Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crispy, creamy, spicy, and fresh flavors, you absolutely must try this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe. These tacos bring together crunchy fried shrimp coated in a luscious, tangy, and mildly spicy bang bang sauce, all nestled inside warm tortillas with vibrant cabbage and zesty lime. It is a delightful fusion of textures and tastes that make for a quick yet impressive meal that anyone will fall in love with instantly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in delivering the bold flavors and satisfying crunch you want in your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
- Medium shrimp (1 pound): Peeled and deveined for easy eating and quick cooking.
- Buttermilk (1/2 cup): Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick perfectly.
- Cornstarch (1/2 cup): Gives the shrimp coating that irresistible crispiness.
- All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Balances the texture of the coating with a light finish.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds subtle savory depth to the batter.
- Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Brings a mild smoky hint and gorgeous color.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning to enhance all the flavors.
- Oil for frying: Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola for crisp results.
- Small tortillas (8): Flour or corn tortillas work beautifully as a soft vessel.
- Shredded cabbage or slaw mix (2 cups): Adds crunch and freshness.
- Chopped cilantro (1/4 cup): Offers brightness and a fresh herbaceous note.
- Lime wedges (1 lime): The perfect acidity to brighten every bite.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): Base for the creamy bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce (1/4 cup): Provides a sweet and slightly tangy kick.
- Sriracha (1–2 teaspoons): Adjust for your preferred spice level.
- Honey (1 tablespoon): Balances the heat with natural sweetness.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Adds a subtle tang that brightens the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Start by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar in a bowl. This creamy, spicy, and slightly sweet sauce is the heart of the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe, giving it signature flavor. Taste and adjust the sriracha to your preferred heat level, then set aside to let the flavors meld.
Step 2: Prep the Shrimp
Soak your peeled and deveined shrimp in buttermilk for about 10 minutes. This simple step tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating adhere better, ensuring each bite is juicy on the inside yet perfectly crispy outside.
Step 3: Coat the Shrimp
In a separate dish, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk one at a time, dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. This coating is key for that irresistible crunch in your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Fry the shrimp in batches, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the shrimp to paper towels to drain excess oil. This frying step ensures the shrimp attain that perfect crispy texture packed with flavor.
Step 5: Toss in Bang Bang Sauce
While still warm, gently toss the fried shrimp in your prepared bang bang sauce until evenly coated. The sauce clings beautifully, marrying creaminess and heat to every crispy bite for an unforgettable flavor burst.
Step 6: Warm Tortillas and Assemble
Warm your tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft and pliable. Fill each tortilla with a generous handful of shredded cabbage, then top with sauced shrimp and a sprinkle of fresh chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over the top just before eating.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like fresh cilantro and lime wedges bring brightness and freshness to the rich shrimp and sauce. You can also add sliced avocado or pickled red onions for added creaminess and a delightful tangy crunch that elevates flavor and texture even more.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with light, fresh sides such as a crisp green salad, Mexican street corn, or a simple avocado and tomato salsa. The complementary flavors and textures help round out the meal without overpowering the star Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive presentation, serve the shrimp tacos on a large platter with extra lime wedges and a drizzle of bang bang sauce. You could also roll them up tightly and cut in half diagonally for a fun finger food option at parties or taco nights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover shrimp and bang bang sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the cabbage and tortillas fresh separately to prevent sogginess. Assemble tacos fresh when ready to serve for the best texture.
Freezing
Fried shrimp don’t freeze well due to the coating losing crispiness, but you can freeze the uncoated, cooked shrimp for up to 1 month and make the tacos fresh later. Alternatively, freeze the bang bang sauce in small portions for convenience.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftover shrimp in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore crunch without drying them out. Avoid microwaving as it can make the crust soggy. Warm tortillas separately before assembling your tacos to keep everything fresh and delicious.
FAQs
Can I make a healthier version of Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe?
Absolutely! Instead of deep frying, you can bake or air-fry the shrimp for a lighter option that still offers great crunch. Simply coat the shrimp as directed and cook at 400°F (200°C) until golden and crisp.
Is it possible to use something other than shrimp?
Yes! This recipe works well with other seafood like scallops or even chicken tenders if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly and keep the coating and sauce the same for that signature bang bang flavor.
How spicy is the bang bang sauce?
The heat level can be easily customized by adding more or less sriracha to the sauce. It starts mildly spicy with sweet and tangy undertones, so it’s perfect for most spice preferences.
What type of tortillas should I use?
Both flour and corn tortillas are excellent choices. Flour tortillas are softer and more pliable, while corn tortillas add a slight earthy flavor that balances the boldness of the shrimp and sauce.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the cornstarch is gluten-free. Use gluten-free tortillas as well to keep every taco safe for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe that makes it a standout crowd-pleaser. The crunchy shrimp coated in that creamy, spicy sauce, wrapped in warm tortillas with fresh cabbage and lime—the combination is a total flavor fiesta. I can’t wait for you to try making these at home and enjoy every delicious bite with your friends and family.
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (2 tacos each) 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crunchy fried shrimp tossed in a spicy, sweet sauce with fresh cabbage and cilantro, all wrapped in warm tortillas. Perfect for a delightful main course with a punch of Asian-American flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying
Tacos
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1–2 teaspoons sriracha (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Adjust sriracha to your preferred level of heat. Set the sauce aside while preparing the shrimp.
- Soak the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk. Let them soak for about 10 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Mix the Coating: In a separate dish, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give the shrimp a crispy and flavorful crust.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat, ensuring there’s enough oil for shallow or deep frying. The oil should be hot but not smoking, approximately 350°F (175°C).
- Coat and Fry Shrimp: Remove shrimp from the buttermilk, dredge each piece in the flour mixture to coat thoroughly. Fry the shrimp in batches, cooking each side for 2–3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan to maintain oil temperature.
- Drain and Toss in Sauce: Remove the fried shrimp with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Then, toss the crispy shrimp immediately in the prepared Bang Bang sauce to coat evenly.
- Warm the Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat or microwave until warm and pliable, ready for assembling the tacos.
- Assemble the Tacos: Place a handful of shredded cabbage on each tortilla, add a few pieces of Bang Bang shrimp on top, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro for freshness.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over for added zest and brightness.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake or air-fry the shrimp instead of deep frying to reduce oil usage and calories.
- Add sliced avocado or pickled onions to the tacos for extra flavor and texture variety.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level of the Bang Bang sauce based on preference.
- Use either flour or corn tortillas depending on dietary preferences or availability.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
