Irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls: Your Ultimate Guide to Sweet & Spicy Bibimbap-Inspired Meal Prep
Prepare your taste buds for an explosion of flavor with these incredible Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls! Inspired by the rich and vibrant elements of traditional Korean bibimbap, these bowls feature succulent, crispy shrimp coated in a luscious sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, served over a bed of perfectly cooked noodles. Each bowl is generously topped with a perfectly fried egg, tangy kimchi, and an array of fresh, sesame-infused vegetables, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience – a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy notes that will make your weeknight dinners exciting and vibrant. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, making it ideal for both quick dinners and efficient meal prep.
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Key Ingredients and Smart Substitutions for Your Noodle Bowls
Crafting the perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowl involves a delightful array of fresh ingredients, each contributing to its unique flavor and texture. Don’t worry if you’re missing something; many components can be easily substituted to fit your pantry or dietary needs without compromising on taste.
- Sesame oil: This is crucial for that authentic nutty, aromatic flavor. While peanut oil, canola oil, or avocado oil can be used for cooking, be aware they are neutral and won’t impart the same fragrant depth as sesame oil. You might consider adding a dash of toasted sesame oil at the end for aroma if using a neutral cooking oil.
- Prepackaged stir fry noodles: For ultimate convenience, pre-cooked stir-fry noodles are a time-saver. If you opt for uncooked stir-fry noodles, simply boil them according to package instructions until al dente before incorporating them into the stir-fry. Other noodle types like ramen, udon, or even rice vermicelli can also work.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic offers the best pungency and flavor. However, jarred minced garlic is a convenient alternative that works perfectly well in a pinch.
- Soy sauce: A cornerstone of Asian cuisine, soy sauce provides essential umami. For gluten-free options, tamari is an excellent, flavor-rich substitute. Coconut aminos also work, offering a slightly sweeter, soy-free alternative.
- Sriracha: This popular chili sauce gives the dish its signature spicy kick. If sriracha isn’t available or you prefer a different heat profile, sambal oelek or any other chili paste can be used effectively to achieve a similar level of spice and flavor complexity.
- Zucchini: This adds a lovely freshness and subtle sweetness. If zucchini isn’t to your liking, feel free to omit it or swap it for other quick-cooking vegetables like bell peppers, snap peas, or broccoli florets.
- Carrot: Shredded or julienned carrots provide a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. Like zucchini, you can skip it or substitute it with any other crunchy vegetable that you enjoy.
- Shiitake mushrooms: These mushrooms bring an earthy, umami depth to the bowls. If shiitake are hard to find, oyster, cremini, or even sliced portobello mushrooms can be used as alternatives, offering a similar meaty texture and flavor.
- Red cabbage: This adds a beautiful crunch and vibrant color. Napa cabbage or a pre-packaged cabbage blend would be fantastic substitutes, maintaining the desired texture and freshness.
- Bean sprouts: Essential for that fresh, crisp bite, bean sprouts are a hallmark of many noodle dishes. Enoki mushrooms, bamboo shoots, or snow peas can mimic the textural appeal if bean sprouts are unavailable.
- Kimchi: The fermented spicy cabbage known as kimchi adds a crucial tangy, spicy, and probiotic punch. While store-bought kimchi is convenient, making your own can be a rewarding experience for those who love to cook from scratch.
- Green onions: These provide a fresh, pungent garnish. Chives offer a milder onion flavor, while finely sliced shallots can provide a more intense, sharp counterpoint.
- Butter: Used for frying the eggs, butter adds richness. For a dairy-free version or if you’re out of butter, a neutral cooking oil like olive oil or avocado oil works just as well.
- Eggs: The fried egg is a signature topping for a bibimbap-inspired bowl, adding richness and a runny yolk that coats the noodles beautifully. If you’re not a fan, you can certainly leave it off, or even replace it with a hard-boiled egg for a different texture.
For the Bang Bang Shrimp:
- Olive oil: Used for frying the shrimp, any neutral oil with a high smoke point will work well, such as avocado oil, sunflower oil, or vegetable oil. The key is to ensure even cooking and a crispy crust.
- Shrimp: Fresh or frozen (and thawed) shrimp are the star. If you have a shellfish allergy or simply prefer other proteins, chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces) or firm white fish (like cod or tilapia) can be breaded and fried using the same method, offering a delicious alternative.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used to create the crispy coating on the shrimp. For different textures, cornstarch can yield a crispier, lighter coating, while breadcrumbs or a tempura mix will offer a more substantial, crunchy crust.
