Went out to eat a few weeks ago and ended up sharing a Bang Bang Shrimp appetizer. Jotted a quick note in my phone that this would be a great adaptation for game birds – and honestly, the name is just too fitting.
I already knew the basics of Bang Bang sauce, but decided to kick it up a few notches. Rarely do my recipes turn out the way I envision on the first try. But this Bang Bang Pheasant ended up even better than I expected. Can’t wait to make it for the crew on a trip this upcoming season.
Bang Bang Pheasant
Sweet, spicy, hint of bourbon - great appetizer for a party.
Ingredients
- 8 Pheasant Breasts
- 1-3/4 cups Flour
- 1 cup Shredded Unsweetened Coconut
- 3/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 3 Tbsp Sriracha
- 2 Tbsp Honey
- 2 Tbsp Bourbon
- 1 Tbsp Worcestershire
- 1 Tbsp Red Pepper Flake
- 1 Tbsp Onion Powder
- 2 Tbsp Course Black Pepper
- 1 Tbsp Lowry's Seasoning Salt
- 2 Eggs
- 1 Cup Water
- Vegetable Oil for Frying
Instructions
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Because game birds are so lean, I like to brine the pheasant breasts in a solution of salt, sugar, lemon juice and water in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours prior to prepping – you could skip this step if short on time
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Cut the pheasant into half inch strips across the grain
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Combine approximately 1/4 cup of flour and the Lowry's Seasoning and roll the pheasants strips to evenly coat
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Bang Bang sauce: In a bowl mix the mayonnaise, sriracha, honey, bourbon Worcestershire and red pepper flake - set aside (super easy)
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In a plastic bag mix the remaining flour, black pepper, onion powder and coconut
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In a medium bowl whisk the eggs and water
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Heat the vegetable oil to around 360°
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Dredge the seasoned pheasant strips into the egg wash then toss them into the bag of coconut flour. Shake the bag. Do this in small batches so that the pheasant gets well coated. Transfer the strips to the fryer for 3 minutes.
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Remove and place the now crispy strips on a wire rack while you complete the frying batches.
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Place strips in a bowl, add a healthy dose of Bang Bang sauce and toss to coat.
Recipe Notes
We served this over a bed of zucchini straws. But a fresh slaw or greens would be a great contrast to this sweet heat.
