Crispy "Bang Bang" Shrimp and Clean Shrimp Lettuce Wraps

I am a self proclaimed foodie.  I LOVE food!  I really can't think of anything that I do not like and I will try anything twice.  I love cheese and rich creamy sauces and being southern, I love some butter when I cook!  In an effort to not become larger than my house, I have to find balance.  I have been trying to clean up some of my favorite meals and this is one of my most favorite so far.  Bang Bang Shrimp from Bonefish is a GNO staple in my group.  $5 Shrimp.  $3 wine.  Winners in my book.

When I set out to recreate this dish, I knew I could clean it up a little.  There was no reason for it to be as fatty as it is.  I also don't own a deep fryer.  I think the sauce taste JUST like the bang bang sauce from Bonefish.  I need to invite my ladies over to test my theory though...

Crispy Bang Bang Shrimp

1/2 lb peeled, deveined shrimp, tails removed

For the coating:
1/2 cup egg whites
1/2 cup whole wheat bread crumbs, (you can use panko or home made)
1/2 cup whole wheat flour
Pinch each of Sea Salt and fresh cracked pepper
1/2 t. Red Pepper Flakes

For the sauce:
3/4 cup low fat mayo
1-2 T Siracha hot sauce
1/2 T Rice Wine Vinegar (I have also used vodka)
1-2 packets Stevia
1/2 t Red Pepper Flakes

Mix all of the ingredients for the sauce and taste.  Add more Siracha or stevaia depending on how you like it.  We like it spicy!  Cover with plastic wrap and pop into the fridge.

Pour egg whites into 1 zip lock.  Mix dry ingredients in another zip lock.  Add all of the shrimp to the egg whites and shake bag.  Using a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to dry mix and shake again.  Using the spoon transfer them back to the egg whites and shake gently.  Then toss them back into the dry ingredients and make sure they are coated very well.

Pan fry in a mixture of olive oil and sesame oil 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden brown.  Transfer them from the pan to a bowl and pour chilled sauce over the shrimp and toss to coat.  I serve mine in a chilled bowl over romaine and eat the lettuce with some extra sauce.

You are still getting all of the crispy crunchy saucy goodness, with a few less calories.  These are great with sangria or reisling.

My lettuce wraps are just shrimp sauteed in sesame oil with lime juice, soy sauce, garlic and ginger.  I mix a little extra sauce to pour over the top and serve them in romaine lettuce cups.  They are light a delicious and great for summer!