:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Simply-Recipes-Bang-Bang-Potatoes-LEAD-12-f4bf5599cfc24952b8972caad5d74083.jpg)
When I served these bang bang potatoes to my family, they were an instant hit. You might think they got their name because the dish hit the table (bang!) and the potatoes were GONE (bang!). While my wife and I enjoyed them with the signature sauce, my kids ate these crispy, seasoned potatoes with ketchup.
The sauce for these potatoes is very easy and flavorful, but what makes this recipe really special is double-cooking the potatoes to ensure they are tender and fluffy on the inside with a crackling, crispy exterior.
What Is a “Bang Bang” Recipe?
The history of “bang bang” recipes is a bit of an enigma. The recipes all have an Asian flare to them. Most agree that the term “bang bang” was popularized in America at the Bonefish Grill restaurant with their bang bang shrimp.
Generally, a “bang bang” recipe includes a protein like chicken or shrimp that is lightly breaded and fried until crispy and then served with a signature sauce spiked with sweet chili. It’s very easy to make and delicious on several foods, including potatoes.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm
Tips for Extra Crispy Potatoes
I used a mix of two different cooking methods for these bang bang potatoes.
The first is a method I like to use for breakfast potatoes from Serious Eats. It involves boiling the potatoes in water with baking soda, which tenderizes them and makes them shed their outer layer easily, promoting browning.
The second method is tossing the parboiled potatoes with a cornstarch slurry mixed with spices. This slurry sticks to the potatoes and gives them a beautiful, golden brown crust when roasted.
Customizing Bang Bang Potatoes
At a minimum, you should hit these potatoes with some garlic powder which goes well with the bang bang sauce. I like to add paprika for a smoky flavor and nice color. Don’t let me stop you from adding other spices you like. Everything from a dash of ground cumin to chili powder would be tasty.
While the potatoes are the star of this recipe, a lot of the flavor comes from the creamy bang bang sauce. It couldn’t be easier to make. Just stir together mayo with sweet chili sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. If you want it spicier, you could add sriracha to taste.
Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm