Bang Bang Shrimp

Howdy, friends! It is sweltering in NJ this week. We are way over 90 degrees each day with high humidity and a high heat index. The kicker? The doctor wants me to avoid heat since my pregnancy is causing some insane asthma. Can I ask you how one avoids HEAT when it feels over 100 degrees each day? Hmm... well, I haven't figured it out yet! The one thing I did figure out was I am not turning on my oven, not under any circumstances. I've been making many dinners on the stovetop and this was one.

John and I love bang bang shrimp from Bonefish Grill. Love. I am pretty anti chain restaurants but I make an exception for Bonefish, particularly for these shrimp. The other day the craving was strong and I decided to make them. Since they are extremely unhealthy I paired it with a simple green salad and called it a meal. We were both happy- this was a definite crowd pleaser. I will make it again next time I have company for an appetizer, it's so tasty and pretty similar to the classic from Bonefish.

Source: Adapted from Chef Mommy

Ingredients:

1 pound shrimp, raw, peeled, and deveined (I used jumbo, I'd suggest medium)

Sauce:
1/2 cup mayo
4-5 tsp. chili garlic sauce
1 tsp. granulated sugar
1 tsp. rice vinegar

Egg mixture:
1 egg
1 cup milk

Breading:
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup panko
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. onion powder
1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 cup vegetable oil

Directions:
1- In a small bowl mix all of the sauce ingredients together and set aside, covered.
2- In a shallow bowl mix the egg and milk, set aside. In a separate dish combine the breading ingredients and stir well to combine.
3- Dip the shrimp in the breading, followed by egg, and than back in the breading. Set on a plate. Continue until all shrimp are coated. Refrigerate for 30 minutes.
4- Meanwhile heat the oil in a nonstick skillet. Once hot, add 6-7 shrimp at a time until golden on one side, slip. Once both sides are golden remove and place on paper towel to dry.
5- Add a few shrimp at a time to a mixing bowl with some sauce. Once coated, remove and add more shrimp/sauce. (I found using a soft rubber mixing spoon worked best to coat without pulling off the breading).
6- Serve hot on a bead of lettuce, top with green onion if desired.