Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp Recipe

Craving something bold, vibrant, and packed with layers of flavor, but just don’t have the time or energy for a complicated meal? Meet your new favorite: Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp. With its velvety curry-inspired coconut sauce, crispy proteins, and an irresistible peanut drizzle, this dish takes under 90 minutes from start to finish—and most of that is inactive time. You’ll love how the contrasting textures and creamy, spicy, nutty flavors come alive with every bite. It’s truly perfect for busy weeknights when you want a restaurant-worthy meal without the hassle.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about what makes this dish so irresistible, ingredient by ingredient:

• Sweetened Flaked Coconut: Toasted for a golden, tropical crunch. Tip: Don’t skip this step—the texture is a game changer!
• Chili Oil: Adds mild heat and depth to both the sauce and the peanut drizzle.
• Onion, Garlic, Ginger: The flavor trinity—aromatic, savory, and warming.
• Chicken Broth: Builds the base of the coconut sauce, contributing rich, savory undertones.
• Ground Cumin, Coriander, Paprika, Mace, Turmeric: A balanced spice blend for warmth and subtle color.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning—adjust for your taste.
• Coconut Milk: The star of the sauce, bringing silky sweetness and richness.
• Carrots, Zucchini (Julienned), Frozen Peas: For color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness. Tip: Use what you have—bell peppers or snap peas work too.
• Creamy Peanut Butter: The heart of the peanut sauce—choose a creamy version for a smooth drizzle.
• Water, Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice Vinegar, Lime Juice: Combine to balance, thin, and brighten the peanut sauce.
• Chicken Breast Fillets: Firm and juicy, they soak up flavor while staying tender.
• Large Raw Shrimp: Sweet, briny, and a perfect compliment to the chicken; be sure they’re peeled for easy eating.
• Cornstarch: For coating proteins—gives the chicken and shrimp that irresistible, light crisp.
• Vegetable Oil: Used for sautéing—grab a neutral oil for best results.
• Cooked Jasmine Rice: The soft, fragrant foundation for the dish.
• Dried Parsley, Chopped Peanuts, Green Onions: Final touches for a burst of freshness, crunch, and color.

Variations

Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp is endlessly versatile! Try these fun spins:

• Make it Vegetarian: Swap chicken and shrimp for firm tofu or more veggies like broccoli and mushrooms.
• Spice It Up: Add extra chili oil, a fresh chili, or a dash of hot sauce to both sauces.
• Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and toasted seeds for peanuts.
• Rice Alternatives: Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or even rice noodles for a twist.
• Go All-Chicken or All-Shrimp: Use your preferred protein in a hearty portion, adjusting cooking times as needed.

How to Make Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp

Step 1: Toast the Coconut

Start by toasting the sweetened coconut. Spread it out on a baking sheet and toast in a 300°F oven for 20–25 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to ensure even color. Once nicely golden, set aside to cool.

Step 2: Build the Coconut Sauce

In a large saucepan, heat chili oil over medium. Sauté onion, garlic, and ginger for about 30 seconds. Add chicken broth, then the cumin, coriander, paprika, mace, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes so the flavors bloom, then add the coconut milk. Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer about 20 minutes—until the sauce thickens. Now add the julienned carrots, zucchini, and frozen peas. Let everything simmer another 10 minutes, just until the veggies are perfectly tender-crisp.

Step 3: Whip Up the Peanut Sauce

Meanwhile, combine peanut butter, water, sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, lime juice, and chili oil in a small saucepan. Warm gently over medium until it bubbles, then take it off the heat and cover to keep warm.

Step 4: Prepare and Cook Chicken & Shrimp

Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and toss with half the cornstarch. In a separate bowl, coat the shrimp with the remaining cornstarch. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium. Sauté chicken until just cooked through, then add shrimp and cook for 3–5 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain on paper towels to keep them crispy.

Step 5: Assemble and Serve

Pack a cup of jasmine rice into a small bowl, then invert onto the center of each plate. Carefully arrange a portion of chicken and shrimp around the rice. Spoon the fragrant vegetable coconut sauce over the proteins, but skip the rice for that striking look. Drizzle with the warm peanut sauce, focusing most of it right over the rice mound. Garnish with a sprinkle of dried parsley, a handful of chopped peanuts, and a nest of julienned green onions. Finish with toasted coconut for crunch and flair.

How to Serve

Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp is vibrant all on its own, but if you want to make it a complete meal, pair it with:

• A light cucumber salad or Asian slaw—refreshing alongside the rich coconut and peanut.
• Warm naan or roti—perfect for scooping up extra sauce.
• A crisp, acidic white wine like Riesling, or a sparkling water with lime, enhances the spices and richness.
• Note: Serve immediately for the crispiest texture and boldest flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Transfer any extras to an airtight container. Store chicken, shrimp, veggie sauce, and rice separately if possible to preserve textures. They’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze the coconut vegetable sauce for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing cooked shrimp—they can get rubbery. The peanut sauce also keeps well in the freezer (thaw and whisk before using).

Reheating

For best results, reheat sauce and rice gently on the stove or in the microwave. Warm the chicken and shrimp in a skillet until just heated through. If possible, refresh the toppings just before serving for maximum crunch.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Bang Bang Chicken and Shrimp is truly a celebration on a plate—comforting and vibrant, yet surprisingly simple to put together. Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list; each step is straightforward, and the reward is a dinner that’s sure to steal the show any night of the week. Gather your ingredients, invite curiosity into your kitchen, and enjoy creating a flavorful journey that’s guaranteed to please. Give it a try—you’ll definitely want to add it to your regular lineup!

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