Shrimp Bao Recipe

Looking for a delicious and flavorful Asian-inspired dish to make at home? Try this homemade shrimp bao recipe! With crispy panko-crusted shrimp, homemade bao buns, and a tangy tartar sauce, this easy shrimp bao is sure to satisfy your cravings. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this authentic and flavorful shrimp bao is quick to make and perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week.

Shrimp Bao Recipe

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this mouthwatering and healthy shrimp bao recipe. From the first bite, you’ll be transported to the streets of Asia, savoring the rich flavors and aroma of this iconic dish. Let’s dive right in and make this delicious shrimp bun recipe!

Key Takeaways:

  • Shrimp bao is an Asian-inspired dish that is crispy, flavorful, and easy to make at home.
  • Homemade shrimp bao consists of panko-crusted shrimp, homemade bao buns, and a tangy tartar sauce.
  • This shrimp bao recipe is quick to prepare, taking only about 35 minutes from start to finish.
  • By following this authentic shrimp bao recipe, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.
  • Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavors with this homemade shrimp bao recipe!

Ingredients for Shrimp Bao

To make the delicious shrimp bao, you’ll need the following ingredients:

Ingredients Quantity
Shrimp 24 large shrimp, peeled and deveined
Baking Soda 1/4 teaspoon
Kosher Salt 1 1/2 teaspoons, plus more to taste
Sugar 1/2 teaspoon
Garlic 2 medium cloves, minced
Oil 2 tablespoons, divided
Hot Red Chili 1 small, thinly sliced
Scallions 2, thinly sliced
Freshly Ground Black Pepper To taste
Sriracha 1 tablespoon
Mayonnaise 5 tablespoons
Lime Juice 1 teaspoon
Chinese Folded Steamed Buns 12
Quick-pickled Cucumbers with Rice Vinegar
Shredded Green Cabbage

Ensure you have all these ingredients on hand before starting the recipe. Now let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions for preparing the shrimp bao!

Preparing the Shrimp

To prepare the shrimp for the bao buns, follow these simple steps:

  1. In a bowl, combine the shrimp, baking soda, salt, and sugar.
  2. Toss the ingredients to evenly coat the shrimp.
  3. Thread the shrimp onto skewers and place them in a baking dish.
  4. Refrigerate the shrimp for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.

While the shrimp is marinating, you can prepare the other components of the shrimp bao. In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and oil. Set this aside for later. In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, oil, hot red chili, and thinly sliced scallions. This flavorful mixture will be used to season the grilled shrimp.

Preparing the shrimp is a crucial step in achieving the perfect texture and flavor for your shrimp bao. The combination of baking soda, salt, and sugar helps to tenderize the shrimp while also enhancing its natural sweetness. Marinating the shrimp on skewers allows for even cooking and makes it easier to handle on the grill.

Once the shrimp has marinated and the seasoning mixtures are prepared, you’re ready to move on to the next steps of creating your tasty shrimp bao.

Making the Sriracha Mayonnaise

Enhance the flavor of your shrimp bao with a zesty sriracha mayonnaise. This quick and easy condiment adds a spicy kick to every bite. Here’s how to make it:

  1. In a small bowl, combine the following ingredients:
Sriracha Mayonnaise Quantity
Sriracha 1 tablespoon
Mayonnaise 5 tablespoons
Lime juice 1 teaspoon
  1. Stir the ingredients until well combined.
  2. Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more sriracha, according to your preference.
  3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sriracha mayonnaise until you’re ready to use it.

With the sriracha mayonnaise ready, your shrimp bao will have an extra layer of heat and creaminess. It perfectly complements the crispy shrimp and soft bao buns.

Now that you’ve mastered the recipe for sriracha mayonnaise, let’s move on to grilling the shrimp and assembling the bao buns. Follow the next sections to complete your delicious shrimp bao dish.

Grilling the Shrimp

Now that the shrimp are marinated and ready, it’s time to take them to the grill for some smoky goodness. Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly grilled shrimp for your shrimp bao:

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
  2. Brush the shrimp with the garlic and oil mixture.
  3. Place the shrimp directly over the hot side of the grill.
  4. Cook the shrimp for about 4 to 5 minutes, turning them occasionally, until they are just cooked through and well charred.
  5. Transfer the shrimp to a cutting board and carefully remove them from the skewers.
  6. Toss the shrimp in the garlic, oil, chili, and scallion mixture.
  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The grilling process adds a delicious smoky flavor to the shrimp, complementing the other components of the shrimp bao. The charred exterior gives the shrimp a nice texture, adding some crunch to each bite.

Grilling Tip: To prevent the shrimp from sticking to the grill, make sure it’s well-oiled and hot before placing the shrimp on it. This will help achieve those beautiful grill marks and keep the shrimp intact.

