When I first discovered this delightful Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe, I knew I had found a new favorite to share with friends and family. These tacos pack a punch of crispy, spicy shrimp coated in a luscious, creamy sauce that balances sweet, tangy, and fiery flavors perfectly. Wrapped in a warm tortilla and paired with crunchy slaw, they create a harmonious dish that’s as fun to eat as it is to make. Whether you’re aiming to impress at a casual dinner or craving a vibrant meal, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your culinary rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you start, gather these simple yet essential ingredients. Each one contributes a distinct element, from the crispiness of the fried shrimp to the tangy bang bang sauce, and the fresh crunch of the slaw, making these tacos truly unforgettable.
- Medium shrimp (1 pound, peeled and deveined): The star of the dish, providing juicy, tender seafood flavor.
- Buttermilk (½ cup): Adds moisture and tenderizes the shrimp for extra succulence.
- Cornstarch (½ cup): Ensures a crispy exterior when frying the shrimp.
- Salt (½ teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): Perfectly seasons the shrimp for balanced taste.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying, creating that satisfying crunch.
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): Forms the creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce (2 tablespoons): Adds a sweet heat that’s irresistible.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Kicks up the spice level with a tangy punch.
- Honey (1 teaspoon): Brings a subtle sweetness to balance the heat.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Brightens the sauce with zesty citrus notes.
- Flour or corn tortillas (8 small): The soft, warm vessel for your delightful filling.
- Shredded cabbage or slaw mix (2 cups): Adds crunch and freshness.
- Carrot (1, julienned or shredded): Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- Chopped cilantro (2 tablespoons): Lends an herbal aroma and flavor that lifts the dish.
- Lime wedges: For that extra citrus kick just before eating.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Soak the Shrimp
Begin by tossing the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with the buttermilk. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step not only tenderizes the shrimp but also helps the cornstarch coating stick better, setting the stage for a perfectly crispy bite.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
While the shrimp soak, mix the cornstarch, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Once the shrimp have absorbed that creamy buttermilk goodness, dredge them one by one into the cornstarch mixture, ensuring every surface is evenly coated for maximum crunch.
Step 3: Fry the Shrimp
Heat 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in small batches so they cook evenly, approximately 2 to 3 minutes per side or until they turn golden and crispy. Transfer the fried shrimp to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil — nobody likes soggy shrimp!
Step 4: Whip Up the Bang Bang Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth. This creamy, sweet-spicy sauce is what makes these tacos irresistible, bringing everything together in one luscious coating.
Step 5: Toss and Assemble
Once the shrimp are cool enough to handle, toss them gently in the bang bang sauce until they are fully coated. Warm your tortillas briefly, then layer each one with shredded cabbage or slaw, a handful of sauced shrimp, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Don’t forget a lime wedge on the side for that fresh, tangy squeeze right before eating.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
The right garnishes can elevate this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe to a new level. Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also a refreshing herbal note. Lime wedges provide that bright acidity that cuts through the richness of the sauce, making each bite perfectly balanced. You can even add sliced jalapeños if you love a little extra heat.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos with lighter sides to keep the meal balanced and exciting. A crisp cucumber salad, Mexican street corn, or a simple avocado and tomato salad beautifully complement the spicy shrimp while adding a variety of textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving these tacos as finger food at your next gathering by placing each shrimp-filled tortilla on a small platter with mini lime wedges. Or use vibrant corn tortillas for a colorful presentation that wakes up the eye. Layer the slaw with extra shredded carrots and radishes for an artful crunch that’s just as delightful to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers of this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe, store the sauced shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two days. Keeping the tortillas stored wrapped in foil or in a container will help maintain their softness for later enjoyment.
Freezing
While fried shrimp are best fresh for that satisfying crunch, you can freeze the raw coated shrimp before frying. Spread them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a sealable bag for up to one month. Thaw them completely before frying for best results.
Reheating
Reheat any leftover fried shrimp in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5 minutes to revive that crispiness. Avoid microwaving, which can make them rubbery. Warm the tortillas separately, and refresh the slaw if needed with a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
FAQs
Can I make the Bang Bang sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The bang bang sauce can be prepared up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This helps the flavors meld beautifully, saving you time on the day you make the tacos.
Is it possible to bake instead of frying the shrimp?
Yes, for a lighter version of this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe, bake or air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until crispy. This method reduces oil usage but still delivers great texture and flavor.
What types of tortillas work best?
Both flour and corn tortillas work perfectly here. Flour tortillas offer a soft, pliable base while corn tortillas add a bit more texture and authentic earthy flavor. Choose according to your preference or dietary needs.
Can I substitute the shrimp with another protein?
You can try using crispy tofu or fish like cod or tilapia as alternatives, adapting the coating and frying times accordingly. However, shrimp’s tender texture and flavor really shine in this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe.
How spicy are these tacos?
The spice level is moderate thanks to the sweet chili sauce and Sriracha. You can easily adjust the heat by adding more or less Sriracha or serving with extra jalapeño slices if you like it hotter.
Final Thoughts
Sharing this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe feels like handing you a ticket to instant flavor joy. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just treating yourself, these tacos offer an exciting blend of textures and taste with every bite. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this dish your own – trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired, Fusion
Description
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos feature crispy, fried shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy bang bang sauce, served on warm tortillas with fresh slaw and cilantro. This Asian-inspired fusion dish combines crunchy textures and vibrant flavors for a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for taco night or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
For the Shrimp:
- 1 pound medium shrimp (peeled and deveined)
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
For the Bang Bang Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sriracha
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Tacos:
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- 1 carrot (julienned or shredded)
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the Shrimp: In a bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with buttermilk and let them sit for 10 minutes to tenderize and enhance flavor.
- Coat the Shrimp: In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each shrimp in the cornstarch mixture until evenly coated for a crispy exterior.
- Fry the Shrimp: Heat 1–2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Remove and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, Sriracha, honey, and lime juice until smooth and well combined.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: Place the fried shrimp in a bowl and toss them thoroughly with the bang bang sauce until fully coated with the creamy, spicy mixture.
- Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas. Spread a layer of shredded cabbage or slaw mix and julienned carrot on each tortilla, add a few sauced shrimp on top, and sprinkle with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges to squeeze over.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake or air fry the shrimp at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes instead of frying.
- You can prepare the bang bang sauce and slaw ahead of time for quicker taco assembly.
- Use either flour or corn tortillas based on your preference or dietary needs.
- Adjust the Sriracha quantity to control the heat level of the sauce.