- Eggs (for egg wash): The egg wash helps the flour adhere to the shrimp. If you’re looking for an alternative, buttermilk, regular milk, plain yogurt, or even a splash of oil can be used to achieve a similar binding effect.
- Light mayo: This forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce. Using light mayo helps keep the dish a bit healthier, but full-fat regular mayo can be used for a richer sauce. Plain Greek yogurt is an excellent healthier swap, adding a tangy note.
- Sweet chili sauce: This contributes the essential sweet and tangy notes to the bang bang sauce. If you don’t have it, a combination of hot sauce with a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup can create a surprisingly similar flavor profile.
- Sriracha (for sauce): This provides the spicy element in the bang bang sauce. Feel free to adjust the amount to your heat preference, or substitute with any other favorite hot sauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Craft Your Bang Bang Shrimp Bowls
Creating these vibrant and flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls is a straightforward process that yields impressive results. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal every time:
- Prepare and Sauté the Veggies: Begin by julienning your zucchini and carrots, and slicing your shiitake mushrooms and red cabbage. Heat a teaspoon of sesame oil in a medium-sized frying pan over medium-high heat. Add each vegetable (zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, cabbage, and bean sprouts) one at a time with a teaspoon of soy sauce. Stir-fry each vegetable separately for 2-3 minutes until it slightly softens but still retains a pleasant crispness. Transfer each cooked vegetable to a small bowl as you go, setting them aside. This method ensures each vegetable is perfectly cooked and seasoned.
- Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine the light mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. Whisk them together until you have a smooth, creamy, and well-blended sauce. Taste and adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more sriracha if desired. This is the magical coating for your shrimp, so make sure it’s just right!
- Coat and Fry the Shrimp to Perfection: Heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. While the oil is heating, prepare your shrimp. First, dip each shrimp into beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge the egg-coated shrimp in flour, shaking off any excess. Carefully place the breaded shrimp into the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and prevent proper crisping. Once cooked, remove the shrimp and let them drain on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
- Toss the Crispy Shrimp in the Sauce: Once all the shrimp are fried and drained, transfer them to a clean bowl. Pour the prepared Bang Bang sauce over the crispy shrimp and gently toss until each piece is thoroughly coated in the sweet and spicy goodness. This step can be done just before serving to maintain maximum crispness.
- Fry a Perfect Egg: The fried egg is an essential component for that bibimbap-inspired touch. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the large frying pan (the same one used for shrimp is fine after deglazing if needed) and heat over medium-low heat. Crack 4 eggs into the pan, being careful not to break the yolks. Fry the eggs until the whites are set but the yolks are still wonderfully runny. This typically takes 2-3 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. Remove from heat immediately.
- Assemble Your Flavorful Bowls and Dig In!: Now for the grand finale! Divide the stir-fried noodles evenly among your serving bowls. Arrange generous portions of each sautéed vegetable around the noodles. Add a spoonful of tangy kimchi and a sprinkle of sliced green onions. Top each noodle bowl with a few pieces of the irresistible Bang Bang Shrimp and a freshly fried egg. For an extra flourish, sprinkle with sesame seeds and offer additional sriracha on the side for those who crave more heat. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors and textures!
What to Serve on the Side with Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls
These bang bang shrimp noodle bowls are incredibly satisfying and truly an entire meal on their own, offering a balanced combination of protein, carbs, and vegetables. You truly don’t need to serve anything elaborate on the side. However, if you’re looking to expand the meal or complement the flavors, here are some simple ideas:
Simple Additions:
- Extra Fresh Greens: A small side salad with a light sesame-ginger dressing can add another layer of freshness and crunch.
- Pickled Radishes or Cucumbers: To enhance the tangy notes from the kimchi, a quick pickle of radishes or cucumbers would be a refreshing contrast.
- Steamed Edamame: A healthy and easy side that adds extra protein and a delightful texture.
- Miso Soup: A light and comforting miso soup can be a lovely starter or accompaniment.
You can also feel free to mix up the veggies that you include directly in your bowls. This is a fantastic way to utilize any vegetables currently in your fridge, preventing food waste and customizing the nutritional profile of your meal. Experiment with different colors and textures to make each bowl uniquely yours!
Frequently Asked Questions About Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls
Bang Bang Shrimp is a popular appetizer or main dish featuring shrimp that are typically breaded, fried to a golden crisp, and then generously coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce. The sauce is what truly defines it, offering an addictive balance of heat and sweetness that makes the dish incredibly moreish. Our version ensures perfectly crispy shrimp every time, providing that delightful texture contrast to the soft noodles.
