Crispy Paleo Bang Bang Shrimp with Creamy Chili Sauce

Ingredients

For the Crispy Wild Shrimp:

• 1.25 lbs large wild-caught shrimp (peeled, deveined, tails removed)
• 0.33 cup tapioca starch or arrowroot starch (creates a delicate, glass-shattering crunch)
• 1 large pasture-raised egg white, whisked until frothy
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp coarse Celtic sea salt
• 0.25 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tbsp unrefined avocado oil (for pan-frying)

For the Signature Creamy Bang Bang Sauce:

• 0.5 cup avocado oil mayonnaise (such as Primal Kitchen)
• 2.5 tbsp clean sriracha or garlic chili paste (sugar-free)
• 1.5 tbsp raw unfiltered honey or date syrup (or omit for strict Whole30)
• 1 tbsp organic coconut aminos
• 1 tsp fresh lime juice
• 1 clove garlic, finely grated
• 2 scallions (green onions), thinly sliced on a bias (for garnish)
• 1 tbsp toasted white sesame seeds (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Make Creamy Bang Bang Sauce: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the avocado oil mayonnaise, clean sriracha, raw honey (or date syrup), coconut aminos, fresh lime juice, and grated garlic until smooth, velvety, and coral-pink. Set aside.
2. Dry & Season Shrimp: Pat the peeled shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. In a shallow bowl, toss shrimp with the frothy egg white, garlic powder, smoked paprika, coarse sea salt, and black pepper.
3. Dredge in Tapioca: Dust the tapioca starch over the seasoned shrimp, tossing until each piece is evenly coated in a light, dry starch layer.
4. Flash-Sear to Golden Crisp: Heat 3 tbsp avocado oil in a large 12-inch heavy stainless steel or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add shrimp in a single layer (cook in two batches to avoid crowding). Fry undisturbed for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown, crispy, and pink. Transfer with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate.
5. Toss in Bang Bang Sauce: Immediately transfer the hot crispy shrimp into the bowl of prepared bang bang sauce. Toss gently with a silicone spatula until every piece is gloriously coated in the luscious, sweet-spicy sauce.
6. Garnish & Serve: Pile the coated bang bang shrimp into chilled butter lettuce cups or onto a platter. Garnish with sliced green scallions and toasted white sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and crispy!

Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)

Chef's Paleo Nutritional Science

Wild-caught shrimp is packed with astaxanthin, choline, and selenium, supporting nervous system transmission and hepatic lipid clearance. Cold-pressed avocado oil mayonnaise supplies monounsaturated oleic acid and lipid-soluble Vitamin E, eliminating the pro-inflammatory linoleic acid oxidation products typical of restaurant canola fryers.

Frequently Asked Questions