Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Medium or even small shrimp work well too. Just reduce the cooking time accordingly, as smaller shrimp cook faster. They'll typically need only 1-2 minutes per side instead of 3.

Is there a substitute for the PB2 powder?

If you don't have PB2, you can use a teaspoon of regular peanut butter instead. For a nut-free version, simply omit it or add a dash of sesame oil for a similar nutty flavor.

Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. I recommend cooking the shrimp fresh and combining with the sauce just before serving for the best texture. If needed, you can cook the shrimp an hour ahead and reheat gently with the sauce.

How spicy is this dish really?

With 1/4 tablespoon of sriracha, the heat level is quite mild - just enough to notice but not overwhelming. At 1 full tablespoon, you'll definitely feel the heat! Start with less and add more to taste if you're unsure about your spice tolerance.

Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe

Name: Boom Boom Shrimp Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs. jumbo shrimp, raw (frozen or fresh); 3/4 cup light mayonnaise; 1/2 cup Sweet Chili Sauce (140g); 1/4 cup Ketchup (70g); 1/4 – 1 Tbsp Sriracha (more or less to taste); 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 2 Tbsp PB2 Peanut Butter Powder (13g)

This irresistible Boom Boom Shrimp is a flavor explosion that brings together perfectly cooked jumbo shrimp with a creamy, sweet-spicy sauce that’s simply unforgettable. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s the perfect solution for those busy weeknights when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of sweet chili and sriracha creates that perfect balance of heat that will keep you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Impressive: From start to finish in just 20 minutes, yet tastes like something from your favorite restaurant.
Customizable Heat: You control the spice level by adjusting the sriracha, making it perfect for everyone from spice novices to heat seekers.
Crowd-Pleaser: The combination of creamy sauce with perfectly cooked shrimp is guaranteed to impress family and friends alike.
Versatile: Works beautifully as an appetizer, main dish, or party food that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Jumbo Shrimp: The star of the show! Whether fresh or frozen, they cook quickly and absorb the flavors beautifully. Make sure they’re properly cleaned and deveined.
Light Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base for our sauce without adding too many calories. The creaminess balances the heat perfectly.
Sweet Chili Sauce: Brings that perfect balance of sweetness and mild heat that makes the sauce irresistible. This ingredient is non-negotiable!
Ketchup: Adds tanginess and depth to the sauce while enhancing the vibrant color.
Sriracha: The heat factor! Add more for a proper kick or less if you prefer just a gentle warmth.
Garlic Powder: Provides that savory depth without the harshness of fresh garlic. A little goes a long way.
PB2 Peanut Butter Powder: The secret ingredient that adds a subtle nutty complexity to the sauce that takes it to the next level.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Coconut Boom Boom Shrimp

Add a tropical twist by coating the shrimp in coconut flakes before cooking. Simply dip in egg wash, then in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and shredded coconut before pan-frying.

Grilled Version

Thread the shrimp onto skewers and grill instead of pan-frying. Brush with the sauce during the final minute of cooking and serve with extra sauce on the side.

Veggie Boom Boom

Turn this into a complete meal by adding stir-fried vegetables like bell peppers, snow peas, and broccoli to the shrimp before coating with sauce.

Extra Crispy

For a crispier texture, lightly dust the shrimp with cornstarch before cooking. This creates a delicate crust that holds the sauce beautifully.

How to Make Boom Boom Shrimp

Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp

If using frozen shrimp, place them in a large bowl and cover with room temperature water. Allow to defrost completely. Remove shells and tails, then pat the shrimp thoroughly dry with paper towels. Proper drying ensures better cooking and searing.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Heat a large pan over medium heat and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Add the cleaned shrimp to the pan in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook until they turn pink and opaque, approximately 3 minutes per side. They should have a nice light sear but not be overcooked.

Step 3: Prepare the Sauce

While the shrimp are cooking, combine the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, ketchup, sriracha, garlic powder, and PB2 in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and well-integrated. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your preferred heat level.

Step 4: Combine and Finish

Once the shrimp are cooked through, drain any excess liquid from the pan. Pour the prepared sauce directly into the pan with the shrimp. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to warm through and coat the shrimp beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Transfer to a serving plate immediately. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools, creating that perfect clingy consistency.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Shrimp: They cook quickly! Remove them from heat as soon as they turn pink and opaque to keep them tender and juicy.
Pat Shrimp Completely Dry: This ensures better browning and prevents the sauce from becoming watery.
Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
Even Cooking: Make sure your shrimp are roughly the same size for even cooking. If they vary greatly in size, consider cooking them in batches.
Taste As You Go: Especially with the sriracha – add a little, taste, then add more if needed. You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!

How to Serve

As an Appetizer

Serve on a platter with toothpicks, garnished with sliced green onions and sesame seeds. Add a little lime wedge on the side for guests to squeeze over the top.

As a Main Dish

Pair with jasmine rice or rice noodles to soak up all that delicious sauce. Add a simple cucumber salad or steamed broccoli on the side for a complete meal.

In Lettuce Cups

Spoon the shrimp into Boston or butter lettuce leaves for a lighter, hand-held option. Top with matchstick carrots and fresh herbs.

Bowl Style

Create a boom boom shrimp bowl with steamed rice, sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, and a drizzle of extra sauce on top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Boom Boom Shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The sauce may thicken when chilled, which is perfectly normal.

Freezing

While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture of the shrimp and sauce may change upon thawing. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat until just warmed through. Add a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until just heated through.

FAQs

Can I use smaller shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Medium or even small shrimp work well too. Just reduce the cooking time accordingly, as smaller shrimp cook faster. They’ll typically need only 1-2 minutes per side instead of 3.
Is there a substitute for the PB2 powder?

If you don’t have PB2, you can use a teaspoon of regular peanut butter instead. For a nut-free version, simply omit it or add a dash of sesame oil for a similar nutty flavor.
Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

The sauce can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. I recommend cooking the shrimp fresh and combining with the sauce just before serving for the best texture. If needed, you can cook the shrimp an hour ahead and reheat gently with the sauce.
How spicy is this dish really?

With 1/4 tablespoon of sriracha, the heat level is quite mild – just enough to notice but not overwhelming. At 1 full tablespoon, you’ll definitely feel the heat! Start with less and add more to taste if you’re unsure about your spice tolerance.

Final Thoughts

This Boom Boom Shrimp recipe transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dish that’s bound to become a regular in your cooking rotation. The combination of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors creates that perfect balance that makes it impossible to stop at just one serving. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort – exactly what we all need in our cooking arsenal!