The signature Bang Bang sauce for this recipe is a simple yet potent blend of creamy mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and sriracha. The mayonnaise provides a rich, smooth base, while sweet chili sauce introduces a fruity sweetness and mild tang. Sriracha then brings the essential spicy kick. I used light mayo in this recipe to make the dish a bit healthier and lighter, but you can absolutely use regular mayonnaise if that’s what you have on hand. For a full breakdown and more tips, check out my dedicated Bang Bang Sauce recipe!
This delightfully named dish earned its moniker from the “bang” of flavor that hits your palate with every bite! It’s widely believed to refer to the powerful, impactful combination of both sweet and spicy flavors that come from the sweet chili sauce and sriracha. It’s essentially a double ‘bang’ of deliciousness, making it an unforgettable taste experience that leaves you wanting more. The name perfectly encapsulates the exciting and bold flavor profile.
While this particular recipe focuses on shrimp, it’s quite adaptable! For a vegetarian version, you can replace the shrimp with breaded and fried tofu or tempeh, or even crispy fried mushrooms like oyster mushrooms. Ensure you use vegetarian-friendly noodle brands. To make it fully vegan, use a plant-based mayo for the bang bang sauce, ensure your sweet chili sauce is vegan (most are), and omit the fried egg, perhaps adding extra avocado or crispy tofu instead.
Storing and Reheating Your Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls
One of the beauties of a noodle bowl is its potential for fantastic leftovers, perfect for meal prepping. Store any leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days. However, there are a couple of important considerations for optimal taste and texture:
- The Fried Egg: The fried egg is best enjoyed fresh. It doesn’t refrigerate very well; the yolk will solidify, and the texture can become rubbery upon reheating, which simply won’t taste right the next day. For the best experience, always make a fresh fried egg when serving leftovers.
- Kimchi: While kimchi can be stored with the rest of the bowl ingredients, some prefer to keep it separate. If you don’t want to reheat the kimchi with the warm components (as heat can sometimes alter its probiotic benefits or texture), store it in a small separate container and add it fresh after reheating.
When you’re ready to enjoy your delicious leftovers, gently warm everything up (excluding the fresh toppings like the egg and possibly kimchi) in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can briefly stir-fry the noodles and veggies in a pan for a fresher feel. Once warm, transfer to a fresh bowl, make a new fried egg, then add it to your reheated bowl along with your kimchi and any other fresh garnishes. Serve immediately and savor the flavors!
Freezing This Recipe: What You Need to Know
Unfortunately, these vibrant Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls are generally not freezer-friendly as a complete meal. Several components don’t hold up well to freezing and thawing:
- Cooked Noodles: Many types of stir-fry noodles can become mushy or alter significantly in texture once frozen and reheated.
- Fried Shrimp: The crispy coating on the bang bang shrimp will lose its crispness and become soggy after freezing. The sauce might also separate.
- Fresh Vegetables: Most of the stir-fried vegetables (zucchini, carrots, cabbage, bean sprouts) will become watery and lose their desirable crunch when thawed.
- Eggs and Kimchi: As mentioned, fried eggs do not freeze well at all, and while kimchi itself is fermented, its texture can change.
You can, however, freeze any leftover fresh shrimp you may have before cooking it, ensuring it’s properly sealed in a freezer-safe bag. But if you’re using frozen shrimp that has already been thawed and cooked for this recipe, it’s generally not recommended to re-freeze it due to food safety and quality concerns. It’s best to enjoy these bowls fresh or as refrigerated leftovers within a few days.
More Delicious Meal Prep Bowls You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of convenient, flavorful, and easy-to-prep meals like these Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls, then you’re in for a treat! Discover more recipes that make meal planning a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights or healthy lunches on the go.
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Bang Bang Chicken
Essential Meal Prep Tools for This Recipe
Having the right tools can make all the difference in making your cooking and meal prepping experience smooth and enjoyable. Here are a couple of essential items that will help you prepare and store these Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls with ease:
- Grab some glass meal prep bowls for storing your delicious leftovers. These are fantastic for keeping food fresh, are microwave-safe, and make reheating a breeze. They also help keep your fridge organized and your meals appealing throughout the week.
- Use these Ziploc bag holders to easily marinate the shrimp. These ingenious gadgets hold your bags upright, making it mess-free to add ingredients for marinades or coatings, ensuring your hands stay clean and the process is seamless.
Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls
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Ingredients
- 2 tbsp sesame oil divided, for flavor and sautéing
- 1 package precooked stir fry noodles (about 14-16 oz)
- 4 cloves garlic minced, fresh for best flavor
- 1/4 cup soy sauce divided, use low sodium if preferred
- 2 tsp Sriracha hot sauce or more to taste for noodles
- 1 tbsp water
- 1 zucchini julienned (cut into thin strips)
- 1 Carrot julienned
- 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms stems removed
- 1 cup red cabbage chopped or thinly sliced
- 1 package bean sprouts (about 6 oz)
- 1 cup kimchi drained, for topping
- 4 green onions, sliced for garnish
- 1 tbsp butter for frying eggs
- 6 eggs for topping
Bang Bang Shrimp
- 2 tbsp Olive oil for frying (or other neutral oil)
- 1 lb shrimp peeled, deveined, tails on or off (about 1 package)
- 2 cups flour (all-purpose or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 eggs beaten, for egg wash
- 1/2 cup light mayo (or regular mayo / Greek yogurt)
- 2 tbsp sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp Sriracha (adjust to desired heat)
Instructions
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In a medium-sized frying pan, heat about 1 teaspoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add your julienned zucchini with 1 tsp soy sauce and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Transfer the cooked zucchini to a small bowl. Repeat this process for each of the remaining vegetables: carrots, shiitake mushrooms, red cabbage, and bean sprouts, adding 1 teaspoon of sesame oil and 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for each batch, cooking them individually until tender-crisp. Set all cooked vegetables aside in separate bowls. This ensures they are perfectly cooked and seasoned.
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While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the irresistibly creamy Bang Bang sauce. In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together the light mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, and 1 tablespoon of sriracha until completely smooth. Taste and adjust the sriracha level to achieve your desired level of spice. Set this delectable sauce aside. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium-high heat, preparing for the shrimp.
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Prepare your shrimp for frying. In one shallow dish, beat the 2 eggs for your egg wash. In another shallow dish, place the 2 cups of flour. Dip each peeled and deveined shrimp first into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then transfer it to the flour, turning to coat completely and shaking off any excess. Carefully place the flour-coated shrimp into the hot olive oil. Fry the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are beautifully golden brown and crispy. Ensure not to overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary. Once cooked, remove the crispy shrimp and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Once slightly cooled, transfer the crispy shrimp to a clean bowl and toss them in the prepared Bang Bang sauce until each piece is well-coated.
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After frying the shrimp, carefully deglaze the large frying pan with a splash of water or broth, scraping up any browned bits if desired for extra flavor. Then, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the pan and heat over medium-high heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 10 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Introduce the precooked stir-fry noodles, the remaining soy sauce (which should be about 2 tablespoons), the 2 teaspoons of sriracha, and 1 tablespoon of water to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for about 5 minutes, tossing frequently until the noodles are thoroughly heated through and have absorbed the delicious sauce. Once cooked, divide the flavorful noodles evenly among your six serving bowls.
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In the same large frying pan, add the 1 tablespoon of butter and melt it over medium-low heat. Carefully crack the 6 eggs into the pan, making sure to keep the yolks intact. Fry the eggs to your preference, ideally until the whites are set but the yolks remain delightfully runny. This usually takes 2-3 minutes. Once perfectly fried, gently remove the eggs from the heat and place one on top of the noodles in each prepared bowl.
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To complete your Bang Bang Shrimp Noodle Bowls, arrange about 1/4 cup of each sautéed vegetable (or a generous handful) around the noodles in each bowl. Add a spoonful of tangy kimchi and a sprinkle of freshly sliced green onions for color and zest. For an extra touch of flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle each bowl with sesame seeds. Serve immediately with extra sriracha on the side for those who prefer more heat. Enjoy this incredibly flavorful and satisfying meal!
Notes
If shrimp is not an option, you can easily substitute it with chicken or fish. Simply cut chicken breast into bite-sized pieces or use firm white fish fillets, bread and fry them using the same method. The bang bang sauce is so versatile and delicious it will taste amazing on almost any protein!
To store leftovers, keep the noodles, veggies, and shrimp in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. It is crucial to store the fried egg separately as it doesn’t reheat well. Reheat the main components in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warm, then top with a freshly fried egg, fresh kimchi (if stored separately), and a sprinkle of green onions. Enjoy your revitalized meal!
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