If you are on the hunt for a vibrant and utterly delicious dish to wow your taste buds, look no further than this Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe. Picture succulent, crispy shrimp coated in a creamy, sweet, and spicy sauce, nestled in warm tortillas with refreshing cabbage and aromatic herbs. Every bite bursts with a perfect balance of textures and flavors that is as exciting as it is comforting. Whether you’re cooking for a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends, these tacos bring a delightful fusion of American and Asian-inspired tastes that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple but essential ingredients come together effortlessly to create magic in your kitchen. Each one plays a significant role, from the tender shrimp and crispy coating to the tangy, spicy sauce and fresh veggies that add crunch and brightness.
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined: The star of the dish, tender and ready to soak up all the flavors.
- 1/2 cup buttermilk: Helps tenderize the shrimp and allows the coating to stick perfectly.
- 1 cup cornstarch: Creates a light and crispy crust when fried.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle kick without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika: Brings warmth and subtle smokiness to the coating.
- Vegetable oil for frying: Ensures shrimp crisp up evenly with that irresistible crunch.
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise: The creamy base of the bang bang sauce.
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce: Injects a sweet and tangy flavor boost.
- 1 tablespoon sriracha: Delivers heat and depth to the sauce; adjust to your spice preference.
- 2 teaspoons honey: Balances the spiciness with a touch of natural sweetness.
- 8 small flour tortillas, warmed: Soft and pliable carriers for all the delicious fillings.
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix: Adds crisp texture and fresh color.
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro: Brightens the dish with its herbal notes.
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions: Offers a mild, oniony bite for contrast.
- Lime wedges for serving: A squeeze of tangy citrus ties every element together.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp
Start by marinating your shrimp in buttermilk for about 10 minutes. This simple step tenderizes the shrimp and helps the crispy coating stick better. It’s like giving your shrimp a little spa treatment before the big flavor party.
Step 2: Coat the Shrimp
Mix the cornstarch with salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow dish. This blend creates a perfectly seasoned shell that crisps up gorgeously when fried. Dredge each shrimp, shaking off the excess to avoid clumpy coating. This technique ensures every bite has a delicate crunch instead of a heavy batter.
Step 3: Fry Until Golden
Heat a generous inch of vegetable oil in a deep skillet to medium-high heat. Fry the shrimp in batches — do not crowd the pan — for 2 to 3 minutes on each side. Aim for that beautiful golden color that tells you they’re perfectly cooked through and satisfyingly crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain the excess oil.
Step 4: Make the Bang Bang Sauce
Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey in a small bowl until smooth. This sauce is the heart and soul of the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe, boasting a luscious balance of creaminess, sweetness, and fiery kick that makes these tacos unforgettable.
Step 5: Toss and Assemble
Toss the fried shrimp gently in the bang bang sauce until each piece is thoroughly coated. Lay down a bed of shredded cabbage on your warmed tortillas, pile on the sauced shrimp, then sprinkle with chopped cilantro and sliced green onions for that fresh finish. Serve with lime wedges so everyone can add a bright, zesty squeeze to their perfect taco.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro and green onions not only enhances the look but also layers in herbaceous and mildly pungent flavors. A squeeze of lime is the perfect acidic counterpoint that lifts the dish and balances the richness of the sauce. Feel free to add avocado slices or pickled jalapeños if you want to create your own vibrant twist.
Side Dishes
Serve these tacos alongside a simple Mexican street corn salad or black bean and corn salsa for complementary textures and flavors. Light, fresh sides with a hint of citrus or spice will round out your meal beautifully without overshadowing the star shrimp tacos.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party platter, serve the Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe buffet-style with all the individual components in bowls: sauced shrimp, tortillas, cabbage, garnishes, and lime wedges. This allows guests to build their own tacos exactly how they like. Alternatively, stack and arrange tacos on a colorful platter with scattered fresh herbs and lime wedges for an inviting presentation that captures the lively spirit of this dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover shrimp and sauce mixture in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Keep tortillas and slaw separate if possible to prevent sogginess, then assemble just before serving again to maintain texture and flavor integrity.
Freezing
While the shrimp are best enjoyed fresh for ideal crispness, you can freeze the cooked shrimp (without sauce) in a sealed container for up to 1 month. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating. The sauce and slaw are not recommended for freezing as texture and taste may change.
Reheating
To bring back the crispiness, gently reheat shrimp in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating if you want to keep that freshly fried texture. Warm tortillas on a skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven while reheating shrimp.
FAQs
Can I make Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap out the flour tortillas for corn tortillas, and double-check that your cornstarch and sauces do not contain any gluten-containing additives. This way, you can enjoy a delicious gluten-free version without sacrificing any of the flavor or crunch.
Is there a healthier way to prepare these shrimp tacos?
Yes! Instead of frying, bake the shrimp at 425°F for about 12 minutes until crispy and cooked through. This reduces the oil content but still delivers tasty results. Pairing with lighter mayonnaise or Greek yogurt in the sauce can also cut down on calories.
How spicy are Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
The spice level is moderate and can be adjusted to your liking by adding more or less sriracha. The sweetness from honey and chili sauce balances the heat, making it accessible even for those who prefer milder flavors.
Can I prep any parts of the recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the bang bang sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also chop your garnishes and shred the cabbage earlier to save time on the day you plan to serve the tacos.
What type of shrimp works best for this recipe?
Medium-sized shrimp that are peeled and deveined are ideal. They cook quickly and maintain the perfect texture when fried. Larger shrimp may be too bulky for tacos, and smaller ones can fall apart during cooking.
Final Thoughts
There is something incredibly satisfying about bringing together bold flavors, crispy textures, and fresh ingredients in one delightful meal. This Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels special yet effortless to make. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, these tacos promise a joyful, vibrant eating experience. So, preheat that oil, mix up the sauce, and get ready to indulge in these irresistible bites that will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe!
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (8 tacos)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American, Asian-Fusion
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos combine crispy, spicy shrimp coated in a flavorful bang bang sauce, served in warm flour tortillas with fresh cabbage, cilantro, and green onions. Perfect for a quick and tasty meal with a fusion of American and Asian flavors.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 1 inch in skillet)
Bang Bang Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha
- 2 teaspoons honey
Taco Assembly
- 8 small flour tortillas, warmed
- 2 cups shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup sliced green onions
- Lime wedges for serving
Instructions
- Marinate Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk, ensuring the shrimp are fully covered. Let them sit and marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Prepare Coating: In a shallow dish, mix the cornstarch, salt, black pepper, and paprika to create the dredging mixture that will coat the shrimp for a crispy texture.
- Heat Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet to a depth of about 1 inch and heat it over medium-high until it reaches frying temperature, ready to crisp the shrimp.
- Coat and Fry Shrimp: Remove the shrimp from the buttermilk, then dredge each piece in the cornstarch mixture, shaking off any excess. Fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn golden brown and crispy. Drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
- Make Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, and honey until smooth and fully combined.
- Toss Shrimp in Sauce: Add the fried shrimp to the bowl with bang bang sauce and toss thoroughly to coat every piece evenly with the spicy, sweet sauce.
- Assemble Tacos: Lay out the warmed flour tortillas and place a layer of shredded cabbage or coleslaw mix on each. Top with the sauced shrimp, then sprinkle with fresh cilantro and sliced green onions for added flavor and crunch.
- Serve: Serve the tacos immediately while warm, accompanied by lime wedges to squeeze over the top for a fresh, zesty finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, bake the shrimp at 425°F (220°C) for 12 minutes instead of frying to reduce oil content.
- Substitute corn tortillas if you prefer a gluten-free option.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha to control the spice level to your taste.
