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. These tacos are perfect for Taco Tuesday or whenever you’re craving something bold and fun. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll find this Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe to be a standout dish on any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare: This recipe is quick and straightforward, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Bold Flavors: The combination of spicy-sweet sauce and crispy shrimp creates a delightful taste experience that will impress your guests.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like avocado or pickled onions to make each taco your own.
- Fresh Ingredients: The fresh slaw adds a crunchy texture and bright flavors that complement the rich shrimp perfectly.
- Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner or a party with friends, these tacos will be a hit.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into this delicious recipe, gather the necessary tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon
- Whisk
- Paper towels
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: A good skillet allows for even frying of the shrimp, ensuring they come out crispy every time.
- Mixing Bowls: Having multiple bowls helps keep ingredients organized during the preparation stages.
- Slotted Spoon: This tool is essential for draining excess oil from the fried shrimp without losing any crispy goodness.
- Whisk: A whisk makes mixing sauces effortless, ensuring all ingredients blend smoothly.
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 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 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.
Enjoy your flavorful journey with these delightful Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos!
How to Serve Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are not just tasty but also versatile in how you can serve them. Whether for a casual meal or a special occasion, there are plenty of ways to make these tacos shine on your table.
Garnish Ideas
- Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro on top for a burst of freshness and color.
- Lime Wedges: Serve with lime wedges for an added zesty kick that complements the flavors.
- Diced Avocado: Add creamy avocado for richness and texture.
- Pickled Onions: Provide a tangy crunch that balances the sweetness of the sauce.
- Extra Chili Sauce: Offer additional chili sauce for those who love extra heat.
Accompaniments
- Mexican Rice: A flavorful side that pairs beautifully with shrimp tacos.
- Black Beans: Serve warm black beans seasoned with spices for a hearty addition.
- Corn Salsa: A sweet and savory corn salsa can add vibrant flavor and color.
How to Perfect Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
Perfecting your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos is all about attention to detail. Here are some tips to elevate your dish.
- Use Fresh Shrimp: Fresh shrimp will yield better flavor and texture compared to frozen ones.
- Adjust the Sauce Spice: Taste the bang bang sauce before serving; adjust sriracha for desired heat level.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve crispy shrimp without being greasy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry shrimp in batches to maintain temperature and ensure even cooking.
- Let Slaw Rest: Allow your slaw to sit after mixing so it absorbs flavors and softens slightly, enhancing its taste.
Best Side Dishes for Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options:
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich, guacamole adds a delightful contrast to the spicy tacos.
- Mango Salsa: Fresh mango salsa brings brightness and sweetness, complementing the shrimp’s flavors wonderfully.
- Chips and Salsa: Crunchy tortilla chips served with fresh salsa make for a fun appetizer before tacos.
- Cilantro Lime Rice: Fluffy rice flavored with cilantro and lime is refreshing alongside spicy tacos.
- Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies add color, nutrients, and earthy flavors to your meal.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries provide a sweet balance against the savory tacos.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn brushed with butter is a classic side that everyone loves.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos can be a fun experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Boldly skip the marination: Not marinating the shrimp in buttermilk can lead to a less tender texture. Always let it soak for at least 10-15 minutes for the best results.
- Boldly ignore the coating: Skipping the cornstarch or flour mixture will result in soggy shrimp. Make sure to coat each shrimp evenly for that perfect crunch.
- Boldly overheat your oil: If your oil is too hot, the shrimp will burn before cooking through. Maintain medium-high heat and test with a small piece of shrimp first.
- Boldly rush the slaw: Failing to let the slaw sit means missing out on flavor. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes so the ingredients can mingle nicely.
- Boldly forget garnishes: Skipping fresh herbs or lime wedges can make your tacos feel incomplete. Always add these finishing touches for enhanced flavor.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 2–3 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
- Place cooked and cooled shrimp in freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Freeze for up to 1 month; ensure they are sealed tightly.
Reheating Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat shrimp on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals (30 seconds) until warm, but be aware this may make them less crispy.
- Stovetop: Quickly sauté in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until heated through and crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe.
What is a Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe?
This tasty dish features crispy shrimp coated in a spicy-sweet sauce, served in tortillas with fresh slaw and garnishes.
Can I use different proteins in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute shrimp with chicken, turkey, or even beef for delicious variations of this recipe.
How do I adjust the spice level in the Bang Bang Sauce?
To adjust spice levels, simply increase or decrease the amount of sriracha used based on your personal preference.
What toppings go well with Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos?
Some popular choices include diced avocado, pickled onions, fresh cilantro, or extra chili sauce for added flavor.
Final Thoughts
The Bang Bang Shrimp Taco Recipe is an exciting fusion of flavors that everyone will enjoy. With its crunchy shrimp and zesty slaw, it’s perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners. Feel free to customize your toppings according to what you love—every bite is worth trying!
Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos
Get ready for an unforgettable culinary experience with these Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos! Featuring crispy shrimp enveloped in a creamy, spicy-sweet sauce, all tucked into warm tortillas and topped with a fresh, crunchy slaw, this recipe is sure to tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, whether it’s Taco Tuesday or a casual gathering, these tacos are not only easy to prepare but also fully customizable to suit your preferences. Each bite offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors that will leave you craving more.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people (2 tacos each) 1x
Ingredients
- 1 lb medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ cup buttermilk or milk with lemon juice
- ½ cup cornstarch
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tbsp sriracha, adjust to taste
- 1 cup shredded cabbage
- 6–8 small tortillas
Instructions
- Whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and vinegar in a bowl; set aside.
- Marinate shrimp in buttermilk for 10–15 minutes.
- Combine cornstarch, flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in another bowl; coat marinated shrimp.
- Fry shrimp in hot oil for 2–3 minutes until golden; drain on paper towels.
- Toss fried shrimp with half the sauce.
- Mix shredded cabbage with lime juice, salt, and pepper for slaw.
- Warm tortillas; fill with slaw and shrimp. Drizzle with remaining sauce and garnish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Asian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 taco (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Feel free to substitute shrimp with chicken or turkey for different protein options. Adjust the heat level of the bang bang sauce by varying the amount of sriracha used.
