.
14. Cucumber Noodles
Using a spiralizer, cut cucumbers into long noodle-like ribbons. Toss them with a bit of rice vinegar and sesame oil for a cool, hydrating salad. The mild cukes let the shrimp’s flavors shine. Add avocado chunks for even more nutrition.
15. Coleslaw
Creamy coleslaw, made from shredded cabbage and carrots dressed lightly in mayo, vinegar, and spices, makes a classic pairing. The crunchy texture and tangy flavor balances the rich shrimp beautifully. Sprinkle the coleslaw with minced cilantro for extra flavor.
What are bang bang shrimp?
When you see bang bang shrimp on a restaurant menu, it’s usually in the appetizer section.
Most of the time, it’s small shrimp (popcorn-sized?) that are fried in a sweet and spicy creamy sauce after being tempura battered or dusted with a light cornstarch mixture.
They are amazing! So light and crisp, and the sauce. The sauce, man…
It’s mostly just mayonnaise and sweet chili sauce, but I like to add something else to make it more interesting.
It all comes together in the most incredible way. My only complaint is that it doesn’t really add up to a balanced meal.
Bang bang shrimp bowls ingredients
Most everything you’ll find in this dish is healthy and easy to access from your regular grocery store.
Here’s a quick rundown:
Rice forms the base of the bowl.
I just use regular old Carolina rice, but feel free to sub in whatever kind you keep on hand.
You could even sub in another grain like quinoa or bulgur or freekeh.
We’ve settled on raw cucumber, red bell peppers, avocado, and scallions as our favorite veggies.
But we experimented with some others too!
Really you can use anything you like. Here are a few other suggestions:
- Matchstick carrots
- Steamed and shelled edamame
- Blanched green beans or asparagus
- Broccoli or cauliflower
- Greens such as baby kale, spinach, or arugula
- Corn
- Tomatoes (maybe grape tomatoes?)
- Beans (black beans or white beans?)
- Pickled red onions or radish
Just to name a few!
I like to buy jumbo frozen shrimp that have had their guts taken out but still have their tails and shells on. Don’t ask me why, I just think they have the best flavor!.
Use whatever you like best. You can even buy pre-cooked shrimp if you want! That would be a great time-saver.
Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are my go-to for just about any kind of meat/protein I cook.
To me, the amounts on the recipe card below are just right. Feel free to change them to suit your own tastes.
If you don’t want the shrimp to stick to the cooking surface, you can use any kind of cooking oil.
The sauce begins with mayo. I like regular, full-fat mayo, but if you want you can sub with light mayo or vegan mayo for an egg-free option.
Sweet chili sauce gives the bang bang shrimp its signature flavor.
It’s very sweet and syrupy, almost like a thin jam, and there’s just a hint of spice. It’s not really spicy, but it has a bit more of something than, say, duck sauce.
We like a little more heat, so I add in a healthy squirt of sriracha.
Not only does it make you tingle more, but it also has extra spices that really bring out the flavors of the bang bang sauce.
If you like your bowls more on the mild side, you can add less or omit this ingredient.
I love this ingredient!
Toasted sesame oil adds something so special to this recipe! There’s nothing else quite like it.
Be sure to keep it refrigerated once it’s been opened. It goes rancid very quickly!
This is another one you can add to taste or omit if you don’t like spicy food.
Crushed red pepper flakes just bring in an extra pop of heat with every few bites.
How To Make Bang Bang Shrimp – Better Than Bonefish Grill!
FAQ
What do you eat with boom boom shrimp?
What to serve with Bang Bang Shrimp?
Here’s the short answer. The best side dishes to serve with bang bang shrimp are cauliflower rice, cucumber salad, and roasted broccoli. You can also serve the shrimp in tacos with guacamole and pineapple salad, or serve them on a bed of crab cakes. For refreshing options, try a chopped Asian salad or a Vietnamese noodle salad.
What to eat with Boom Boom shrimp?
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! For a fantastic presentation, you can serve Boom Boom Shrimp on a bed of lettuce, garnished with thinly sliced chives or scallions/green onions.
What sauce goes with Boom Boom shrimp?
The sauce is a combination of mayonnaise, Thai sweet chili sauce, Sriracha hot sauce, ketchup, garlic powder, kosher salt, and a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. What to serve with boom boom shrimp? You can serve the shrimp with steamed rice, a fresh cucumber salad, or a vegetable stir-fry for a complete meal. How to make boom boom shrimp sauce?
How do you cook Boom Boom shrimp?
Whisk club soda into flour mixture, then dip skewers into wet batter. Working in batches, fry battered skewers 2-3 minutes or until golden. Serve with boom boom sauce. Boom boom shrimp is a classic recipe with a spicy twist.