Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Introduction

These Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos are a perfect blend of crispy, spicy shrimp and fresh, tangy slaw wrapped in warm tortillas. They offer an exciting twist on classic tacos with a creamy, flavorful sauce that will have you coming back for more. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat.

Ingredients

• 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)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp sriracha (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp honey
• 1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice
• 1 cup shredded cabbage (green or purple)
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1 tbsp lime juice
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 6–8 small flour or corn tortillas (warmed)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped
• Lime wedges
• Optional: diced avocado, pickled onions, or extra chili sauce

Instructions

1. Step 1: 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.
2. Step 2: Place cleaned shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk. Let soak for 10–15 minutes to tenderize and help the coating stick.
3. Step 3: 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.
4. Step 4: 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 to a paper towel-lined plate. Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.
5. Step 5: In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy shrimp with half of the bang bang sauce. Reserve the rest for drizzling or dipping.
6. Step 6: 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.
7. Step 7: 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.

Tips & Variations

• Pat the shrimp dry before marinating for the best texture and crunch.
• Press the coating in firmly on the shrimp for an extra crispy crust.
• Adjust the sriracha amount to control the heat level to your liking.
• For a healthier option, try air frying or baking the shrimp instead of frying.
• Serve the tacos immediately to enjoy the shrimp at its crispiest.

Storage

Store leftover shrimp and slaw separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the shrimp briefly in a hot skillet or oven to regain some crispness. Avoid reheating in the microwave if possible, as it can make the coating soggy. Assemble tacos fresh just before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, frozen shrimp can be used. Be sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating for the best results.

Can I make the bang bang sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The sauce can be made a day in advance and refrigerated. Just give it a good stir before using.

Bang Bang Shrimp Tacos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 334 reviews

This Bang Bang Shrimp Taco recipe features crispy fried shrimp coated in a spicy, creamy bang bang sauce, paired with a fresh cabbage slaw and served on warm tortillas. A perfect blend of American and Asian flavors makes this dish vibrant, easy to prepare, and ideal for a delicious weeknight meal or entertaining guests.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 tacos 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American–Asian Fusion

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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), about ½ inch in skillet

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the Bang Bang Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sweet chili sauce, sriracha, honey, and rice vinegar or lime juice. Taste and adjust the spice level according to your preference. Set the sauce aside or refrigerate until ready to use.
2. Marinate the Shrimp: Place the peeled and deveined shrimp in a bowl with buttermilk to tenderize and help the coating adhere. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes.
3. Mix the Coating: In a separate bowl, combine cornstarch, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Dredge each shrimp in this dry mixture, pressing lightly to ensure full coverage.
4. Fry the Shrimp: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable or canola oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the shrimp in batches for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Remove shrimp with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat until all shrimp are cooked.
5. Toss in Sauce: In a large bowl, gently toss the crispy fried shrimp with half of the prepared bang bang sauce to coat evenly. Reserve the remaining sauce for drizzling or dipping.
6. Make the Slaw: In a small bowl, combine shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, chopped green onions, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Toss well and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes to soften slightly and absorb the flavors.
7. Assemble the Tacos: Warm the tortillas in a skillet or microwave. Add a small handful of the slaw to each tortilla, top with bang bang shrimp, drizzle extra bang bang sauce over the top, and garnish with chopped cilantro and lime wedges. Add optional diced avocado or pickled onions if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.

Notes

• Dry Shrimp Well – Pat shrimp dry before marinating to improve texture and ensure better coating adhesion.
• Double-Coat for Extra Crunch – Press the coating mixture firmly onto shrimp for an extra crispy crust.
• Adjust the Heat – Modify sriracha quantity based on your preferred spice level.
• Serve Immediately – Fried shrimp are best enjoyed hot and crispy right after cooking.
• Make it Healthier – For a lighter version, try air frying or baking the shrimp instead of frying in oil.

Keywords: Bang Bang Shrimp, Shrimp Tacos, Fried Shrimp, Asian Fusion, Quick Dinner, Spicy Shrimp, Homemade Taco