Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

Get ready for a flavor explosion with these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, nestled into warm tortillas, and topped with fresh slaw—every bite is crunchy, saucy, and irresistible. Whether you’re hosting Taco Tuesday or just craving something bold and fun, these tacos deliver big flavor with simple ingredients.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With simple steps and minimal prep time, you can whip up these tacos quickly.
• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of crispy shrimp and zesty Bang Bang sauce creates an unforgettable taste.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to add toppings like avocado or pickled onions to match your preferences.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, these tacos are always a hit.
• Great for Leftovers: Enjoy the shrimp on its own or repurpose them in other dishes!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Skillet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• Skillet: Ideal for frying the shrimp to achieve that perfect crispy texture.
• Mixing bowls: Essential for preparing the sauce and coating the shrimp efficiently.
• Whisk: Helps blend the ingredients for a smooth Bang Bang sauce without lumps.
• Slotted spoon: Useful for draining excess oil from fried shrimp while keeping them crispy.

Ingredients

For the Shrimp:

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Oil for frying (vegetable or canola)

For the Bang Bang Sauce:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice

For the Slaw:

• 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt & pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 6–8 small flour or corn tortillas (warmed)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Optional: diced avocado, pickled onions, or extra chili sauce

How to Make Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar. Taste and adjust spice level as desired. Set aside or refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 2: Marinate the Shrimp

Place cleaned shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk. Let soak for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and help the coating stick.

Step 3: Mix the Coating

In another bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the marinated shrimp in the dry mixture, pressing lightly to coat well.

Step 4: Fry the Shrimp

Heat about ½ inch of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.

Step 5: Toss in Sauce

In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy shrimp with half of the Bang Bang sauce. Reserve the rest for drizzling or dipping.

Step 6: Make the Slaw

In a small bowl, toss cabbage, carrots, green onions, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to slightly soften and absorb the flavors.

Step 7: Assemble the Tacos

Warm your tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Add a small handful of slaw to each tortilla. Top with bang bang shrimp. Drizzle with extra sauce and garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and optional toppings like avocado or pickled onions.

How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are versatile and can be customized to suit any palate. Whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some delicious serving suggestions.

Pair with Fresh Sides

• Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and balances the spice of the tacos.
• Pico de Gallo: Fresh tomato salsa enhances flavor with its zesty kick and crunch.
• Rice: Fluffy cilantro-lime rice makes a great base or side for these flavorful tacos.

Add Extra Toppings

• Sliced Jalapeños: For those who love heat, fresh jalapeños bring an extra spicy element.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream cools down the heat and adds creaminess.
• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of queso fresco or cheddar adds a salty bite that complements the shrimp.

Serve with Drinks

• Margaritas: Classic lime margaritas pair perfectly with the bold flavors of the tacos.
• Cold Beer: Light lagers or IPAs are refreshing choices to enjoy alongside your meal.

How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

To achieve the ultimate Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, follow these helpful tips for best results.

• Choose Fresh Shrimp: Using fresh shrimp will enhance the flavor and texture of your tacos. Look for shrimp that is firm and has a mild ocean scent.
• Proper Oil Temperature: Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying; this helps create a crispy coating without excessive grease. Aim for around 350°F (175°C).
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in batches to maintain oil temperature, ensuring each piece gets evenly cooked and crispy.
• Adjust Sauce Spice: Customize the bang bang sauce by modifying the amount of sriracha according to your heat preference. Taste as you go!
• Let Slaw Rest: Allowing the slaw to sit for a few minutes helps soften it and lets flavors meld together nicely.
• Warm Tortillas: Warm tortillas in a skillet or microwave before serving; this makes them pliable and enhances their flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

Serving these tasty tacos with complementary sides can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Cilantro-Lime Rice: Flavored rice adds a fragrant touch that pairs beautifully with shrimp tacos.
2. Black Bean Salad: A refreshing mix of black beans, corn, tomatoes, and lime juice provides protein and fiber.
3. Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a perfect appetizer or snack.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter and lime is a sweet complement to spicy tacos.
5. Mexican Street Corn Salad (Esquites): This creamy salad combines corn, cheese, lime, and spices for a delightful side dish.
6. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add flavor depth and color to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your tacos turn out perfectly every time.

• Neglecting to Soak the Shrimp: Failing to soak the shrimp in buttermilk can lead to a less tender texture. Always allow the shrimp to marinate for at least 10–15 minutes.
• Skipping the Dry Coating: Not properly coating the shrimp with the mixture can result in soggy shrimp. Make sure to dredge them thoroughly for a crispy finish.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Frying too many shrimp at once can lower the oil temperature, causing them to steam instead of fry. Cook in batches for a perfect crunch.
• Ignoring Sauce Balance: Adding too much sauce before serving can make the tacos soggy. Toss only half of the sauce with shrimp and reserve some for drizzling later.
• Forgetting Fresh Ingredients: Skipping fresh herbs or slaw diminishes flavor. Always add fresh toppings like cilantro and lime for that vibrant taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos in an airtight container.
• They can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

• It’s best to freeze the shrimp separately from the tortillas and slaw.
• The cooked shrimp can be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place shrimp on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes until crispy again.
• Microwave: Heat on low power in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Reheat shrimp in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe.

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.

What is the best way to serve these tacos?

Serve your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and any additional toppings you enjoy like avocado or pickled onions.

How spicy is the Bang Bang Sauce?

The spice level of the sauce can vary based on how much sriracha you add. Start with one tablespoon and adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and cornstarch for coating, and ensure your tortillas are gluten-free as well.

Final Thoughts

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not only flavorful but also versatile. You can customize them with different toppings or sauces based on your preferences. Whether it’s Taco Tuesday or just a casual dinner night, these tacos promise excitement with every bite. Give them a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4 (2 tacos each) 1x

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Description

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with our Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe! These flavorful tacos feature crispy, golden shrimp coated in a zesty, creamy Bang Bang sauce, all nestled within warm tortillas. Topped with a refreshing slaw, every bite delivers a delightful crunch and a burst of flavor that’s perfect for any occasion—be it Taco Tuesday or an impromptu gathering with friends. Easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste, these tacos are sure to become a favorite in your household. Dive into this delicious recipe for a fun and satisfying meal that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• ½ cup buttermilk
• ½ cup cornstarch
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha
• 1 cup shredded cabbage
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 6–8 small tortillas (warmed)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Optional: diced avocado, pickled onions, or extra chili sauce

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce by whisking together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar in a bowl. Set aside.
2. Marinate the shrimp in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes.
3. Combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in another bowl. Dredge marinated shrimp in the mixture.
4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry shrimp until golden and crispy on both sides (about 2–3 minutes per side). Drain on paper towels.
5. Toss fried shrimp with half of the Bang Bang sauce and set aside the rest for serving.
6. For the slaw, mix cabbage, carrots, green onions, lime juice, salt, and pepper together and let sit briefly.
7. Warm tortillas and assemble tacos by adding slaw and shrimp. Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish as desired.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Asian Fusion

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tacos (approx. 180g)
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 220mg