Get ready to indulge in the perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and creamy with this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that instantly brings excitement to your dinner table thanks to its crunchy shrimp, zesty Bang Bang sauce, and fresh toppings wrapped in a warm tortilla. Whether you’re craving a casual weeknight meal or something impressive for friends, these tacos deliver vibrant flavors and textures that’ll have everyone coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because of its simple yet essential ingredients, each playing a crucial role in bringing the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe to life. From the crispy coating on the shrimp to the tangy, spicy sauce, every item enhances the overall taste and texture while adding bursts of color that make the dish irresistible.
- Medium shrimp (1 lb): Peeled and deveined, these are the star protein that soak up all the bold flavors.
- Buttermilk (½ cup): Tenderizes the shrimp and helps the coating stick perfectly.
- Cornstarch (½ cup): Creates a wonderfully crispy crust when fried.
- All-purpose flour (½ cup): Works with cornstarch for the ideal frying texture.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle aromatic depth to the coating.
- Paprika (½ teaspoon): Brings a mild smoky note and a hint of color.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the shrimp and flour mixture.
- Vegetable oil: For frying the shrimp to golden perfection.
- Small tortillas (8): Flour or corn, warmed and ready to hold all the deliciousness.
- Shredded cabbage or slaw mix (1 cup): Adds crunch and a fresh contrast to the spicy shrimp.
- Avocado (½, sliced) – optional: Creamy texture and mild flavor to balance heat.
- Chopped cilantro and lime wedges: Fresh garnishes that elevate brightness and zest.
- Bang Bang Sauce Ingredients:
- Mayonnaise (½ cup): The creamy base that binds the sauce.
- Sweet chili sauce (¼ cup): Adds sweetness with a gentle kick.
- Sriracha (1 tablespoon): Customizable heat level for that signature spicy punch.
- Honey (1 tablespoon) – optional: For extra sweetness that rounds out the spice.
- Rice vinegar (1 teaspoon): Provides a subtle tang to balance the sauce.
How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce
The magic starts with the sauce, so whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey if you like it sweeter, and rice vinegar in a bowl. Set this aside as it will provide that creamy, spicy, and slightly tangy layer that coats each crunchy shrimp perfectly.
Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp
Toss your shrimp in buttermilk and let them soak for about 10 minutes. This not only tenderizes the shrimp but also helps the crispy coating stick better for that coveted crunch in every bite.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This simple blend creates a flavorful crust that crisps up wonderfully when fried.
Step 4: Fry the Shrimp
Heat about an inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Dredge each shrimp in the flour mixture, shaking off excess, then fry in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and crunchy. Drain the shrimp on paper towels to keep them crisp and delicious.
Step 5: Warm the Tortillas
Use a dry skillet or microwave to gently warm the tortillas. Warm tortillas are more pliable and help meld the layers of flavor when assembling your tacos.
Step 6: Assemble the Tacos
Start with a base of shredded cabbage in each tortilla, add a few crispy shrimp, drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce, and finish with optional avocado slices. A sprinkle of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice add the perfect finishing touches.
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh cilantro and tangy lime wedges are classic accompaniments that brighten the rich, spicy flavors of the tacos. Adding avocado slices offers a cooling, creamy contrast, making every bite balanced and satisfying.
Side Dishes
Pair these tacos with something light and crisp like a simple cucumber salad or Mexican street corn for a vibrant contrast. A cold beer or a lime-infused sparkling water also complements the spicy tang of the Bang Bang sauce perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to wow guests, consider serving these tacos in a colorful platter with a variety of fresh toppings laid out buffet-style so everyone can customize their own. Alternatively, serve them open-faced on small plates for a chic appetizer or party snack presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover shrimp or tacos, keep the shrimp and sauce stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge to maintain crispness. The cabbage and tortillas are best assembled fresh to prevent sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked shrimp by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transferring them to a freezer-safe container once frozen. However, tortillas and fresh slaw don’t freeze well, so store them separately.
Reheating
Reheat shrimp gently in a hot skillet or under the broiler for a few minutes to regain their crunch without drying out. Avoid using the microwave as it can make them rubbery. Warm tortillas separately and assemble immediately after reheating for best texture.
FAQs
Can I make this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use corn tortillas instead of flour to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor or crunch.
Is there a healthier way to prepare the shrimp?
Yes, you can bake or air fry the shrimp instead of frying. This reduces oil use while still giving you a crispy texture. Adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid drying them out.
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Frozen shrimp work great if you thaw them fully and pat them dry before marinating with buttermilk. This helps the coating stick and ensures even frying.
How spicy is the Bang Bang sauce?
The sauce has a nice kick thanks to sriracha and sweet chili sauce but isn’t overwhelmingly hot. You can adjust the sriracha amount up or down depending on how much heat you prefer.
What can I use instead of mayonnaise in the sauce?
For a lighter or tangier alternative, Greek yogurt works wonderfully as a mayo substitute. It keeps the sauce creamy and adds a subtle tang that complements the other flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a taco that bursts with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of heat, this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe is your new go-to. From the crispy shrimp coated in a perfectly seasoned crust to the creamy, spicy sauce drizzled atop, every bite is a celebration. I can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your favorite people—it’s one of those recipes that turns any meal into a mini-party.
Print
Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 tacos
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-American
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
This Bang Bang Shrimp Taco recipe features crispy, lightly battered shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy Bang Bang sauce, layered with fresh shredded cabbage and optional avocado on warm tortillas. Combining sweet chili, sriracha, and mayo-based sauce with crunchy shrimp creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures that’s quick and easy to prepare, ideal for a satisfying main course with an Asian-American flair.
Ingredients
Shrimp and Coating
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Assembly
- 8 small flour or corn tortillas
- 1 cup shredded cabbage or slaw mix
- ½ avocado, sliced (optional)
- Chopped cilantro for garnish
- Lime wedges for garnish
Bang Bang Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare Bang Bang Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar until smooth. Set aside to let flavors meld.
- Marinate Shrimp: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled and deveined shrimp with buttermilk. Let it marinate for 10 minutes to tenderize and add moisture.
- Mix Coating: In another bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This dry mixture will create the crispy coating for the shrimp.
- Heat Oil: Pour about 1 inch of vegetable oil into a skillet and heat over medium-high heat until shimmering and hot enough to fry (around 350°F or 175°C).
- Fry Shrimp: Dredge each shrimp in the dry coating mixture, shaking off excess. Fry shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove shrimp and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Warm Tortillas: Heat the tortillas in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side or microwave them wrapped in a damp cloth until warm and pliable.
- Assemble Tacos: On each warm tortilla, spread a layer of shredded cabbage or slaw mix, add a few pieces of crispy shrimp, and drizzle generously with Bang Bang sauce. Add sliced avocado if using.
- Garnish and Serve: Top tacos with chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter, healthier alternative, bake or air fry the shrimp instead of deep frying.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the mayonnaise in the Bang Bang sauce to reduce fat.
- Adjust the amount of sriracha in the sauce to control the heat level.
- Use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option if desired.
- Ensure oil temperature is consistent to avoid greasy or undercooked shrimp.