Once the shrimp are grilled to perfection, it’s time to move on to the next step: assembling the shrimp bao. We’ll bring together all the components we’ve prepared so far and create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your family and friends. Stay tuned!

Assembling the Shrimp Bao

To create the perfect shrimp bao, follow these simple steps to assemble the bao buns with all the delicious ingredients. Get ready to enjoy a burst of flavors in every bite!

Instructions:

  1. Start by spreading a generous amount of sriracha mayonnaise on the bottom half of each bao bun. This tangy and spicy sauce will add a kick to your shrimp bao.
  2. Next, top the sriracha mayonnaise with a layer of quick-pickled cucumbers. These tangy cucumbers will provide a refreshing crunch to complement the crispy shrimp.
  3. After the cucumbers, add a handful of shredded cabbage. This will lend a subtle sweetness and crisp texture to the bao buns.
  4. Finally, place two grilled shrimp on top of the shredded cabbage. The flavorful and perfectly cooked shrimp will be the star ingredient of your shrimp bao.
  5. Close the bao buns by gently pressing the top half onto the filling. The soft and pillowy buns will provide the perfect vessel for all the delicious flavors to come together.
  6. Serve the assembled shrimp bao buns immediately for the best experience. The combination of crispy shrimp, tangy sauce, and fresh toppings is a culinary delight that you won’t want to miss.

Now that you know how to assemble the shrimp bao, it’s time to savor the incredible flavors of this Asian-inspired dish. Get ready to impress your family and friends with your homemade shrimp bao creation!

Tips for Making Shrimp Bao

When it comes to making shrimp bao, these tips will help you create a delicious and flavorful dish:

1. Marinate the shrimp with salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Before cooking the shrimp, marinate them with a sprinkle of salt and pepper. This simple step will enhance the flavor and make every bite more enjoyable.

2. Watch the shrimp carefully while frying to prevent them from burning.

Shrimp cooks quickly, so it’s important to keep an eye on them while frying. Be attentive and remove them from the heat as soon as they turn golden brown to avoid any burnt or overcooked shrimp.

3. Strain floating bread crumbs from the oil to avoid burning.

When frying the shrimp, some bread crumbs may detach and float in the oil. To prevent them from burning and affecting the taste of the cooked shrimp, strain the oil between batches to remove any floating particles.

4. Adjust the amount of chili powder and paprika based on your spice preference.

If you prefer a spicier shrimp bao, feel free to increase the amount of chili powder and paprika in the recipe. Adjust the spice level to suit your taste buds and make the dish exactly how you like it.

5. You can use store-bought bao buns or make your own ahead of time.

While making homemade bao buns can be a fun and rewarding experience, you can also save time by using store-bought buns. Both options will result in a delicious shrimp bao, so choose whichever works best for you.

6. Feel free to substitute shrimp with other seafood like prawns or scallops.

If you’re not a fan of shrimp or want to try different variations, you can substitute them with other seafood options like prawns or scallops. The recipe will still be delicious and offer a unique twist.

7. Finish the shrimp with flakey salt for added flavor.

For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle some flakey salt over the cooked shrimp before serving. The salt crystals will provide a delightful contrast and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

8. Use cilantro or parsley for garnish based on your preference.

When garnishing your shrimp bao, you can choose between fresh cilantro or parsley. Both herbs will add a touch of freshness and aesthetic appeal to the dish, so use whichever you prefer.

9. Use neutral oil for frying the shrimp.

When frying the shrimp, it’s best to use a neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable or canola oil. These oils have a high smoke point and won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the shrimp.

10. Substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch in the dredge if desired.

If you prefer a lighter and crispier coating on the shrimp, you can substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch in the dredge. The cornstarch will create a delicate and crunchy texture that pairs perfectly with the tender shrimp.

With these tips in mind, you’re now ready to take on the challenge of making shrimp bao. Enjoy the process, get creative with the flavors, and savor every bite of this delightful Asian-inspired dish.

Keeping Bao Buns Warm

After steaming the bao buns according to package instructions, it’s important to keep them warm until you’re ready to assemble the shrimp bao. To retain the heat, it’s best to keep the bao buns covered and avoid frequently opening the steamer. This will ensure that the buns remain soft and fluffy, ready to be enjoyed with the delicious shrimp filling.

When you’re ready to assemble the shrimp bao, carefully remove the bao buns from the warm steamer. Be sure to handle them gently so they don’t lose their shape or become flattened. The warm bao buns will provide the perfect base for the crispy shrimp and flavorful toppings, creating a mouthwatering combination of textures and flavors.

