Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
If you are craving a dish that bursts with bold flavors and satisfying textures, this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine perfectly crispy shrimp coated in a spicy and sweet bang bang sauce, nestled tenderly in warm tortillas and topped with fresh, crunchy slaw and vibrant garnishes. It’s a delightful fusion of Asian-inspired flavors with a fun and casual taco vibe that has quickly become one of my top go-to meals for entertaining or a flavorful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple but special. Each ingredient in this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe plays a crucial role in building layers of taste, texture, and appeal that come together effortlessly.
- Shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined shrimp provide a juicy, tender base that cooks up quickly and crisps beautifully.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Marinating the shrimp softens them while adding moisture for a light but flavorful bite.
- Cornstarch and all-purpose flour (1/2 cup each): The perfect duo for creating an irresistibly crispy coating.
- Garlic powder and paprika: These spices bring warmth and a subtle smoky depth without overpowering the shrimp.
- Vegetable oil: For frying, this helps achieve that golden crispness you crave.
- Tortillas (8 small): Flour or corn, warmed and ready to cradle the whole delicious ensemble.
- Shredded cabbage or slaw mix (2 cups): Adds crunch and freshness that balances the spicy creaminess.
- Green onions (1/4 cup): Their mild bite gives a lovely contrast to the rich shrimp.
- Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges for an extra pop of color and flavor.
- Bang bang sauce ingredients: Mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and a touch of honey or sugar combine to make the signature creamy yet fiery sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey or sugar in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce is the heart of the recipe—it’s creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet, giving the shrimp that addictive bang bang flavor. Refrigerate it while you get the shrimp ready to soak in all that saucy goodness later.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Place the peeled and deveined shrimp into a medium bowl and pour over the buttermilk, allowing the shrimp to soak for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial for tenderizing the shrimp and providing a slight tang that complements the spicy sauce perfectly. It also helps the coating stick better when it’s time to fry.
Step 3: Mix the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This mixture creates that irresistible, crispy exterior for the shrimp—the texture contrast here is what will make your tacos so satisfying.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat. Remove each shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge them in the flour mixture until fully coated, then carefully fry in batches. Cook each side for 2 to 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan so the shrimp fry evenly. Drain them on paper towels to keep them crisp and ready for assembly.
Step 5: Warm and Assemble the Tacos
Warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. Layer each one with a generous handful of shredded cabbage or slaw mix, then add the crispy shrimp. Drizzle the creamy bang bang sauce over the top, and finish with chopped green onions, avocado slices, and fresh cilantro if using. Serve with lime wedges to add a zesty squeeze of citrus right before eating.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishes elevate your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe from delicious to unforgettable. Fresh chopped cilantro adds a herbaceous brightness, while diced avocado lends a buttery creaminess that cools down the spicy sauce. Thinly sliced green onions offer a subtle sharpness, and don’t forget a squeeze of lime to bring all the flavors alive with a tangy finish.
Side Dishes
Pair your tacos with crisp, refreshing sides like a simple cucumber salad or a tangy pickled slaw to complement the richness of the shrimp and sauce. For a heartier meal, black beans or Mexican rice align beautifully with the taco’s flavor profile and keep things balanced. Even some crispy tortilla chips with guacamole can add enjoyable texture contrasts.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe as a build-your-own taco bar during gatherings. Offer all the components separately so everyone can pile on the bang bang sauce and toppings to their liking. Alternatively, present the shrimp atop a bed of crunchy slaw in lettuce wraps for a low-carb twist. Either way, the vibrant colors and hearty textures will impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover shrimp should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consumed within 2 days to keep their texture and flavors intact. Keep the bang bang sauce separate so the shrimp stay nice and crispy until you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
While fresh is best for this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe, you can freeze uncooked shrimp after marinating but before frying. Lay them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to use, thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed to fry for optimal crispness.
Reheating
To reheat leftover shrimp, avoid microwaving as it can lead to sogginess. Instead, use a skillet over medium heat or pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F for a few minutes to regain their crispy texture. Rewarm tortillas separately and assemble fresh when ready to enjoy.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour and cornstarch for gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or a gluten-free baking mix. Just make sure your tortillas are gluten-free too, such as corn tortillas, to keep the dish safe and delicious.
Is there a healthier way to prepare these tacos?
Absolutely. You can bake or air fry the shrimp instead of frying them to reduce the amount of oil. Baking at 400°F for about 10 to 12 minutes yields crispy shrimp that still pair wonderfully with the bang bang sauce.
Can I prepare the bang bang sauce in advance?
Definitely! The bang bang sauce can be made up to three days ahead and stored in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld and intensify, making your tacos even more flavorful once assembled.
What kind of shrimp works best?
Fresh or thawed large shrimp, peeled and deveined, work best for this recipe. Using fresh shrimp yields the best texture and flavor, but if caught short on time, pre-cooked shrimp can be used—just adjust the cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
Can I make this recipe spicier or milder?
Yes, adjust the sriracha in the bang bang sauce to suit your heat preference. You can cut back for milder tacos or add more for an extra kick. The sweet chili sauce also balances heat with sweetness, allowing you to customize easily.
Final Thoughts
Making this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is like bringing a party of flavors to your dinner table—crispy shrimp, creamy, spicy sauce, and fresh, vibrant toppings all wrapped up in warm tortillas. I promise once you try these, they’ll become a favorite recipe to share with friends and family. Give them a go soon and savor every delicious bite!
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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos) 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Deliciously crispy Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos featuring lightly battered shrimp fried to golden perfection, tossed in a sweet and spicy bang bang sauce, and served with fresh shredded cabbage and optional toppings like avocado and cilantro for a flavorful Mexican-Asian fusion meal perfect for taco nights.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp
- 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- Optional toppings: sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, lime wedges
For the Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon honey or sugar (optional for extra sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey or sugar until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use to let the flavors meld.
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a medium bowl, combine the shrimp with buttermilk, ensuring they are fully submerged. Let marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Heat the Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat over medium-high until it reaches the appropriate temperature for frying (around 350°F or until a small piece of batter sizzles).
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly.
- Coat the Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk one at a time, dredge in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each shrimp is thoroughly coated for maximum crispiness.
- Fry the Shrimp: Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking each side for 2 to 3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain the oil temperature. Drain cooked shrimp on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm and pliable for easier assembly.
- Assemble the Tacos: On each tortilla, layer shredded cabbage or slaw, then place crispy shrimp on top. Drizzle generously with bang bang sauce. Garnish with chopped green onions, sliced avocado, and cilantro if desired.
- Serve: Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for squeezing over the tacos to add a fresh citrus brightness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, air fry or bake the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Pre-cooked shrimp can be used for convenience but fresh shrimp yield the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust the sriracha in the bang bang sauce to control the heat level to your preference.
- Use corn tortillas to keep the dish gluten-free if desired, or flour tortillas for a softer taco base.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, American
