1 serving of Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp contains approximately 1380 calories, which is a significant amount of your daily calorie intake. This popular dish is loved for its flavor and kick, but it is also known to be quite heavy on calories. If you're curious about Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp and want to learn more, keep reading.

Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp is a dish that originated from Chinese cuisine, but has since become popular in many parts of the world. It typically consists of deep-fried chicken and shrimp that is coated in a creamy, spicy sauce. Some variations may also include vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

In this article, we'll explore everything you need to know about Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp, including its ingredients, calories, variations, and health benefits and drawbacks.

What is Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp?

Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp is a popular Chinese dish that has gained widespread popularity. It is typically deep-fried chicken and shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy sauce. The dish is known for its sweet and spicy flavor, which comes from the sauce made with ingredients like mayo, sweet chili sauce, and honey. Some variations may include vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The name Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp reportedly comes from the sound the chef makes while breaking the chicken into small pieces with a wooden stick during the preparation.

Ingredients in Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

The ingredient list for Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp can vary depending on the recipe used. However, some common ingredients in the dish include chicken, shrimp, mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, garlic, and soy sauce. Some variations of the dish may also include other vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or bell pepper. The nutritional value of the dish can vary depending on the ingredients and cooking method used.

Calories in Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

A serving of Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp typically contains around 1380 calories, which is a significant amount of your daily calorie intake. This is due to the deep-frying process and the creamy sauce used in the dish. If you're watching your calorie intake, it may be best to opt for a healthier alternative or to enjoy Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp in moderation.

How to make Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

Making Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp at home is relatively easy and requires just a few ingredients. Here's a simple recipe you can try: Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- cornstarch and oil for frying

Directions:
1. Season the chicken and shrimp with salt and pepper. Dredge them in cornstarch, shaking off any excess.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, honey, garlic, and soy sauce.
3. In a large skillet or wok, heat enough oil for deep-frying. When the oil is hot, fry the chicken and shrimp in batches until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Drain the chicken and shrimp on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
5. Toss the chicken and shrimp in the sauce until fully coated.
6. Serve hot and enjoy!

Health benefits and drawbacks of Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

While Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp may be delicious, it is also high in calories and fat. It is not a dish that is recommended for those who are trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy diet. However, it can be enjoyed in moderation as an occasional treat. On the other hand, chicken and shrimp are good sources of protein, and the sauce may contain some beneficial ingredients like honey and garlic.

Variations of Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

While the classic version of Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp is made with chicken, shrimp, and a creamy, spicy sauce, there are many variations of the dish that you can try. Some popular variations include: - Bang Bang Tofu: made with tofu instead of chicken and shrimp.
- Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos: made with shrimp, avocado, and a coleslaw dressing.
- Bang Bang Cauliflower: made with cauliflower instead of chicken and shrimp.
- Bang Bang Salmon: made with baked or grilled salmon and a sweet and spicy sauce.

Popular restaurants that serve Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp has become a popular dish in many restaurants, especially those that serve Chinese cuisine. Some popular restaurants that serve the dish include: - P.F. Chang's
- Cheesecake Factory
- Olive Garden
- Applebee's
- Red Lobster

History of Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

The history of Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp is not clear, but it is believed to have originated in Sichuan, China. According to some sources, the dish was created by a street vendor who used to sell the chicken by banging a stick on the chopping board to attract customers. Nowadays, the dish has become popular not only in China but also in many parts of the world.

Tips for serving Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

If you're planning to serve Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp at a party or dinner, here are some tips to make it a hit: - Serve it as an appetizer instead of a main dish to avoid overindulging.
- Pair it with a light, refreshing salad to balance out the heaviness of the dish.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Add some extra spice or heat to the sauce if you prefer a spicier flavor.

Healthier alternatives to Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp

If you're looking for a healthier alternative to Bang Bang Chicken & Shrimp, here are some options to consider: - Grilled or baked chicken or shrimp paired with a side of steamed vegetables or salad.
- Tofu with a spicy peanut sauce served with brown rice.
- Baked or grilled salmon with a side of roasted vegetables.
- Baked or grilled cauliflower tossed with a spicy, creamy sauce.