You can now proceed to assemble the shrimp bao and indulge in this delectable Asian-inspired dish.

Storing Crispy Shrimp Bao Bun

If you have leftovers from your delicious shrimp bao feast, it’s important to store the bao buns and shrimp filling separately to maintain their crispy texture. Here’s how you can store and reheat them to enjoy the same delightful flavors:

Storing the Bao Buns

1. Wrap the bao buns individually with plastic wrap to prevent air exposure.

2. Place the wrapped bao buns in an airtight container or ziplock bag.

3. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Storing the Shrimp Filling

1. Transfer the cooked shrimp to an airtight container.

2. Seal the container tightly to preserve freshness.

3. Store the shrimp in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating the Shrimp Bao

1. Steam the refrigerated bao buns according to the package instructions to restore their softness.

2. Meanwhile, heat a pan over medium heat and add a small amount of oil.

3. Refry the stored shrimp in the pan for 1-2 minutes until heated through and crispy.

4. Remove the bao buns from the steamer and fill them with the reheated crispy shrimp.

5. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Storage Method Duration Reheating Instructions
Bao Buns Up to 2 days Steam to restore softness
Shrimp Filling Up to 3 days Refry in a pan until crispy

By storing the bao buns and shrimp filling separately, you can ensure that your leftovers maintain their crispy texture. Follow the reheating instructions to enjoy the crispy shrimp bao bun once again, without compromising on flavor or quality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the shrimp bao recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures. The combination of crispy shrimp, soft and fluffy bao buns, and tangy tartar sauce creates a mouthwatering culinary experience. By following the step-by-step instructions provided in this recipe, you can easily recreate this Asian-inspired dish in the comfort of your own kitchen.

Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, the shrimp bao recipe is accessible and straightforward to make. The crispy panko-crusted shrimp adds a satisfying crunch, while the homemade bao buns provide a pillowy base for the shrimp and other delicious toppings. Don’t forget the sriracha mayonnaise for an extra kick of flavor.

So why not impress your family and friends with this delicious shrimp bao dish? It’s perfect for lunch or dinner any day of the week. Serve it immediately to savor the flavors at their best. With this recipe, you can enjoy the authentic taste of Asia without leaving your home. Try it out and experience the deliciousness of shrimp bao for yourself!

FAQ

What is a shrimp bao?

Shrimp bao is an Asian-inspired dish that consists of crispy panko-crusted shrimp, homemade bao buns, and a tangy tartar sauce.

How long does it take to make shrimp bao?

The shrimp bao recipe takes about 35 minutes to prepare.

What ingredients do I need to make shrimp bao?

To make shrimp bao, you will need shrimp, baking soda, kosher salt, sugar, garlic, oil, hot red chili, scallions, black pepper, sriracha, mayonnaise, lime juice, Chinese folded steamed buns, quick-pickled cucumbers, and shredded green cabbage.

How do I prepare the shrimp for the bao buns?

To prepare the shrimp for the bao buns, marinate them with baking soda, salt, and sugar, then thread them onto skewers and let them rest in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Preheat the grill and cook the shrimp until they are just cooked through and well-charred.

How do I make the sriracha mayonnaise?

To make the sriracha mayonnaise, combine sriracha, mayonnaise, and lime juice in a bowl and stir until well combined.

How do I assemble the shrimp bao?

To assemble the shrimp bao, spread sriracha mayonnaise on the bottom of each bao bun, then top with quick-pickled cucumbers, shredded cabbage, and two grilled shrimp. Close the buns and serve immediately.

What are some tips for making shrimp bao?

Some tips for making shrimp bao are to marinate the shrimp for extra flavor, watch them carefully while frying to prevent burning, strain floating bread crumbs from the oil, adjust the amount of chili powder and paprika based on spice preference, use store-bought or homemade bao buns, feel free to substitute shrimp with other seafood, finish the shrimp with flakey salt, use cilantro or parsley for garnish, use neutral oil for frying, and substitute all-purpose flour with cornstarch in the dredge if desired.

How do I keep the bao buns warm?

To keep the bao buns warm, steam them according to package instructions, and keep them covered until ready to assemble the shrimp bao.

How should I store leftover shrimp bao?

If you have leftovers, it’s best to store the bao buns and shrimp filling separately to prevent the buns from becoming soggy. Wrap the bao buns with plastic wrap and store the shrimp in an airtight container.

What is the conclusion for the shrimp bao recipe?

The shrimp bao recipe is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines crispy shrimp, flavorful bao buns, and tangy tartar sauce. By following the steps outlined in this recipe, you can enjoy a taste of Asia right in your own home. Serve the shrimp bao immediately and savor the flavors.

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